Meet Thomas Dear III | IT Professional & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Dear III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of middle schoolers at a Black Excellence Expo Event. I encouraged them to follow their dreams because you never know how far it will take you in life. I shared with them my journey as an author and how my children’s book, ‘Teddy Makes Cents,’ derived from a need. I was driven to write the book after witnessing students struggling with basic financial concepts during my time leading a Junior Achievement program. There were times when I wanted to give up because I had never written a book before in my life but that little voice in my head wouldn’t let me. I was constantly reminded to finish the book. Afterwards, I would spend the next several years promoting financial literacy at various schools throughout the U.S., which led to me being a guest on ‘Michael Colyar’s Morning Show,’ ‘FOX News: The Pulse of St. Louis,’ and featured in the ‘2023 Waymaker Journal Winter Issue.’ The key takeaway I wanted students to leave with from the event was that if I had given up on my dreams then I wouldn’t be where I am today. However, I was passionate about the work I was doing which led to more opportunities. How dare I tell you to dream big and not take my own advice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I began my Enterprise Mobility career in 2018 as a business analyst with Entegral. Entegral is an integrated software platform that streamlines the claims process for service providers working to get a customer on their way and back into a vehicle after an accident. Entegral enables communication and collaboration between tens of thousands of collision repair shops, insurance providers and other industry professionals around the world.

Today, I lead two teams as a Scrum Master with Entegral, where I promote effective communication, help in continuous improvement, and foster collaboration as my teams work towards a shared goal. During my tenure I have inspired inclusion in the workplace by serving as a founding member of Entegral’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee. It’s the people-first culture that drives my enjoyment at work. Whether it’s volunteering together or sharing team potlucks, I embrace the strong sense of community the Entegral team fosters.

Also, I have taken that commitment to community, out into the world. Beyond my literary prowess and founding my own publishing company, Dream Big Publishing, I am a motivational speaker and advocate for financial literacy with a focus on educating the youth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Well, our first stop after picking them up from the airport on a Monday evening would have to be Bus Loop Burgers in St. Ann, MO. Their burgers are delicious and they give you plenty of fries. Afterwards, we would head over to Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill which is right up the road in Bridgeton, MO, to play a game of pool and watch sports.

Tuesday, we would begin our day with a workout at my friend Eric Bell’s gym, All Mighty Fitness, in Bridgeton MO. Afterwards, we would grab some breakfast from ‘First Watch’ in Creve Coeur, MO. My favorite meal to order off their menu is the ‘Tri-Fecta: Blueberry Pancake, Scrambled Eggs, Turkey Sausage,’ and a glass of orange juice. Next, we would head to West County Mall so that they can grab some exclusive STL clothing from Arch Apparel. Later on that evening, we would have dinner at Mi Ranchito in University City, MO in honor of Taco Tuesday. I love to order their chicken tacos with a side of rice and a Modelo.

Wednesday, we would begin our day with a workout at 9Round Kickboxing Fitness in Creve Coeur, MO. We’re lacing up the gloves and hitting the bags. Afterwards, we would grab some breakfast from Kingside Diner in the Central West End. I highly recommend their Chicken & Waffles Meal with a glass of orange juice. It is crunchy, salty, sweet, and savory. Next, we would visit the World Chess Hall of Fame which is also in the Central West End near the diner. Later on that evening, we would have dinner at Pi Pizzeria. I love them for their deep pizza. I like to create my own pizza which includes: mozzarella, red sauce, vegan sausage, banana peppers, and jalapeños. Then, we would go across the street to Up-Down STL, an arcade bar with many of our favorite games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, pinball machines, and so much more.

Thursday, we would begin our day with a workout at Club Fitness in Creve Coeur, MO. Afterwards, we would grab some breakfast from Chris at the Docket in the heart of downtown St. Louis, MO. My go to meal on their menu is the ‘Classic Breakfast: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Turkey Bacon, a Bowl of Fruit,’ and a glass of orange juice. Next, we would head over to the Arch, so that they can explore it and have a photo-op in front of the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. Later on that evening, we would have dinner at 360 Rooftop Bar which is downtown as well. I would order their wings as a starter. Then, I would order the ‘Buffalo Soldier Pizza: Buffalo Chicken, Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato, Micro Celery, Chipotle Ranch,’ as an entree.

Friday, we would begin our day by going to grab breakfast at The Original Pancake House in Chesterfield, MO. I would order their french toast, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, hashbrowns and a glass of orange juice. Afterwards, we would go to the Premium Outlet Mall in Chesterfield, MO to catch any deals on sneakers and clothes. Later on that evening, we would go to Topgolf in Chesterfield, MO to play some games, have dinner and drinks.

Saturday, we would begin our day by going to grab brunch at Billy G’s in Kirkwood, MO. I would order their ‘Lean Breakfast Sandwich: scrambled egg whites, spinach, turkey bacon, tomato, cheddar cheese, whole wheat english muffin,’ a side of potatoes, and a glass of orange juice. Afterwards, we would head over to Westport Social in Westport Plaza to watch sports and play games. Later on that evening, we would have dinner at Gulf Shores in Creve Coeur, MO. I love their ‘Salmon Your Way: Cajun Sautéed Salmon topped with onion rings,’ served with yellow rice, and green beans.

Sunday, they’re heading out to catch an early flight. This concludes a fun and exciting week in the Lou!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize my mentor and friend Julius Anthony, who’s making a tremendous difference in St. Louis, MO. He’s the founder of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and The Believe Projects. He’s ensuring all children become confident and competent readers by the end of third grade, while also creating spaces for them to have access to images and literacy experiences that reflect their cultural experiences. His mentorship has been a pivotal part of my journey. I would not be a published author without his guidance and support. I am truly grateful to have someone like him in my life.

Website: www.dreambigpublish.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthomasdear/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdear/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamthomasdear

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011461176495

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKORg74c1_LbNJL2Cjl3mqg

Image Credits
Photographer(s): Fam Establishment Media, 4MACS Photography