Thomas Unfried

Background

About Thomas Unfried

I have spent 30 years successfully leading teams in both the food service and amusement park industries. I measure this success by what people have achieved via my leadership. By identifying strengths and affording those I lead the opportunity to develop them, several have moved on to develop careers in their chosen fields of maintenance, manufacturing, railroading, and management. These folks have become successful railroaders, welders, mechanics, engineers, salesmen, managers, and even worship leaders. Prior to accepting an assistant manager position with Tulsa, Oklahoma-based U.S. Beef Corporation, I was the Team Leader of the Ghost Town & Calico Railroad at Knott’s Berry Farm. It was in this role that I was given the freedom to develop a team of railroaders as I saw fit. I had the luxury of patience - allowing my employees to discover and subsequently develop their strengths. Through that experience I developed a unique skill-set that includes particular strengths in leadership, problem solving, administration, public speaking, hospitality, and a sense of humor. Rather than leading by the top down, and I lead by example while working side-by-side with those in my sphere of influence. In avocational leadership opportunities, my approach to service in the church is to assist where needed. This has led to work in missions, sound, vacation bible school, Pioneer Club, youth, nursery and hospitality. One thread that is woven throughout this service is leadership. Whether I am serving as a deacon or building churches among the indigenous people of Argentina, God in his providence calls me to this form of service. I have served at the front, as with the Redeemer Church Deaconate, or as a support from the rear, helping those in charge of the team to be effective. My day-to-day commitment is to serve my current employer to the best of my ability. But I am always interested in considering the opportunity to develop young people into leaders.