About Tom

As a junior at the University of Alabama still a teenager Tom won his 1st state power lifting championship in the 165 lb division. At almost 6' tall he felt like his strength could be a useful tool so he continued getting bigger and stronger winning multiple state and regional championships. Thirteen years latter he had pushed his body weight to 300 lbs and continued getting stronger every year. In 1986 A friend told him if he would lose 60 lbs he could win the Mr Alabama. He did in 1988 and went on to win the Mr. Southeast and placing in the top of over 25 national and international physique contests. Most recently wining the Mr. North America in 2001 and Still holds the title of Master Mr. U. S .A. .He plans on competing again in 2010.

He holds the unique distinction of successfully competing in power lifting for nearly 4 full decades.

What was his motivation?

Tom knew his strength was a gift from God and he began using it to reach and help others. In 1975 he bought some land in the country,south of Birmingham and named it the Kings Ranch. He built the first house with the idea of providing a home for kids in need.

Social workers in the area heard about it and before the first house was completely finished they had ten children. But it was heartbreaking not to have room for the others that needed a home. Tom had been speaking and performing feats of strength for several years and decided that, that might be a good way to raise awareness and funds for "his" kids needs. One morning he decided to let a truck drive over his stomach, he had always been gifted with unusually strong abs. It became a great fundraiser and he put together other "professional strong man strength stunts and began making up to 400 appearances a year. Tom did this for the "Ranch" until 1990. Then he and 2 coworkers began to see more and more need for a treatment center for troubled teenagers creating "The Ala. Youth Home." Tom continued his stunt work and speaking but more on a national basis. Tom retired from this work in 1990, during his time his God given gifts helped to raise $50,000,000.00 for hurting children. Both homes continue to thrive and are helping 100's of boys and girls each year.