Indy Star | February 2016 | Amy Lynch, Star correspondent
Tom Feick grew up in a family of entrepreneurs with the hope of one day joining their ranks as business owner himself. Not only has he achieved that dream, he’s helping others to do so, too.
For Feick, opening Indiana’s first Murphy Business and Financial Corp. office in 2015 involved a career shift from the accounting, administration and operations management experience he’d accumulated over 35 years. Fortunately, Feick found his skills transferable to his new role as a franchisee.
“I worked in the medical device industry in the executive management level,” he said.
“When I was ready to invest in a business of my own, I was looking for an opportunity where I could leverage my professional background.”
One of the largest and most successful brokerage and consulting firms in North America, Murphy Business and Financial caught Feick’s eye. The local operation now helps support other entrepreneurs throughout the Indianapolis region with business sales, purchases, valuations, and mergers and acquisitions.
“The (Murphy’s) national team center is a great asset, because it provides access to both their national business listing system and their network of professionals who are well-‐ versed in brokerage, M&A, business valuations and M&E appraisals,” Feick said. “As a franchisee, it’s valuable to have access to such a large network of brokers and valuations specialists available to you.”
What Feick enjoys most, though, is helping his clients succeed.
“I see my role as an advocate for both seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said. “I’m proud of the close connections I’ve made with the Indianapolis business community. I have clients I keep in touch with who update me on how their businesses are running since working with me, and it’s a wonderful thing to hear about.”
Here’s how Feick answered our five questions:
Question: What’s something people would be surprised to know about Indy’s entrepreneurial/startup community?
A: “The Indianapolis community is one of the most passionate around. I’ve met with countless entrepreneurial clients in various stages of their company’s lifecycle — startups to very mature and established businesses. One of the most common traits of these business owners I’ve noticed is their enthusiasm and commitment to their businesses and to Central Indiana.”
Q: What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your career?
A: “I’ve noticed over the years that there may be shortcuts to many things, but I’ve learned you will very seldom find shortcuts to success. Meeting with my clients and seeing the hard work they put in to make their dreams a reality has emphasized this even more for me.”
Q: Do you have a personal business philosophy you try to follow?
A: “My personal business philosophy is two-‐fold. First, truly listen to all parties involved in a transaction and fully understand the expectations of each side. From there, I make sure all parties are treated professionally and that everyone walks away completely satisfied with the end results. In other words, the outcome should be a win-‐win for everyone.”
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
A: “A leader to me is someone who, through example, has the highest standards of ethics, morals and integrity. Also, a leader should be able to inspire and lead others with confidence, decisiveness and optimism, and most importantly, have an ample dose of humility.”
Q: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
A: “The best advice comes from my dad, who says it’s important to choose a vocation you enjoy. If you don’t get up every morning looking forward to your day, you’re in the wrong business.”
More about Tom Feick
Job title: Principal/Managing Director, Murphy Business and Financial of Indianapolis. Education: IUPUI – Finance.
Prior employment: CFO of Esaote North America. Family: Wife, Carol; five children; one granddaughter.
Favorite pastimes: Running, walking, reading. And an occasional cigar. Favorite musical artists: “Any artist who sounds good.”
Favorite quote: “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” — John Paul II