In business and philanthropy, Tom Hoban stands out not only for his achievements but for the values guiding his journey. As co-founder of Coast Property Management and a passionate advocate for faith-centered leadership, Tom’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and service. Here are key takeaways from his journey shared during a candid conversation with Tamara Jackson on The Beacon Show.
Watch Tom’s full interview on YouTube!
A Scrappy Start and Unwavering Drive
Growing up in a middle-class family in a mill town in the Pacific Northwest, Tom learned the value of hard work early on. His entrepreneurial journey began humbly, with $1,200, a pickup truck, and a lot of determination. Reflecting on his early days, Tom shared, “If you told me I had to put on a clown suit to win a contract, I would have done it. Work was about grit and getting the job done.”
This mindset propelled him into the world of property management, where he found a way to combine his blue-collar work ethic with business acumen. Over 37 years, he and his brother grew Coast Property Management into a thriving enterprise.
Tom’s perspective on sales redefines the often transactional nature of the field. “Sales is service when done right,” he said. Rather than focusing solely on hitting targets, Tom emphasized identifying and meeting the needs of clients. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to approach sales as an opportunity to serve others, stating, “If I don’t offer a solution to someone who needs it, I’m taking something away from them.”
This other-centered approach fosters relationships built on trust and shared value—a philosophy that extends beyond business into his philanthropic endeavors.
Faith at the Core
A practicing Catholic, Tom draws deeply on his faith to guide his leadership and decision-making. He advocates for a Christ-like approach to business: loving the sinner while rejecting the sin. This principle has shaped the culture of his companies and inspired a diverse and inclusive workforce. “If we all think this way,” he noted, “we can create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.”
One of Tom’s standout insights is the importance of balancing financial sustainability with mission-driven goals. Whether in the nonprofit or for-profit space, he stresses the need for alignment between sales, operations, and finance. He shared, “If we don’t listen to the feedback from all sides—clients, staff, and market trends—we lose the opportunity to find that sweet spot where mission and margin coexist.”
Donor Relationships
As a philanthropist and donor, Tom understands the importance of personalized engagement. He highlighted the need to tailor communication to different donor tiers, noting, “The return on investment for personalized engagement with top donors is always worth it.” This approach not only strengthens relationships but ensures that supporters feel seen and valued.
Tom also touched on the critical opportunity presented by the impending wealth transfer among baby boomers. He advocates for intentional strategies to channel this wealth into Kingdom causes, ensuring that future generations are equipped to continue impactful work.
A Legacy of Values
When asked about his legacy, Tom spoke of empowering younger generations to live out their faith in the workplace. He emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals feel safe to express their values and act on them. “My hope,” he shared, “is to raise up leaders who are confident in their faith and inspired to make a difference.”
Tom Hoban’s journey offers a blueprint for anyone seeking to lead with integrity, resilience, and faith. His life exemplifies how business success can coexist with a higher calling, proving that true leadership is about serving others, staying grounded in values, and leaving a legacy that transcends the bottom line. As Tom aptly puts it, “When we approach our work with Christ-like humility and purpose, success becomes about more than money—it’s about meaningful impact.”
About Tom Hoban
Tom Hoban is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Coast Group of Companies, a diversified real estate management and investment firm managing over $8 billion in assets. Starting with just $1,200 in 1987, Tom and his brother built their company on a foundation of Christian values and servant leadership. A Notre Dame graduate, Tom combines competitive drive with ethical business practices, demonstrating how faith-driven principles can create extraordinary success. Through their family office, the Hobans aim to positively impact one million lives through business, investment, and philanthropic work. Tom serves on numerous boards, including The University of Portland and Washington State University, while actively mentoring the next generation of faith-driven business leaders.
