Tom has been building things mostly out of wood since he was old enough to hold a saw. He grew up in Calgary, Alberta, influenced by his immigrant Dutch parents who bestowed upon him their love of chocolate, travelling, and community involvement.

   He has spent his adult life building things in all corners of British Columbia and Alberta. He works largely from his shop in Valemount, British Columbia. His oeuvre includes a long list of furniture, back country cabins, organ and piano restoration, house building and renovation, cabinetry including kitchens, concrete and stone counter tops, doors, and stairs. He has worked as a building project manager and has donated many hours of volunteer work to local non-profit societies.