Entrepreneur and alumnus Tom Stauffer, class of 2024, has turned a passion for cars and content into a multi-business brand. As the founder of Tom’s Refurb, he creates unique automotive videos that have fueled the growth of three ventures: tomsrefurb.shop (an online shop for branded gear), Patreon (a subscription platform where fans support creators in exchange for exclusive content), and Speedy’s Equipment (an automotive performance parts business). From small engine repairs as a teen to designing his own auto parts today, Tom’s entrepreneurial journey shows the power of creativity, persistence, and building with purpose.
What first inspired you to launch Tom’s Refurb and how did that lead to creating Speedy’s?
Speedy’s actually came first as an equipment business, and Tom’s Refurb started shortly after. Within about two years, Tom’s Refurb became far more profitable, so I pivoted Speedy’s into an automotive parts business. Equipment like trailers and tractors didn’t correlate with Tom’s Refurb, but auto parts do. That pivot gave Speedy’s a new model I truly love and it benefits from the content and community I’ve built.
Tell us about the evolution of your startup journey. How did you go from refurbishing to designing your own auto parts?
I started with usual child-like entrepreneurial ventures; Yard sales, lemonade stands, and arts festivals, but started my first “venture” (it wasn’t very legit) in the form of a small engine repair shop at 13. I grew that “business” throughout high school until I began buying/selling cars and equipment. I started an LLC for the equipment at the start of college, and also slowly grew my content platform at the same time. I got a car dealer’s license in the mix as well. Once the content gained ample traction and turned into a more full-time gig, I pivoted Speedy’s and built the two other businesses to diversify my revenue streams and make the most of the content’s publicity.
What’s been your proudest moment so far, whether at Tom’s Refurb, Speedy’s, or in between?
Thinking about the fact that I have built a team with some of my closest friends and my father, all whom I love unconditionally. We spend most days working towards a common goal that aligns with our interests, we think creatively, and we laugh nonstop- and that’s important.
How did your time at UD and Horn Entrepreneurship shape your path as a founder and builder?
Vince DiFelice is incredible. He helped me hone in my entrepreneurial spirit and taught me how to whittle down any business into its essential model to vet it.
What advice would you give current students who are thinking about starting something?
Never stop building! Try to create something truly special that is undeniably yours. Pursue a career or business that utilizes your hobbies, skills, and interests. If you hope to start a business of your own, make sure it isn’t the same as 100 other businesses active and thriving. In my opinion, the things you do should be memorable and interesting. My views don’t parallel everybody else’s, so move to the beat of your own drum… but never turn down an opportunity to learn.
What’s next for you?
I will continue to grow the content business until the internet has decided they’ve had enough of me, as that’s the nature of the game. If all goes well, people won’t get tired of me too quickly, as I have a lot of value to provide. I hope to grow Speedy’s to be an even more self-sufficient company, and I am also interested in commercial real estate investments. I’m always open to other business models that align with my interests and current branding.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the Horn community?
Vince DiFelice is incredible, I highly recommend anybody interested in entrepreneurship to take his courses. He helped me hone in my entrepreneurial spirit and taught me how to test any potential business model with real-world application in mind. He is generous and incredibly knowledgeable, and I thank him very much.
Tom’s journey reflects both his drive and the opportunities he embraced at UD. An Entrepreneurship major with a minor in Professional Selling & Sales Management, he also participated in Horn’s Summer Founders program, which provided the resources and mentorship to accelerate his ventures. As he continues to expand Tom’s Refurb, Speedy’s Equipment, and his other creative endeavors, Tom exemplifies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and hands-on learning that defines Horn Entrepreneurship.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
