Thomas Cochren is a 1971 graduate of the Business Administration Program. Tom comes from a family of builders and developers in the Hamilton area.

Tom currently builds custom homes and contracts renovation projects primarily for repeat or referral customers under the name Thomas Cochren Homes in the Hamilton Area.

Tom is past-president of the Hamilton Halton Home Builders' Association. He is past-president of the Ontario Home Builders' Association and he served as president of the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) in 1989.

Among his priorities on the CHBA, Tom emphasized the importance of professionalism within the industry and leadership in such areas as regulatory reform, provision of social housing, and ensuring cost-effective and socially-beneficial government policies. He also believes that all those who participate and benefit in the industry have an obligation to invest in its future growth.

Tom was appointed to the Construction Industry Council (CIDC) by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology. He served as the Residential Constructions Representative on an all-sector Advisory Board from 1990-1994. In 1992, he received the CHBA National Award for "Best Renovation over $100,000", and another award for "Best Renovation over $150,000". In 1993, he received the Ontario Home Builders' Association Award for "Best R2000 Home of the Year", and in 1995 was the winner of the 1995 CMHC Ontario Housing Award (Hamilton).

From 1994-1998, he served on the Board of Director's of the Canadian Wood Council as Associate Director, Home Builders.

In 1994, Tom volunteered to visit Russia. As Project Manager for Team Canada-Housing in Russia, he helped introduce our building technology to that country. In 1998, Tom and a Russian building partner formed a new joint building company in Russia called Cochren Homes International. Tom's responsibilities include training and education, securing project financing, and sourcing Canadian construction materials and equipment for shipment to Russia.

In 1993, Tom was Mohawk College's Business Nominee for the Premier's Award.