Dublin-Worthington News Stories

Membership Spotlight: Tom Reis

By Monday, February 28, 2022
Advancing the Leadership Mindset
Finding Success in the Success of Others
Paul Cynkar, February 2022
This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to get an up-close view of the traits and strengths of the members who provide leadership to this organization.
Membership Spotlight:  Tom Reis
Architect, Mentor, Renaissance Man
 
Tell me about yourself. Give me three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes.
 I have 62 first cousins my parents had 20 sisters and brothers. I spent nearly 40 plus years in the practice of Architecture and now semi-retired working part time for Korda Engineering providing Business Development Services. My wife Sherry and I are very proud of our two grown children, their spouses and our five grandchildren.

 How long have you belonged to Rotary? What’s the best thing about membership?
I believe my start in Rotary was 1988 during Charles Housley’s Presidency, my neighbor Bob Pettit recommended me for membership, truly a good person and dear friend. I really didn’t know much about Rotary until I attended my first meetings as a guest. I have a gained many new friends and some of my closest friends are Rotarians I have met form those early days. I served on the social committee initially and later the board of directors and on to my presidency in 1994-95. As past president, I then began serving on the Foundation Board and have remained on the board ever since and followed as chair after Frank White retired from the chair position. I have enjoyed the projects and programs I have been involved with over the years, The All Children’s Park, The Pavilion at Linworh Park, the Scholarship Program, and now the Foundation,

As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others? Who was impacted and how?
I have been surrounded by great mentors throughout my career starting with my father and including Burry Otis, Harry Weithman, Harold Rettstat, Richard Miller, Dick Carpenter, Dick Demlow, Charlie Rodenfels and Irwin Rosenstein. All these men were directly responsible for my success in my Professional career. Each of these individuals gave me the tools to administer the decisions I made and the experience to assist others throughout my career. As managing principal of a major architectural firm, I had the opportunity to bring along many young architects by having the philosophy of treating every person no matter what their position or education equally. I have tried to pay back by being a mentor for students at the OSU School of Architecture and as a mentor for the MBK program at St Charles Prep School.

As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally? Why?
It is all said above, the men who surrounded me throughout my career have contributed in many ways to who I am today. I have no regrets in my life or career and as the love of my life, my wife Sherry, has said, everything in life happens for a reason. I have had a few bumps in the road in my career and have overcome them. I have been so blessed with my faith, my family and friends, I am the wealthiest person I know.

Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on. What was your role? What was the result? What did you learn?
I was assigned to negotiate the contract for our firm who was hired for the first renovation project as architect and engineer for the Pentagon in Washington DC. I had never put together a government contract and to my success we had a partner who had the experience. In addition, I was assigned to build an office in DC, acquire office space, purchase furniture and hire staff. In the end, along with my partner, we were able to build a stand-alone office for over 100 professionals.

What are some things you are passionate about? What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing? What makes your heart sing?
Since I am semi-retired my passion is to travel and enjoy my family, my children and grandchildren. The exciting part of my life is watching my grandchildren play sports and their talents in art their academic achievements. I enjoy golf with friends and travel abroad. I have been a 40 plus year season basketball holder for OSU basketball and haven’t missed a Big Ten Tourney in Indianapolis, Chicago, New York and Washington DC.

What are you especially skilled at? What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?
You know, I feel I am a renaissance man. I am proud of my career as an architect and have since enjoyed working with young kids who will be the future of our great country. I enjoy working with my hands, gardening, home improvement projects and I have recently picked up acrylic painting. I really can’t say what others might think of me, but I hope they would say I am a good person, husband, father, friend and fair to all concerned.

When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about? What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet? Is there something else you would like to accomplish?
You know, I hope I live to see my great grandchildren. I hope the world can find a way to get along which may be wishful thinking. I do want to get back to Italy this Fall and plan our next trip to maybe Greece. I have accomplished more than I would have ever dreamed. I am sure there is something out there I want to do but may not have the patience, like play the piano.

If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why?
FDR, the 31st president of the United States, because of the meetings he had with the then leaders of our alliance to defeat the Germans. The meetings which took place with the Soviet Union and England really intrigued me and the availability to travel to some very interesting destinations to discuss strategy.

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