Thomas E. Shepherd

Vice President

Thomas E. Shepherd has joined Connecticut Retirement Readiness, a division of Bluedoor Private Wealth, as Vice President. In this role, he works with the firm’s team on all aspects of private wealth management, helping individuals and families pursue long-term financial security and retirement readiness.

Tom’s passion for helping others achieve financial success is the driving force behind his work. He is committed to building lifelong relationships with clients and believes strongly that financial advice and financial education go hand in hand. Tom is particularly passionate about teaching financial literacy and helping clients develop a clearer understanding of their financial lives so they can confidently work toward their goals. As he often tells clients, he enjoys teaching them “how to play—and win—the money game.”

Prior to joining Connecticut Retirement Readiness, Tom served as a Registered Investment Adviser with Baystate Financial, a division of MassMutual, and as a Registered Representative and Retirement Counselor with Empower, Prudential, Voya, and ING. In those roles, he worked extensively with participants in the State of Connecticut Employee Retirement Plans. He primarily served employees at the University of Connecticut, along with professionals across many state agencies including the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Judicial Branch, Legislative Management, and numerous other state departments. As a former State of Connecticut employee himself, Tom has a deep understanding of the state’s pension systems and supplemental retirement plans.

Tom graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a minor in Philosophy. Earlier in his career, he worked as a paralegal while considering law school. When the legal profession proved not to be the right path, he transitioned into the medical field, working in clinical research at the University of Connecticut Health Center. While preparing for medical school, a physician colleague encouraged him to pursue financial advising, recognizing his natural aptitude for financial matters and his ability to help others navigate complex financial decisions. Taking that advice ultimately led Tom to the profession where he discovered his true calling.

Outside of his professional work, Tom maintains an active and diverse set of interests. A former fitness trainer in Philadelphia, he continues to prioritize health and fitness. As the former owner of Shepherd Landscaping, he also enjoys landscaping and helping neighbors and friends beautify their properties. Tom has played ice hockey for most of his life and still enjoys getting on the ice when he can. He also enjoys music, including singing and learning to play guitar, bass guitar, and drums. An avid reader of the literary classics, Tom is passionate about lifelong learning and exploring different cultures through travel, particularly in Europe. Above all, he believes strongly in sharing knowledge and helping others grow.