Drawing on over a decade of experience in political finance, Thomas Datwyler provides campaign compliance and accounting services with a focus on leveraging streamlined processes and attention to detail to improve productivity and efficiency. As the owner of 9Seven Consulting since 2013, Thomas Datwyler has handled FEC and state filings for over 400 clients and worked with political committees and congressional and senatorial campaigns, political committees. His firm specializes in political compliance and accounting, including budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, and FEC reporting.
Thomas Datwyler is an alumnus of Bethany Lutheran College, with a bachelor of arts in accounting and finance from Bethany Lutheran College. Outside of his professional life, Thomas Datwyler is an avid runner who enjoys participating in various types of running events and has completed the Boston Marathon three times. He also belongs to the Outpace Coaching triathlon club and competes against other racing teams 10 times a year as a member of the Collegeville Track Club.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Wake up around 6:30 am, go for a quick walk, then shower and change for work. Say goodbye to the family and head to work. At work, I answer emails, text messages, and phone calls, take care of my daily work tasks, before heading home around 6 pm to have dinner with my family. After that, I play with the kids for a bit and then help with bedtime, then I’ll go for a quick run or walk again and get ready for bed.
How do you bring ideas to life?
By investing and taking the time to think about my ideas. I don’t jump into them right away. But I’m very good at sticking to a task and getting things done.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Regenerative medicine. Getting healthier faster and safer when injured from working out or running. Living longer and healthier.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn to say no, take chances, and don’t focus on money, but rather time.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Running is addictive and super helpful for mental health stability!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Workout daily, go for a run, walk, bike, anything that gets you outside and moving your body!
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Take a break from screens and go outdoors. Go to a park or mall and just walk around.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
By always saying “yes,” to my detriment at times. I would always say yes… No matter how big or small the project was or how much I made on the task, I would always be the yes-guy. Figuring out the issue or project, no matter the cost.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
By taking on clients that did not pay. I overcame this by eventually firing those clients and not taking ones on like them again.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
ChatGPT4 is amazing. It helps me every day with all my random tasks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite podcast is Joe Rogan, because he has a variety of guests on his show and they all talk about things I would never otherwise seek out.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Nobody Wants This on Netflix. It’s a really good new series that I enjoyed and thought was very funny.
Key learnings
- Taking a break from screens and going outside can help you refocus and manage stress.
- Running or going for walks regularly fosters mental health and stability.
- Be the one to say “yes” when starting out but learn how and when to say “no” once you’ve established yourself.
- Take chances and stay resilient but know when it’s best to walk away.