Tom Sharky grew up in Minnesota and over the years migrated west. During the course of his migration he has changed professional hats many times. He spent twenty five years in Sonoma California growing grapes, organic vegetables, and making wine.

When he moved to the Big Island he became a teacher and taught High school for seven years. Then he and his wife began working together running Sharks Tours.

He then switched hats again to become a farmer. He and his wife live in a plantation house in Papa 'ikou that is over a hundred years old. He now grows and harvests coffee, cacao, and macadamia nuts.

He is experimenting with Cacao by fermenting it and turning it into raw chocolate. Tom loves life and people and celebrates mother nature by fishing and gardening as much as he can.