A shareholder at Krass Monroe, P.A., Tom is Co-Chair of the Franchise, Distribution and Intellectual Property group.  With more than 40 years experience in franchise and distribution, international expansion, business planning, intellectual property, and general corporate and business law, Tom has worked with regional and national franchisors in virtually every industry including:

• Restaurants                            

• Retail Furniture

• Automotive

• Employment Services

• Hair Care

• Business Services

• Home Services

• Leasing

• Real Estate

• Mortgage Financing

• Information Technology

• Health Care

• Hotels

• Convenience Stores

Acting as legal counsel for franchisors and businesses, Tom advises clients on the structuring of distribution systems, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with federal and state franchise, distribution and anti-trust laws, business and franchise financing (debt and equity) and intellectual property.

With his wealth of knowledge and expertise, Tom is a frequent lecturer and author on franchising and financing subjects. He has spoken on franchising and distribution topics for:

• The International Franchise Association

• The American Bar Association Forum on Franchising

• The Minnesota State Bar Association

• The Minnesota Institute of Legal Education

• The University of St. Thomas

• The Franchise Finance and Development Conference

• The Restaurant Finance and Development Conference

• Various business and civic groups

A member of the Legal/Legislative Committee of the International Franchise Association and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Tom formerly served on the Advisory Board of the University of St. Thomas Institute for Franchise Management.

Tom is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, Minnesota Law and Leading Attorney and Who's Who in American Law.  He also has been honored as a "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota Law & Politics and named as one of franchising's top 100 "Legal Eagles" by Franchise Times.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School (1965), Tom earned his undergraduate degree at DePaul University (Chicago, Illinois).  He is admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of International Trade, the United States Court of Appeals (8th Circuit), the United States District Court (Minnesota) and the Minnesota Supreme Court.