ABOUT
MEET TOM SMITH
Following fifteen years in corporate management and supervision, Tom spent twenty years serving faith communities within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2022, he launched Ridgeview Coaching LLC and in 2023 received the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation from the International Coaching Federation. He adheres to ICF’s Code of Ethics.
Tom’s passion for coaching grew from his own experience of being coached during a time of significant change in his life. Working with a trusted coach who believed in him, Tom reflected on his assumptions and attitudes about life and realized many were limiting his potential. Tom’s coach offered encouragement as he took steps in new directions and celebrated with Tom when he succeeded.
This transformational experience motivates Tom to help others focus on goals worthy of their lives and to thrive through life’s transitions. In addition to his duties at Ridgeview Coaching, Tom walks with men in recovery as a volunteer Life Recovery Coach at Gifts men’s shelter.
With a master’s degree in Divinity and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Tom has experienced success as an ordained pastor, certified youth and family minister, commercial insurance manager, and professional fire protection engineer. You may find his curriculum vitae here.
He is a husband, father and science fiction author who enjoys skiing, cycling, kayaking, time with family, friends and his two Samoyeds, Lucy and Dwight, and cats, Winston and Koa. He especially loves hiking Sedona’s red rocks and Flagstaff’s Walnut Canyon.
MISSION
Ridgeview Coaching LLC helps individuals, teams, and leaders thrive through life’s transitions by overcoming challenges and developing goals worthy of their lives.
S. Manda
“I struggle with severe anxiety. My psychiatrist focuses on what’s wrong with me. Tom focuses on what’s right. After each session I leave feeling more hopeful for the week ahead."
D. Smith
"After 30 years, my employer downsized me. I was angry. I didn’t know what to do. A couple coaching sessions with Tom helped me gain a new perspective that allowed me to set goals and begin rebuilding
my life."
k. Jones
"I shared with Tom I was struggling with a painful past relationship. During our sessions I felt he really heard me. He helped me identify some action steps that allowed me to move forward."
GUIDING VALUES
AUTHENTICITY
Tom is genuine. He is confident with what he knows and doesn’t try to fake his way through things beyond his expertise. His clients’ success comes first. If Tom feels he isn’t the best coach for a client, he’ll refer them to a colleague.
COMPASSION
Tom has personal experience navigating stress caused by significant life changes. The grace he experienced working with an authentic, compassionate coach changed his life. He offers that same life-affirming experience to others.
HOPE
Tom believes each client is a capable and complete person right now who is the expert of their life. With coaching from Tom, his clients gain new awareness of their situation and develop actionable steps to move them toward their desired goals. He believes in you.
PLAYFULNESS
Tom balances the seriousness of guiding clients though life’s transitions with a sense of humor. He treasures the privilege of walking with people through challenging times and believes that sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
