Thom was certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) in 1993 and in 1994 earned a Masters degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Athletic Training, from San Jose State University .

Thom has had a wide range of work experiences including thirteen years as a commercial salmon fisherman in his hometown of Kodiak, Alaska. In addition, he has acted as Director of Rehabilitation at South Bay Pain and Rehabilitation in Los Gatos, California, and a consultant to the San Jose Sharks community Development program. Thom is the Co-Founder and Owner of Focused Individual Training (FIT) in Los Altos, California, and most recently (2004) Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board for Hyperstrike.com, an online health and fitness engine. Thom currently serves as a consultant to the Hill-Glazier architectural firm on Fitness Area Design for its Hotels around the world.

Thom has worked with professional, collegiate and recreational athletes at all levels. He has competed in triathlons of all distances around the country, culiminating with Ironman Canada in 2003. Through this unique work and life history, Thom has gained extensive experience with a wide range of clients, services and markets. Thom enjoys backpacking, fishing, ice hockey, and spending time with his wife Tracey, son Jake and daughter Emma.