Thomas Theunen’s career in commerce is marked by over a decade of evolution, growth, and a steadfast commitment to learning and community. His professional journey began in 2011 as a Java developer, where he excelled in building and optimizing online retail platforms. However, his career truly transformed when he encountered Salesforce’s Commerce Cloud, sparking his curiosity and reigniting a passion to deeply understand the ins and outs of technology. At a time when he felt professionally stagnant, Salesforce presented an opportunity not just for personal growth, but for profound business transformation.
Thomas’s journey with Salesforce began with Trailhead — his gateway to deeper expertise. But for Thomas, learning wasn’t a solitary endeavor — it was something to be shared. He quickly immersed himself in the Trailblazer Community, not just as a learner, but as a contributor. By answering questions and engaging with fellow Trailblazers, he discovered that the best way to solidify his own acumen was by helping others. It even led to his involvement in the Unofficial Commerce Cloud community. This ethos of knowledge sharing became a cornerstone of his professional identity, leading to his first certification as a Salesforce B2C Commerce Developer.
Salesforce isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowering businesses to reach their full potential by understanding and meeting the needs of their customers.
Thomas TheunenHead of Commerce, FORWARD
Each new certification, role, and challenge thereafter was an opportunity for Thomas to expand his expertise and to give back to the community that supported him. Transitioning from a developer to an architect, Thomas undertook increasingly significant roles across various companies, deepening his technical prowess across the Commerce, Service, and Marketing Clouds. His passion for teaching led him to become a Salesforce Instructor for Commerce Architect courses, where he could further share his skills with others. Recognizing the importance of accessible information,Thomas also started his own blog, “The Rhino Inquisitor,” where he shares practical guides and solutions for the Trailblazer Community.
Today, as the Head of Commerce at FORWARD, a Salesforce partner specializing in Commerce, Marketing, and Service Cloud solutions, Thomas uses his deep platform expertise to lead innovative ecommerce solutions. He is dedicated to guiding clients in integrating Salesforce products to create seamless, customer-centric experiences. His approach is rooted in aligning technology with business objectives, ensuring that each solution not only meets immediate needs but also fosters long-term growth and success. But for Thomas, success is not just measured by personal achievements but by the impact he has on others.
Thomas’s contributions extend far beyond his professional endeavors, embodying a profound commitment to community and service. Whether he’s designing T-shirts for Shirtforce to support nonprofits, securing Salesforce licenses for charitable organizations, or volunteering as an admin for his local theater group, Thomas’s enthusiasm for paying it forward doesn’t end when he logs off at the end of the work day. In recognition of all he has done, Thomas has been honored as a Salesforce MVP. His dedication to making the journey easier for those who follow in his footsteps reflects his deep gratitude toward the community that has supported him. Trailblazers like Thomas are a testament to the power of prioritizing learning, community, and knowledge transfer in shaping not just a career, but a legacy.