While relatively young, Tom Simonds, 35, has the practical business skills and knowledge as well as a broad worldview that stretches beyond his seven years of small business leadership experience.

Tom founded InterAccess in April of 1993 remaining the majority shareholder and CEO through its sale to Dallas-based Allegiance Telecom in June of 2000. He took on the challenge of starting and growing this Internet Service Provider (ISP) without prior business, industry, or technical experience. Tom overcame challenges by relying on his willingness to learn, his inner drive and vision, and his ability to work with trusted advisors.

His core skills include the ability to create and execute systems that ensure exceptional customer service and corporate policies and practices that retain and motivate employees. Tom also credits much of his business success to hard work, vision, honesty, commitment, and adherence to healthy business practices.

Tom grew InterAccess to $11 million a year in sales and 94 employees, becoming the largest independent ISP in the Chicago market. Pioneering efforts included being the first to launch a commercial DSL product in the United States.

Taking an active role in his own professional development, Tom has been a member of YEO (Young Entrepreneur's Organization) since 1995 and YPO (Young President's Organization) from 1999 to 2002. More about Tom on Business

Tom grew up in the suburbs of Chicago's north shore graduating from New Trier High School and Yale University, cum laude, with a major in history. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, Tom knew from an early age that he wanted his career in small business ownership and management.