Hall of Wisdom, Thomas L. Harken

Tom Harken is founder, Chairman and CEO of Tom Harken and Associates, Beaumont, Texas. His patriotic and upbeat message is, "If I can do it, so can you." He means it. The man who suffered childhood illness, grew up illiterate and peddled vacuum cleaners door to door knows all about overcoming adversity. Now, in numerous speeches each year, Tom tells his inspiring story. Thousands of all ages are motivated to live fuller lives, get an education, dream the American dream, excel and attain their highest goals. Tom lets them know it's possible. He has appeared on Good Morning America and in Parade Magazine, CBS News with Dan Rather, Guideposts for Kids and Investor's Business Daily, and more.

Owner of 13 restaurants with over 600 employees, and known affectionately as "Poppee" and "Mr. Casa Ole" by thousands who view his family-oriented television commercials, Tom serves on several national boards including vice president of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, the Peale Center's National Advisory Cabinet and the Literacy Volunteers of America.

An honorary professor at Baylor University, Tom has honorary degrees from Hope International University, Goldey-Beacom College, University of Richmond and Northwood University, where he also was named Outstanding Business Leader. Tom and Billy Graham appeared together at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Other university speeches include MIT, Boston University, Pepperdine, Chapman and Hope International. Tom speaks to literacy groups everywhere in his continuing battle against illiteracy.

Tom received the Horatio Alger Award in 1992 along with Maya Angelou, Henry Kissinger, Clarence Thomas, Boston University Chancellor John Silber, Hormel Chairman Richard Knowlton, former Secretary of Agriculture John Block and Blockbuster Video and sports magnate H. Wayne Huizenga.

Since 1992, Tom has delivered over 500 motivational speeches on overcoming adversity. He has made several appearances on Dr. Robert Schuller's popular Hour of Power television ministry, and the Rev. Jerry Falwells's Old-Time Gospel Hour. Interviewed on the "700 Club" and featured on the cover of Parade magazine, Tom currently books a year in advance. His autobiography, The Millionaire's Secret, is available in bookstores and on the Internet.

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