TOM STENGRIM, MBA
BUSINESS STRATEGIST
-WORKED WITH MULTIPLE STARTUP COMPANIES
-LEAD A BUSINESS INCUBATOR & ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
-BUILT A TOP AFLAC INSURANCE AGENCY
-RECOGNIZED PRECISION PLANNING & LOGISTICS EXPERT
-TAUGHT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT THE GRADUATE LEVEL
“The invention and commercialization of new technology is the driving force of America’s growing economy. I embrace the opportunity to serve these entrepreneurs in helping turn their ideas and passion into a profitable success in the marketplace.”
Tom Stengrim is the founder and lead business strategist at Lazios. He works with startup companies in developing a plan to get their idea from the back of a napkin to the marketplace. Additionally, he works with existing companies that want to grow to that next level, require an evolving strategy, and preparing them to acquire that next stage of capital investment.
His start as an entrepreneur came at the age of 7, when he launched a refurbished golf ball stand on a local golf course. Realizing that his customers were also thirsty, he added lemonade and mom’s fresh chocolate chip cookies to the product mix. Tom has had a passion for America, the free-market economy and the opportunity for entrepreneurs to control their own destiny, ever since.
Tom moved to South Dakota in 1999 and founded Stengrim Insurance, Inc. He grew the company into one of the country’s top AFLAC operations during which time he consistently exceeded sales goals and trained over 100 agents in a multi-state region.
In addition to building his own successful business, Tom led the rebranding and remodel of the business incubator Zeal – Center for Entrepreneurship. He has been in many volunteer and public service roles. Having traveled the world during his 30+ years of military service, Tom also brings a global perspective on economic opportunity and a strong advocacy for entrepreneurship to emerging businesses. With this broad and diverse experience, Tom brings a passionate, collaborative and operational approach to Lazios and its clients along with an extensive network of contacts.
A native of Stephen, MN, Tom joined the military in 1986 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer in 2008. He currently holds the rank of Lt Commander and serves as a Logistics Officer.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
- STRATEGIC PLANNING, NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CAPITAL RAISING, COMMERCIALIZATION
- ENTREPRENEURSHIP, COMPANY STARTUP, LEADERSHIP, STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS, EXIT STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
- UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS– MBA MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
- UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO–BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BOARDS & SERVICE:
- COMMISSIONED OFFICER–U.S. NAVY
- MULTIPLE DEPLOYMENTS TO SOUTHWEST ASIA-OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
- FORMER HARRISBURG CITY COUNCIL
- EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER–EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD & RESERVE (ESGR)
- SIOUX FALLS FIGURE SKATING CLUB
- JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT VOLUNTEER
- CUB AND BOY SCOUT LEADER
- LENNOX PTA VOLUNTEER
Tom@Lazios.com / 605.767.1200
