Local Hero: Tom Hoel Quietly Makes Life Better In Woodbury

WOODBURY, MN — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Doug Killian who nominated his lifelong friend, Tom Hoel of Woodbury.

Local hero’s full name

Tom Hoel.

Local hero’s home state

Minnesota.

Local hero’s Patch

Woodbury.

How do you know the local hero?

We are life-long friends from growing up together in Hudson, WI.

What does the local hero do?

Tom is the co-owner and president of the Family Achievement Center in Woodbury (with clinics also in Bloomington and Stillwater) and co-founder and treasurer of the Family Achievement Foundation.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Tom, who is a long-term Woodbury resident, founded Family Achievement Center (FAC) in 2001. He was inspired by his son Anthony who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age two (in 1992).

Anthony passed in 2011 but continues to be the inspiration for the caring and dedicated team at FAC's clinics who provide high-quality occupational, physical, and speech therapy services to children and adults.

FAC has helped hundreds of children and adults over two decades of service and was named Business of the Year by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

In addition, Tom and his wife Sarah Mason established the Family Achievement Foundation in 2020 to provide love, support and resources for parents on a challenging journey.

Tom is changing lives daily through his leadership and love for helping others.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Tom's life history is showing love and compassion for helping others. He is living it out through his leadership of the Woodbury-based Family Achievement Center and Family Achievement Foundation and being a dedicated husband and father.

Thank you for all you do, Tom Hoel!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them here.