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Main Street Mover: Lucy Foutch




Lucy Fetch

Lucy Fetch

Tell us a little about yourself. Married? Children? Where do you live?

“I am happily single with no children, and I live in Hermitage.”

Did you grow up in Tennessee?

“Yes. I was born and raised in Smithville and moved to Hermitage in 1985.”

Any siblings? 

“I have one sister who is 23 months older, and she lives in Smithville.”

You have quite a successful career in the financial arena. What is your education or training for this?

“I attended Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. I studied the pre-pharmacy curriculum but was unable to get into pharmacy school. Chemistry kicked my butt, and my charming personality made absolutely no difference. So a major in chemistry and a minor in biology did not excite me in the least. I mean what was I going to do – count fish in Center Hill Lake? Not.”

Have you always been a left-brained person? 

“What is that?”

Many people find math and statistics overwhelming. Have you always been good at math-type endeavors?

“Math and statistics came easy for me. For some reason, it was not the challenge I required, so I chose subjects that were out of my comfort zone.”

What was your first job?

“My first job was working as a teller at Citizens Bank in Smithville. I was a sophomore in high school and worked summers and holidays. Through college, I taught swimming lessons to hundreds of kids. Hence why I don’t have kids.”

I know you spent part of your career with Morgan Keegan and Raymond James Financial as a securities broker. How long were you there and what exactly is a securities broker? What were some of your duties there?

“I was actually selling mutual funds and annuities, as well as managing two branch offices with First Union Bank. I was recruited by the branch manager to join Morgan Keegan as his partner, and they would allow me to further my licensing. It was a great opportunity and opened many doors for me career wise. After two years, I was promoted to vice president and regional sales manager. Our team implemented an investment program for the entire Regions Bank footprint. My territory was Tennessee, Alabama and Florida – 262 bank branches and about 200 financial sales associates. By far, this was the most demanding and rewarding period of my career.”

I know you rose through the ranks and retired as a senior vice president at Pinnacle Financial Partners. When did you transition there? 

“I started working at Pinnacle Financial Partners in 2006. I was allowed to combine my banking experience with my love of securities to offer my clients full service financial services.”

 

Women have gained a lot of ground in the business world. How did you handle it all?

“I’ve always had to compete against men. I worked hard, was persistent and had tenacity. I worked 60 hours a week instead of 40.”

You have served a variety of positions in the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. What was your favorite role there, and why did you choose this organization to volunteer your time?

“I loved them all. I actually served in every officer position and as a board member. My year as president was by far the most challenging and rewarding. We lost our executive director and his assistant, both of which had held those positions for 17-plus years.” 

You founded Women in Business, which is quite a feat. What inspired you to do so? I believe other chambers have adopted it, as well. Is this correct?

“Our president Jeff Whitethorn had the vision and appointed me to go for it. After researching, there was definitely a niche in our community. Key women volunteered their time, rose to the occasion, and together we formed our beloved Women in Business.” 

You’ve served on the executive board for FiftyForward. Why is this organization so important for our community?

“Working with investments and retirement gave me a connection with older people. It’s a very strong organization.”

Tell us about the Davidson County Sheriffs’ Academy? You graduated from this. Correct?

“Yes, the inaugural class. It was so much fun. It was a citizen’s academy we met every week. It is a bridge between the sheriff’s office and the community.”

I know you are a huge role model for women in the community. What inspires you to encourage and guide our women? Do you love being a mentor?

“Yes. In some ways, we are still living in a man’s world making 60 cents on the dollar. I like to give tips and encourage. I tell women any steps back it will still be OK. If you don’t take risks, you don’t get the reward.” 

Who is/was your mentor? Why?

“I was a daddy’s girl, big time. He was the speaker of the House of Representatives of Tennessee and a state senator. But he was so down to earth and a very good man and so wise.” 

What are your hobbies?

“I like to travel, play tennis, walk and cook.”

What are you currently reading or watching?

“I’m mainly keeping up with current events.”

Are you a foodie? Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite dish?

“I think so. I do like to cook, and I love to eat and entertain. I love country-style cooking.”

Favorite restaurant?

“I like the Hermitage Steakhouse and Bricktops.”

You travel. Favorite place you’ve been? Where would you like to travel when all the travel bans are lifted?

“I loved the Holy Land and the Big Island, Hawaii. My college roommate who did graduate pharmacy school lives there, and I go three weeks at a time. It’s my happy place. I have a trip planned for Alaska in August, but as we know, that may not happen.” 

If you could spend an evening with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

“My father.” 

Pets?

“This is an important one – my Maltese, Trouble. She’s a rescue, but really she rescued me. I got her some months before my significant other passed from cancer. She comes with me to meetings, the dentist and is very cuddly and a lap dog.”

What’s one thing about you that would surprise us?

“Probably nothing. I’m fun and can break out into laughter at any money. I can fall down on the floor in my suit at funny things. If it’s not fun, I don’t do it.”

Editor’s Note: Some answers were edited. 

 

 

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