President, Tracy Arey Real Estate
AGE: 46
JOB DESCRIPTION: Real estate sales and development, new home construction.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 21
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Born in Creston, Iowa, and then moved to Forest City, Okoboji, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Falls, Carroll and Cedar Falls, Iowa, before moving to Columbia, Mo.
EDUCATION: I graduated from Linn Mar High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I then attended the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse and West Texas State University
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’m a member of the Parents Advisory Board for Shriners Hospital in St. Louis and a member of the selection committees for Florida Citrus Sports, Capitol One Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl. I’m also a member of the Tiger Quarterback Club and a youth sports coach.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: My career started in management, but for the last 20 years I have been a Realtor.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE: I have many names, but what stand out for me are the self-made-success stories, and in Columbia we see many examples of them.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: There’s something very satisfying and exciting about being instrumental in a real estate transaction. Whether it’s a first home, a newly constructed home, an investment property or retail space, knowing my clients’ priorities and satisfying those needs motivate me.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING: Coaching youth sports has been very gratifying, and you can really feel like you have changed someone in a positive way. I now know why Coach Pinkel gets so emotional
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME: I think for me it was scheduling time for my family. The past five years I have focused on finding a balance between work and family.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: We developed 250 lots in Eastport Village, and it’s satisfying to know you improved a small piece of Columbia.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Real estate is dynamic, and with 650 local Realtors, you must be prepared, spontaneous, confident and especially passionate.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: University of Missouri sports—especially our high-octane football team—and Lake of the Ozarks family vacations.
FAMILY: My wife, Beth, and I are both Realtors here and at the Lake of the Ozarks. We have four great kids: Carter, 18; Bennett, 14; Anderson, 9; and Rilee, 7. Beth and I moved to Columbia 21 years ago and have spent all of our married lives in this great community. I am so lucky to have each and every one of them.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Tailgating at the RV parking lot at Mizzou football games
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Watching the kids Beth and I have raised develop into fantastic individuals and providing for their needs makes me very proud.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT: I was a professional bowler after college, and I am a football scout for Florida Citrus Sports.
