it happen in my classes and in the news .” His passion for renewable energy continued and he finished his educational career at UMO with a capstone project focused on opportunities for offshore wind on the seafloor .
Finding a job after graduation in wind energy was not easy . A lot of companies wouldn ’ t hire recent graduates with no professional experience . It was a barrier , but Tom persisted . He took on various engineering roles with several companies until he connected with Vestas Wind Systems in Portland , Oregon , a Danish manufacturer , seller , installer , and servicer of wind turbines . He admits that he had almost given up on finding a job connected to his interest in renewable energy but “ sometimes you happen to find what you are looking for when you stop looking .”
Tom was drawn to the company because “ they are not just a wind turbine provider , they are focused on and committed to circularity and sustainability ,” he says . “ They are mission driven and live and breathe that mission - if we are not doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint , how can we expect others to ?”
Tom has been with Vestas for over 5 years and has worked his way up through the ranks , starting as a Technical Bid Engineer and now serving as Director of Offshore Service Sales . He is energized by the company and inspired by “ having 30,000 people working toward the same goal .” Last September , he was able to move back to Maine and is happy to be closer to his friends and family . His focus is now on developing Vestas service operations for offshore wind farms on the East Coast . “ I am very motivated with this part of the business as we are directly involved with establishing long term jobs for generations ,” says Tom . He is proud of his work , and the opportunities he has to have an impact on our communities and the environment .
His advice for Thornton Academy students who are becoming who they want to be …“ never give up and stay focused .” Tom reflects on what it took him to get where he wanted to be and says , “ try everything you can to get in the door . Apply , talk to someone , be persistent . Companies want good people . The experience will come , just look for and fill the need and find ways to create value .”
Never give up and stay focused .
View from a turbine in the Bearkat wind farm east of Midland , TX . Tom was supporting final inspections after installation .
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