Tommy
Walker
Growing up with two older sisters, I got a daily reminder that there’s a lot I don’t know and can do better at.
With experience navigating highs and lows, from being overshadowed to being super tall and from taking an easy going approach to putting his head down, Tommy shares his takeaways.
LIGHTENING UP
Early on I learned not to take myself too seriously. Being able to laugh at myself helped me accept who I am and then focus on how to improve through effort.
ALWAYS ON THE GO
I grew up splitting time between my parents, and had to pack what I needed in my school backpack, so I never had a lot of stuff. Home for me was more about the people than the things.
GIVING 100%
At VMG, we’re all in, all the time. People are committed not only to achieving a great outcome, but also to building great relationships along the way.
Why don’t we start with young Tommy. What’s a lesson you learned as a child that has stuck with you?
“Don’t take yourself too seriously.” I grew up with two older sisters who were good at most things and better than me at all things. So I got a daily reminder that there’s a lot I don’t know and a lot I can do better at. Being able to laugh at myself helped me accept who I am and then focus on how to improve through effort.
Sounds like growing up in your family taught you a lot.
I grew up spending different days of the week with each of my parents. I’d pack everything I needed for the next few days in my backpack before school, so I never had a lot of stuff. Home for me was more about the people than the things. I still have a strange affection for back packs and bring one to work everyday.
Speaking of work, what do you appreciate most about working at VMG?
People at VMG really care about the things they do and how they do them, from the rigor and intensity they bring to work to the respect and humility they bring to interactions. I feel fortunate to work with people who are committed not only to achieving a great outcome, but also to building great relationships along the way.
What is your favorite VMG brand (past or present) and why?
Quest Nutrition. For me, a great brand starts with a product that solves big pain points for people in a unique way. I tried almost every bar under the sun, but wasn’t able to find an option that filled me up and hit my sweet tooth while having healthy nutritionals, until I came across Quest bars. I go through 1–2 on a bad day and 3–4 on a good day!
I’m tall myself, so I can ask this question. What’s your favorite thing about being vertically blessed?
Now: being able to find people easily in crowds. When I was a kid: being able to go on any attraction at Splish Splash, Long Island’s best water park.
Did growing up tall have any impact on who you are today?
I was always tall-ish, but I became taller relative to my friends in my later teens because I kept growing.
Ooh, plot twist.
That’s right. Never count someone out before the story is over!
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