By Kimberly Crossland
In 2017, MaRico Tippett retired from the Arizona Air National Guard after 21 years as an Air Force pilot. During that time, he received his Master’s of Science in Financial Planning and developed a strong passion for small businesses. Upon retiring, he launched himself into the world by building a financial planning practice. As part of that effort, he became more active in the Vail community by serving with the Vail Parent Network, the Board of the YMCA of Southern Arizona, and the Vail School District Foundation.
His leadership skills stood out and when an opening formed at the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce, he was approached to apply for the role of President and CEO. At first, he was hesitant to put his financial planning career on hold, but after some thought, that pause shifted. He realized a position with the Chamber meant his passion for small business and financial planning would collide with his personal mission to have an impact on the Vail community.
“Every day I got to work in my community and support the business and organizations that have given of themselves and their resources to provide quality of life for our area,” Tippett said.
During his time as President and CEO, Tippett created many wins for our area. He was instrumental in bringing awareness and interest in the growth of the Greater Vail Area. He also conceptualized the “Five Burroughs,” which encompass Civano, Rita Ranch, Sierra Marado, Del Lago, Corona and surrounding areas and embraced the unique attributes of each area while bringing them all together to work toward a common goal. Finally, he continued the tradition of VailFest with an impactful 2019 event.
“Our community came together and had so much fun interacting with our business community. It was great for businesses and great for families. A lot of hard work went into it and I think the community as a whole was able to benefit,” Tippett commented.
Now, Tippett is stepping down due to health reasons. In January 2016, he was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a condition of the inner ear that leaves him dizzy and nauseous every day. When he took the role of President and CEO, he thought the condition was under control. However, most of 2019 was a challenge. Tippet would push his body so hard during the Monday through Friday workdays and crash on the weekends to recuperate. Throughout the year, his symptoms got worse and more frequent.
“I had to look at my life and my family and realize I couldn’t keep up the pace I was going.”
Although he is stepping down, his dedication to seeing Vail continue to grow responsibly and thrive will not cease. He is now creating a business with an economic development organization called Community Wealth Builders that focuses from the bottom up instead of the top down. The goal is to help the 93% of small businesses that overpay in taxes each year keep more money in their pockets, help households eliminate debt to include a mortgage, and help people build more wealth.
To reach out to Tippett, you can contact him at info@cwbaz.com or call 520-861-5675. He will be holding a workshop on March 11, 6 pm at the Vail Chamber Connection entitled “Eight Money Principles You Were Never Taught, And Why It’s Costing Your Thousands.” Email or call to RSVP.