Tom Jones

Tom has been the owner of Cres Property Management LLC since its acquisition in 2000. His enthusiasm for his work is palpable, as he takes great pleasure in managing the daily operations of the office. Tom acknowledges the challenges of property management, contrasting it with more glamorous professions, yet excels in optimizing processes, maintaining organizational efficiency, and integrating beneficial technology. He says it is not like a publishers clearing house, it can be a rough business if you're not dropping off large checks.

Born in a small town in Southwest Ohio, Tom's early life was shaped by his parents' ownership of a local business in Bethel, resembling a miniaturized Walmart, except clothing and food items. The store offered a variety of goods including sporting equipment, toys, bicycles, automotive products, housewares, tools, and hardware. Following his high school graduation, Tom's parents sold their business and relocated to Siesta Key, Florida. At this juncture, Tom pursued a radio broadcasting diploma and FCC license from the Radio Engineering Institute in Sarasota, Florida.

Tom's career journey included stints at three radio stations and four nightclubs until his late 20s. After a decade in radio, he grew disillusioned with the industry's repetitiveness and instability, often humorously remarking on the tedium faced by DJs. This dissatisfaction led him to return to Cincinnati around the age of 30, where he transitioned out of radio, perceiving himself as a "washed up DJ."

In Cincinnati, Tom initially worked for Swallen's department store before joining the Hamilton County Auditor's department in 1992. There, he oversaw a pioneering project involving photographic documentation of every home, business, and parcel in Cincinnati, the results of which continue to be used on the auditor's website. His tenure in this role was a springboard into home and commercial bank inspections.

Tom's entry into real estate was influenced by his acquaintance with Dave Hyde, a property management professional. This experience kindled his interest in the field, ultimately leading to the purchase of Cres Property Management in 2000.