Meet Tom Graybill, our Vice President of Sales, who has been a cornerstone of the Tri-Marq Communications team for 29 years. Tom is a Cum Laude graduate from the University of Miami and started his career in the news industry, working for TV stations in Miami and Milwaukee, where he ascended to the role of a 10 pm news producer. Despite being an Emmy nominee for the Survive Alive fire safety and prevention program, news was not Tom’s true calling. Seeking a job with more regular hours, he transitioned to a video production company as a Marketing Director, which turned out to be a sales position in disguise, despite multiple assurances that it was not. This discovery led him to join Tri-Marq in 1995, a place he has called home-away-from-home ever since. The highlight of his work, Tom shares, is the ability to help clients achieve their goals in addition to learning about industries that he otherwise would know nothing about. He also enjoys the unique experiences his role affords him, like riding solo on a roller coaster at Universal Studios in Florida (twice!).
Outside the office, Tom is a devoted husband of 33 years and a proud father to two adult daughters. He’s a game show veteran, having appeared on one during his college days that aired on MTV. He enjoys clay shooting and trap shooting. Although he admits to playing the guitar ‘badly,’ it’s evident that Tom is always up for trying new things. A funny encounter from his past was having lunch with Leslie Nielsen, who chuckled at one of his jokes.
“See, Betsy – people like my jokes!” – Tom Graybill
His commitment to both our industry and community engagement is noteworthy. Tom has served as the president of the Wisconsin Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and his induction into the MPI-Wisconsin Hall of Fame in 2020. Tom’s involvement extends to volunteering on committees for WCTC, MATC, and USO Wisconsin in addition to teaching networking to students at several local universities and high schools.
Tom’s words to live by are as entertaining as he is. Drawing from Igor’s line in “Young Frankenstein,” he reminds us that things “Could be worse. Could be raining.” And echoing Jason Nesmith from “Galaxy Quest,” Tom emphasizes to “Never give up. Never surrender.” These quotes emphasize Tom’s spirit and humorous outlook. His vast experience, team commitment, and lively jokes are just a few reasons we are lucky to have Tom’s consistent dedication and unique charm here at Tri-Marq and look forward to many more years with him.