Tom Gardner

Tom Gardner is the co-founder and CEO of The Motley Fool, a financial services company he established in 1993 alongside his brother David Gardner and Erik Rydholm. Initially launched as a print newsletter, The Motley Fool has transformed into a comprehensive multimedia platform that provides investment advice and financial education to millions globally.123

Early Life and Education

Tom Gardner was born on April 16, 1968. He graduated from Brown University in 1990 with a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Montana but chose to leave those programs to return to the D.C. area. In 2000, he received an honorary PhD in humane letters from Strayer University.24

Career Highlights

Under Gardner's leadership, The Motley Fool has embraced the principles of Conscious Capitalism, focusing on creating value for all stakeholders. This approach has led to high employee engagement scores and recognition as one of Glassdoor’s best places to work.1 Tom is also known for his involvement in various investment products, including the Motley Fool One service, which offers comprehensive investing advice.13

Gardner has authored several investment-related publications and is a frequent speaker on financial topics, advocating for transparency in the financial industry.35 He has testified before Congress on issues affecting individual investors, emphasizing the need for greater accountability within Wall Street practices.23

Personal Philosophy

Tom Gardner’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. His personal core value, referred to as the “Aspen Grove Root System,” symbolizes interconnectedness and collaboration among team members at The Motley Fool.1

In summary, Tom Gardner is not only a successful entrepreneur but also an influential voice in advocating for individual investors and promoting ethical practices in finance.