Longboat Key, Florida
Nashville, Tennessee
Manasota Key, Florida
Tom and Tam Olin - Partners
(2004 - present)
Tom and Tam Olin - Partners
(2004 - present)
My wife, Tam, and I have a shared passion for great architecture. Over the years, we have purchased and rehabilitated several significant works, doing everything from demolition to framing to interior design and finish-work ourselves. It's been a tremendous learning experience, and a very rewarding one, too. Here are a few projects ...
A modern design by renowned architect Guy Peterson. Built in 1994, the house was Peterson's third residential project in Sarasota. In consultation with the architect, we are completely renovating both the interior and exterior. Project is ongoing.
A tree-top contemporary by Robert Anderson. Designed and built in 1999, the soaring mountaintop home climbs the Overton Hills, a thousand feet above Nashville, with a thirty-mile view across the Cumberland Valley. The home has a fascinating history that includes Willie Nelson and Robert Plant. After our four-year restoration, including a massive restructure of the upper floor, the project was named one of Nashville's 'Homes of Distinction'.
We sold the house in 2017 to music producer Narvel Blackstock (Reba McEntire's ex-husband and Kelly Clarkson's ex-father in-law).
6850 Manasota Key Road (Windsurf House)
A new construction project for a modern beach-house on property we owned on Manasota Key. Working in collaboration with Sarasota School architect Carl Abbott, we created a radical triangular-shaped structure that featured elevated walkways and separate bedroom villas. Approved by Sarasota County in 2005, ongoing beach erosion halted the project.
OLIN HELICOPTER, LLC.
Richland, Michigan
Manasota Key, Florida
Owner / Pilot (2004 - 2013)
This enterprise evolved completely by chance. Launched primarily as a personal hobby, we established an LLC to separate helicopter assets from other commercial interests. Ostensibly operated as an air charter and aerial photography business, it was never intended to be a profit-maker, but instead an extension of my avocation. I continued the business/hobby for several years, flying approximately 520 hours during that time, and enjoying every minute of it.
I owned and flew two aircraft ... a Bell 47G-3B1 Lycoming engine helicopter (N473TT) and a Bell 206B Jet Ranger II turbine aircraft (N533TT). Both airframes were extensively rebuilt and restored to the highest standards. The business was eventually phased out after moving out of state. A huge "thank you" to legendary helicopter instructor Doug Kitzmiller and world-class aircraft mechanic Gary Dunn, without whom the project would never have gotten off the ground.
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Z-AMIGOS, LLC., (Qdoba Mexican Grill), Kalamazoo, Michigan
Co-Owner - Partner
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchises (1999 - 2008)
Co-owner and management consultant for nine Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants in Southwestern Michigan (Comstock, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Muskegon, Portage and St. Joseph). Sales from these stores ranked among the top Qdoba restaurants (more than 400 units) nationally, generating nearly $275,000 in revenue per week. Responsibilities included site selection, store financing, and public relations.
Qdoba Restaurant Corporation (Jack in the Box, Inc.) purchased all of our stores in 2008.
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Qdoba Mexican Grill
4403 West Main Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Top 5 restaurant in chain nationally
2001-2008
2001-2008
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Qdoba Mexican Grill
6800 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, Michigan
Top 10 restaurant in chain nationally 2000-2008
Qdoba Mexican Grill
5901 East Gull Road
Comstock, Michigan
Top 15 restaurant in chain nationally
2005-2008
ARCHWAY COOKIES, INCORPORATED, Battle Creek, Michigan
President / Co-Chief Executive Officer
(1987 - 1999)
- Corporate Board of Directors
- Executive Vice President (1987-1991)
- Direct Store Delivery Route Driver (Summers 1976 - 1983)
Restructured the company; evolving from a bakery/franchise-centered structure to a nationally-focused organization, consolidating the control of sales and marketing programs at the corporate headquarters. Eliminated division and region sales offices. Established key account manager positions to address unique trade requirements (i.e. mass merchant, drug, club, convenience, international markets). Acquired available franchise bakery operations and vigorously protected corporate interests while simultaneously maintaining open and cooperative business environment with remaining franchises.
