Tommy DeGarmo
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Tommy is eager to work hard for himself, his family, and his community.
He took the plunge to focus on his own professional development and left the field of public accounting after 10 years. He now brings his financial expertise to BlitzLake Partners, a commercial real estate developer and gym operator. This change helped him be around more often for his wife, Ashley, and new baby, Dori.
Tommy is also bold in his involvement with the Jewish community. Over 10 years on the board of the Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS), he worked his way up from assistant treasurer to president in 2021. Throughout his board service, he focused on fundraising, mentoring young leaders, and collaborating with executive staff on financial, strategic, and vision (especially during COVID).
AGE:
34
PRONOUNS:
He, Him, His
PRIMARY GIG:
Chief Financial Officer at BlitzLake Partners, a commercial real estate developer and owner/operator of Studio Three fitness gyms in Chicago (and soon to be in Austin and Miami).
ON THE SIDE:
Dad to Dori and husband to Ashley
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I was born in Seattle and still root for the Mariners, although they have not been to the playoffs since 2001 (longest drought of any team in not only baseball, but the four major sports in the US).
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Moses; probably a very different response than expected, but the story of the Jews' exodus from Egypt has left an indelible mark on me since childhood. I don't want to tread into theological debate, but I'll just say that the leadership displayed by Moses impacted me profoundly. I always look forward to Passover to regale the tale of the parting of the red sea!
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
I have to continue to remind myself to focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking is a myth! As science shows, taking breaks is crucial, but try to stay locked in on one goal no matter how small or big.
IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Coach college basketball. There is something incredibly magical about school spirit at that level of competition and nothing beats the NCAA tournament. None of this is to say I'd be successful (ha!), but I'd love to give it a try!
