Tom has been in the financial industry for over 33 years. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Kansas State University in 1982, he worked for many industry giants, including MassMutual, American United Life, and Paul Revere Insurance. Since then, he has received numerous certifications and licenses as a financial professional and insurance specialist.
Tom has an incredible knowledge of the market and thorough understanding of contract details, but his greatest passion in his career is helping people take care of themselves and their families. He takes on the role of teacher and counselor to his clients, and enjoys listening to their stories and getting to know them on a personal level.
At the tender age of 6, Tom began working with his siblings to deliver newspapers in their small farming community of Bennington, Kansas. As he grew, he started a thriving business mowing lawns every week, then worked summers on his uncle’s farm as a combine driver and plowboy. Tom’s father owned a flower shop, which was connected to their home, and he spent a great deal of time working in the shop as well. When his father suffered a serious heart attack, Tom postponed his senior year of college and managed the flower shop. Tom credits his upbringing with teaching him the value of hard work and honesty.
Tom’s father passed away when Tom was only 26 years old, leaving his mother as a young widow. Their family business closed after his passing, and the next year was spent liquidating business assets for pennies on the wholesale dollar and closing out the business. In those difficult times, Tom realized that he wanted to help other people prevent similar situations from happening to them. From that realization, Thomas A. Schmidt & Associates was created, where Tom could help people protect and provide for their families through insurance and other financial products available
Tom often works as the quarterback between all of the clients’ advisors to help ensure all needs are met. If the client is in need of other professional advisors, Tom has developed an extensive network to assist them in the planning efforts.
Tom now lives in Edmond, OK, with his wife, Terri, and their dog, Stryker. Their son, Michael, also an Eagle Scout, is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology. Tom and his wife love the family-centered, hometown values of their community, and family always comes first for Tom. He enjoys spending time with them, especially on family trips and in the outdoors. His other hobbies include photography, designing Christmas wreaths, and watching college sports.
Being involved in the local community is important to Tom, and he volunteers with many organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, Goodland Academy, Little Light Christian School, Crossings Community Church and the KSU Alumni Association. Tom is also a member of many professional organizations, including the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, NAIFA, NAHU, C-Suite Network, HERO Club and the MDRT Foundation. He is also a member of the Leading Producers Roundtable and a lifetime qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table.