Tom Todd: Specialized Success
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SAN JOSE — As a general contractor focused on the residential sector, Tom Todd considered himself to be specialized in his field. However, when he met another contractor who actually was, it altered not only his perspective, but his career. “Since I only dealt with residential properties, I was under the impression that I was a specialty contractor,” he recounts. “That is, until I bumped into another contractor who told me he only did bathrooms. Up to that point, I never knew one could find enough work handling just one aspect of the industry, so when I discovered this was possible, I decided to try it, and it ended up working out very well.”
Today, as owner of Bay Bathrooms and Kitchens, Todd says he enjoys the creativity his job entails. “Even though all bathrooms are, in a sense, the same, the artistic possibilities are endless, so it’s always a unique experience. It’s very gratifying to see the clients’ faces light up when they see the transformation their space has undergone.”
A native of San Jose, Tom expresses a particular fondness for his region of residence. “Naturally, I like the diversity and the weather here in the Bay Area, but beyond that, it’s my home,” he says. “Whenever I leave for any length of time, I always look forward to coming back, because this is where I feel most comfortable.”
Outside of work, Tom devotes the bulk of his time to the pursuit of outdoor activities. “I love the outdoors, and spend a lot of time camping, fishing and hiking,” he affirms. “I’m an avid salmon fisherman, so I do a lot of trolling off the coast of Marin. If I’m able to get away for days, I like to go down to Mexico and do some tuna fishing.”
In his life and career, Tom espouses the importance of keeping your word. “I believe it’s critical to do what you say and to be consistent,” he affirms. “I think a big part of my success in business has come from being a good listener and giving my clients the information they need, without trying to be a salesman. Sometimes I have to tell customers things they don’t want to hear, but in the end, most people appreciate my honesty and consistency.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you a cat person or a dog person?
A: A cat person. Some of my neighbors and I have started rescuing abandoned dogs and cats that end up in our neighborhood and taking them to local shelters. Since I tend to rescue more cats than dogs, I’ve come to have a fondness for felines.
Q: Do you have a favorite restaurant?
A: River’s End Restaurant & Inn in Jenner.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.
Q: Who’s your favorite movie monster?
A: Mike, the one-eyed monster from “Monsters, Inc”.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Fishing lures.