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avatar Paul Croft

Paul Croft

CEO, Entrepreneur & Thought Leader, Emerald Life
he/him · Chicago, IL

Paul Croft is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a devoted father, continuously balancing the demands of his business ventures with his parental responsibilities. From an early age, Paul set ambitious goals for himself, aiming to earn a seven-figure income by the age of 40. Impressively, he achieved this milestone by age 37, primarily by focusing on enhancing his client's personal and financial objectives. His dedication has resulted in significant business growth and the successful establishment of a robust professional reputation. In 2008, at the age of 27, Paul founded Croft Enterprises, LLC. Launching a new business amid one of the worst economic downturns in U.S. history required a deep commitment to value creation. This principle has guided his company to flourish in major cities across the nation by 2017. Under his leadership, Croft Enterprises has become a critical provider of financial security and freedom, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including tax consulting, planning and preparation, economic and business consulting, and more. The foundation of Paul's business empire continues to expand with the inception of Rhino Onward International (ROI), a company dedicated to green energy solutions such as concentrated solar power, water desalination, and green hydrogen. As its Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul is steering ROI towards becoming a global leader in green energy, aligning business operations with the decarbonization goals of its clients. Another notable venture is Emerald Life, Inc., where Paul Thomas Croft serves as the Founder, Executive Chairman, and CEO. This company focuses on helping businesses, individuals, and families secure their financial futures through various insurance products and economic consulting. Beyond these enterprises, Croft has ventured into the hospitality industry as a partner in Komo Chicago & Esco Bar, located in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. This establishment offers a unique dining experience, blending Japanese and Latin cuisines. It is complemented by a vibrant cocktail lounge and nightclub known for its electronic dance music with Latin influences. His entrepreneurial success is evident in his impressive growth of a tax practice from 37 to 2,000 clients in just five years and his role in life insurance sales, where he has sold approximately $2 billion over 22 years. His early career achievements include accolades from his time as a top-10 intern at Northwestern Mutual. Born and raised in Two Harbors, Minnesota, Paul was a prominent student and leader during his school years. His athletic prowess was demonstrated through hockey, where he achieved early success, making the varsity team at just 14 and being recognized as a top player in the tri-state area by 15. Despite a severe injury at 16, he remarkably learned to skate again and was recruited to play hockey for the Air Force Academy. Paul Thomas Croft attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of North Dakota, where he studied Industrial Engineering, General Studies, Accounting, and Business. His academic and extracurricular achievements led him to be featured in a 2002 edition of USA Today as the #6 financial intern in the nation. In addition to his business endeavors, Paul is committed to philanthropy, working with organizations like CHOICE to help those with intellectual disabilities gain employment. He also supports The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, honoring his ex-wife's grandmother, who succumbed to cancer. Outside of his professional life, Paul is a proud father, cherishing the time spent with his young son and their pit bull. His hobbies include golf, which he began playing at a young age and maintaining an impressive collection of luxury vehicles. His passion for music and boating also plays a significant role in his life, providing relaxation and inspiration. Paul's faith, instilled by his mother, remains a guiding force in his life, helping him maintain perspective and focus amid the challenges of managing multiple business ventures. As he continues to expand his influence both in the business world and in his community, Paul Croft remains a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and strategic vision.