Achieved unit and dollar sales increases every year between 1990 and 1999, reaching a third of a billion dollars in retail brand sales annually. Doubled national retail market share; expanding from three percent to six percent (IRI and Neilsen), and establishing Archway as the third-largest retail cookie brand in the United States.
Maintained position as the number one oatmeal and holiday cookie brands in the United States. Number two in fat free, fruit filled and gingersnap share.
Made significant advances in distribution with sixty percent market share increases in western United States (Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and West Texas/New Mexico). Markedly increased military distribution with the establishment of two national military account managers. Ten-fold unit sales increase in commissaries and BX stores between 1991 and 1998.
Maintained position as the number one oatmeal and holiday cookie brands in the United States. Number two in fat free, fruit filled and gingersnap share.
Made significant advances in distribution with sixty percent market share increases in western United States (Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and West Texas/New Mexico). Markedly increased military distribution with the establishment of two national military account managers. Ten-fold unit sales increase in commissaries and BX stores between 1991 and 1998.
Credit for nine straight years of sales growth belongs to every member of our sales team, led by Roy Jasper (Vice President of Sales). Their tireless work played a critical role in achieving these spectacular results.
Tightened marketing budgets and curtailed extraneous expenditures; reduced POP and display inventories substantially, reduced off-invoice promotions by five cents per package, consolidated seminar and annual meetings, eliminated sports tickets and perks, lengthened life of staff vehicles and re-sold old vans on open market to recover costs, eliminated cookie of the month.
Established performance-based compensation for all sales and marketing personnel. This included ongoing training and objective performance evaluations. Initiated employee task forces and surveys to better understand and address key issues.
Tightened marketing budgets and curtailed extraneous expenditures; reduced POP and display inventories substantially, reduced off-invoice promotions by five cents per package, consolidated seminar and annual meetings, eliminated sports tickets and perks, lengthened life of staff vehicles and re-sold old vans on open market to recover costs, eliminated cookie of the month.
Established performance-based compensation for all sales and marketing personnel. This included ongoing training and objective performance evaluations. Initiated employee task forces and surveys to better understand and address key issues.
(circa mid-1990s)
Archway Cookies Annual Meeting
(Keynote Speech - 1995)
Special Awards / Recognitions:
Archway "Samurai Award"
Archway "Archie Merit Award"
Outstanding individual achievement - Western Region (1989).
PRESTO PRODUCTS, INCORPORATED,
Appleton, Wisconsin
(Keynote Speech - 1995)
Special Awards / Recognitions:Archway "Samurai Award"
Outstanding national sales achievement (1990).
Archway "Archie Merit Award"
Outstanding individual achievement - Western Region (1989).
PRESTO PRODUCTS, INCORPORATED, Appleton, Wisconsin
(Division of Coca Cola Foods)
Corporate Product Manager
Non-Foods Product Manager
Non-Foods Product Manager
(1985 - 1987)
Developed and managed retail products in all channels for one of the largest private label/contract producers of plastic consumables in the world. Responsible for sixty percent of all product sold by the company; all blown/extruded plastic bags (food and disposer) and containers. Doubled sales of control-label brands through the introduction special warehouse packs and innovative package design. Successfully launched high-end and specialty items into non-foods markets. Designed all sales brochures, literature, and marketing point of purchase for related products.
Special Awards / Recognitions:
Presto Products "President's Award"
Presto Products "President's Award"
First non-salesperson in the company to be nominated for the company's highest honor. (1986).
Presto Products Non-Food Group "Point-Man Award"
Awarded to individuals in recognition of superior efforts to accomplish very ambitious and difficult projects ... often in the face of bureaucratic red tape and ambivalence on the part of others.
Presto Products Non-Food Group "Point-Man Award"
Awarded to individuals in recognition of superior efforts to accomplish very ambitious and difficult projects ... often in the face of bureaucratic red tape and ambivalence on the part of others.
LOCTITE CORPORATION,
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Consumer Adhesives Product Manager
(1983 - 1985)
Developed and monitored the sale of sixty consumer adhesive products in food, hardware, and consumer automotive channels. Responsible for nearly fifty percent of ACG (Automotive and Consumer Group) sales, including 'Super Glue' ... the largest selling glue in the world. Performed first marketing regression/trend sales analyses, enabling the company to assess ongoing product performance and make adjustments to product mix. New Product Implementation Committee, Food Store Task Force, Partners In Productivity, Loctite Corporation Advisory Board.
