In January of 2024, after a year-long battle with brain cancer, our beloved founder, Tom Graham passed, after decades of outstanding client service, professional expertise, and bona fide relationship building. Many of our clients who are with us today have had the privilege of working with Tom, some even for several decades. For those who did not personally meet Tom, his commitment to excellence remains the legacy of Summit.
Tom began his career working in the financial services business for the Equitable (now AXA/Equitable) at the World Trade Center in Baltimore in 1980. Throughout his 20-year career at Equitable, he achieved numerous industry/company awards in management, sales, and service. In 1993, he founded Summit Financial with a vision of providing comprehensive financial, retirement, investment, and benefit planning for individuals and businesses. Tom not only possessed the knowledge necessary to spearhead this vision, but he also boasted a keen understanding of personal relationships. It was imperative to him that every client receive service that was tailored specifically to meet their unique needs – his dedication to this was deep and most authentic.
A true Renaissance man and avid history buff, Tom delighted in challenging others on a wide variety of subjects – history, music, and current events being among his favorites. It was rare to enter into a conversation with him and walk away not learning something. At his core, Tom was a teacher, willing to help and educate anyone in need. Over the years, he graciously mentored and changed the lives of countless individuals. Tom taught all he knew to be the best at what they do. A few years ago, our team here at Summit took a personality test as a team-building exercise. Upon completion of the test, each of us received a list of famous individuals who also fell into the same “personality category”. Tom – an “advocate” – shared the same “personality type” as Mother Teresa and MLK Jr. Those acquainted with Tom, know this speaks exactly to the kind of man he was.
Tom has been the pillar and most instrumental part of Summit’s success, growth, and ongoing prosperity since the company’s inception in 1993. Within our company, he is remembered as a steadfast mentor, dedicated business leader, and above all, true friend. As we mourn, we also celebrate and honor Tom – for the immeasurable commitment he made to us all.
In January of 2024, after a year-long battle with brain cancer, our beloved founder, Tom Graham passed, after decades of outstanding client service, professional expertise, and bona fide relationship building. Many of our clients who are with us today have had the privilege of working with Tom, some even for several decades. For those who did not personally meet Tom, his commitment to excellence remains the legacy of Summit.
Tom began his career working in the financial services business for the Equitable (now AXA/Equitable) at the World Trade Center in Baltimore in 1980. Throughout his 20-year career at Equitable, he achieved numerous industry/company awards in management, sales, and service. In 1993, he founded Summit Financial with a vision of providing comprehensive financial, retirement, investment, and benefit planning for individuals and businesses. Tom not only possessed the knowledge necessary to spearhead this vision, but he also boasted a keen understanding of personal relationships. It was imperative to him that every client receive service that was tailored specifically to meet their unique needs – his dedication to this was deep and most authentic.
A true Renaissance man and avid history buff, Tom delighted in challenging others on a wide variety of subjects – history, music, and current events being among his favorites. It was rare to enter into a conversation with him and walk away not learning something. At his core, Tom was a teacher, willing to help and educate anyone in need. Over the years, he graciously mentored and changed the lives of countless individuals. Tom taught all he knew to be the best at what they do. A few years ago, our team here at Summit took a personality test as a team-building exercise. Upon completion of the test, each of us received a list of famous individuals who also fell into the same “personality category”. Tom – an “advocate” – shared the same “personality type” as Mother Teresa and MLK Jr. Those acquainted with Tom, know this speaks exactly to the kind of man he was.
Tom has been the pillar and most instrumental part of Summit’s success, growth, and ongoing prosperity since the company’s inception in 1993.
