My name is Tom Hardin. I have experienced some great things this world has to offer, and I've found a few things that I really enjoy. After a few decades doing those things I enjoy most, I've gained enough experience and knowledge relative to them to be able to offer some services to others.
HDPS - Information Technology
I've worked with traditional computer hardware and software since high school. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Computer Science from Iowa State University, I've made my living as a software engineer designing and writing software for the aerospace industry, as a systems engineer for IBM working with everything from PC's to Mainframes, as a Director of IT for Principal Financial Group, and as Director of Marketing for Advanced Technologies Group. What I haven't experienced in the corporate world of information technology, I have personally enjoyed exploring with nearly any "techno-gadget" I could get my hands on including digital cameras, PDAs, smart phones, GPS receivers & software, audio/video systems, programmable remotes and game systems.
Most of my "corporate" work has been helping medium to large businesses use information technology in the financial services industry. I have enjoyed taking that experience and helping small companies and not-for-profit organizations that don't have their own IT Department resources as well as to residential customers looking to setup home networks, home theater PC's, digital music libraries, shared calendars across computers & smart phones, and more. I'm a Microsoft Partner and run nearly all of my software applications, including Windows, on Apple ("Mac") hardware.
HDPS - Aviation
I've flown airplanes as a civilian, as a military officer and as a flight instructor. I've experienced and benefited from both civilian flight instruction and military flight training. I've flown single-engine, multi-engine, piston, turbo-prop, and jet aircraft. I've done aerobatics, formation flying, instrument flying, aircraft carrier landings and operated from some of the highest civilian and commercial airports in the world while flying in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. I enjoy the challenge of flying airplanes and the pure fun of just being in the air. Getting to places faster and with better views is just icing on the cake… which is much better than icing on the wings!
The field of "avionics" (as well as airframe & powerplant design) is using more and more hardware & software technology. Finding ways to use technology to make flying easier, safer and more efficient is combining two of my favorite areas of interest and expertise.
HDPS - Sports
I've participated (as a competitor, coach/instructor, and official) in several sports and attained a high level of expertise in a couple (Gymnastics & Snow Skiing). I started participating in both when I was in grade school. While competing in gymnastics I attained All-American status in high school and was a U.S. National Team member during college. After college and a stint in the United States Navy, I returned to the mountains of Colorado and became a Professional Ski Instructor.
Today I stay involved with gymnastics through the National Gymnastics Judges Association and various contacts with USA Gymnastics. I also continue to snow ski for my own enjoyment and exercise. I've also volunteered a significant amount of time to youth sports through YMCA Basketball, Little League Baseball, and local Youth Football programs. I am a strong proponent of "transforming youth sports to transform our youth". I believe too much of youth sports has become a search for and promotion of "the top talent" amongst youth athletes while weeding out the rest, instead of focusing on developing well rounded citizen athletes that stay involved with sports for a lifetime. For more information on this topic please see the Positive Coaching Alliance website.
