2020 40 Under 40: Thomas Bieker, 39

Four words from his mentor have impacted Thomas Bieker since joining Environmental Works Inc. in 2014.

“Just go do you.”

Using those words as guidance, the 39-year-old says his proudest accomplishment was aiding a client in diverting nearly 1 million pounds of food waste from landfills and recycling almost 97% of waste.

Since joining Environmental Works, Bieker co-founded MidAmerican Real Estate in 2018 to redevelop areas of Springfield he’s passionate about.

The Missouri Army National Guard member faced his toughest challenge the same year after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, going into remission and going back to work a year later.

“We are beyond grateful that we live in such a wonderful and caring community,” he says.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Let it go. Trust in the team. I thought that the level of detail and attention I paid every project I was engaged with was unparalleled. I was wrong. I was forced at a point in 2018 to relinquish project control to what I knew was a very capable team, but their performance absolutely blew me away.

What’s your most treasured possession? My family.

What historical figure do you identify with most? Gen. George S. Patton. Driven by results and action, a little rough around the edges.