Peter H. Thomas – Founder & Chairman

OVERVIEW Thomas was one of the leading real estate developers and lenders of his time in North America, developing several billion dollars of projects, including shopping centers, apartments and condominiums, land assembly, and golf courses. He brought the franchising rights of Century 21 Real Estate to Canada, founded Samoth Capital Corporation (now known as Sterling Centrecorp Inc.), and developed the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. After the tragic loss of his son in 2000, Thomas decided to focus his time and energy on social entrepreneurship, and to share his experience and philosophy of values-based living and leadership with others. He is the Founder and Chairman of LifePilot, the Founder and Chairman of the Todd Thomas Institute for Values-Based Leadership at Royal Roads University in BC, Canada, Chairman Emeritus of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), and Vice-Chairman of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO). FULL BIOGRAPHY When your values are clear, your decisions become easier This is the message that best-selling author, international speaker, and social entrepreneur, Peter H. Thomas, takes around the world. He is a goal-oriented super achiever who has, for over four decades, applied his business expertise, experience, and personal energy with unparalleled discipline to reach the pinnacle of success in everything he has engaged in, including investment, real estate, sales, philanthropy, and most importantly, life. I want to use my skills, network, and influence to make the world a better place. Thomas is the Founder and Chairman of LifePilot, a B.C. based not-for-profit organization established in 2002, which seeks to empower people to live fulfilling, balanced lives and to realize their highest personal potential. LifePilot was inspired by the tragic death of Thomas’ son Todd, who committed suicide in 2000. With LifePilot, Thomas promotes leadership through values by engaging people in a dialogue about creating positive change and proactively living their life in alignment with their values. LifePilot’s net proceeds contribute to running its Community Outreach Programs. Keeping in line with his message of values-based living, Thomas aims to foster values-based leadership in young leaders and organizations. With this objective, he is actively involved with the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO). Furthermore, he made a gift to the Royal Roads University Foundation in Victoria, B.C. in December of 2006, to initiate the Todd Thomas Institute for Values-Based Leadership. The Institute, launched in 2008, provides applied research in the field of values-based leadership to advance knowledge and celebrate ground-breaking practices in support of values-based solutions for organizations and communities and in support of values-based leadership education. Background With his rich and diverse background, Thomas is credited by associates as being one of the world brand developers for Century 21 Real Estate. He was the Founder and Chairman of Century 21 Real Estate Canada Ltd., which developed into the largest real estate network in the country. At the time he sold the company in 1987, it had achieved $9 billion in annual sales through 450 franchises with over 8,000 sales representatives. In 1984, Thomas founded Samoth Capital Corporation, a North American real estate investment and management services company (now known as Sterling Centrecorp Inc.), for which he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Of?cer from 1984 to 2001. Thomas has led numerous other significant ventures, including Mystic Tan Canada, and the year 2000 development of the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona, facilitated through his US Real Estate Company, Thomas Pride International. Before becoming a successful entrepreneur, Peter served with the Canadian Army for seven years, seeing action at the Suez Canal as a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons Reconnaissance Squadron. Interests Thomas is committed to a life of health, happiness, integrity, and personal freedom that includes a daily workout, a healthy diet, and having as much fun as possible. He lives in Switzerland with his wife Rita and spends the balance of his time in British Columbia, Arizona and wherever else his extensive travels and speaking engagements take him. Thomas’ hobbies include a lifelong interest in music. As such, he funded a Nashville based emerging country music artist management company, which among other acts, managed seven time winner of the Canadian Country Music Entertainer of the Year Award, Michelle Wright. He also loves riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, cruising the Pacific Northwest waters, reading, hiking, biking, and traveling. A car lover and major collector for most of his life, Thomas has at the height of his collecting frenzy, owned as many as forty-two classic cars. My purpose is to love, to be a world leader, and to enjoy the journey of life. I want to lead, educate, and inspire wherever I go. Publications As a best-selling author in Canada, Thomas has three books to his credit: Windows of Opportunity: 21 steps to successful selling - 1984 Never Fight with a Pig: a survival guide for entrepreneurs - 1991 LifeManual: a proven formula to live the life you desire - 2005 Thomas has also written Passport to Business Success a small handbook to assist in charitable fundraising activities, and he has produced The Peter Thomas Sales Course, a sales training CD program. Community Involvement Chairman Emeritus of the International Advisory Committee of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Vice Chairman of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Chairman of the 2008 Judges Nominating Committee, Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) Chairman of the Todd Thomas Institute for Values-Based Leadership, Royal Roads University, BC Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Thomas Foundation, a privately endowed Canadian foundation established in 1990, which focuses on children, mental health, and education. Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Todd Thomas Foundation, which was organized to celebrate and honor the life of Thomas’ son Todd (1964-2000) who committed suicide by leaping to his death from the fourteenth ?oor of the New York Plaza Hotel. The Todd Thomas Foundation focuses on mental health charities and is a component fund of the Arizona Community Foundation. Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Worlds Presidents’ Organization (WPO) Past Chairman of the British Columbia Housing Commission Past Chairman of the British Columbia Building Corporation Past Chairman of the British Columbia Government Privatization Review Committee Past Board Member of the British Columbia Pavilion Corporation Past Director and Chairman of the Fund-raising Committee for St. Michael’s University School Awards Honour of EO trophy name (2008): The Thomas Trimble Cup honoring Peter Thomas and Bill Trimble as EO’s Canadian Pioneers Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Lifetime Achievement Award (2007) Induction into the CEO Hall of Fame, Chicago (2007) Golden Heart Award for Leader of Distinction, Arizona Woman Magazine (2001) Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Pacific Region (1998) Honour of EO award initiation (1996): The Peter H. Thomas Award of Merit - presented yearly to a YPO or WPO member who is considered the most valuable mentor to EO. To contact Peter H. Thomas click here: contact@lifepilot.org