An "Outstanding American" for 2015 is Tom Caron. Caron has held a long career in business, both as a manager and founder of various businesses in North America and Europe. Tom was a 2-time NIC Conference Runner up at Winona State College. He has also been a vocal supporter and donor to the University of Minnesota and Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling programs. He has also been a driving force to get Winona State University to reinstate their wrestling program. Tom has a long career in business which had him holding several positions Founder to Chairman of the Board. During his career he has been involved in either the acquisition or the start-up of 26 different businesses that had total sales of access of over one billion dollars annually. Some of those brands that Mr. Caron brought to the market are Tony's Pizza, Red Baron Pizza and Hot Stuff Foods. The leasing subsidiary of Schwan Sales Enterprises along with 22 other business units reported to Mr. Caron. Upon his retirement from Schwan Sales Enterprises, Caron kept his entrepreneurial spirits going by founding Drayton Foods LLC in Fargo, North Dakota. Tom has held numerous civic positions over his long career, including: J C's member and President, Chamber of Commerce, SSU Foundation Director, Chairman of Free Enterprises, Minnesota Q/7 Commission member, Airport Commission member and Chairman, Hotel/Restaurant Advisory Committee/SSU founder and Chairman and University of Minnesota "M" Club President. Caron's industry involvement includes National Frozen Pizza Association as a member and three term President, Director of National Frozen Food Association, Food Marketing Institute member and National Restaurant Association member and Director. Caron has been involved in the food industry for over 40 years and during that time has testified before state legislators and the United States Congress twice. He has been called before the State and Federal Courts including the Washington DC district as an expert witness. Mr. Caron has taught classes at the following colleges and universities, including Southwest Minnesota State University (Marshall, MN), St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, MN), Ridgewater Community College (Willmar, MN), University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) and Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kansas) and others. Leadership positions included teacher/coach, Director of training, Director of marketing; President of: Schwan's Europe, Business Credit Leasing, Minh Foods & Drayton Enterprises; CEO of Schwan's Europe Syncom Technologies & Drayton Foods; Managing Director of Schwan's Europe; Managing member of Tailfeathers LLP, Wynn Hanson Memorial LLP; Board of Directors of WWI. Inc.; Drayton Foods LLC, Drayton Enterprises LLC, NE Foods Inc., Better Baked Foods LLC, Impact Plastics Inc. and Geneva Capital Inc. Caron's educational background includes his high school diploma from Northfield High School (1961), B.S. Degree from Winona State College (1965) and graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oskosh (1967/1969) and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1966/1967). Caron is married and currently resides in Florida and has a summer home in Alexandria, Minnesota. Caron has made a great effort to improve many businesses and help many people live better lives. A great man whose life work will long be remembered! His life certainly exemplifies the epitome of an "Outstanding American!"