"Distinctive Merit Award" Business/Professional Advertising Association (Cleveland Chapter). For outstanding marketing and advertising program development - Duro Master Mend epoxy line and retail display (1984).
AND STRATEGY
Blackwell, Johnston, and Talarzyk.
(The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business)
The Dryden Press.
(The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business)
The Dryden Press.
Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
New York, New York. Copyright 1985.
New York, New York. Copyright 1985.
pp. 445-466.
Authored, edited, and published a marketing case study involving Archway Cookies, Incorporated.
CASES IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY (Video)
Central Michigan University. The Dryden Press. Copyright 1994.
Assisted in case outline / script development and filming of a video case study featuring Archway Cookies, Incorporated for Central Michigan University.
Video Clips from Cases in Marketing Management and Strategy
(Central Michigan University)
Reinventing The Retail Supply Chain
Roger D. Blackwell. HarperBusiness, Harper Collins Publishing. Copyright 1997.
EDUCATION:
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS:
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MANAGERIAL STUDIES PROGRAM (2014 - 2018)
INTERESTS / PERSONAL INFORMATION:
FAA LICENSED COMMERCIAL PILOT
Roger D. Blackwell. HarperBusiness, Harper Collins Publishing. Copyright 1997.
Assisted in proof-reading and editing the rough draft of Professor Blackwell's book. Also provided comments for the dust jacket of the book. (Nominated for “Best Business Book of 1997” in the Financial Times / Booze Allen Hamilton Best Business Book Competition)
THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS
The Speeches, statements and writings of Thomas F. Olin, Sr.
EPI printing and publishing. Copyright 1999.
Assembled and edited the collection of speeches, commencements, dedications, and addresses delivered during the career of Thomas F. Olin, Sr.
192 pages. 2008.
A written and photographic journal of the trials and tribulations of earning a commercial rotorcraft (helicopter) pilot's license, as well as the challenges of performing a museum-quality restoration of a vintage Bell47G 3B-1 helicopter.
A written and photographic journal of the trials and tribulations of earning a commercial rotorcraft (helicopter) pilot's license, as well as the challenges of performing a museum-quality restoration of a vintage Bell47G 3B-1 helicopter.
pp. 18-24.
AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE OLINS
The true story of ... and the lessons learned from ... a near-disastrous Jaguar restoration project.
OUR AMERICAN ADVENTURE
Self-published. 408 pages. 2004.
The Olin family's journey of discovery.
Self-published. 464 pages. 2006.
More adventures with the Olin family.
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
An entertaining and thought-provoking narrative of the challenges faced by a middle-aged executive trying to chase the dream of becoming a black belt in the martial arts, and the life-long lessons learned along the way.
IN CUCINA CON TUCCI
"In The Kitchen With Tucci". A family cooking adventure. My daughter, Michelle, and I decided that the only way to make our shared dream of becoming great chefs come true was to jump in, immerse ourselves in the process ... and through hands-on experience ... become proficient in the art of cooking, using two cookbooks authored by actor (and tremendous cook) Stanley Tucci.
ON THE ROCKS - THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE BRIGANTINE YANKEE
The amazing true story of the ill-fated 1964 "Around The World" voyage of the legendary Brigantine Yankee, from the personal journals, pictures, and film footage of passenger Merton Olin.
LESTER BALL ... QUIET HERO
THE OLIN FAMILY TRILOGY:
*FRANKLIN HERBERT OLIN
Franklin Herbert Olin not only lived through the greatest period of industrial expansion in this nation's history ... he played a key part in creating it. From the Mesabi Range ... to the Panama Canal ... to Hoover Dam ... to the Allied Effort in World War II, Frank Olin was among those unique few who built America.
*MERTON FRANKLIN OLIN
Merton Franklin Olin was a successful, yet eccentric and complicated man. Gifted with an outstanding intellect and superb business sense, he was also afflicted with a number of personal demons. His story seemingly affirms Thoreau's assertion that 'many men lead lives of quiet desperation.'
