Thomas A. Cook is a name that resonates with adventure, resilience, and an extraordinary life filled with stories that captivate, teach, and inspire. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, his life is full of experiences that span from being a commercial contractor to becoming a celebrated author. His journey is not just about his professional achievements but also about the life lessons, wisdom, and personal stories that have shaped him into the man he is today.
Thomas A. Cook was born in Sacramento, where his family’s roots run deep. His great-great-grandfather arrived in the area in 1846, establishing a long-standing connection with the region. Growing up, Thomas was surrounded by history and a strong sense of place, which would later influence his stories and the way he views the world. His early life was marked by a diverse range of interests and experiences. From an early age, he displayed entrepreneurial instincts, selling stock at the age of 12 and purchasing his first car at 16. This early financial acumen set the stage for a life filled with bold ventures and daring choices.
For over 35 years, Thomas worked as a commercial general contractor, a career that allowed him to build not just structures but also a wealth of life experiences. His professional life was balanced by a wide array of hobbies, including duck hunting, skiing, and participating in primitive skills gatherings. These activities weren’t just pastimes; they were integral to who Thomas is—a man who loves nature, challenges, and the thrill of adventure.
His transition from contractor to author was a journey in itself. For years, friends encouraged him to write down the stories he often shared around campfires in places like Yosemite. These stories, filled with humor, life lessons, and a touch of the wild, were the foundation of what would become his book, Sermons from the Green Leather Chair. The book, which took five years to complete, is a memoir written with the wisdom imparted by his father, who often delivered life lessons from his favorite green leather chair. It’s not just a collection of stories; it’s a guide to life, filled with the kind of wisdom that only comes from living fully and learning from both triumphs and mistakes.
Sermons from the Green Leather Chair is more than just a memoir. It’s a reflection of his life, his values, and the lessons he has learned along the way. The book is filled with anecdotes that range from running a gambling casino in his parent’s garage as a teenager to his adventures in the Army Reserves. But it’s the underlying messages of resilience, risk-taking, and personal responsibility that truly stand out. Thomas’ father played a significant role in shaping his worldview, teaching him the importance of making wise choices and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. These lessons are embedded in the stories, making the book not just entertaining but also profoundly educational.
His whole life is a testament to the idea that one should never stop learning or challenging oneself. Whether it was designing and building his first duplex at 20, or dealing with the ups and downs of personal relationships, Thomas has always approached life with a sense of adventure and a willingness to take risks. His stories often highlight the fine line between success and disaster, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and mitigating risks.
One particularly memorable story from his book involves Thomas as a young boy, accidentally blowing off a neighbor’s door with a firecracker. The incident, though humorous in retrospect, is used to illustrate a life lesson about understanding the power of one’s actions and the importance of making responsible choices—a lesson his father reinforced with calm yet impactful advice.
Like many, Thomas’ life has not been without its struggles. He battled addiction, a challenge that took years of effort and the support of his family to overcome. His father, who had also struggled with alcoholism, played a pivotal role in helping Thomas find his way to sobriety. This journey is candidly shared in his book, offering hope and guidance to others facing similar challenges. His story is one of survival and transformation, where the struggle against addiction becomes a source of strength and insight.
Thomas’ battle with addiction is not just a personal story; it’s a narrative of resilience that resonates with anyone who has faced significant challenges. His advice to those struggling with similar issues is simple yet profound: recognize that the fight is not just about abstaining from a substance but about embracing a new reality and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.
His book is filled with the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life well-lived. His experiences, from his entrepreneurial ventures as a child to his adventures in the Army and beyond, offer valuable lessons for anyone willing to listen. He advises young authors and entrepreneurs to be prepared for the challenges they will face and to approach their goals with both caution and courage. His emphasis on understanding risks and making informed decisions is a recurring theme, one that he believes is essential for success in any field.
At 76, Thomas is far from slowing down. He’s working on his second book and even harbors ambitions of running for president—a dream he discusses with both humor and seriousness. His life continues to be a blend of adventure, wisdom, and an unyielding spirit. Whether he’s writing, hunting, or sharing stories, Thomas remains a man driven by a desire to live fully and share the lessons he has learned along the way.
Thomas A. Cook ’s life is a remarkable journey filled with highs and lows, adventures and lessons, all of which are captured in his writing. His book, Sermons from the Green Leather Chair, is not just a memoir; it’s a guide to living a life of purpose, resilience, and joy. Through his stories, Thomas teaches us that life is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving, learning, and never losing sight of what truly matters. His story is a reminder that no matter where we come from or what we face, we all have the power to shape our own lives and leave a legacy of wisdom and strength for others to follow.