Leadership Greater Topeka: Thomas Carmona

Photos by: Emma Highfill | Rose Wheat Photography & Grace Place

TK: What do you hope your legacy will be? 

I would like to be known for being generous and helpful. I have appreciated when people have been generous with their time or financial help giving me an opportunity of learning experiences.  Why? I would argue that it might inspire others to do the same. I think that our place is better off if people feel positive, well informed or confident.   

TK: What motivates or inspires you? 

Making things better. I assume many architects or engineers always have a “better way”. I like to look around Topeka and try to figure out how I could make things better. If it’s people, programs or buildings. If I can help. I’ll try. 

TK: What was your first job and what did you learn from it? 

My first job was at a movie theatre. I thought it was awesome to make money. I later enjoyed working on the projectors, popcorn machines or other items that would break down. It gave me confidence when managers would send others to me if something broke or if there was a difficult customer.