Tom Braun Attributes His Career Satisfaction to Family, Community and Taking a Few Chances

It’s easy to understand why. He has worked for the club for the past 10 years and is currently the president of business operations and chief operating officer.

Living in the South Bay for about a decade, Tom says his kids have helped him create a deep connection to the community. He coaches 5-year-old son Jack’s AYSO soccer and Little League baseball teams.

“My kids allow me to be a better leader and have given me more patience. Parents focus so much on kids in the South Bay and it is so rooted in family that I’ve recognized how important it is for the Galaxy to be a part of that community.”

For South Bay parents and kids who are interested in soccer, the LA Galaxy Soccer Center in Torrance plays an important role. Galaxy Juniors, one of the center’s programs, takes kids from ages 18 months to 6 years.

Jack was a late bloomer and didn’t begin walking until he was around 18 months. When he was about 20 months old, he took part in Galaxy Juniors. The family witnessed firsthand how quickly he progressed.

“Soon after joining, he easily began to follow directions,” says Tom. “I truly believe that the program helped my son develop faster than if he hadn’t gone.” Jack is still part of the program, along with Tom’s 2-year-old son, James.

Tom also makes it a priority for the Galaxy to partner with local businesses and bring in new customers. The collaborations help the team with exposure. Most of them are restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries that Tom and his family frequent.

During the team’s MLS Cup playoff run last year, the Galaxy partnered with businesses in Redondo Beach like Hi-Fi Espresso, Phanny’s, The Craftsman and Tommy & Atticus. Tower 12 in Hermosa Beach and Beckers Bakery and Simmzy’s in Manhattan Beach were also in the mix. Fans got a discount or a special item when they wore Galaxy gear to these South Bay establishments.

The Galaxy sponsored this year’s BeachLife Festival and Fiesta Hermosa, and through the city of Hermosa Beach hosted a free screening of the Will Ferrell soccer movie Kicking & Screaming.

Galaxy’s mascot, Cosmo, joined the drop-off at American Martyrs School, and students also visited Galaxy Park.

“It’s all about having roots in the South Bay,” shares Tom. “Not only is my family a part of the community, but now with so many initiatives, I can say that the Galaxy is too. It’s a close, 20-minute drive from Redondo Beach, so it makes sense that we want the community to be included.”

While his kids have continued to play an important role in who he is personally and professionally, it was Raquel who gave Tom the initial push into the sports world. When the pair met while he was a student at Georgetown, it was her dream to work in sports and be the president of a professional sports team.

Eventually the two packed up a yellow Jeep Wrangler and moved from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. Tom quit his job as an investment banker and applied to the University of Southern California for his MBA. While in school, he took an unpaid internship with AEG Sports and then worked a part-time job with the company for about six months, making close to minimum wage.

He was 30 years old and sitting in a cubicle paying his dues, hoping it would turn into a full-time gig. Without Raquel, who supported him financially as he tried to live his dream, Tom knows he wouldn’t be in his position today.

“I think part of the reason why I want to be so inclusive and have people from all walks of life and ages interested in the Galaxy is because I got to this point in such a nontraditional route,” says Tom. “Once I got in the door, I knew it was possible. The opportunity was there for me with the Galaxy. So many other people have been here for so long, and I’ve been lucky to be one of them.”