Thomas Pepin

Thomas Pepin, also known as Tom Pepin, is a respected Tampa Bay business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose impact spans more than four decades. Formerly President and CEO of Pepin Distributing Company, he transformed a small family-owned beverage distribution business into a $260 million enterprise and one of Florida’s leading beverage distributors. Under his leadership, the company became known for disciplined operations, strong partnerships with major beverage manufacturers, and a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility. Beyond business growth, Thomas Pepin built a legacy rooted in community development and strategic philanthropy. He integrated charitable giving into the core identity of Pepin Distributing, supporting nonprofits, civic organizations, and first responder initiatives across Tampa Bay. He founded the T. Pepin Hospitality Centre to provide nonprofit organizations with access to a high-quality event venue, often at little or no cost. This initiative has helped local groups raise millions of dollars for charitable causes. In education, Tom also saw the vision when approached by a group of families whose children were struggling in a general education environment. Pepin Academies was then founded with the family's financial support, a network of public charter schools serving students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia and ADHD. For more than 25 years, these schools have delivered individualized education programs that promote accountability, confidence, and life skills, earning recognition as some of Florida’s top charter schools. In healthcare philanthropy, he launched the Pepin Heart Institute to support cardiovascular research, patient care, and medical education. His leadership in this area earned him the Healthcare Philanthropist of the Year award. He has also been a major advocate for public safety, supporting law enforcement, and was honored as the Tampa Police Department Citizen of the Year and the Lightning Community Hero.