When Scot Thomas talks about Upbring, it’s clear that this isn’t just a board seat, it’s a deep, personal commitment. Like many who dedicate their time and talents to Upbring, Scot began as a volunteer advocate. That connection, rooted in shared purpose, eventually led him to join the Upbring Board of Directors.
“This isn’t a job to me,” Scot said. “It’s a calling. It’s about giving back in a way that honors the path I’ve walked.”
That path was far from easy. Scot grew up in a home marked by early instability, born to well-meaning teenage parents who later divorced. His early years were characterized by emotional neglect from parents facing their own challenges and years of unthinkable physical abuse from his mother’s new partner.
“By the time I turned 16, I had lived in at least 15 different houses,” Scot shared. “In those vulnerable early years, I experienced the brunt of the trauma—emotional neglect and physical abuse that left deep scars and a sense of worthlessness.”
School offered little refuge. Scot struggled with undiagnosed learning differences, including ADHD and dyslexia.
“I didn’t learn the same way others did, so I felt confused and misunderstood,” he said. “I started acting out just to feel seen. I was definitely the class clown, people thought I was difficult to manage and wild.”
At 16, Scot was on his own, heartbroken, transient and searching for connection, stability and safety. As a result, he had to leave school to support himself. Though necessary at the time, it was a difficult choice that he later corrected by returning to complete his education—an act of commitment to himself and his future family.
“I don’t share my story to suggest it was harder than anyone else’s. In fact, I know it wasn’t, especially after hearing the heartbreaking stories within Upbring’s reach,” he said. “But it shaped me. It built grit and resilience. I was determined to break the cycle of abuse in my own family. I had to figure life out for myself—and that became my fuel.”
That fuel eventually led Scot to entrepreneurship. Today, he is the founder and CEO of STC Safety & Risk Management, a business rooted in the very thing he lacked growing up: safety.
“Going from an unruly, confused child to someone who now leads a company dedicated to safety and protecting human life, it’s not a coincidence,” he said. “It’s my calling. I want to provide what I didn’t have and use my ‘superpowers’—my experience, passion and problem-solving abilities—derived from the ‘mess’ that became my mission.”
“I now have six children in a blended family, a safe home and a wonderful, supportive wife.”
Scot’s sense of purpose deepened when he learned about Upbring’s BeREAL Supervised Independent Living program.
“A friend told me about BeREAL, and it struck a chord,” he said. “I reflected on all the people who informally supported me growing up, the mentors and community members who helped me stitch together the gaps in my life. When I learned what BeREAL does for young adults aging out of foster care, I felt immediately connected to the mission.”
Scot didn’t wait for an invitation. He reached out to Upbring’s leadership and began fundraising within his own community.
“My heart was instantly tied to those soon-to-be adults, because in so many ways, I see my younger self in them.”
His relationship with Upbring continued to grow. Today, as a board member, Scot brings not only professional expertise but also lived experience to the table.
“My role isn’t just a title or a checkbox,” he said. “It’s personal. Having lived through this at some level, I bring a grounded perspective. I want to ensure our decisions reflect what these young people truly need, not just to survive, but to thrive and not be defined by circumstance.”
His wife, Barbara, witnesses the transformation firsthand.
“Watching Scot turn something so painful into something powerful, it fills me with pride,” she said. “When the opportunity to join the board came up, he didn’t hesitate. He said, ‘Yes, a thousand percent.’ It’s been amazing to see him pour his heart into this work.”
When asked what being part of Upbring means to him, Scot reflects, “Personally, it’s about becoming the person I once needed. I’ve moved from self-doubt to a place of confidence and worth, and now I get to be a mentor. That’s powerful.”
“Professionally, it’s helped me zoom out. Being on the board has taught me how to lead my own business with a bigger-picture mindset, focusing on impact, not just activity.”
As Scot puts it, “Upbring isn’t just an organization. It’s a mission. We’re not here to build egos or play politics. We’re here for these children and young adults—for their futures.”
“I strive to represent the outcome of the Upbring mission every day. I’ve built a life of resilience, love and compassion, and I’m still growing.”
Together, Scot and Barbara embody what it means to lead with heart. Through their advocacy, lived experience and unwavering belief in Upbring’s mission, they are helping shape a safer, stronger future for the next generation of leaders.
Their favorite quote is from Mother Teresa – “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”