Tom grew up in the two most infamous parts of Jersey: the Turnpike and the Shore. But as all locals know, both areas are hidden gems. From lessons learned on the streets of Woodbridge to moving and becoming "Tom from Toms River," Tom treasured his working-class upbringing that led him to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey where he graduated magna cum laude, earning a B.S. in Finance.

Inspired to overcome the financial hardship faced by him and his family growing up, Tom next arrived in New York City where he worked as an Analyst then Assistant VP at Merrill Lynch's world headquarters. Tom then took the next obvious step...and...headed west to become a writer!

Tom earned a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting at the UCLA School of Theater, Film, & TV--waiting tables at the Olive Garden in the process. After a couple post-graduate years struggling to break in, Tom founded a tutoring organization and eventually went on to write for Sony, Disney, Paramount, Nickelodeon, and Universal Studios. Five major Hollywood studios! Zero projects produced! At which point Tom decided to write his way out of "development hell" with three critically-praised novels that achieve his true aim as a writer: sharing his work with others.

Tom also enjoys teaching high school students, coaching youth baseball, and spending time with friends and family including his two kids and wife, Tammi.