Episode 36: Interview Thomas Carlson of ECatalyst

There is a great organizations whose purpose is to transform developing communities through their entrepreneurs. The focus is on the whole community, not just individual entrepreneurs. To do this, they must help entrepreneurs grow businesses in a way that inspires more people to try new ideas, connects the entrepreneurs to other entrepreneurs, and grows not just a few businesses but a culture of growth-oriented business creation. This is why ECatalyst grows entrepreneurs through an ever-expanding community process that is open to anyone with growth-oriented ideas who is willing to work hard and try something new

For nearly 22 years Thomas was a serial entrepreneur. He founded or co-founded six businesses in both the US and overseas in fields as diverse as construction, graphic design, and water bottling. He has an extensive cross-cultural background which includes living 10 years in the Middle East, traveling with significant cultural exposure in over 50 countries, and operating at different times in four other languages. He is fluent in Arabic. Thomas has also served as a professional educator, teaching recently as a Professor of Philosophy at CSU-Pueblo and PPCC. He has given guest lectures in many academic and professional contexts over the last 25 years on topics like business, startup principles, philosophy, theology, world religions, and cultural intelligence.

Before starting ECatalyst, Thomas trained on the MIT method of entrepreneurship and set up for-profit ecosystems with LIFE (The Leadership Institute for Entrepreneurs).  

Thomas has his BA from Cornell University in Mathematics, Psychology, and Religion, and graduated summa cum laude in his MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Stephanie and his two amazing red-headed kids.

Listen in to his WHY and how God has wired him for this unique challenge and ministry opportunity.