Tom taught for 30 years in the Chehalis School District and was district music supervisor for 18 years. During his career he taught over 9,000 students and organized a way to offer every district fifth grader a music performing group experience. He was among the first recipients of the Christa McAuliffe Washington State Teacher of the Year award. Following retirement in 1997, Tom founded Larsen Music, eventually a full-service music store serving all of Lewis County.