Thorn began his career in 1979 with S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. In his 16 years with the company, Thorn's experience spanned finance, marketing, strategic planning, acquisitions and international business. Building on his diverse experience, Thorn also served with Campbell Soup Company and Beaulieu of America, a large carpet manufacturer.

During his first year at Southwire, Thorn reorganized the company around its core businesses, culminating with an acquisition that put Southwire in the number one position of the North American building wire market.

Thorn received a bachelor's degree in economics in 1978, and a master's of business administration degree in 1979, both from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He majored in Finance and Decision Science.

He serves on several boards, including Just Care, Inc., a privately owned sub-acute care operation for prisoners in need of medical attention, and MB Associates, a physician billing management service.