*THOMAS F. OLIN, SR.
The true account of the military career of Lester Ball (3rd Infantry Division, 30th Infantry Regiment, Company A). A young man from the backwoods of Tennessee becomes deeply involved in World War II; fighting all the way from Italy to Germany. Lester's experience is a life-changing one that tests his bravery and heroism ... and ultimately earns him the honor and respect of his country.
F.J. SKIDMORE & SON
F.J. SKIDMORE & SON
Two distinctly-different men, a father and son, follow their own visions of the American dream and significantly change the course of Battle Creek, Michigan ... building hundreds of homes, churches, museums, hospitals, and other landmarks in the area.
THE OLIN FAMILY TRILOGY:
*FRANKLIN HERBERT OLIN
Franklin Herbert Olin not only lived through the greatest period of industrial expansion in this nation's history ... he played a key part in creating it. From the Mesabi Range ... to the Panama Canal ... to Hoover Dam ... to the Allied Effort in World War II, Frank Olin was among those unique few who built America.
*MERTON FRANKLIN OLIN
Merton Franklin Olin was a successful, yet eccentric and complicated man. Gifted with an outstanding intellect and superb business sense, he was also afflicted with a number of personal demons. His story seemingly affirms Thoreau's assertion that 'many men lead lives of quiet desperation.'
*THOMAS F. OLIN, SR.
A reference archive of articles, press releases, news stories, photographs, and other documents reflecting the business and civic accomplishments of Thomas F. Olin, Sr.
One extraordinary lady.
1530 HARBOR SOUND DRIVE
A web-page documenting the results of our five-year restoration and renovation of a Guy Peterson-designed home on Longboat Key, Florida.
1150 TRAVELERS RIDGE DRIVE
A web-page documenting the results of our four-year restoration and reconstruction of a Robert Anderson-designed home in Nashville, Tennessee.
A web-page documenting the results of our five-year restoration and renovation of a Guy Peterson-designed home on Longboat Key, Florida.
1150 TRAVELERS RIDGE DRIVE
A web-page documenting the results of our four-year restoration and reconstruction of a Robert Anderson-designed home in Nashville, Tennessee.
A neighborhood web-page, providing background information for visitors and potential residents. Also incorporates links to nearby locations of interest as well as access to a private homeowner's association site.
A socio-political and economic discussion of globalization and its impact on the middle class in the United States.
For music lovers only! A journey through 100 of the most unforgettable concerts I have experienced over the past five decades!
WIKIPEDIA EDITOR (Architecttype)
Concentrating primarily on mid-century modern (Sarasota School) architecture. Pages created and/or substantially re-edited:
FISHER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS,
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Masters of Business Administration
Marketing/Competitive Strategy
(1981 - 1983)
Marketing/Competitive Strategy
(1981 - 1983)
Inaugural structured lock-step (highly selective) program, based on the Harvard Business School cohort class model. Class initially consisted of 150 students chosen from more than 3,600 screened applicants (approximately 90 students graduated).
Internship and thesis development with legendary marketing/consumer behavior professor Roger D. Blackwell. Assignment was to author a marketing case study to be used in major book publication. The book, Cases In Marketing Management and Strategy, was used by business schools throughout the world (See Publications).
OSU-MBA Management Consulting Group. American Marketing Association, Masters of Business Administration Association, and The Ohio State University Alumni Association (Lifetime Member).
WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY,
Springfield, Ohio
Springfield, Ohio
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
(1977 - 1981)
(1977 - 1981)
Ranked among the best small liberal arts colleges and universities in the midwest. Undergraduate economics thesis: The Flight of Business to the South - Causes and Effects (Urban Economics). Minor: Philosophy. Dean's List. Tutor in economics. Athletic Director - Tower Hall dormitory. WUSO radio station - created, produced, and broadcasted a weekly program (specializing in rare Beatles studio and live performances).
Wittenberg University Alumni Board of Directors (1994-1997). Implemented first school/alumni-wide survey to assess issues related to relative lack of school gifting to the university and issues facing the board in addressing them. Benjamin Prince Society - President's Circle.
