Thomas Duff

Early Life

Thomas Milton Duff was born on December 31, 1956, and raised in Columbia, Mississippi. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1974 and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1979.

Rise to Success

Duff's career began in the tire industry. His father, Ernest Duff, founded Southern Tire Mart in 1973. Thomas and his brother James took control of the struggling company in 1983. They later sold it in 1998 but bought it back in 2003. Under their leadership, Southern Tire Mart grew to become the largest truck tire dealer and retread manufacturer in the United States, with revenues exceeding $4 billion by 2025.

Key Business Strategies

Key to the Duff brothers' success was their ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities. They expanded Southern Tire Mart and diversified their investments through Duff Capital Investors. This holding company includes over 20 businesses in various sectors, including trucking, construction, and automotive dealerships. They have also shown a knack for turning around failing companies.

Philanthropy

Thomas Duff and his brother James have a history of philanthropy, particularly supporting higher education in Mississippi. They have pledged a total of around $50 million to the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University.