"But what I admired most about Tom was his ability to persevere. When financing prospects began to dry up during the Internet bubble burst, Tom stepped up. He focused and worked hard to produce dozens of key documents that help us secure financing that ultimately helped keep Accerra solvent. He also encouraged senior management to focus on mission-critical tasks, and his enthusiasm motivated everyone to forge ahead. Tom is serious about business, but his sense of humor and his compassion for people make him a delight to work with."
– Daniel Barrett, Founder and CEO, Accerra, Santa Rosa, CA

"Of all the senior managers and consultants working at ValueStar, no one delivered like Tom. He delivered dozens of mission-critical projects and funding documents ahead of schedule. His commitment, drive, and perseverance are unmatched. Tom is also sensitive, kind, and caring. Add in his strong leadership skills, a razor-sharp mind and rock solid business ethics, and it's easy to see why Tom earned respect and admiration from managers, employees, and alliance partners. Tom's zest for life and health had a positive influence on the energy of the entire company. I greatly value Tom's business insights and judgment. If Tom were on my football team, and we were facing fourth and long, with the clock winding down, he'd be the first person I'd look for down field - Tom's the ultimate 'go-to' guy!"
– Jim Stein, Founder and CEO, ValueStar, Oakland, CA

"Sun Valley Adaptive Sports was in COMPLETE turmoil before Tom took the helm as executive director. In less than two years, he completely rebuilt the organization through his endless energy, passion, wisdom, and commitment. SVAS is now thriving and positioned for sustainable growth. Tom is one of the best executive directors I have worked with in the nonprofit sector. He has developed a topnotch staff that loves him. Tom has tripled the budget with his amazing fundraising abilities. And thanks to his marketing expertise, the SVAS brand has gained local and national prominence through countless magazine, newspaper, and television coverage. Working with Tom is a complete joy!"
– Chris Boskin, board member, Sun Valley Adaptive Sports

"Tom pours his heart and soul into life, work, love, and friendship. I have met few people in my life that would drop everything to help a person or a cause. As a mentor and friend, Tom has inspired me to achieve bigger goals than I thought possible. He is always brainstorming new ways to contribute to the world to make it a better place. Tom’s work with the Sun Valley Adaptive Sports amazes me. He took a flailing nonprofit and built it up to a well-funded, very successful organization in less than two years. Tom’s compassion and unlimited ability to contribute his talents make him a very successful candidate for any mission. If you ever get the chance to work with Tom, it will no doubt be an opportunity of a lifetime."
– Jeremy Hadden, Design Engineer, Jeremy Hadden Design

"I worked with Tom for the better part of a year and have found him to be, among other things, a strategic thinker, deal-minded, financially and operationally aware and knowledgeable, process oriented, team oriented, results oriented, incredibly broad in his experience and interests, and very flexible. Setting aside all that, the most important thing I see in Tom is his heart. He is always willing to do what needs to be done for the good of the firm and its people – without self-interest, politics, or nonsense. His heart, loyalty, and willingness to do whatever is necessary are exceptional – he is one of the folks you want to 'go into battle with'!"
– Bob Sick, Former President, ValueStar, Oakland, CA

"Initiative, dedication, enthusiasm. These are the first three words that come to mind when I think of Tom. He took the initiative to form the first organization in our community solely concerned with addressing and eradicating hunger. His dedication didn't waver through the times he was the only volunteer and the major donor. His enthusiasm paid off, though, by attracting others who share his vision and are also willing to dedicate themselves to this vital cause. Now, The Hunger Coalition is a full-fledged nonprofit organization with 54 volunteers, a clear mission and set of initiatives, and is making a marked difference in the lives of hungry children and families in our community. Whoever said one person can't change the world!""
– Brooke E. Bonner, Treasurer, The Hunger Coalition

"One of first things that impressed me about Tom was his commanding presence in senior management meetings. He is one of those rare individuals who is extremely articulate, yet speaks gently when making powerful statements. He is team-oriented and continually refocuses a group on the critical agenda. Tom has an incredible ability to focus, and he can achieve more in a few hours than most do in a week! His intensity, intelligence, and experience could be intimidating, but Tom balances this with compassion and humor. He is always thoroughly prepared with impeccable research. Tom has been a cornerstone contributor to ValueStar's incredible growth."
– Lynne Bomben, Former VP Sales, ValueStar, Oakland, CA

"Tom is an extraordinary human being in every sense of the word. His gentle, respectful manner added to the teamwork and comradeship of our department, while at the same time, he maintained a level of drive, dedication, and determination that was unrivaled anywhere in our company of more than 400 employees. In 27 years of print advertising, I've never seen a person learn as quickly as Tom. He accepted the traditional responsibilities required of his contract work, and then added his technological and analytical skills to generate astounding results. He's truly remarkable."
– William Brennan, EVP Advertising, Copley News, Waukegan, IL

"Tom's enthusiasm is infectious. His analytical skills are excellent, his judgment is sound and reliable, and his written work is clear and expressive. In eight months, Tom coordinated a team of programmers, traders, managers, and staff to establish a 24-hour options trading system in four countries for Continental Bank . . . He is truly a renaissance man. If my consulting practice had an assignment for his talents – and he were interested – I would hire him again in the blink of an eye."
– Jennet Lingle, EVP Proprietary Trading, Continental Bank, Chicago, IL

