More than two decades ago, searching for his inner drive, Tom left the mainstream world of college and submerged himself in the motorcycle underworld in the lower eastside of Manhattan. This was the first time Tom took a left when everyone else was going right. Even in the seedy underworld, Tom met good people - mentors who shaped his perspective relating to going after what one desires in his heart.

After four years of gang life in NYC, Tom got a respectable job as a New York City Subway Train Conductor. Working quickly up the ranks, Mr. Scarda became trainmaster in charge of the largest municipal train yard in the Western Hemisphere.

While giving a tour of the property to upper management of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Tom was asked to collaborate with a renowned motivational Speaker and talk to the rank and file of the MTA. Again, as a Certified Toastmaster, Tom took a left turn in his career.  This is where he honed his public speaking skills for four years. Tom worked within the 50,000-person company of MTA New York City Transit, conducting 30 minute to three day seminars to every level of staff. He created and executed specially targeted programs as needed by his colleagues in motivation, customer service, sensitivity, sexual harassment and anxiety of working in New York City post 9/11. It was also at this time that Tom became an on-air personality for Transit Transit News, a local cable TV program.

Tom’s positive outlook attracted a national television show, “Fit Family”.  Tom’s family was chosen to participate in a ten week motivational, get in shape program which was documented and aired as an hour long program on Discovery Health Channel.  Using his drive and determination, Tom lost 30 pounds and achieved 12 percent body fat.

Where does Tom get the passion and confidence?  Tom says, “What you put in your head is what comes out; a person reaps according to what she sows and, you become what you already say that you are”.  There are no wrong turns, just different experiences. However some folks just move in circles. Tom will help navigate you towards success.

How did Tom get from the streets of NYC to being involved with one of the most successful companies in America?  The answer is: he was prepared when opportunity knocked. Tom also learned that you have to have enough faith in yourself and the universe so when you take a left when everyone else is going right you will find your destination and when you step off the ledge you undeniable know that you will grow wings before you hit the ground.

Everyone has a passion sleeping within their soul.  Tom’s job is to harvest that passion.

Tom will take you on a journey (mostly lefts) and you will learn what he uses for his vehicle for success. Tom will take you from riding motorcycles to riding trains to running successful businesses - as a regular guy…but with passion, motivation and faith.

Whatever the mode of transportation, you cannot afford to miss this ride!

Realizing that civil service was not the answer for Tom’s creative side, he gave up many promotions and even a pension, to pursue his dreams and passions.  Is Tom special? Not really…he just knows that with passion and preparedness and proper thinking, any goal is attainable.

 
In 2000, Tom bought into a national franchise company, Maui Wowi Smoothies and one year later, became Franchisee of the Year. In 2002, Tom was asked to help establish a Regional Director program.  As Regional Director and through his leadership skills, Tom helped the company grow from 25 to more than 300 units nationally.  In 2003, Tom was asked by another corporation; the Starbucks Coffee Company, to take the international brand to an untraditional amphitheater setting. There were some naysayers, even within the coffee company, but Tom had the spirit to forge ahead and do what some said was not possible - another left turn. In the first season of operation, Tom’s streamlined express coffee operation became number one in off-site coffee sales in Long Island for the Starbucks Corporation. Tom now shares his knowledge and expertise of franchising with people who are in search of making a lifestyle change and taking back control of their lives. On a daily basis, he inspires people to realize their dreams. Tom channels his inner motivation and faith to continually take on new challenges and risks, knowing that he will succeed.