Tom Peterson

If I had to sum myself up

I’m a practical person who likes good routines, good people, and good humor. I’ve never needed a spotlight — I’d rather be useful than impressive. And I’m happiest when my week includes something active, something social, and something that keeps me learning.

I grew up with Midwest values — work hard, show respect, keep your word. Weekends were sports, family dinners, and the kind of conversations that quietly teach you how to treat people. I learned early that character isn’t what you say; it’s what you do when nobody’s watching.

These days, retirement (done right) isn’t about doing nothing. For me, it’s about doing the right things: staying healthy, staying involved, being present with family, and making sure the days feel full in a good way.

Career chapter (built on calm + details)

I spent most of my career in operations and team leadership — the kind of work where the details matter. I was drawn to roles where you take something complicated, remove the friction, and make it run clean. Part problem-solving, part people-management, part staying calm when the pressure is high.

I liked being the person who could walk into a situation, ask a few good questions, and figure out what mattered most. Not because I wanted to be the hero — because I liked dependable systems and dependable teams. And over time, that “steady” approach became the thing people expected from me.

Family first (always)

The best parts of life rarely happen at work. They happen in kitchens, living rooms, and at the dinner table. They happen on family trips, birthdays, and ordinary moments that don’t feel important until you look back and realize they were everything. Retirement has given me the space to notice those moments more — and to protect time for them.

Sports taught me the basics

Sports taught me how to handle wins and losses without being dramatic. They taught me teamwork and resilience. And they taught me something I still believe: you don’t have to be the best — you just have to show up consistently and keep your attitude right.

Golf mornings

Golf is my quiet sport. It’s where I reset. The pace is right, the sun is right, and you get a lot of good conversation between shots. I’m not chasing perfection — I’m chasing steady improvement and a great morning outside.

Tennis afternoons

Tennis keeps me sharp. It’s movement, balance, and focus. It also keeps me honest — if I get lazy with my feet, the ball punishes me immediately. I love that about it. It’s a simple feedback loop: you get what you earn.

Softball + the team vibe

Softball is pure fun. I like the energy, the teammates, and the feeling of being part of something. It reminds me that community doesn’t just happen — you build it by showing up.

Mah Jong + Bridge (serious fun)

Mah Jong is strategy, memory, and a little bit of luck — with friends who can laugh at themselves. Bridge is a reminder that you’re never “done” learning. There’s always a better decision, a better read, and a better way to communicate with your partner.

A few simple goals I keep

Stay healthy enough to say “yes.” Keep friendships active. Be the steady one for family. Keep curiosity turned on — new books, new places, new stories. I don’t want to get stuck in “I’ve seen it all.” There’s always more to learn, and that’s a good thing.

The next chapter

I don’t have a dramatic bucket list — I have a practical one. I want to keep my body working well, keep my relationships strong, and keep enjoying the day-to-day. The next chapter is about maintenance — of health, of friendships, and of the relationships that matter most.

I want to keep playing the sports I love, keep learning, and keep being available for family in the ways that count. More weekend trips, more dinners with friends, more time outside, and more moments that turn into stories. “Someday” is a myth — you do the good stuff now, while you can enjoy it.

And yes — I’d love to improve my game in every area: golf, tennis, softball, even Mah Jong. Not because I need to prove anything — because improvement keeps life interesting.