Being in the property management business allows Tom Baker the chance to do two jobs he enjoys. By day, Tom owns a property management business. He has clients both in and out of state, and his business has grown to include employees. As a property manager, Tom offers a variety of services. He posts information about houses for lease on the Internet, shows properties, and screens potential tenants. His company runs a credit check and ensures potential clients do not have a criminal record before entering into a lease agreement with them.

While most of Tom’s tenants pay the bills on time, his business does have to deal with those who don’t. Tom’s company has an established eviction process to follow when tenants fail to comply with the terms of the lease. When Tom does have to evict a tenant, he lets the police do most of the talking, but Tom does have an advantage others don’t–he’s a Tae Kwon Do Master. That’s right. Tom offers evening classes where he passes on the skills he learned in his own training to a group of students.

Tom began taking martial arts classes when he was a child. Through his training sessions, he found a way to relax. After a stressful day at his day job, Tom looks forward to leading his students through exercises and drills. One of the most satisfying aspects of instructing is seeing the confidence an individual can gain by mastering moves and advancing in belt color.

Tom has seen young children transform from shy, clumsy kids into self-confident, coordinated individuals. He’s also seen many adults benefit from taking martial arts classes. One woman who had been attacked learned how to defend herself.

Because Tom owns both businesses, he is able to adjust his work schedules so he can do the things he enjoys without pushing himself too hard.