Thomas Cochren was a distinguished student, being elected Vice President of the Students’ Representative Council, and at his convocation in 1971, was the recipient of a College Bronze Medal. 

After graduation, Cochren spent three years with Bell Canada as a Marketing Representative. He then left Bell to use his experience and business education to develop a highly successful construction business in the Town of Flamborough that offers quality housing and renovations to the community.

At the same time he has worked diligently to ensure that the construction industry maintains the highest possible standards, and that affordable housing is readily available to Canadians. He has been actively involved with the Canadian Construction Industry at the Municipal, Provincial and National level, holding positions on the Ontario New Home Warranty Program, as well as representing his industry on other key committees. As President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Cochren lead discussions with the Federal Government in the G.S.T. consultations that developed the Special G.S.T. Rebate for new housing, and helped ensure that the building industry received adequate exemptions. 

Cochren’s commitment to excellence has been well recognized through several industry awards, including the Canadian Home Builder’s Association “Beaver Award”, for Builder Member of the Year in 1986, and in 1991 when he received the Canadian Home Builders’ Association “Gordon S. Shipp Award”, for outstanding contribution to the residential industry. His commitment to his community was recognized in 1990 when he received the “Town of Flamborough Municipal Achievement Award” for voluntarism in the community. 

When not working at his successful business, or making a contribution to his industry, Tom Cochren has found time to assist his college. He was a member of the Mohawk College Business Administration Advisory Committee for several years, and in 1991 made the “Alumni Address” to the spring graduating class. He is also an active member of the St. Thomas Church in Ancaster, Ontario, and is a “Friend” of the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. 

This story was originally published in the Winter 1994 edition of the Mohawk Alumni In Touch magazine.