Catholic Central concluded its Career Conference Speaker Series during the month of April with three sets of speakers, who provided insights on careers in the fields of entrepreneurship, law, and trades. 

Anthony Tomey ‘99 and Michael Tomey ‘07: Business and Entrepreneurship

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, brothers Anthony Tomey ‘99 and Michael Tomey ‘07 talked to students about their career journey as entrepreneurs and business owners. 

Anthony began by reflecting on his career path, which included playing professional baseball before transitioning to the business world. He emphasized the powerful influence of one’s social circle, stating, “You mirror who your friends are. If your friends are athletes, you’re an athlete. If your friends are gamers, you’re a gamer. If your friends are making bad choices, you’re more likely to make bad choices. Be smart about your friends.”

The Tomey brothers ventured into business together by investing in a Jimmy John’s franchise, primarily because they were already fans of the brand. At the time, sandwich delivery was a novel concept, making it a unique business opportunity. 

As their business grew, Anthony managed to juggle playing professional baseball, attending college, and running their first few stores. When his baseball career ended in 2018, the brothers fully committed to expanding their business. Over the next decade, they grew from five locations to more than 50, with a goal of surpassing 100 stores in the future.

Michael followed with his perspective on the importance of continuous learning and financial literacy. “Read every day,” he advised. “Learn about business and financial markets - things change every day. The more knowledge you have, the better positioned you’ll be to make smart financial decisions.”

Beyond their Jimmy John’s franchises, the Tomey brothers have diversified their investments into real estate, credit card processing, and even a resort on Houghton Lake. “Having Jimmy John’s as a foundation helped us generate different streams of income,” they explained. “Never put all your eggs in one basket.”

Their core values - faith, family, and work ethic - have guided their success. “Go to church, thank God for what you have, and stick together as a family,” Anthony emphasized. “Work hard, never be complacent, and always give back to the Catholic Central community.”

Judge David Law ‘87, John Carlson ‘87, and Mike Butler ‘71: Law

Then, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Judge David Law ‘87, John Carlson ‘87, and Mike Butler ‘71 spoke to students interested in pursuing a legal career. 

John Carlson ‘87 spoke first, sharing how he initially pursued an engineering degree at the University of Michigan before deciding to switch to law. He specialized in patent law, a field that requires technical knowledge and strong writing skills. 

Carlson described the process of working with inventors to secure patents and how the ability to quickly learn new technologies is essential. He also emphasized the importance of continuous learning, attending seminars, and treating colleagues, staff, and clients with respect. He advised students to study something outside of law before attending law school to broaden their expertise.

Judge David Law ‘87, who serves in the Novi District Court, spoke about his journey from studying finance at Notre Dame to law school and his diverse experiences in prosecution and state legislation. He credited Catholic Central for instilling in him the discipline and values that helped him succeed. 

Judge Law encouraged students to work hard, make a difference in their communities, and remain adaptable. He also stressed the importance of being mindful of their social media presence and taking their studies seriously.

Mike Butler ‘71 concluded the session by highlighting the power of advocacy and public speaking in the legal profession. As a trial lawyer, he emphasized the ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and present arguments effectively. He shared how Catholic Central’s reputation holds significant weight in the legal field, often more than where someone attended college. 

“Catholic central is a magical name in the legal profession. You have a brotherhood here that carries over into the law field. People don’t ask me where I went to college. They ask me where I went to high school and the fact that I went to CC matters more than where I went to college in the legal profession,” he stated. 

Butler encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities, develop strong critical thinking skills, and embrace the brotherhood of Catholic Central as they pursue their careers.

Each speaker reinforced the values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, urging students to work hard, seek mentorship, and embrace lifelong learning, whether they choose to become lawyers or follow other paths.

Kory McCullough ‘17: Electrician and Trade School

Lastly, Kory McCullough ‘17 talked to students about becoming an electrician and going to trade school on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. 

Unsure about college after high school, Kory was encouraged by his parents and a family friend to explore other options. He discovered the electrician program at Michigan State, which offered hands-on training, real-world skills, and low student debt.

“I didn’t want to sit in a classroom for four more years,” he said. “This path let me earn while I learned.”

Kory completed classroom work three days a week and a weekly lab focused on practical wiring skills. The program included math, English, and code courses—Algebra being one of the tougher requirements.

After completing his coursework, Kory entered a four-year apprenticeship, which gave him paid, on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships are required for electricians and often help cover school costs. He explained the different paths students can take, including through a union or directly with a company.

Today, Kory works on a variety of projects, from office renovations to new construction and underground piping. He’s currently mentoring an apprentice of his own and emphasized how rewarding the work can be.

“Every job is different, and you’re always learning,” he said. “You don’t need to go into debt or sit in lectures to build a great career.”