60Thomas Gregory Balkins (thomasgregorybalkins)
Joined 5 years ago from Minneapolis, MN
Thomas Gregory Balkins built his professional path through steady work and direct industry experience. He did not inherit a business or step into leadership without preparation. Over more than 40 years in construction and business operations, he developed practical insight into how projects succeed at scale. Beginning as a trades apprentice in the 1970s, he gained firsthand knowledge that later shaped his approach to risk management, team leadership, and long-term decision-making.
Thomas Balkins became known as the Founder, President, and CEO of Westurn Companies and its numerous subsidiaries. Under his leadership, the organization expanded from a local operation into a national company with active business in 26 states and offices in over 40 cities. His focus remained on disciplined systems, accountable leadership, and consistent results across every market served.
He established Westurn in 1983 and personally took on responsibilities that many executives delegate. He handled sales, hiring, purchasing, dispatching, training, and inspection duties himself before building teams capable of performing at that level. This direct involvement grounded processes in practical experience and measurable standards.
Thomas directed geographic growth by building national sales organizations in emerging markets. He developed teams that supported $28 million to $48 million in annual sales per state or region. At times, he oversaw more than one high-performing market simultaneously, ensuring that both revenue performance and operational control remained aligned.
By the early 2000s, annual sales reached $48 million in Minnesota alone, more than $78 million nationally, and later exceeded $94 million. Combined sales across all Westurn companies and subsidiaries surpassed $1.8 billion. Over the course of his career, he negotiated mega contracts and insurance settlements totaling more than $400 million in personal sales while maintaining service relationships with more than 900 national builder accounts.
Thomas Balkins strengthened purchasing and logistics systems to support consistent production. He managed national purchasing operations and built direct relationships with nearly all major roofing manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada. He also supported logistics networks that included conveyor trucks, boom trucks, tractor-trailers, and forklifts to ensure materials and crews operated efficiently across regions.
He implemented structured quality control programs and trained employees and contractors to ensure compliance with company standards. These systems supported the successful completion of over 243,000 roofing projects across the U.S. By 1999, annual production averaged more than 16,000 roofing installations. The company was listed among America's largest residential roofing contractors for a decade and received recognition, including a spot on RSI Magazine's Top 10 Roofing Contractors list.
Balkins maintained a long-term focus on accountability and reputation. Westurn held an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for decades, earned the BBB Torch Award twice, and remained on the BBB Honor Roll for 18 consecutive years with zero complaints during that time. The company developed strong working relationships with insurance carriers, adjusters, and property owners through fair claim negotiation and dependable project execution.
Balkins also valued education and community involvement. He studied building trades and completed coursework in anthropology and biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica, and Hamline University. Through company initiatives, he supported the planting of one million cedar trees in Washington State, as well as Feed My Starving Children and health and wellness causes.
Thomas Gregory Balkins continues to be recognized for building organizations that perform consistently through changing markets and economic cycles. His career reflects disciplined execution, respect for skilled trades, and leadership grounded in direct experience.