It begins this September with an experience that will bring a select group of eminent and accomplished visionaries, thinkers, innovators and performers to one of the most storied places in the United States.
In a unique and intimate setting, they'll share the ideas, dreams, challenges and experiences that have made them who they are.
Being there might just change who you are.
Tom emerged as an entrepreneur at a young age. After graduating from Brown University, Tom and his college friend - also named Tom - created Nantucket Nectars, turning a kitchen concoction into a multimillion dollar juice enterprise. Through unique, grass roots, relationship-based marketing and innovative production, Nantucket Nectars grew to national prominence, putting it on the 'Inc. 500' list of fastest growing U.S. companies five years in a row. His groundbreaking work as CEO won him several awards, including the Mercury Award for Advertising, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award, and several other leadership and design accolades. In 2002, Tom and his partner sold Nantucket Nectars to Cadbury Schweppes.
In 1998, Tom began the transition from 'juiceguy' to 'mediaguy' when he invested in Nantucket Television and, in 2002, bought the channel. In 2004, Tom began Plum TV with a group of partners and continues to serve as Chairman. The company has grown from one station in Nantucket to eight stations across the country and boasts 10 Emmy awards and 13 nominations.
Now, Tom serves as a partner of NaSA Entertainment where he teams with Van and Casey Neistat. Together they have produced The Neistat Brothers TV for HBO, Daddy Longlegs a film seen at The Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals and winner of the 2011 John Cassavetes Award at Film Independent's Spirit Awards and various advertising projects for Dockers, Cheerios and The Standard Hotel in New York City.
Outside of the media world, Tom serves on the Board of Directors of several companies and devotes his time to many community organizations, including DoSomething. Tom currently lives in Connecticut with his wife Emily and their two sons. He is also an avid pilot and surfer - both passions born from his time spent living on Nantucket over the past 20 years.
Kate has been a passionate Nantucket resident for over 30 years. Her commitment to the island has been carried out through her tireless participation on several boards including; Big Brothers Big Sisters, ASAP the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Nantucket Comedy Festival. Kate was the Executive Director of Juice Guys Care the philanthropic arm of the juice company Nantucket Nectars. Her work as Director helped support several island organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters,The African Meeting House,Tom Nevers Field and more.
Kate's latest role has been that of General Manager and Host of Emmy award winning Plum TV Nantucket. She has become the face and welcoming spirit to thousands of interesting people that visit the island each year. She has had her finger on the pulse of the islands most important issues and her leadership on the island is invaluable. Kate has a deep love and knowledge of the island having lived there for so long and having raised her two children there. She will continue to support the island community that makes Nantucket such a special place.
Our Founders Circle is comprised of a group of individuals that had the vision and resources to bring the Nantucket Project to life.
* denotes our managing board members