At Secured™, employees are more than just cogs in the machine—they’re valued members of a family, each bringing their unique passions and talents to the table. In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we sit down with Brandon Thomson, a dedicated financial analyst whose journey to Secured™ is as inspiring as it is diverse. But beyond his expertise in finance, Brandon harbors a creative spark that fuels his off-hours. He balances spreadsheets by day, but by night, the creative crusader comes out. Brandon’s story is one of prolific ambition, resilience, and a drive to make meaningful contributions wherever he lands.
Thomson’s career journey began shortly after he graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a degree in political science. He was inspired by his parents, both of whom worked for government agencies. “My dad works for DLA [Defense Logistics Agency], and my mom worked for OPM [Office of Personnel Management],” Thomson explains. Following in their footsteps, he initially aimed to carve out a career in government service.
However, finding a stable footing in the job market wasn’t easy for Thomson, as he faced challenges common to many new graduates. “I was having a little bit of trouble,” he admits, despite having completed internships and gaining some early experience. His first significant role came through an opportunity at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), where he managed budgeting for clients under the agency’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) office. “That was actually the start of when I got access to the world of finance,” Thomson recalls. His responsibilities quickly expanded beyond the basics, and he began handling more complex financial tasks, which set the stage for his future career.
Following his stint at DIA, Thomson continued to explore opportunities in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. He spent some time working with the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and later with a government contractor, Cloud Lake. Each role, while distinct, contributed to his growing expertise in finance, particularly within the government and defense sectors.
It wasn’t until Thomson joined Secured™ that he truly felt he had found a place where his contributions were valued. “The biggest thing I really love about Secured™ is that it’s very family-oriented,” he says. This sense of belonging contrasts sharply with his experiences at previous companies, which he describes as “very corporate, very machine-like.”
Thomson also highlights the supportive environment at Secured™, particularly under the guidance of his supervisors, Pat and Freddie. “Pat is my go-to,” he says with a smile, acknowledging the strong mentorship he receives. He emphasizes the importance of having leaders who not only recognize but also appreciate the hard work of their team members. “It was the first time I felt very appreciated by the work I do and how I actually make a difference with the company.”
As Thomson continues to excel in his role at Secured™, his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of working in a supportive environment. He remains committed to making a difference, not just for the company, but for the broader community that Secured™ serves. “I’m just enjoying it so far, so I can’t really complain,” he concludes with contentment, reflecting on his journey and looking forward to what lies ahead.
A Passion Beyond Finance: Writing and Comic Creation
While Brandon Thomson is deeply committed to his work as a financial analyst, he has another passion that fuels his creativity—writing. Thomson is an aspiring comic creator, a dream that has been a part of him for as long as he can remember. “I’ve always loved storytelling,” he shares, “and creating comics allows me to combine my love for art and narrative in a way that’s both visually and emotionally engaging.”
Thomson’s journey into comic creation is a testament to his multifaceted personality. Balancing a full-time career in finance with the demands of writing and illustrating is no easy feat, but for Thomson, it’s a labor of love. “It’s something I do in my free time, but it’s where my heart truly lies,” he says, describing how he often spends late nights developing characters and storylines.
His current project, a comic series that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, is nearing completion, and Thomson is excited to bring it to the world. He’s launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the publication of his first issue. “Getting this comic published would be a dream come true,” he says. “I’m hoping to connect with others who share my love for the genre and who want to support independent creators.”
Whether he’s analyzing financial data or crafting the next chapter of his comic series, Brandon approaches every task with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm. His story reminds us that true fulfillment comes not just from succeeding in our careers, but also from nurturing the creative dreams that light up our souls. As he looks to the future, Brandon’s dual pursuits in finance and writing promise to take him on a journey as thrilling as any comic book adventure—one where hard work, creativity, and passion converge to shape a truly remarkable life.
For those interested in supporting Thomson’s creative endeavor, pledge your support on his Kickstarter campaign. Your support can help bring this unique and imaginative story to life and support a passionate creator in his journey from dream to reality.