Other life

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Valko Financial's events include the annual Free Family Day Skate, which raises money for the local food bank 7

Number of charities Valko Financial supports

15+

Years Valko has been involved in charitable work

6–15

Typical number of volunteers who help with each event

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Tracy Valko’s passion for giving back to her community has shaped her approach to her successful brokerage

TRACY VALKO’S longstanding passion for community service has been a perfect complement to her sterling service as a mortgage broker. As far back as she can remember, “I really loved giving back,” Valko says. “My mom gave back all the time in her career. I grew up knowing that I wanted to have a career that would allow me to keep a big focus on giving back.”

That philosophy has informed her approach to her brokerage, Valko Financial. “Attending local events was something we [as a team] always tried to stay involved with, as we love to support specific causes, businesses and events every year, as well as connecting directly with our fabulous community,” Valko says. “In the beginning, we would partner with larger organizations and share table space to keep our expenses lower. As our network, reach and impact grew, we quickly realized that we could do more – not just bringing our local community together, but our city.”

Organizing and participating in community events has allowed the brokerage to strengthen its connections, which Valko values even more in the current environment. “Connecting with and understanding the needs of my community is hugely important to me,” she says. “Seeing people face-to-face is a very different feeling than talking on the phone or having a Zoom meeting.”

The lessons she’s learned along the way have also been potent tools for building her mortgage business. “Nothing ever goes as planned,” Valko says. “Be really organized and structured. Plan well in advance. Stop, breathe, take a moment and enjoy the fruits of all that hard work. The satisfaction of hosting a great event isn’t about the end game. It’s about helping people and bringing them together, making them feel important and cared for. That’s my driver.”