Draft:James Michael (Jim) Tracy



James Michael (Jim) Tracy (born May 11, 1959) is an American Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author, Podcaster and Philanthropist who co-founded Legacy Telecommunications. and served as the CEO for 23 years (2000 – 2023).

Tracy was born in Watertown, SD to Dr. Gerald Tracy, MD and Virginia (nee Brown) Tracy a homemaker. He often makes reference to his large family (7 siblings) in keynote speeches. He graduated from The University of South Dakota, Beacom School of Business with a degree in Business Administration.

Business Career
Tracy worked for private sector firms including Premier Industries April 1993 to May 1999 where he was engaged as the Division Manager and Director of International Business with dealings primarily on the Pacific Rim. In 2000, he co-founded Legacy Telecommunications, Inc. with his son and partner Ryan Tracy which was merged into the Ontivity, LLC Company in 2018. At Ontivity, Tracy became the Chief Brand Ambassador and left in October 2023. Currently Tracy is a professional Keynote and Motivational speaker who is focused on generational behaviors and business culture. He also hosts a popular podcast Blog and VLOG called “The Grampion” and is the author of two books Building Men and Management by Cliché.

Philanthropy
Tracy holds memberships on the boards of various non-profits and served as The Chairman of the Board at NATE, The National Association of Tower Erectors from 2016 – 2019. He served as the Founding President of the Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation from 2013 – 2024. Jim was the Founding President of the National Wireless Safety Alliance from 2015 – 2016. Jim was a co-founder of TATE, Telecommunications Against Trafficking and Exploitation and an Executive Advisor from 2021 – 2024. He was also on the Board of Directors for SIPA, The Structural Insulated Panel Association, serving as President 1997 - 1999. Jim along with his wife Sarah founded the Noble Purposes Foundation to benefit other 501(c)3 Charities in 2020.

Recognition
Jim was a 2021 inductee into the Wireless History Foundation’s Wireless Hall of Fame, awarded the 2022 Bill Carlson Lifetime Service Award from NATE. He is also a recipient of the 2024 Business ICON of Idaho Award. He is a member of the National Speakers Association

Personal Life
Jim married Sarah Jane (nee Alderink) Tracy on April 19, 1980. They have 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Tracy is a type rated Jet Pilot and flies an Eclipse 500 Twin engine jet. Jim is a Christian who attends Calvary Chapel of Star, ID.