OuiLife OuiLove

From Navy Officer to Ironman: Tom Scheer’s Journey to Fitness

by OuiLife2017 | Mar 15, 2023 | Uncategorized

Navy officer, college president, and entrepreneur are only a few of Tom Scheer’s many accomplishments. In this inspiring episode, Tom shares his story of growing up in a racist neighborhood and finding acceptance through sports, leading to a passion for fitness and endurance races, including over 30 Ironman competitions. It all began at the Boy and Girls Club and he is passionate about giving back to the organization that gave him so much.

Tom shares his strategies for managing a busy life, emphasizing the value of discipline and time management. He discusses his military mindset, focus on organization, and reliance on good general managers. Tom also talks about his experiences at the Kona Ironman and the World Heavyweight Championship belt he created to celebrate his achievement.

Throughout the conversation, Tom emphasizes the importance of pursuing new hobbies and finding joy in life, encouraging listeners to move their bodies, get some sunlight, and engage with the world around them.

Episode Highlights:

Overcoming racism through sports and the Boys and Girls Club
Managing a busy life with a military mindset and good general managers
Discipline and time management in pursuing athletic goals
Favorite Ironman races and completing all North American Ironman races
Kona Ironman and the World Heavyweight Championship belt
Racing in a kilt to honor Scottish heritage
Bucket list of races and endurance tests
Finding joy in life through pursuing new hobbies and passions.

Guest Bio

Tom Scheer joined his local Boys & Girls Club on his seventh birthday and identifies his 12 years at the Club as the most positive influence on his life, for this time fostered a sense of commitment, work ethic, entrepreneurial drive, and love of sports.

Tom began his career in the U.S. Navy; he served as a Damage Control Assistant, Assistant Operations Officer, and as the Navy’s Right Whale Protection Officer. He was recognized for his fire fighting expertise, and was selected to lead training exercises for the Qatar Navy. Tom left active duty to take a position as an associate brand manager on Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. While at Kraft he led brand licensing, added colored noodles to the macaroni & cheese box, and spearheaded trade spending reductions. He subsequently worked as a brand manager for Rich Products and CibaVision, working on Farm Rich French Toast Sticks, Rich’s Éclairs, SeaPak Shrimp, and FreshLook fashion contact lenses.

Tom has also been an owner and managing partner of several small businesses, among them T-Scheer Pizza Inc. (a Hungry Howie’s franchisee), Knox Consulting Group (small business consulting) and the Steilacoom Group (apparel company). He is currently pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors while in business school, and is the founder of Move-In Box, a student launched consumer packaged goods based company.

Tom earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the United States Naval Academy and is currently a Dean’s Fellow at the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, earning an MBA with Emphasis in Entrepreneurship. While a member of the Boys & Girls Club, Tom won Junior Olympic Gold and Bronze medals in table tennis. In college, he fought to become an All-American Heavyweight Boxer. Tom is currently the captain and starting goalie of the Ross hockey team, despite having never ice skated prior to business school.

His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern MichiganAlumnus of the Year, Coast Guard Guiding Principles Award, and, as part of the Benjamin Banneker Society, President George H.W. Bush’s 437th Daily Point of Light. He is the proud father of three children from a former marriage.

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Annette Melecio Explains How Triathlons Were Instrumental In Saving Her Life

by OuiLife2017 | Feb 14, 2023 | Uncategorized

Annette Melecio, an Ironman Triathlete, shares her journey of finding triathlons and how it saved her life. Annette is my very close friend and one of my favorite triathlon people. Annette has been on active military duty for over fifteen years and is currently serving as, a Military Police Officer in the army. She has four years of service left before she retires.

Annette has always been a runner. She always liked to run and wanted a challenge so she progressed to running half marathons. She even made her unit run a half marathons while on deployment. Following a really bad deployment where many people were lost, she was not in good headspace. She suffered from survivor’s guilt and went through a rough patch mentally. Anette even contemplating taking her life. It was then that she discovered triathlons. She liked the structure, and loved the group of people. Annette felt it was similar to the military with a lot of camaraderie. Everyone motivated and pushed each other and encouraged each other. It was the first time that she ever felt welcomed and accepted in the civilian world. Annette loves triathlons and is so dedicated. She has qualified for the Legacy Program for the Ironman World Championship at Kona by competing in 12 Full Ironman Championships, and one extra one just for fun. She has also competed in one half-Ironman 70.3 race, two 55k ultra-marathons and a 50k ultra-marathon with hopes of competing in a 100k ultra-marathon.

Episode Highlights:

Annette started running in high school.
Annette joined the army and continues to run
Annette started her endurance sports career to help cope with her depression.
Annette memorable races
Endurance sports and mental health.
The importance of finding the right coach
How Annette committed to Kona Legacy Program.
Annette tells us how she does it all, being a mother, career, triathlons
Dealing with injury.
Annette life lessons and words of wisdom

Guest Bio

Annette Melecio is active duty Army as a Military Police Officer. She has been on active duty for over 15 years and has 4 years left to retire. She has always been a runner and being in the Army running and rucking has always been something she is used to. She has completed 13 full Ironman triathlons, 1 Ironman 70.3 triathlon, two 55k ultra marathons, and one 50k ultra marathon. She completed IronMan #12 in September for a chance to apply for a legacy spot for Kona Ironman World championship. Her goal is to complete a 50 Miler maybe next year and a 100 Miler once she has competed in Kona IronMan World Championship.