While growing up, Tom Sands worked beside his grandfather on the family farm. Tom owned and operated a crop and livestock farm for 20 years just outside Columbus Junction. Tom left the farming operation in 1992 to begin a different career.

Tom has proven his leadership in Louisa County for over twenty years. As a lay minister, he reached out to communities and spoke at numerous locations throughout Southeast Iowa. He has also played an active role in the local Farm Bureau serving as Finance director and Township trustee for Concord Township. Tom’s experience helped him prepare responsible city budgets for Columbus Junction and Fredonia while serving on the city council.

In 2002 , Tom decided to take on an even bigger leadership role, and ran a successful campaign for the state legislature. As Vice-Chairmen of the Commerce Committee Tom stood up for Southeast Iowa and worked hard to defend his district’s values while arming them with the tools to seek their economic potential.

Tom continued to stand up for Southeast Iowa, in 2004 was appointed the Chair of the Administration and Regulation Budget Sub for two years. Then in 2006 was appointed the Ranking member of the Ways and Means committee for four years. In 2010 the voters trusted Tom to send back for his fifth term to represent them. This time Tom was appointed the Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means committee.