Thomas

Naval Architect

Born in Hadley, Massachusetts—a small farm town in the western part of the state—Thomas studied at Webb Institute on Long Island, graduating with a dual B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. His professional experience includes roles at Brooklin Boatyard, Bill Prince Yacht Design, and Michael Peters Yacht Design. A lifelong enthusiast of wooden boats, he grew up sailing and fishing, and even worked on an emergency response tugboat in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. At Van Dam, his interests lean toward structural calculations and composites engineering, with a special passion for high-speed powerboats and performance sailboats.

Thomas recently moved to Michigan and remains close with his parents and his younger brother, a senior at the University of Miami studying piano performance. His family also includes an English bulldog named Bill.

Away from the design desk, Thomas enjoys working with his hands—restoring cars and motorcycles (including a Harley-Davidson he rebuilt in high school). He’s an avid sailor who races both inshore and offshore, and he stays active playing hockey, skiing, and golfing. He’s happiest when there’s a project to pick away at.

• Born and raised: Hadley, Massachusetts

• Graduated: Webb Institute — B.S. Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering

• Favorite Fundamental: 37. Practice Gratitude

• Best thing about working at Van Dam: The learning opportunities—every day brings a new challenge and the chance to learn from highly experienced teammates.