An MBA from Harvard and Master of Architecture from Yale, Tom started off in real estate consulting, working for organizations like the New York Department of City Planning and London based P&O Developments.

He became interested in climate issues during his stint as part of fleet team that reclaimed property in the former East Germany, once confiscated by the Third Reich on behalf of victims and their decendants. It was here that he became aware of the problem of regional pollution caused by the burning of low-grade coal, and the potential for implementing leap-frogging technology. He established Glendening Company, a consultancy to address complex real estate, where he focused on the problems climate change and energy dependence, as well as the development of a hydrogen economy.

Tom has traveled to 42 countries, working on projects in six of those countries, but he considers home to be wherever his wife and kids are. This is currently New York City.