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS:
Guest lecturer, chosen to speak on corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and leadership to Vanderbilt University students.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
HARRY B. HUTCHINS PRESIDENTIAL SOCIETY (1997 - present)
The Olin Family Scholarship at the College of Literature, Science, and Arts.
GULL LAKE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
(2019 - present)
Gull Lake High School - Olin Family Scholarship.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN, INC. (1993 - 2008)
Teaching and mentoring students. Sharing my perspective on the ideals and importance of free enterprise and small business.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (1989 - 2017)
Nashville, Tennessee and Battle Creek, Michigan
YOUNG PRESIDENTS ORGANIZATION (1996 - 2003)
Michigan West Chapter. Forum and committee member.
CALHOUN COUNTY (MICHIGAN) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM (1992 - 1995)
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANHARRY B. HUTCHINS PRESIDENTIAL SOCIETY (1997 - present)
The Olin Family Scholarship at the College of Literature, Science, and Arts.
GULL LAKE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
(2019 - present)
Gull Lake High School - Olin Family Scholarship.
Teaching and mentoring students. Sharing my perspective on the ideals and importance of free enterprise and small business.
Nashville, Tennessee and Battle Creek, Michigan
Michigan West Chapter. Forum and committee member.
INTERESTS / PERSONAL INFORMATION:
FAA LICENSED COMMERCIAL PILOT
HELICOPTER / ROTORCRAFT RATING
Turbine aircraft certification (Bell JetRanger II).
Piston aircraft certification (Bell 47G-3B1).
Experienced in basic helicopter maintenance and restoration.
Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (Lifetime Member)
Bell 47 Helicopter Association
Helicopter Association International
Experimental Aircraft Association
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
2nd Dan Black Belt: Taekwondo Martial Arts (WTF Certification 05176981)
2nd Dan Black Belt: Tang Soo Do Martial Arts (Moo Duk Kwan Certification 020246)
Instructor: Grandmaster Sun Hwan Chung (Martial Arts Hall of Fame).
World Taekwondo Federation
United States Taekwondo Union
EXPERIENCED SCUBA DIVEMASTER
Trained in rescue, first aid, mixed gas and technical diving.
Specialties include wreck and cave diving.
PADI Divemaster (Certification DM-88528)
SSI Divecon Specialist (Certification 10523)
Technical Diving International (Nitrox/Mixed Gas Certification 10148)
International Association of Nitrox Divers (Certification 6644)
NAUI Scuba Diver (Certification Date 9/26/03)
DAN (Diver's Alert Network)
TALIESIN FELLOWSHIP / FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT FOUNDATION
ARCHITECTURE SARASOTA
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM PATRONS
In honor of (father-in-law) Lester Ball.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Turbine aircraft certification (Bell JetRanger II).
Piston aircraft certification (Bell 47G-3B1).
Experienced in basic helicopter maintenance and restoration.
Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (Lifetime Member)
Bell 47 Helicopter Association
Helicopter Association International
Experimental Aircraft Association
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
2nd Dan Black Belt: Taekwondo Martial Arts (WTF Certification 05176981)
2nd Dan Black Belt: Tang Soo Do Martial Arts (Moo Duk Kwan Certification 020246)
Instructor: Grandmaster Sun Hwan Chung (Martial Arts Hall of Fame).
World Taekwondo Federation
United States Taekwondo Union
EXPERIENCED SCUBA DIVEMASTER
Trained in rescue, first aid, mixed gas and technical diving.
Specialties include wreck and cave diving.
PADI Divemaster (Certification DM-88528)
SSI Divecon Specialist (Certification 10523)
Technical Diving International (Nitrox/Mixed Gas Certification 10148)
International Association of Nitrox Divers (Certification 6644)
NAUI Scuba Diver (Certification Date 9/26/03)
DAN (Diver's Alert Network)
TALIESIN FELLOWSHIP / FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT FOUNDATION
ARCHITECTURE SARASOTA
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM PATRONS
In honor of (father-in-law) Lester Ball.
Interests and aptitudes include mid-century American architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright-Usonian, Sarasota School, Joseph Eichler, John Lautner, and California case-study houses), photography, American history, rare music and signed books, and playing guitar. Traveled to more than forty-five countries on five continents.
