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Thomas "Tom" Redmond Sr., a visionary in the hair care industry, entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the age of 92. Tom’s extraordinary contributions to the beauty world, his deep commitment to family, and his generous spirit leave behind a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Known for his quick wit and endless collection of jokes, he made it a priority to bring laughter into every room he entered. At company meetings, it became protocol for employees to start their speeches with a joke, a tradition that reflected his deep appreciation for humor. He instilled integrity, creativity, and self-reliance in those around him, whether in business or at home, where he taught his daughters the same skills as his sons—building barns, putting up fencing, hunting, and fishing.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Tom graduated from Lewis University before embarking on a career that would forever change the hair care industry. His first job in the industry was selling ad space for Modern Beauty Shop, which eventually led to him becoming a successful beauty products sales representative. In 1979, at the age of 46, Tom took a bold leap and founded Redmond Products, which would later lead to the creation of the iconic Aussie Hair Care brand in 1980.
Aussie became an industry game-changer, with its signature purple packaging, quirky product names, and unique approach to hair care. Tom’s philosophy, “If you’re not different, you’re dead,” served as the driving force behind the brand’s innovative products, including the beloved Three Minute Miracle deep conditioner. Tom’s blend of creativity and unconventional thinking introduced the world to Australian botanicals like jojoba oil, aloe vera, and Australian sea kelp, revolutionizing the beauty market and making Aussie a household name.
Despite having very limited advertising budgets, Tom’s marketing savvy allowed him to maximize every dollar. His boldest move was hiring a photographer to capture a photo of the 13 members of the Redmond family dressed in white bathrobes, a visual that would define Aussie’s brand identity. He then made a daring investment, spending nearly the entirety of his budget to secure an ad in People magazine—an ad that not only captured the attention of millions but solidified Aussie’s unique and approachable image. Under his leadership, the brand grew from $250,000 in sales to more than $100 million in just 10 years.
In 1997, Tom sold Aussie to Bristol-Myers Squibb, but the brand’s staying power and worldwide popularity remain a testament to his vision. Throughout his career, Tom inspired countless individuals, many of whom went on to create their own brands and careers in the hair care industry and beyond. His influence is still felt by the employees he mentored, the businesses he helped grow, and the companies he built, including Onesta Hair Care and Renpure Hair Care, which he founded later in life.
Tom was more than a business mogul; he was a passionate family man with a deep love for horses, the Western way of life, and the great outdoors. In 1991, Tom purchased Wolfsprings Ranch, a 64,000-acre working ranch in Colorado, where he raised cattle, buffalo, and show horses. It was at the ranch that Tom spent many cherished moments with his family, whether hunting, training horses, or simply enjoying the beauty of the land. His second ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, was another beloved family retreat where his grandchildren were introduced to the world of Arabian horses, learning to ride, train, and show alongside their grandfather.
Tom’s love of horses was not only a passion but a legacy that was shared across generations. He participated in the Chief Joseph Trail Ride, a prestigious event honoring the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people, and became a respected figure in the equestrian community. Tom was also a big supporter and sponsor of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. His commitment to the Western way of life was matched only by his devotion to his family, especially when, at the age of 75, he and his wife Carmen adopted triplet girls from China, raising them with the same love, humor, and hands-on work ethic that he instilled in his sons and daughters.
A U.S. Army veteran who served as a Forward Observer at the tail end of the Korean War, Tom was also a dedicated supporter of law enforcement, providing critical equipment like protective vests to local police forces. He was a man who believed in service, generosity, and integrity in every aspect of his life.
Above all, Tom’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife Carmen, children Anna, Ping, Mei, Jong, Ellen, Patricia, Tom Jr., Michael, and John, as well as 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Tom’s impact on those who loved him was immeasurable. His wisdom, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following organizations, which were dear to Tom’s heart:
- Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
- Arabian Horse Foundation: www.thearabianhorsefoundation.org/donate
- Lewis University (Tom’s Alma Mater): www.lewisu.edu
- Chief Joseph Trail Ride (Appaloosa Horse Club): www.appaloosa.com/chief-joseph-trail-ride
Tom Redmond Sr. was a true pioneer in his industry, a loving family man, and a man whose legacy of laughter, integrity, and creativity will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire those who carry his memory forward.
