Tracy Mouncey & Associates Offers Full-Service Stategic Consulting

Tracy Mouncey & Associates is a community and government relations firm in Lakeland. It provides innovative solutions to challenges clients face. Services include crisis management, image creation, media and government relations, and more.   

A Davenport native, Tracy Mouncey started the multi-disciplinary firm herself in 2010. Mouncey loves the environment, focuses on building relationships, appreciates her upbringing and believes in giving back. 

Humble Roots

Finding the balance between the environment and growth is important to Tracy Mouncey. 

“I am a fourth-generation Floridian,” she said. “There wasn’t a whole lot of entertainment back in my youth. So we spent every available moment in the woods and on the water. The natural environment is intrinsic to me, I think because of my early immersion in it and the peace and love I gathered from it.” 

She learned early on that “progress means the only constant is change,” she said. “As I developed in my career path and my aspirations, I realized there needed to be a balance. My career has been based in the development and growth of my community and our state. While I appreciate that growth is necessary for the economy and quality of life I desire, I also understand that there must be a healthy balance in how, where and why that development occurs. In my position, I have tremendous access. I make it my mission to educate my colleagues and encourage ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking to achieve that balance.” 

She credits her work ethic and volunteerism to her parents. 

“Growing up, we didn’t have ‘things,’ but rather we did things, and those activities were with our family, friends, neighbors,” Mouncey said. “If ever there was a crisis, a reference letter needed, a flat tire fixed- you only needed to knock on the neighbor’s door or pick up the phone and make the ask. I aspire to create that same sort of network in my personal and professional life. There is a fundamental sense of happiness, peace and joy when you can make someone’s day a little better.” 

The Beginning

Mouncey is an alumni of Polk State College and the University of Central Florida. Upon graduating, she worked for family-owned Standard Sand, which Rinker Materials bought out a year later. “While there was a great fear of the unknown with Rinker and immense change- family-owned business to corporation- there was also tremendous opportunity. Rinker was a very unique company in that it was a global organization. But the employees had direct involvement in the decision-making process and understood how our decisions affected the bottom-line and, ultimately, our bank accounts. I learned to broaden my perspective and outlook and understand how all the cogs in the wheel make it turn.” 

After almost 10 years with Rinker, Cemex purchased Rinker. Cemex is a global organization that is much larger than Rinker, and structured differently. “While the same opportunities abounded, I discovered that, again, the only constant is change. As I expanded my role with Cemex, I was afforded a much larger network and realized there was a whole, big world out there.” 

Mouncey then decided to “create something I could grow and leave for my kids,” and Tracy Mouncey & Associates was born. “I realized that what I had learned, created and accomplished at Rinker and Cemex could be amplified immensely given the opportunity to expand my influence and knowledge and work with more organizations to benefit many more constituents.”  

Branching Off

Mouncey’s work experience “completely” prepared her to start her own company in 2010- Tracy Mouncey & Associates. She is the sole employee, but she works with various subcontractors.  

“I was given a very unique myriad of perspectives,” she said. “I’d had access to brilliant mentors and experiences across the country in many varying disciplines.  I was able to interact with all levels of leadership and develop an expanded network while nurturing my existing one.  The ability to morph and adapt to varying leadership styles and expectations for, and from, the different organizations prepared me to face the challenges of owning my own business and navigate the ever-changing client outlooks. I learned how to manage expectations — under-promise and over-deliver.” 

Giving Back

Mouncey is or has been active in the Haines City Northeast Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Polk Education Foundation, the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Bethune Academy’s STEM program, the Wildlife Habitat Council Corporate Lands for Learning Advisory Council, Polk State College Foundation and more. 

She credits her parents for instilling work ethic and community spirit in their children. 

“My mom was active in the Methodist Church- my dad built it- and in the community, the Women’s Club, Girl Scouts, etc. My parents instilled a spirit of service in me and my sisters from when we were very young and led by example. They truly believed it ‘takes a village,’ and they exhibited it every day and expected it from us,” Mouncey said.

The Future of Tracy Mouncey & Associates

Mouncey is pursuing expanding her company’s offerings to further meet the needs of her clients, she said. “I believe that expansion will require me to hire at least one, more likely two, folks for my firm.” 

“I’ve tweaked my perspectives and opinions on some things and learned to try to look through the lens of the folks that are being impacted by what’s being proposed,” she said. “If I can understand what the ‘rub’ is, I can work to find a compromise and consensus.” 

“I am amazed by the leaders and decision-makers I deal with. Their ability to truly dive in and understand the projects I present and have a deliberate conversation about the pros and cons is a breath of fresh air. These local folks are sincerely invested in their communities. And, are brave enough to consider all sides and make a decision that is truly in the best interest of those they serve.  They have the fortitude to defend that decision and aren’t afraid to do so.”