Tom Grote
Thomas Grote is chief catalyst for the Edge Innovation Hub, an ecosystem dedicated to building principle-based businesses that lead with love and drive food innovation to the edge of possibility. Thomas grew up working with his parents and siblings at the first Donatos Pizza. As chief operating officer, he helped grow the family business from one restaurant to a regional chain which the family eventually sold and then later repurchased from McDonalds. He opened Central Ohio's first visible and welcoming LGBTQ+ themed restaurant and helped found a non-profit, Equality Ohio, to advocate for equity and inclusion in his home state. Thomas also served as chief financial officer for a UK based biotech company focused on commercializing plant-based chemicals. Thomas graduated with a finance degree from Miami University, and earned his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in Columbus, Ohio with his husband and two daughters.
