The formation of Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs) was Tom's brainchild that started in meetings with Lynn Senour, a well known West Coast Marine Architect. Tom and Lynn are long time friends and coworkers from early wooden boat building days on Lake Union in Seattle. As a young apprentice, Tom was thrust into positions of great responsibilities as he proved himself on the shop floor. Those responsibilities grew as did the company and he soon found himself president of the Boat Yard. He later founded his own company, building 70 - 90 foot custom yachts as Nelson Yacht Corporation, and prior to starting Tomco Marine Group (American Tugs), Tom Nelson was President of Nordic Tugs.