Our Team

Tom Thomson, CPC

Principal and Managing Partner

Tom is the Principal and Managing Director of the Franklin Search Group. Tom is a graduate of the Terry School of Business at the University of Georgia. He spent the first 20 years of his career in commercial roles with a the global packaging company, Sonoco. Tom founded the Franklin Search Group in 2007. He loves the challenge of finding the perfect match for his client’s open position. Tom resides in Franklin, TN with his wife Paula, an educator. They have three grown children. Tom is a leader in Rotary International where he served as President of the Rotary Club of Franklin. He received the Rotary Humanitarian Service Award for his work in Honduras. When he is not searching for top talent, he can be found in the jungles of Central and South America or the plains of the Serengeti searching for big cats and other wildlife to photograph. His work has been published in National Geographic, Africa Geographic and Wild Planet Magazine.

Rick Markson

Senior Partner

Rick Markson joins Sanford Rose Associates, Franklin, TN as a leading consultant in search and new business development in the Point of Purchase Industry.

With over 40 years of experience in all aspects of Point of Purchase with applying a strong expertise in the area of design, engineering, innovative and long term strategic planning. Rick’s entrepreneurial Point of Purchase/Point of Sale background is a driving factor for the passion he has for this business.

Prior to joining Sanford Rose, Rick was the National Design Director for Sonoco Display and Packaging for eight years, leading creative, engineering, graphic and conceptual Design Services in locations throughout the United States.

From 1989 to 2006, Rick was President and CEO of a $60MM company, Markson Rosenthal & Co., NJ, with fulfillment and Pack to Order plants throughout the United States.

Rick and his creative team were an integral contributor in the development of Pack to Order and Promotional Product Packaging programs for major clients. Also, design and development of several Point of Purchase programs established by Markson Rosenthal & Co. are common vehicles in retail today. Led an international design and production initiative for major customers in the US for their European market. Partnered with display producers in the UK and Germany to provide launch programs shared in both North America and Europe.

Previous to this Rick held various positions as VP Creative and Creative Director/Design Manager with Advertising Display Company, NJ 1971-1989.His responsibilities included management of design, engineering and modeling services. During these years ADC experienced over $35MM in growth. He has been a recipient of numerous gold POPAI awards with these three POP companies.

Rick resides in the Triad of North Carolina, between Greensboro and Winston Salem with his wife Linda.   Father of five, and an avid baseball memorabilia collector over the past twenty five years. His talents extend to culinary delights and wine pairing, collecting antiques and a strong interest in music.

Ed Lamb

Senior Partner

Ed joined Sanford Rose Associates Franklin Group after a successful 25 year career with Sonoco Products Company. He was instrumental in the growth of Sonoco’s Protective Packaging Division. Ed lives in Franklin, TN with his wife Connie, and educator. Their son Colin is a member of the University of Dayton Cross Country team.