Tom's "Route 66 Traveler's Guide & Roadside Companion" - a continuing best-seller - is now in its fourth edition. And his wine-food touring book, "The Two-Lane Gourmet," won the Gourmand Prize as Best in the U.S. Both were published by Macmillan / St. Martins.
In media, Tom was Contributing Producer for the 21st Century Classics interactive disk of John Steinbeck's masterpiece, "The Grapes of Wrath," published by Penguin. While on staff at the University of Southern California, he produced a number of short films and multi-media works.
He has also served as project director of a nationwide program for evaluation of programs serving those with special needs. Acting from personal concern, Tom still works pro bono with adult survivors of childhood tragedy and abuse.
Tom holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University, plus a doctorate from the University of Southern California. In addition, Tom is a well-published photographer, with work appearing in books, national magazines, and even as a giant backdrop for a cruise-ship bar...
Along the way, Tom worked as an oil-field swamper, fry cook, sailing coach, and graphics designer. He is a lapsed pilot and semi-prudent motorcyclist who acknowledges a genetic weakness for open space and quick machines, along with a fondness for fireplace conversation over wine on winter evenings.