Tom Shay's experiences as a fourth generation small business owner provide him with the knowledge and background to present tried and proven ideas to assist owners, managers, and staff with the day to day operation of their business. During the 25 plus years that Tom was a part of the family business, the businesses were ongoing laboratories for the techniques that Tom shares.

He presents proven and time tried ideas on the topics of business strategy, marketing, staff education, sales, and financial management.

A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Tom started his first job working in his grandfather's general store. Tom moved to Florida to join his parents in the family operation they had purchased in 1971. Over the next 26 years, the Shay family owned and operated three businesses. In 1997, Tom sold the business to devote full time to the development of educational program as well as writing magazine columns and books.

In addition to providing proven business building ideas through his writings in over 80 trade publications, Tom has authored twelve books on small business management and a college text book on small business accounting.

As a speaker, Tom earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) distinction, an honor that has been earned by less than 8% of speakers worldwide. As a magazine columnist, Tom received three Jesse H. Neal award nominations, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of business-to-business journalism.