In a season of divisiveness, we need more leaders like Tom Billionis.
The 44-year-old co-owner of The Coffee Ethic unexpectedly died April 16. He managed to create an anchor for downtown and a hub for creatives in just eight years.
He served on the board of the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District and was president-elect of the Downtown Springfield Association. He was co-chairman of the Park Central Square Task Force.
Tom’s leadership was reminiscent of the qualities taught long ago by Curt Strube in the Drury University Breech School of Business:
Tom saw past boarded storefronts to envision what could be.
He had a passion for outstanding quality in something as simple as a cup of coffee.
He created authentic places thoughtfully designed to bring people together.
He was deeply committed to a more sustainable environment.
He genuinely enjoyed people and got involved in his neighborhood.
He persevered through tough times and was invested for the long term.
He quietly coached and loudly cheered.
His pride and hope were his children.
Tom’s approach to life was truly refreshing in an age of bickering and chest-thumping.
We can take a small measure of gratitude in knowing he was able to see some of the dividends of his years of hard work and support. The Heer’s building finally reopened and is bustling with workers and lofters. His new Cherry Picker Package and Fare has been received with open arms from the Rountree neighborhood. Hotel Vandivort is Springfield’s only AAA four-diamond hotel, and Sterling is the new home of Dapper. The creative community is thriving with the IDEA Commons, The eFactory and Creamery Arts Center. His daughters have become wonderful young women.
I often noted that Tom had a front-row seat to the issues on the public square – but he was never content to sit back and watch. He designed one of the first and most used sidewalk cafes. He collaborated with James River Basin Partnership, Public Works and the Springfield Regional Arts Council on a sculpture to reuse rainwater. He talked with police daily and was quick to assist whenever needed. He supported having a wide variety of community events, while reminding organizers of the importance of working with brick-and-mortar businesses.
His ownership radiated well beyond the walls of The Coffee Ethic.
Tom commented twice recently that Park Central Square was “noticeably different in the past 18 months.” He was excited at the progress that had been made across downtown and the things yet to come.
May we always treasure leaders like Tom and strive to follow their selfless examples.
The Springfield community can demonstrate appreciation to Tom’s family by donating to the fund his wife Michelle has established at
PlumFund.com for the causes he cared for most.
Rusty Worley, executive director of Downtown Springfield Association, can be reached at rusty@itsalldowntown.com.
