Thomas Thanh Pham is a seasoned operations leader with over three decades of experience in production management within high-tech manufacturing environments. His expertise spans multiple disciplines, including quality assurance, procurement, engineering, and production operations. As the Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise Products, Inc., based in Minneapolis, MN, Thomas oversees all facets of production, ensuring that operations run efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. He has been with the company since 2010, where he has played a pivotal role in optimizing processes and enhancing overall productivity.
Before joining Enterprise Products, Thomas served as the Director of Operations at TGA, Inc. in Richardson, TX, from 1996 to 2010. In this role, he developed key operational strategies and built cross-functional teams that improved both the company’s output and profitability. Throughout his career, Thomas has demonstrated strong leadership in employee management, overseeing everything from workforce delegation to performance evaluations while also managing cross-training programs across departments. His ability to foster teamwork and ensure high-quality production has been instrumental in driving success in each of his roles.
In addition to his leadership capabilities, Thomas brings a wealth of technical knowledge in production operations, having managed complex systems such as Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing and Lean management principles. He has also been responsible for implementing cost-effective strategies and quality control measures that promote operational efficiency and product excellence. His attention to detail and problem-solving acumen have made him a valuable asset in managing high-pressure manufacturing environments.
Thomas holds an MBA in Business Management from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, where he earned a spot on the Dean’s List with a GPA of 3.85. Bilingual in English and Vietnamese, he brings a diverse and inclusive approach to leadership, allowing him to connect with teams across different cultural backgrounds.
Thomas’s career is marked by a deep commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. His experience in lean manufacturing and process optimization makes him a sought-after leader in the manufacturing industry. He remains passionate about leveraging technology and automation to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth in an ever-evolving industry.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I have a clear daily plan, prioritize tasks, and focus on high-impact ones. Regular communication with my team helps me resolve issues and improve productivity on time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I break down ideas into actionable steps, involve my team, listen to different opinions, and keep improving. And so the idea becomes life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Small businesses are increasingly adopting financial technology (fintech), which makes financial services more accessible and efficient.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I like to make a list of daily goals and tasks, as it helps me stay organized and focused on what needs to be done.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Ask more questions and stay curious.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Every moment, even the time we waste is meaningful because it teaches us not to waste it again. So don’t wallow in regret.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Always seek feedback from others to continually improve yourself.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Make more friends and network.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Focusing on delivering exceptional customer service creates loyal clients and drives positive word-of-mouth.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Creating a platform to popularize the knowledge of financial services. This platform also provides these services so that the readers can choose the services of this company to improve their business after understanding the purpose of these services.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Monday.com—It tracks the progress of my team’s work, making it easier for me to access key information and remind myself of deadlines.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a small camera as a birthday gift for a friend. He loved it and we used it to capture memories from that special day.
Key learnings
Structured Productivity
I’ve learned that having a clear plan and setting daily goals is key to maintaining productivity. By focusing on high-impact tasks and engaging in regular communication with my team, I can ensure that problems are addressed quickly and progress is made efficiently.
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Bringing ideas to life involves breaking them down into actionable steps and actively involving my team in the process. Listening to diverse opinions and being open to change is essential to turning a good idea into something truly impactful.
The Importance of Networking
One key to growing a business is networking and building meaningful relationships. Making friends and seeking feedback from others has been an effective strategy to continually improve myself and my business.