Escape to be Free in Pursuit of Luck

About the Book

This is a life story of a Hungarian refugee born in Slovakia in 1938 amidst the beginning of World War II. Parents were a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. Following the end of WWII, the Krieser family moved to Hungary, and Tom escaped directly following the Hungarian Revolution against Soviet Russia, which was crushed by the Red Army. Arriving in Canada with nothing but a diary, a birth certificate, and a determination to succeed, Tom was lucky enough to meet up with the Sheehan family, who helped to determine much of Tom’s future. The Sheehans helped Tom attend and successfully graduate in engineering from St. FX University. It was in the town of Saint John, New Brunswick (Canada), that Tom met his wife-to-be Jane O’Leary. They married in 1960 and had two children (Paul and Mark in 1961 and 1963, respectively) growing up in Montreal, Canada. Tom’s career commenced as a young engineer, but over the years, he eventually was elevated to become the president and CEO of one of Canada’s best recognized pulp and paper machinery manufacturing enterprises with up to five hundred employees. Surrounded by a great team of professionals and many great customers in a dynamic, competitive, yet surprisingly friendly business environment, the company became known for its research and development activities, machinery innovation, and commitment to deliver value to its customers the world over. Despite the enormous stress of the job he held, Tom found time to dedicate much attention to his kids (having become a spokesperson for the English section of the Quebec PTA [Parent Teacher Association]) and his church, including leadership positions in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. Tom even became a deacon in the Catholic Church in the diocese of Montreal. Tom’s marriage to Jane came to an end in 1989, and in 1993, Tom married his wife of today, Linda Thibodeau. Linda’s daughter became like Tom’s own, and that is a story in its own. Tom and Linda live in beautiful Naples, Florida, today. The book is full of twists and turns with experiences gained through a very enriching life and extensive business, family, and traveling adventures. Tom still works today because he loves what he does and thrives to be the best in all things he undertakes. This book is a product of his love of family, business, friends, and life.

About the Author

Tom escaped from Hungary after the 1956 Revolution, has lived in Canada, Norway, and is now as a US citizen living in Naples, Florida. He holds degrees in engineering and theology form St. FX and Concordia Universities. Most of Tom’s life has centered on his family (two boys and a grandchild from his first marriage and a daughter and two grandkids from his second wife) and his business career of nearly forty years in the pulp and paper industry. Extensive travel throughout the world has given Tom a unique perspective of different cultures and his encounters with industry giants and politicians a wealth of experience.