Tracy Cook’s career evolution is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a drive for success. Starting her professional journey in 2016, Tracy began as a personal trainer, utilizing her degree in kinesiology to help others achieve their fitness goals. But her path took a significant turn when she pursued an MBA, leading her into the corporate world with a 9-to-5 job. However, the desire for flexibility and autonomy pushed her toward a new venture—founding her own marketing agency in 2021.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
Launching her marketing agency allowed Tracy to combine her business acumen with the freedom of working from home. But the road wasn’t without its obstacles. One of the biggest challenges Tracy faced was time management. For a period, she juggled two jobs, navigating both her corporate responsibilities and the demands of a new business. Through this process, she honed her efficiency and learned the importance of discipline in managing time.
Lessons from Failure: The Power of Preparation
Tracy’s first attempt at starting a business wasn’t successful. Reflecting on that experience, she emphasizes the importance of thorough research and preparation. “I learned a lot from my previous failure,” she admits. “Spend more time in the prep phase, do the research, write everything down, and stay organized.” Her journey also reinforced the value of persistence and prayer, which helped her navigate the tough moments. As a wife and mother to a 9-month-old, Tracy also credits her Christian faith as a driving force behind her resilience and success.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Keep It Simple
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Tracy’s advice is straightforward: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, focus on what works. She advocates for following proven methods and spending sufficient time in the planning stage. “Go with what works,” she says. Her structured approach has been key to overcoming obstacles and steering her business toward success.
Milestones and Vision for the Future
This year marks a significant milestone for Tracy, as she is set to reach six figures in revenue for the first time. Looking ahead, her goal is to step into more of a delegator role, allowing her to focus on strategy and leadership rather than day-to-day implementation. She envisions empowering smaller businesses by providing affordable access to online marketing tools, ensuring they can compete even without big budgets.
Empowering Small Businesses
Tracy’s mission is clear: She wants to help small businesses thrive. By offering practical marketing solutions, her agency gives smaller companies the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market. For Tracy, it’s about more than just marketing—it’s about giving others the support they need to grow and succeed.