Thomas Jacobs is competing for Katie Thurston's love on The Bachelorette season 17, and there are a lot of details fans want to know about him. As is the case with all seasons of the dating franchise, one competitor is destined to fall into the trope of "the villain," and it appears Thomas is eager to claim the infamous role. Because Bachelorette villains can turn into fan-favorites, here's everything fans need to know about the background of season 17's polarizing contestant Thomas.
Thomas was born on June 18, 1992, meaning he is almost 29. Thomas grew up in his hometown, Poway, California, which is only a couple dozen miles away from San Diego. Because of his proximity to the coastal California city, his decision to attend the University of San Diego was a natural one. While studying at USD, Thomas was active in the school's athletic department. Thomas has shared posts on his Instagram implying that he ran cross country for his college. Thomas' Instagram also exhibits his philanthropic work. According to his social media, he has worked with the San Diego Humane Society as an advocate for animals' well-being. With SDHS, Thomas has raised thousands of dollars. Additionally, Bachelorette fans who follow Thomas on Instagram at @thomasajacobs will notice his affiliation with the San Diego Rescue Mission, an organization that aids San Diego's homeless population.
Aside from his altruistic endeavors, Thomas keeps himself busy with his career as a real estate broker. According to Thomas' Zillow account, he has been working as a realtor for over six years. Thomas attributes his success as a realtor to his familiarity with San Diego, his upbringing in a military household, and the ethics he garnered competing in collegiate sports. Thomas' accolades as a real estate broker include being a member of the San Diego Association of Realtors' Circle of Excellence. Thomas was chosen to be Keller Williams' social equality ambassador for their southern California region. While Thomas may not have the wildest job of The Bachelorette's season 17 cast, it is certainly impressive. On top of working under Keller Williams, Thomas is the CEO of his own real estate company, Champions One Realty. According to Champions One Realty's Facebook page, the company has been active since October 2020.
Although The Bachelorette season 17 just started, Thomas is swiftly making a reputation for himself as the villain. Thomas has relied on his ambitious and competitive nature to thrive in his real estate business, but within the group of men contending for Katie's romantic interest, his cutthroat nature is proving to be a hindrance. His fellow competitors are claiming that the San Diego broker is on The Bachelorette for the wrong reasons. Instead of hoping to win over Katie's heart, Thomas' adversaries theorize that he only joined the show for fame. Contrary to his opponents' claims, Thomas has promised he is looking for "true companionship."
Thomas' ambition has been his strongest feature from his experience in college sports to the founding of his real estate company. While he may seem like an abrasive pick for Katie, his work for San Diego's homeless population proves he has a soft side to him. Whether Thomas is on The Bachelorette to win Katie's adoration or to further his career outside of reality television is yet to be seen.