ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Thomas Clary

Achieving the things that get you to your ultimate goal

By Supriya Agarwal (MBA '14)

Baruch accounting graduate (MS Accounting 2012), Mr. Thomas Clary has had significant professional experience in start-ups. He is currently working as Finance and Operations Manager in a solar energy start-up company called MPOWERD - a technology incubator which invented and manufactures Luci, a solar-powered light. Thomas also consults several other start-ups at the same time. Prior to Baruch, he co-founded a start-up company called “Express 2 U.S,” which specialized in preparing students in China for U.S. college entrance exams such as the GRE, GMAT and TOEFL.

Thomas with Luci

Supriya Agarwal (MBA '14) had a chance to sit with Thomas to find out more about his current role, his thoughts on entrepreneurship and his professional journey to now.

1) You did your MBA at Sage Colleges and returned to school for an MS in accounting. Why did you choose to come back to school?

After finishing my MBA, I realized how much I appreciated accounting. I thought it would be an excellent skill to utilize as I attempted to do the impossible - which is to be involved in start-ups and make a consistent paycheck at the same time. After some indecision and back-and-forth, I went for it and joined Baruch due to its great reputation in accounting and affordable cost of the program. It worked out to be a great opportunity at a fair price.

2) Can you talk a bit about Luci and your current role?

Luci in Italian means “lights,” and it was created to light up the developing world through solar power, providing greater equity to those without access to electricity. It is a clean, low-cost, sustainable energy provider that can be relied on in the absence of electricity. Once Luci is acquired, there are no further costs; no kerosene or any other dangerous commodities are needed.

I support this work in my current role, which involves setting up the accounting system, preparing for taxes, financial management, and setting up the operations and supply-chain. 

3) You co-founded the start-up 'Express 2 US' and are currently involved in another start-up. Both companies have a social focus. What inspired you to take this unique path?

I am a very creative guy. Jobs in big companies with structured roles are a challenge for me. Start-ups fulfill my need to think creatively by building something that hasn’t been done before. As for the social focus, I believe in making my life meaningful and wanting to give back to society.

4) What challenges did you face in your own entrepreneurial journey? How did you overcome them?

Over the years, I have been involved with many start-ups. I concluded that it is hard to have your cake and eat it too. That is why I chose to pursue my CPA. I thought I could continue my involvement with start-ups, while using the skillset of a CPA to make a living that is consistent and comfortable.

5) What qualities do you think are necessary to become a successful entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, you should really know how to get things done. It is good to have a business plan and a sense of direction, but none of that matters if your product doesn’t sell and your operations aren’t sound. Achieving the little things on a day-to-day basis is what gets you to your ultimate goal.