Though Tom Sweeney has committed to making Western New York his home throughout the past three decades, he was born and raised in northern New Jersey. Raised by parents who were both strong union blue-collar warehouse laborers, Tom learned early on what it was like to support the working class as he grew up in rental housing and living with extended family.

At 17 years old, Tom moved to Denver, Colorado, to attend the nationally recognized Denver Automotive and Diesel College with an Associate's Degree. He graduated from this trade school as a Master Automobile and Diesel mechanic in 1989 and then ventured back east to join his family.

Tom had worked through school as a mechanic and eventually joined Avis Rent a Car, cleaning and fixing cars. Promotions for hard work followed, and in 1993, he moved to the greater Buffalo area as part of a promotion within the ranks of Avis Rent a Car to Airport Manager.

Starting in 2001, Tom transitioned into a technical career, leading him to a role at M&T Bank where he was tasked with creating and managing technology systems. He was promoted over a 17-year career to achieve a Vice President role managing four teams and 40 engineers, designing the latest technology infrastructure advancements for the bank. Constantly pursuing growth and evolution, Tom also went back to school, acquiring his Bachelor's of Science in Management at D'Youville College, and in 2017 earned an Executive MBA from the University at Buffalo.

Throughout his time working his day job, his passion for rental real estate would mature in the evenings. His first purchase of a rental property started in 1998. Growing up in apartment housing would lead him to understand better what renters wanted and strive to provide a better quality of service to the community.

In 2014, Tom and his wife Lisa purchased a historic three-story building at 5 W. Main Street in the Village of Lancaster. That project sparked a passion for revitalization and preservation, leading to the formation of Glassco Management, LLC, named in honor of Lisa’s parents, Ronald and Elaine Glasser. Together, they have grown their small rental property business with the privilege to provide housing options for families in the area, and also giving small business owners the opportunity to realize their dreams by opening retail spaces in mixed-use properties in the heart of the historic Village of Lancaster.

Tom's vision to help build a community-centered village core that serves as the heart of Lancaster has inspired collaboration, recreation, and prosperity. His commitment and character will continue to make a difference in his public servant leadership role as a Town Council Member.