Someone once told Tommy that he was “living his bliss!” She had just listened to one of his speeches, and knew that he was meant to tell stories…stories that entertain, teach and encourage. That was more than a dozen years ago. Life has been far from blissful for Tommy, but…oh, the stories!

Tommy Fulton is a storyteller, speaker, and author with a passion for sharing the extraordinary stories of everyday people. His latest book, The Ride of a Lifetime – Stories from an Uber Driver, captures 80 unforgettable tales from his eight years as an Uber and Lyft driver, where he’s given over 10,000 rides to more than 20,000 passengers from 70 countries. These stories, originally shared in his weekly blog and published as 48 columns in Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, are now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other platforms, offering a heartfelt look at human connection.

As a professional speaker, he’s traveled nationwide through his platform, The Forum for Family Business, helping family-owned businesses navigate succession and conflict. His earlier book, An Act of Congress – Power and Politics in a Family Business, draws on his 30 years as President of The Finch Companies, founded by his grandfather in 1933.

Unfortunately, that business met the fate of most third-generation family businesses, closing its doors in 2015. It also took away his lifesavings and forced him to take a fresh look at the things that really matter, his faith, his family, and his friends.

Tommy restarted his career at 59 as Development Director for Little Sisters of the Poor, a nursing home run by Catholic nuns who take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and hospitality. To increase his ability to pay off massive debt, Tommy found a new purpose behind the wheel, as an Uber driver, turning rides into stories that resonate.

A University of Alabama graduate (B.S. Transportation, 1978), he’s an Eagle Scout, former Alabama Jaycees President, and proud Mobilian now living in Gulf Breeze, Florida, with his wife, Lane. When he’s not writing or speaking, he cherishes time with his five children, their wonderful spouses and nine grandchildren. Connect with him to explore his stories or book a speaking event!