Tom was born in Texas and raised in Nebraska and South Dakota and back to Nebraska for High School graduation. He worked a year as an apprentice commercial artist and printer in Iowa and then hitched up with the Air Force (ours) for four years. The AF took him back to Texas, to Illinois, New Mexico and finally the last year in Alaska. (As a weather observer) After discharge, Tom worked in Albuquerque as a printer and then printing equipment salesperson. He managed the Heidelberg facility in Albuquerque and then went to El Paso to manage a fine paper and graphic equipment division of a regional paper company. After a divorce in El Paso, Tom moved to Austin and went into printing sales, where he met his wife of 23 years Patricia. Pat started a printing company in Austin and after a couple of years of being in competition with Tom hired him to manage the company and grow it into their retirement fund. In 10 years, they did just that; sold the business and retired in Maine. After 3 ½ years the pull of the nine grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren pulled them back to Texas. Tom had transitioned into the art field in Maine so Wimberley as an arts community was a natural choice for their new Texas home. Tom is a juried member of the Art Guild of the Kennebunks, President of the Wimberley Valley Art League and actively involved as a displaying member of the New Braunfels Art League. Tom started his cooking career as a baker, and has progressed to feeling adequate in all areas of the kitchen. He's as happy being Pat's assistant as he is being head chef at a WMCC dinner. He has several signature dishes; a top on his favorite list is the smoked salmon.
chili dishes
Business Link: Tom Bender Images