Thomas H. Douglas

Thomas H. Douglas is an American business executive, author, and investor. A leader in the managed IT services industry, Tom has served as the chief executive officer of JMARK Business Solutions since 2001, scaling the firm from a local six-person turnaround into a national technology company. He is the author of the business strategy book Adapt or Die (2021), publisher of the weekly executive newsletter Success Starts Sunday, and host of the business leadership podcast Own the Journey.

CEO since: 2001
Recognition: 9× Inc. 5000 · 5× MSPmentor 250 · SBJ Legacy Adviser
Served: U.S. Navy (1993–1997)

Thomas H. Douglas seated at the JMARK office

My Story

“When we are provided special things, I believe we have a responsibility to do something to pay that forward and help others.”

Tom with his mother, Synda — Tom & his mother, Synda

Tom and Michele on the beach during a family cruise — Tom & Michele · Family cruise

Tom and Michele in Chiefs gear on game day — Game day in Chiefs Kingdom

Tom, Michele and their two sons at Arrowhead Stadium — The Douglas crew at Arrowhead

My life has been full of special people. It started at a young age with my family and amazing friends living in an amazing community.

Maybe it is because my Mom was a teacher that helped people realize potential they didn’t know they had, or maybe it is because my Dad always focused on serving and making a difference in people’s lives, or maybe it is because in my heart I love to see people rise to new levels.

In college I was fortunate to meet more exceptional people who showed me way too many ways to have fun, but also taught me how to enjoy life. In the Navy, I again met exceptional people and was able to learn the impact of good (and bad) leadership. I was able to see transformation, suppression, anger, joy, and mostly, people rising to new levels and capabilities.

Since my time in the Navy, I’ve continued to be exposed to exceptional people within our organization, meeting my wife, Michele, and with our clients, and through some awesome board members. In addition to all of these amazing people, I have focused on staying a student in all things. This passion-to-learn, combined with the teachings from others, have helped me achieve some pretty special things with some very special people.

The data tells us that most people are underutilized and underappreciated – so much so that most people just tolerate a job instead of enjoy a fulfilling career. Sure, culture and people are more of a focus now than in previous years, but focus doesn’t solve the problem. You must put a real system in place to maximize the outcomes for everyone involved. When alignment occurs between the customers of a business, the Team within the business, and the business leaders/owners, awesome things occur.

To your Growth and Success,

Tom

Author, Student, and CEO

Career & Ventures

Twenty-five years of service, building, and scale.

Tom in his U.S. Navy dress uniform — U.S. Navy service

Military Service

Tom began his career in technology while serving in the U.S. Navy from 1993 to 1997 as a Storekeeper Second Class, managing database, logistics, and financial systems. He received two Navy Achievement Medals for technical leadership, including one for building a custom database and upgrading onboard systems.

A younger Tom Douglas at JMARK in the early years — The early JMARK years

Tom with two early JMARK colleagues in company shirts — The early JMARK years

Building JMARK

In 1997, following his military service, Tom joined JMARK as a Level 1 IT engineer before purchasing the company in 2001. Upon taking ownership, he restructured operations to focus on core service delivery and client trust, establishing the operational discipline that enabled the firm's long-term scale.

Tom cutting the ribbon with the JMARK team at the Tulsa office open house — JMARK Tulsa open house · Biz 417 event

Tom at a Biz 417 event in jeans, boots and blazer — JMARK Tulsa open house · Biz 417 event

Growth & Recognition

Over the following two decades, Tom led JMARK’s expansion into a national managed service provider, growing the company from six employees and under $1 million in annual revenue to over 140 employees and $25.6 million in revenue. Under his leadership, JMARK achieved nine consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States and earned multi-year recognition in Biz 417’s Best Places to Work.

Tom listening across the table in a JMARK meeting — Thomas H. Douglas today

Ventures & Community

Tom continues to serve as CEO of JMARK while actively investing in and advising technology ventures focused on small and midsize business enterprise solutions and secure AI infrastructure.

A national keynote speaker on corporate strategy and operational risk, his civic involvement includes serving as former vice chair of economic development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Springfield Business Development Corp., and board member for CoxHealth’s Children’s Miracle Network.

Tom does not give up, regardless of the hurdles in front of him. He believes in people even when they doubt themselves, coaching with unmatched care and tenacity.

Jeff BendureWin-Win Architect, JMARK

Tom's exceptional drive and determination, combined with a genuine desire to improve his community and the world, make him a truly rare leader.

Dr. Hal HigdonChancellor, Ozarks Technical Community College

Thomas H. Douglas

Career & Ventures

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