In 1972, Thomas Wilkinson was working for his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, as Director of Development when he met Gary Salquist, the National President of the fraternity and a resident of Omaha. Gary introduced Thomas to the insurance profession and ultimately convinced him to move to Omaha and join his Mass Mutual agency. After working with Mass Mutual for 25 years, he was offered an early retirement opportunity and decided to purchase 50% of what was then Hughes Financial Group. He and the other owner renamed the company Heritage Financial Services and Thomas began building the company’s presence in Omaha.
Heritage Financial Services is a comprehensive financial services firm committed to helping our clients improve their long-term financial success. We offer a wide range of quality financial products and the advice and expertise of some of the best financial professionals in the industry.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am married and have four children. My wife of 36 years is Cathy and our children are Jessica, Abby, Ashley and Tyler. We also have four wonderful grandchildren, Cassidy, Lewis, Riley and Spencer. We are fortunate in that all of our children have remained in Omaha and we see our grandchildren often because Cathy is the very willing day-care provider for our grandchildren.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
My life has had many turning points and I hope there are some yet to come. Most, if not all, of my turning points have been brought about by the people in my life. I have been blessed with many good and enriching people in my life that have provided me opportunities that I could have never imagined.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spend time with my grandchildren – nothing at this point is more meaningful to me than time with my family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I was a fast pitch softball player for years, until I was in my 40s.
What are you the most proud of?
The lives that I hope I have positively impacted. One of my primary goals in life has always been to leave the world a better place upon my death that what I came into at birth.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“If I always do what I’ve always done, I’ll always get what I’ve always gotten.”
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
For my children to all have happy lives of meaning and purpose. Nothing would mean more to me.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
The power to give those hope who have none or have very little.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The last book I read was The Noticer by Andy Andrews. Great book about perspective!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Omaha has so many great restaurants. It would be difficult for me to select one. We enjoy trying new places when we find time to go out for dinner.
If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be?
I would like to have dinner with my father. He died when I was 12 years old. He was and is one of my heroes.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
I can be reached at 402-558-6860 or by email at twilkinson@heritagefinservices.com or online at www.heritagefinservices.com.