By: Lee Hoon

“Lots of people are smarter than I am. Lots of people are richer than I am. Lots of people are lots of things more and better than I am. But you’ll have a heck of a time out-loving me.”

Tom Chenault’s story profoundly illustrates how personal transformation can be the keystone for extraordinary success. “Can be.” In Tom’s case, it took work. A lot of work. On himself.

Tom grew up, “not poor like poor, but… plenty poor enough.” His early life was marked by struggle, times of struggle. For the longest time, he seemed intent on keeping it that way. “Tom is not performing up to his potential” was a refrain on all his report cards. Barely graduating high school with the highest test scores but lowest grades, Tom drank his way through college after college, getting kicked out of four of the five he attended. Inexplicably, Tom soon found himself running a restaurant. It was chaos— 103 employees, 75,000 customers a month. Madness. And the only skill Tom had was that he knew how to work hard. And he did.

The restaurant was a masterclass for Tom. He learned the lesson that would shape his future in business and life: connecting with people. Relationships mattered. Making everyone feel important became his guiding principle. It marked the beginning of his approach—Love Like Crazy… Then Love More.

Tom discovered the impact of remembering names and learning people’s stories. These small details made individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. He was skilled at this.  However, personal challenges ultimately led to his leaving the business.

His professional path led him into the aviation business, where he earned his pilot’s license, sold airplanes, and began making money. However, his struggles with alcohol cost him that career. Undeterred, he transitioned into finance, obtained a financial advisor’s license, and built another successful business—only to lose it again to the same battle.

In 1988, after facing personal challenges, Tom made a decision to seek help. He began working through a 12-Step Recovery Program and has remained dedicated to his journey ever since.

Tom finally recognized that any success he sought had to begin with his own transformation. The 12-Step program provided a clear path forward. The process was challenging, but Tom was no stranger to hard work. Still, rebuilding his life would take time.

The Last House On the Block

“No one would hire me at any price. I was a hand grenade waiting to explode. I was unemployable. But Network Marketing discovered me.”

“There was no credit check,” Tom explained. “No resume. Nobody knew I’d been a drunk. All there was the chance. Go to work. Right now. Work hard and maybe…Maybe… I’d be able to feed my family.”

Network Marketing gave Tom the opportunity to leverage his well-honed people skills. He could use his existing network, his contacts and connections, and his natural charisma. He understood that building a lasting “people business” required a fundamental shift of perspective from personal gain to authentic service and genuine relationship building.

Tom embraced the principles of 12-Step Recovery—humility, empathy, and genuine human connection. He understood the importance of treating people as individuals, not just prospects. He realized that success in this business was built on relationships, friendships, and leadership. And love would be his greatest advantage.

Connecting with Heart

Tom developed a systematic approach to documenting his interactions and maintaining meaningful contact with his growing network of customers and partners. Fire your brain and hire your heart. Tom focused on asking questions and listening, understanding people’s needs and wants, and providing genuine value rather than simply pitching products. He understood that people appreciated being remembered and being known. He made that the cornerstone of his follow-up system, which he called “Contact Mapping.” He taught his system to his people, and they taught their people. An organization began and continues to flourish.

Tom and his son Adrian created an app using his system to help users make lasting connections that build any and every business. Now, part of Nowsite AI, Contact Mapping is at the forefront of integrating high-touch and high-tech technology into the digital world.

Building a Legacy of Purpose and Enduring Impact

Tom’s ambitions extend far beyond his financial achievement. He’s proven that true success lies in building strong, meaningful relationships and partnerships by serving others. He emphasizes the importance of creating a legacy, not just in terms of residual income but by the residual impact we can have on the lives of others. He co-hosts an online podcast with his son, the Legacy Leadership Show.

Tom underscores the critical role of cultivating strong, resilient leadership. He stresses the importance of ensuring these leaders feel valued, supported, and deeply connected. He views these relationships and partnerships as lifelong bonds rather than mere professional associations. He understands that authentic leadership is about empowering others to achieve their full potential and helping them avoid the pitfalls he experienced. Through it all, he lives and works his credo: Love Like Crazy… Then Love More.

A Life-Long Partnership

Tom is crystal clear that his success comes from the enduring strength of his 25-year marriage to his wife, Denice, whom he considers his trusted partner and closest friend.

It’s her unwavering support and guidance that has helped him maintain balance, perspective, and a sense of purpose. Tom and Denice are dedicated to promoting collaboration, cultivating meaningful relationships, and effective communication. They strive to create a world where people connect with authenticity, compassion, a shared purpose, and above all… love.

Tom’s message is one of hope, empowerment, and the power of human connection. He believes that, as he has, individuals can work toward their goals regardless of past or present challenges. He encourages people to embrace their unique qualities and focus on serving others, emphasizing that fulfillment comes from making lasting, positive partnerships. His “Love Like Crazy… Then Love More” mission is to empower everyone he meets to recognize and celebrate their inherent value and self-worth.

To learn more about Tom Chenault, you can visit his Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

Disclaimer: Testimonials in this article reflect personal experiences and aren’t guaranteed. Results vary based on effort, experience, and commitment. Use your judgment.

Published by Elle G.