Chattanooga: A City of Opportunity and Growth
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has become a shining example of charm mixed with potential, drawing people like Tracey Smith, who comes with a wealth of experience and a heart full of community spirit. Originally hailing from Austin, Texas, Tracey has watched her hometown morph into a bustling metropolis, and she hopes to help Chattanooga retain its friendly small-town charm as it grows.
A Move to Chattanooga
After an adventurous career that spanned various states, Tracey and her husband, Scott, made a conscious choice to settle in Chattanooga eight years ago to raise their two-year-old son, Lincoln. “I remember when you could go to the gas station in Austin and maybe see somebody you knew,” she reminisces. “Chattanooga reminds me of Austin 20 years ago.” This sentiment highlights her affection for the city and the hope that it can avoid some of the growing pains that cities undergo as they rapidly develop.
Building a Future
Working as a retirement plan specialist at the Trust Company of Tennessee, Tracey’s career trajectory has seen her move from a national financial services company to a local role where she can truly feel connected. Her past experience involved significant travel, which became challenging after the adoption of her son. “After we adopted Lincoln, my priorities began to change,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of being present for her family while also serving clients throughout East Tennessee.
A Strong Career Foundation
Having graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in economics, Tracey’s career began with Northwest Mutual, where she honed her skills in financial planning and life insurance. “My first job was as a participant account representative,” she recalls. This role involved visiting group clients and ensuring that all employees—from custodians to CEOs—understood the ins and outs of retirement planning.
Making Complex Concepts Simple
Tracey learned a valuable lesson in communication: simplifying complex financial language is key to making sure everyone understands. “If I talked so CEOs could understand, maybe 5% of the room would get it,” she explains. “But if I could talk where a janitor could understand, then 95% of the room would be on the same page.” Her creative approach included a cooking metaphor to explain investment styles. She would ask whether employees preferred cooking from scratch or eating prepared meals as a way to gauge their risk tolerance.
Community Involvement
Beyond her professional life, Tracey is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She is actively involved with the Chattanooga Food Bank and Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Chattanooga. “I grew up with a deep understanding that we need to give back to the community,” she states, embodying the spirit of service that many residents of Chattanooga share.
Looking Ahead
As Chattanooga continues to evolve, Tracey Smith stands as a testament to the balance between personal growth and community engagement. With her roots firmly planted in the city, her story reminds us all of the importance of connection, both in business and in daily life.
Whether she’s strategizing for clients or volunteering at local organizations, Tracey’s dedication to her family and her adopted hometown shines through. It’s clear that as she nurtures her career and contributes to the community, she remains grounded in the values that truly matter.
Chattanooga is more than just a place to live for Tracey; it’s a canvas for building a brighter future for her family and the community at large.
