Thomas Tyrrell

Velcro Man Chronicles

Ever wondered what it takes to turn childhood lessons into a lifetime of success and inspiration? Enter the world of Thomas Tyrrell, fondly known as Tom, where tales of resilience and wisdom, forged by him, shape the narrative. As the eldest among six siblings, Tyrrell learned firsthand the value of hard work from his father, a self-made man who built their family home despite never finishing the 9th grade. From those early days, visiting his father at a gas station, where he worked one of his three jobs to witnessing his rise to CEO, at a public traded company, Tyrrell absorbed lessons in determination and excellence. But what set him apart? It was his parents’ emphasis on empathy and integrity, instilling in him a commitment to uplifting others and fostering an inclusive and respectful culture. 

Tom Tyrrell offers a candid glimpse into his entrepreneurial journey. Identifying himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” Tyrrell acknowledges his propensity for initiating ventures but admits to a tendency to grow restless after 5-8 years. Beginning his career with Bethlehem Steel, Tyrrell quickly made waves, becoming the youngest person ever promoted to his first three positions in the company’s history. However, he found the structure too confining, prompting him to co-found a New Jersey steel operation that soared to revenue of $250 million within eight years. Despite this success, Tyrrell recognized a lack of emphasis on quality, spurring him to co-found a steel mill that not only reached $350 million sales in eight years but also garnered a reputation for the highest quality in the United States. Despite triumphs, Tyrrell encountered challenges, such as an ill-fated merger prompting his departure and the pursuit of new ventures. Undeterred, he diversified, co-founding a Venture Catalyst firm, a Digital Analytics firm, and a nature-based education firm. Simultaneously, Tyrrell launched two thriving non-profit organizations and is currently undertaking a third. 

In discussing his journey, Tyrrell acknowledges the synergy between hard work and chance. He credits his tireless work ethic and innovative spirit, fostering collaborations that earned him the moniker “Velcro Man.” Tyrrell highlights strategic delegation and recognizes luck’s role, sharing anecdotes of near-miraculous events shaping his ventures. “Luck does happen, but much of it is based on how you position your team and what they expect from themselves,” he muses.

Since 2008, he has foregone personal paychecks, dedicating himself to pro-bono work, including roles in non-profit organizations and board memberships. Tyrrell fosters an inclusive work culture, valuing employees and their families equally. He finds deep satisfaction in seeing individuals exceed their own expectations, surpassing monetary rewards. He draws inspiration from a quote by Albert Pine, a 19th-century British poet: “What you do for yourself alone dies with you; what you do for others and the world remains and is immortal”.  Tyrrell has already inscribed Pine’s words on his and his wife’s gravestone to continue their impact beyond their passing. This ethos is shared by his wife, who spent 45 years as a critical care nurse, embodying the same values of selflessness and service.

In contemplating the competitive landscape, Tom draws a comparison between the rat race and the tiger’s approach. He asserts that those deserving recognition embody the traits of a tiger: strategic, adaptable, and emphasizing resource utilization. Tyrrell emphasizes collaboration over solitary effort, underscoring the necessity of foresight and agility. Reflecting on his own journey, he eschewed the rat race mentality, opting for strategic advancement. 

He draws on a formative college experience to shape his leadership ethos. Witnessing colleagues’ discontentment in a plant job, he pledged to lead differently. Inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s quote, “I have learned sensitivity from the insensitive…,” Tyrrell committed to compassion and integrity. Journaling his visions for effective leadership, he cultivated a culture prioritizing empathy and growth, integrating lessons from both ineffective and exemplary leaders.

Highlighting his professional and personal accomplishments, Tom’s accolades underscore his remarkable contributions – to name a few:

• Honored as Alumni of the Year by Elmhurst University in 1994.
• E&Y/Inc. Magazine: Entrepreneur of the Year – NEO and National Finalist in 1998.
• Awarded the Founder’s Medal by Elmhurst University in 2007.
• Named one of the 30 Difference Makers in NEO by Crains Cleveland Magazine in 2010.
• Appointed as Emeritus Trustee by both Baldwin-Wallace University in 2011 and Elmhurst University in 2021.
• Received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023

He defines leadership as empowering each team member to excel and grow, emphasizing leading by example and providing autonomy. He envisions leaders as stage builders, enabling talented individuals to shine and guiding without micromanaging, ensuring freedom to excel.

In reflecting on his journey, Tom shares insights shaped by his experience founding eight ventures—five for-profit and three non-profits—all thriving today. He underscores the importance of effective communication, energy, and resilience in navigating challenges. Tyrrell acknowledges the role of luck but emphasizes the significance of team positioning and self-expectations in achieving success. He encapsulates his ethos with the quote, “Luck does happen, but much of it is based on how you position your team.”