Rich Ashton is a business owner, leadership mentor, and entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience building and operating successful small businesses across multiple industries. He is especially passionate about customer service and developing strong employees into confident, capable leaders.

Rich is the author of Growing Your Own, published in 2025, where he shares his philosophy and practical insights on cultivating leadership from within organizations. His career began at Trammell Crow Company, where he served as the partner in charge of Industrial Development in Tarrant County before transitioning into entrepreneurship and business ownership.

Since the 1980s, Rich has owned and operated several businesses, including Tom's Mechanical, Inc. and Tom's Commercial, Inc., while also remaining active in commercial real estate investing. Throughout his career, his focus has remained consistent: building strong teams, creating growth opportunities for employees, and leading businesses with integrity and long-term vision.