Tracy S. Beard, 36

By Brian Leaf

IAfter graduating from Belvidere High School, Tracy Beard wasn’t thinking about college. Then he found that landscaping yards and roofing were a tough way to make a living.

When he entered Rock Valley College, his idea about education changed. “There was a maturing process that went on,” Beard said. “I learned that by focusing on values, fundamentals, encouragement, hard work and discipline, the performance and reward will follow.”

His performance: straight As at both RVC and Rockford College, where he earned a degree in economics/finance. His reward: A position with Savant Capital Management, where he can fulfill his true calling.

“Passion for helping people has been my driving force in nearly every decision I’ve made,” said Beard, who with his wife Jennifer is raising two children, Maggie, 8, and Joshua, 5. “I thought about becoming a physical therapist, which was a way to help elderly people. But I realized I always liked financial planning and wanted to teach and help people with money concepts.”

Beard, who is working on a master’s degree in estate planning, is on the board at Carpenter’s Place in Rockford, and is working with his kids to get them involved in stewardship, too.

And as they begin their educations, he’s passing along lessons he learned along the way. “Through hard work and focusing on your unique talents, you can find success.”