Tom Schaeffer

Thomas Schaeffer & Co.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 is a boutique agency providing ghostwriting and content strategy for executives who want to amplify their voice, sharpen their positioning, and expand their influence.

We work with leaders at pivotal moments—whether building thought leadership, leading a transition, or shaping a second act beyond corporate. Our services combine high-level ghostwriting, content systems, and selective coaching to help executives turn experience into leverage and build a presence that creates real opportunities.

Founder

Executive to Entrepreneur

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿 is a coaching and content platform for midlife professionals ready to leave the corporate grind, clarify their next move, and build a business that fits their life. We offer 1:1 coaching, frameworks, and practical guidance for reinvention.

Float Left

Float Left Interactive was a pioneer in TV app development and the first company to build Roku apps for media brands.  For over 12 years, Float Left has enabled media brands to deliver and manage the next generation of TV experiences on every screen.

🏆 2022 Streaming Media 50
🏆 2021 Streaming Media 50
🏆 2017 Streaming Media 100
🏆 2016 CableFax -> Most Innovative People in Multiscreen
🏆 2015 Streaming Media 100

Co-Founder, CEO (acquired)

The Weiss Group, Inc.

Developed internal and external web applications in direct support of company’s marketing initiatives.

Senior Software Engineer

Teledata Inc.

Developed EPA compliance software, specifically targeted to address fuel tank leak detection.

Software Engineer

Bridgeway Benefit Technologies

Provided programmatic and logical fixes for technical problems on ISSI’s Benefit Fund Administration System.

Account Representative /  Programmer

Ghostwriter for Influential Executives and Entrepreneurs || Transforming Ideas into Influence Through High-Impact Writing || Former CEO, 2x Founder, 1x Exit

I’m a former CEO turned writer and coach. I help midlife professionals turn experience into leverage—through writing, clarity, and reinvention.

After scaling and selling a 7-figure software agency, I walked away from the startup grind to build a simpler, more intentional life.

Along the way, I discovered something powerful:
Most executives don’t need another job.
They need clarity—and a path that’s finally theirs.

Today, I work with high-achieving professionals in transition—those ready to move from corporate to consulting, from founder to writer, or from executive to entrepreneur.

Here’s how I help:

1. Executive Ghostwriting
For founders and CEOs who want thought leadership that drives inbound demand—without spending hours writing content. You bring the insight. I bring the structure, clarity, and voice that earns authority and attracts opportunity.

2. Executive to Entrepreneur Coaching
A 12-week 1:1 experience to help you reinvent your career, clarify your offer, build a simple content system, and land your first client.
It’s for professionals who are ready to turn experience into independence—building something of their own, on their own terms.

At the core of both is a simple idea:
Use your expertise to build leverage and freedom—because your next chapter should serve your life, not the other way around.

[Coaching: exectoentrepreneur.com]
[Substack: exectoentrepreneur.substack.com]
[About Me: thomasschaeffer.me]

Writer

A ghostwriting agency for founders, CEOs, and business leaders looking to build influential personal brands.

Sales Leader & Team Builder. Helping Manufacturers Around the World Reduce Costs and Increase PROFIT!

I have over 25 years of manufacturing experience ranging from implementing successful process improvement initiatives to creating and maintaining quality assurance and product sampling systems. Combined with almost 15 years of technical sales experience I consider myself well-versed when it comes to the needs of a production or manufacturing facility. 

Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some amazing teams and people. I am grateful for the knowledge and enjoy sharing it with others. 

I look forward to meeting new people, facing new challenges and discovering new opportunities.

My beautiful wife Tara and I live in Wisconsin and have three awesome children; two sons and one daughter. 

Colossians 3:23

Eric Nekich

Amazing story and perspective! If you don’t know who Michael King is, head over to Lights Out and give the episode a listen. 

The path to automation might be closer than you think.

MakingChips 
David Vuyk 
Jennifer Dubose 
Nick Goellner 
Paul Van Metre 
Mike Payne 

 #machining #cncmachining #machinetools #machinist #manufacturinga #5axis #cncmachine #cnc #machineshop #automation #madeinusa

Simplifying Revenue Growth for Machine Shops by Connecting Teams, Technology & Processes | Lights Out Podcast Host 🎤

There's a narrative in manufacturing about how "kids these days" don't want to put in the work, pay their dues, or earn their stripes.

Then Nick, Eric, and I met Michael King - A bright young man in his early 20's running a full blown tech-forward CNC machine shop that is embracing automation.

Here's an overview of his Manufacturing experience so far: 

At 14, he was diagnosing and repairing 3D printers by the pallet load for his dad's retail business.

At 16, he bought his first CNC machine.

At 17, he bought his second.

Now in his 20's, he's running a one-man shop with a 5-axis Matsuura, achieving automated manufacturing, and teaching himself as he goes.

No formal apprenticeship. No trade school. No decade of "paying dues."

Here's what made this possible:

He grew up with YouTube, forums, and digital communities. He compressed what used to take a decade into a few years of self-directed learning. When he hit a problem, he searched for solutions, found experts online, and applied their knowledge immediately.

He's not special because he's young. He's effective because he's deliberate.

He doesn't waste time on low-value activities. He automates what can be automated. He develops process for what can be standardized. He focuses on the right kind of work for his shop, and turns down everything else.

Age and experience don't determine capability. Access to information, willingness to learn, and intentional practice do.

The manufacturing skills gap might not be about lack of interest from young people. It might be about our industry's slow adoption of how this generation learns and works.

Michael represents something bigger than one success story. He represents what becomes possible when you combine digital-native learning with hands-on making.

Question: If we met young people where they are (YouTube, online communities, etc) instead of expecting them to come to us, how many more Michael Kings would we find?

This new Lights Out episode just dropped today. Its worth a listen so be sure to check it out 👇 

https://lnkd.in/gAV_acN7

taplio

The Battle

Tom Schaeffer

Eric Nekich

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreEric Nekich's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Tom Schaeffer

Eric Nekich

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Eric Nekich's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreEric Nekich's LinkedIn Performance