20 Under 40 | TJ MCDONALD

Photo by JOHN BURNS

TJ McDonald serves as Membership Sales Manager for the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP). TJ is responsible for the sales and retention of membership for GTP in tandem with his team and the Resource Development Team. Often you will find TJ in the community with scissors in hand at ribbon cuttings that he organizes for members, while also executing the many benefits members receive.

TJ volunteers his time as a Club Blue member for the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka, a board member of the Breakthrough House, a leadership member of Forge, and a golf instructor for kids ages 8-11 at First Tee.

TJ believes his passion for Topeka and the community are reflected in the work that he does and the people he interacts with daily. His motto is “it’s not about how much you do, but the passion of what you do—quality over quantity.”

What led you to this career?
I have always loved helping people and being a part of the community. When I went through the Leadership Greater Topeka Program and saw the inner workings of the Partnership, I knew this is where I belonged. I love being able to help the community as a whole and support our small business owners.

What should one never take for granted?
Time. Time is never promised to us. It is not a guarantee that we will be able to talk to our loved ones the next day, say sorry for something or to someone that we might have hurt. Live in the now.

What do you love about your job?
Not being chained to a desk. Being able to go out and meet the people that make up our community and really get to know them. Each day is different.

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”—Forest Gump

Click here to go to the full list of 2022 20 Under 40 Honorees.