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Thom Hiatt, BJ '98

On his company, Twin Bees Communications:
Twin Bees Communications helps organizations of all sizes improve their marketing strategies and fine-tune their advertising efforts. While the majority of our work is for larger, nationwide corporations, we never ignore the smaller businesses that provide consumers' day-to-day business needs.

On his early start in business and marketing:
I started in business at age 11, operating a small ballpark concession stand. By age 14, I was managing three of them. At 15, I owned and operated a successful entertainment and live events company. And at 17, I had a live radio show, "Thom with an H," on Kansas City's "KISS FM."

On his time at the Missouri School of Journalism:
I studied advertising and participated on the executive board of the School's Advertising Club, helping to significantly grow membership in two years' time. By my senior year, I sold my entertainment company and was ready for a professional career.

On his first job:
I worked for the country's largest radio group, Clear Channel Communications in San Diego, Calif. There, I created, sold and managed award-winning multi-media marketing campaigns. My campaigns focused on the community. I was working with government organizations to develop programs that would reduce youth smoking, decrease adult obesity, encourage reading, improve the environment and stop teen violence.

On taking a break from the industry:
I eventually decided to start my own firm, but I needed a break first. So, I traversed the United States, visiting 26 states in 29 days alone in my car. During the trip, I met and interviewed eight different men, from a paperboy to a venture capitalist, who had only their names in common: Thomas Hiatt. My story was later featured in the San Diego Union Tribune, as well as on Channel 4 TV in San Diego.

On a personal note:
My wife and business partner, Melissa, and I have one child. We are very active in our church and community. We volunteer for several organizations, including the American Lung Association, the San Diego Blood Bank and the Knights of Columbus, just to name a few.