Paul Thomas Croft is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and business leader known for building companies that thrive through uncertainty by prioritizing trust, discipline, and long-term value creation. His career reflects a consistent commitment to serving clients first—believing that sustainable success is a byproduct of helping others achieve clarity, stability, and growth.
Early in life, Paul set a clear and ambitious goal: to reach a seven-figure income by age 40. He exceeded that goal by age 37, not through shortcuts, but through focused execution and an unwavering dedication to client outcomes. That philosophy led him to found Croft Enterprises, LLC at just 27 years old during the 2008 financial crisis. While many businesses were scaling back, Paul leaned into service. What began as a small tax practice serving 37 clients expanded into a multi-city professional services firm offering tax consulting and resolution, business planning, real estate advisory, insurance solutions, and marketing support. Within five years, the firm grew to serve more than 2,000 clients.
Over the course of his career, Paul has played a role in facilitating more than $2 billion in life insurance placements, reflecting decades of trust-based relationships and strategic guidance. He later expanded into future-focused sectors by founding Rhino Onward International (ROI), where he supports businesses transitioning toward renewable energy solutions such as solar and hydrogen. Through Emerald Life, Inc., he continues to help individuals and organizations protect assets, manage risk, and plan with confidence.
Paul has also brought his strategic mindset into hospitality and lifestyle ventures, including partnerships in Komo Chicago and Esco Bar, blending cultural creativity with disciplined business execution.
Raised in Two Harbors, Minnesota, Paul overcame a serious back injury as a teenager—an experience that shaped his resilience and leadership style. Despite his professional accomplishments, he considers fatherhood his most important role. Guided by his Christian faith, Paul leads with integrity, balance, and a long-term vision focused on building a meaningful legacy both in business and in life.
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