Tom Gildred is a multi-generation San Diegan, visionary entrepreneur and generous philanthropist. Selected as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, he has gained recognition both nationally and locally for founding and growing two ventures: FMT Consultants, a thriving technology provider, and Emerald Textiles which sold in July of 2018.
Today Tom serves the regional and national community as a speaker and consultant advising businesses regarding growth and exit strategies. He is passionate about making a difference and supports businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout our region, serving on the Board of Directors of Sharp HealthCare and the San Diego Museum of Art as well as San Diego State University, his alma mater – to name a few. Tom is also a board member of The Gildred Companies, a commercial real estate firm founded by his grandfather in 1927.
Bringing Business to San Diego Since 1995
Tom is the founder and chairman of FMT Consultants, which was ranked the No. 7 “software as a service” (SaaS) company by the San Diego Business Journal.
He founded Emerald Textiles in 2010 and served as the organization’s CEO until July of 2018 when the company sold in one of the most significant transaction’s in its industry. Upon its acquisition, the acquirer chose to brand all of its operations with the Emerald Textiles’ name based on the company’s reputation for superior cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Employing nearly 500 employees, Emerald garnered majority market share in San Diego and launched into Los Angeles becoming the provider of choice for large healthcare networks throughout Southern California within just a few short years. Under Tom’s leadership, Emerald Textiles was nationally recognized for its technologically advanced plant, environmentally friendly practices and focus on cleanliness.
Tom also serves on the Board of Directors for The Gildred Companies, which holds a portfolio of business and industrial parks throughout Southern California. He is a founding member of Vistage Group 3080, begun in 2005, comprised of a group of CEOs leading companies across industries such as commercial real estate, advertising, healthcare, finance and more.
Creating Jobs throughout Southern California
The growth of businesses founded by Tom continues to create jobs for many San Diegans and their families. Tom has employed thousands of people in companies he founded and is invested in, including FMT Consultants, The Gildred Companies and formerly Emerald Textiles. FMT Consultants has been voted one of San Diego’s “Best Places to Work” two years in a row and Microsoft Partner of the year. Tom has been named “Most Admired CEO” by the San Diego Business Journal, and named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young, for the San Diego region and twice named National Finalist.
Conserving Environmental Resources
A native San Diegan, Tom is committed to doing business right, by focusing on environmental responsibility and preserving precious natural resources like water and energy. When he started Emerald Textiles, he had a vision of creating a healthcare laundry that was environmentally conscious while providing higher cleanliness standards and better service. By using the most high-tech, water-efficient equipment available, the Emerald laundry facility saved an estimated 120 million gallons of water and over 750,000 therms of natural gas annually while Tom was at the helm.
Supporting the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
An alumnus of San Diego State University, Tom is loyal to his roots. He recently served as a member of the SDSU College of Business Administration Board of Directors.
Over the years he has consulted with and mentored CEOs and other executives in the C suite assisting with launch, growth and exit strategies.
Engaging with the Community
Tom has a demonstrated track record of serving local companies and non-profits. Highlights include:
- Board of Directors for Sharp HealthCare
- Board of Directors of the San Diego Museum of Art and current member of the Executive Committee, former past president of the Board
- Supporter of Computers 2 San Diego Kids
- Chairman of the American Heart Association’s 2016 Heart and Stroke Walk
- Treasurer for the Plaza de Panama Board of Directors, led by Irwin Jacobs
- Former member of the Board of Directors for the Mission Valley YMCA
- Founding member of the Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club