"I recommend Tom's work without reservation. He provided keen insights into emerging markets and trends, and I was impressed with his ability to spot early industry leaders. Tom is cool and calm under pressure. There were times when I suggested we consider investing some of the fund's money into unknown firms. Tom professionally pushed back, making solid arguments based on extensive research and due diligence. In hindsight, Tom's steadfastness saved me millions in losses."
– Bob Brennan, President, Brennan Capital, Sun Valley, ID

"Tom accepts challenges with enthusiasm, and he delivers. His energetic and thorough investigative work secured a state appropriation the college was in jeopardy of losing – an appropriation representing 10 percent of our operating budget! The entire college is grateful for Tom's dedication, perseverance, and exceptional work."
– Adrian Lorbeske, President, Nicolet College, Rhinelander, WI

"Tom's energy and passion are amazing and his devotion to our mission was very inspiring. His desire to create win-win partnerships brought new opportunities for our program that we had not considered. He has a tremendous work ethic, puts in 150%, and gets the job done. Tom's private and public sector experience sets him apart from other consultants working within the nonprofit field."
– Crystal Trull, Former Executive Director, Sundt Memorial Foundation

"As executive director of Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, Tom has worked miracles. He is enthusiastic, capable, extremely hard-working, and driven to excellence. Respected by his happy staff, he has stimulated significant professional growth in every employee. He has raised money at a rate greater than the entire board combined. Tom’s management skills, knowledge of finance and computer technology have given the organization state-of-the-art systems and information, effectively multiplying the force he brings to the operation. I expect to see Tom's imprint on the shape of adaptive sports organizations in the future for years to come, and probably will see him playing on a national level."
– Jim Toohey, Board Member, Sun Valley Adaptive Sports

"I had the pleasure of working with Tom at an Internet startup in Sun Valley, Idaho. His enthusiasm and work ethic were considered keys to the early success of our company. He continually sought new ways to enhance our business suite of products and services and developed key business and marketing strategies that we continue to use five years later. He is an asset to any staff and exudes his contagious confidence to all employees."
– Ryan T. McMenamin, VP Production, GroupStone, Berkeley, CA

"I've known Tom since junior high. He loves people and is well liked by all who meet him. I trust Tom so much, I entered into a $500,000 real estate deal with him on a handshake. He's also the quickest learner I know. I've seen him learn a sport, game, or business endeavor so quickly that he seems to go from beginner to expert, skipping the intermediate stage! Tom has superb business instincts; I've consulted him on a number of major business decisions. He is genuinely sincere and very loyal. Tom effortlessly produces quality work from detailed industry research to creative business writing."
– Charles Gallo, President, Gallo Enterprises, Petaluma, CA

"I met Tom while we were in school together at Harvard. Today, as then, he's good-natured, generous, thoughtful, and always willing to sacrifice to help others, forward a cause, or complete a job. He lives by the 'work hard, play hard' ethic, which is driven by his strong positive mental attitude. I've spent most of my adult life in intense work environments: Harvard University, Yale University School of Medicine, and Maine Medical Center, and Tom ranks among the best in these highly motivated and ambitious populations."
– William T. Andrews, M.D., Boston, MA

"I am continually amazed by the wealth of knowledge that exists within Tom. He not only is a fundraising genius, management expert, business development specialist, computer guru, but he is exceptionally skilled in every sport and recreational activity! He's also an amazing chef and baker! If you want to feel greatly encouraged, genuinely appreciated, deeply inspired, and supported to reach your highest aspirations, Tom is the best man for the job!"

"Tom's unique "family" style of management has given us, and the entire Sun Valley Adaptive Sports staff, a chance to build close friendships, yet accomplish our tasks and goals in a professional manner. Above all, Tom has become a great mentor, a steady rock to guide me through tough life choices and new professional aspirations – what a blessing he's been."
– Collyn Dixon, Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Sun Valley Adaptive Sports

"I worked for Tom at the Environmental News Network. He is a wonderful person, easy to work with, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Tom is an original and creative thinker, and a terrific motivator. Most importantly, though, Tom really cares about people and takes the time to listen to their needs and concerns. He's a natural leader!"
– Kari Young, Graphic Designer, Environmental News Network, Sun Valley, ID

"Tom Iselin is one of the most energetic, committed, work-oriented people I have ever met – personally and professionally. I have never enjoyed working for someone as much as I enjoyed my experience with Tom. His leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm enriched our department and made work a complete learning experience. Working with Tom is something I recommend to everyone who has a passion for business and likes to put 200% of himself into whatever they do. I will always be grateful to Tom for what he has taught me."
– Mauro Alvarez-Gendin, Business Analyst, ValueStar, Oakland, CA

"Tom is driven by his commitment to intellectual advancement. He is one of the best students ever to come through this program, graduating top in his class, in record time. His level of energy and commitment, coupled with an intelligent and creative vision, is an unbeatable, and, frankly, very charismatic combination. He lives and breathes his goals. He delivers. If you rate motivational level on a scale of 1 to 10, Tom's a 12!"
– Suzanne Pingree, Chair, School of Consumer Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison