Thomas Kiklas
Newport Beach,CA
Summary
Accomplished entrepreneur, founder, and executive with over 25 years of leadership in financial services, fintech innovation, brand development, and groundbreaking delivery-system technologies. Co-founder and President of Avari Nutraceuticals, where 18+ years of expertise in electronic vapor technologies and FDA regulatory strategy have been successfully pivoted into advanced nutraceutical platforms for acute migraine relief. Proven ability to launch, scale, and advocate for disruptive consumer health, wellness, and financial solutions, including pioneering e-vapor products and a fintech software platform that transformed dealer financing in the recreational products sector. Deep financial acumen from founding and leading specialized financial services and investment operations, combined with strategic regulatory navigation and cross-functional team leadership in highly regulated, emerging markets. Recognized industry spokesperson with a track record of shaping policy and driving market adoption through data-driven innovation and real-world execution.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder & President
Avari Nutraceuticals LLC
Newport Beach, CA
01.2016 - Current
- Founded and lead the company to commercialize the Thryve Migraine Nebulizer platform, leveraging proprietary vapor delivery systems for fast-acting, non-oral migraine relief and addressing critical limitations of traditional oral medications.
- Directed the strategic pivot of established vapor-delivery technology into nutraceutical applications, utilizing 18 years of real-world safety and efficacy data to accelerate FDA-aligned development and position the company as an innovator in alternative health delivery.
- Built and oversee all aspects of operations, including R&D, regulatory strategy, brand positioning, and go-to-market execution in the competitive wellness sector.
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer
Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association (TVECA)
01.2008 - Current
- Co-founded the leading U.S. trade association for the electronic vapor industry; provided ongoing financial leadership and strategic direction while serving as a key advocate for responsible regulation and harm-reduction science.
- Represented the industry in national media, congressional hearings, and FDA policy discussions, shaping regulatory frameworks that balanced innovation with public health standards.
- Contributed to the establishment of industry best practices and safety standards based on extensive real-world data, positioning TVECA as a trusted voice in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Co-Founder & President; Director of Brands & Marketing
inLife, LLC / NICMAXX e-Vapor Products (MAXX Vapor e-Liquids)
Irvine / Newport Beach, CA
01.2007 - Current
- Co-founded and scaled a pioneering electronic vapor company; successfully launched the Nicmaxx brand in 2012, establishing it as an early leader in the U.S. e-vapor category and contributing to one of the largest real-world case studies on alternative nicotine delivery systems.
- Drove product innovation, branding, and marketing strategies that expanded market reach while emphasizing harm-reduction principles and consumer safety.
- Managed cross-functional teams to navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Founder & CEO
Portal Financial LLP
Newport Beach, CA
07.2005 - 08.2008
- Founded and led Portal Financial LLP, a pioneering software company that designed and deployed an integrated financial services platform providing consumer and business financing loans to thousands of retail dealers in the recreational products industry.
- Conceptualized and built the proprietary “Portal” software system to organize the entire industry ecosystem, driving targeted digital traffic directly to dealerships and seamlessly enabling financing transactions to expand market reach and retail sales volume.
- Scaled operations from inception to support a national network of dealers, delivering innovative financing solutions that increased dealership market space, customer acquisition, and revenue growth in a competitive consumer retail sector.
Vice President, Investments
Great Western Financial Services
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Partnered directly with high-net-worth clients to allocate and manage estate assets, with a primary focus on strategic financial planning to mitigate and minimize estate tax exposure.
- Led a regional team of six financial consultants, providing hands-on oversight, training, and performance management to deliver tailored investment and wealth preservation solutions.
- Collaborated with bank and in-house brokerage compliance departments to design and implement comprehensive policies and procedures, ensuring full adherence to industry standards of practice and conduct across all client advisory activities.
Education
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CASkills
- Fintech Platform Design & Deployment
- Dealer & Consumer Financing Solutions
- Vapor Delivery Systems & Innovation
- FDA Regulatory Strategy & Compliance
- Startup Founding, Scaling & Operations
- Brand Development & Marketing
- Investment Advisory & Estate Planning
- Harm Reduction & Public Health Advocacy
- Regulatory & Government Affairs
- Strategic Pivots & Product Commercialization
- Team Leadership & Compliance Management
Websites
Timeline
Co-Founder & President
Avari Nutraceuticals LLC
01.2016 - Current
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer
Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association (TVECA)
01.2008 - Current
Co-Founder & President; Director of Brands & Marketing
inLife, LLC / NICMAXX e-Vapor Products (MAXX Vapor e-Liquids)
01.2007 - Current
Founder & CEO
Portal Financial LLP
07.2005 - 08.2008
Vice President, Investments
Great Western Financial Services
01.1996 - 01.2001
California State University, Northridge