“Many people thought I was crazy. And in many respects, I probably was.” Tom Moser’s booming voice radiated through the room with an energizing excitement. His commanding presence in front of the room was a clear indication that he was in his element. Tom’s professor-esque charm captivated the class of 16 eager college students.

We were visiting his workshop nestled in the sprawling green hills of Auburn, Maine. Tom looked at us with a welcoming, familiar grin. He used these bold, unapologetic words to describe the general sentiment about his choice to leave his tenured position as a rhetoric professor at a prestigious college. It was 1972, and Tom had a mission. He began pursuing his calling to craft fine wood into functional pieces of art. Now, Tom can proudly say that a part of him is in the home of countless iconic figures and heads of state. It is incredible how a dream has transformed into a chair for the Pope and the wooden craft decorating George Bush’s library.

Tom’s story is particularly pertinent in our lives as college students. We are in this double bind caught between pragmatism and passion. There is the inevitable, looming fact that we have to find a way to fiscally support ourselves, but can we achieve this by doing what we love?

Tom has set an inspiring example because he has established a company whose success is driven by ardor and devotion. This fervor has yielded a clear purpose--to create practical art that enhances the space it inhabits. This distinct objective fosters the growth of a unique culture surrounding Thomas Moser's name, which is incredibly attractive to the many people who embody the company's ambitions.

Tom invites his customers to fully immerse themselves in the 10-12 week furniture creation process. This time allows the customer to cultivate a relationship with not only the craftspeople, but also the wood that will become a part of their home for generations. Tom has unlocked the key to make profit a mere byproduct of passion.