Today we’d like to introduce you to Latrice Smith, Esquire, MPH.
Hi Latrice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a true Southern Belle from Laurel, Mississippi. I was raised in a family of healthcare providers and entrepreneurs: my father is a pharmacist, my grandfather was a pharmacist, and they have owned Thomas Pharmacy since 1951; my mother is a registered nurse, and my sister is an anesthetist. My family background helped cultivate an interest in healthcare. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi while also becoming a new mom to my daughter Layla. After undergraduate school, I found my way into Public Health Policy and Administration. While completing a Master’s of Public Health, I begin exploring the intersection of healthcare, healthcare regulations, and healthcare law. This sparked an interest in law school. Upon acceptance to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Layla and I relocated to Atlanta. This was an exceptional time in our life, being in a new city, Layla was starting kindergarten and the rigger on law school courses. Following the bar exam, I spent several years working as an attorney in corporate and government healthcare positions.
Out of curiosity and passion, I started dabbling in real estate. Little did I know how my life trajectory would change. I jumped into the deep end and started a real estate business as a full-time Realtor and real estate developer. I sold, designed, and renovated numerous homes over the years. While in the process of renovating one of my homes, someone introduced me to a plumbing contractor, Emmett Smith, that soon became my husband. We have since welcomed two more daughters, Londyn and Leah. After several years of residential real estate, I knew it was time for the next step. I decided to make a career shift and utilize my real estate, healthcare, and legal experience. I begin focusing on commercial real estate specializing in healthcare and veterinary practices. I work with an amazing team at Crown Tenant Advisors as the Director of Healthcare. As the Director, I focus on assisting healthcare providers in locating amazing office spaces for their practices, negotiating lease terms, and strategic real estate planning. I have started a law firm, Thomas Law and Consulting, to further assist my clients with legal business needs. I am also the Chief Financial Officer for my husband’s plumbing contracting company, Mechanical Piping Solutions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Over the years, I have experienced different levels of challenges at various phases of life. One of the most impactful was raising a daughter while completing three-degree programs and starting a business. I wanted to ensuring she remained well-rounded and successfully progressing through life. A second major impression that had its share of struggles was starting my real estate business and career. Some of my initial struggles was the transition into a business which I had a little background. Other struggles included raising capital to fund renovation project; and managing clients, agents, employees and contractors throughout the real estate process.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the Director of Healthcare at Crown Tenant Advisors. We are a boutique healthcare real estate firm. I represent and advise healthcare providers who are interested in starting their own practice, relocating or expanding their current practice, renewing your lease, or ready to purchase space. Through years of helping physicians and other healthcare providers in various specialties, we are proficient in the requirements unique to the medical industry. I am most proud of our knowledge of efficient, creative use of space for workflow, including the size and locations for exam rooms, reception, lab, and administration and provider offices. This knowledge and experience allow me to set my providers up for success in their new locations. I conduct market research, have extensive experience with regulations and best practices that are imperative to helping my clients meet their current and future goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://crowntenantadvisors.com and http://thomaslaw.org
- Instagram: @Latrice_medrealestate
