
Thomas Smith, Emory University & TMS Consulting (The Exit Exchange, Episode 2)
Nationally recognized expert on economic trends Thomas Smith, professor at Emory University and founder of TMS Consulting, joined this edition of “The Exit Exchange” to discuss macroeconomic trends he’s watching which will influence conditions in 2021, specific issues affecting the metro Atlanta region, and how the professional advisory community could be affected. This edition of “The Exit Exchange” is co-hosted by David Shavzin and Bob Tankesley and is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.
Thomas Smith, Associate Professor in the Practice of Finance, Emory University
Thomas More Smith holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is considered an expert in the areas of labor economics, pricing, sports economics and finance, the economics of the entertainment industry, the economics of the health care industry, and film finance. He is an Associate Professor in the Practice of Finance at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He regularly appears as an expert on national television and radio programming (CNN, NPR, Huffington Post) and is frequently quoted in popular press regarding trends in unemployment, inflation, trade, and other macroeconomic trends.
TMS Consulting, Inc.
TMS Consulting Inc. is a small company with a big view. The company has helped small, medium, and very large companies identify how trends in markets translate into more profitable offerings and policies. TMS has been hired by municipalities and countries in order to estimate the economic impact of hosting events (sporting events or major entertainment events) on their economies. Additionally, TMS has provided analysis and reports on how new legislation and legislative agendas (new taxes, for example) will impact the macroeconomy of cities, states, and countries.
Questions and Topics in this Interview
- 2020 was an interesting year, what are the big economic issues that you see as we come into 2021?
- What specifically is happening from an economic standpoint in Atlanta / Georgia?
- What will be the impact on the professional advisory community?
- What specifically will affect business owners in the lower middle market that our XPX members can take into account when advising their clients?
- What else would you like to share with us about what you see coming for the rest of 2021?
The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles and education to the heart of the middle market. Our members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Our Vision: To fundamentally changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community: https://exitplanningexchange.com/atlanta.
“The Exit Exchange” is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found at xpxatlantaradio.com. John Ray and Business RadioX are Platinum Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.



throughout their lives as consumers, savers and investors, workers, entrepreneurs, citizens, and participants in a global economy.
Elena Zee is President and CEO of the Arizona Council on Economic Education. Prior to this role, Elena had worked in the global financial services industry for more than twenty years, with her first job as an econometrician developing predictive modeling to launch new products at American Express in New York. She was then promoted to Director of International Operations responsible for customer service, business growth and process improvement worldwide.
Lupe Camargo has been serving clients as a financial planner for 15 years. She received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State, and her MBA from University of Texas at Austin. Prior to becoming a financial planner, Lupe held management positions with US West and Honeywell.

Marie Burns, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), has been advocating for clients’ financial health for almost 20 years.
ACEE is the author of Arizona K-12 Economic Education Academic Standards and the only organization in Arizona which: provides teacher professional development in teaching personal finance and economics; has a strong, affiliated academic base with universities and community colleges; and distributes proven economic education curriculum resources to schools free of charge.
Elena Zee started her career in the private sector at American Express before becoming President and CEO of the Arizona Council on Economic Education. Elena has a Master’s Degree in Economics from Columbia University and Double Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Math from Wellesley College. Elena serves on the board of Organization for Nonprofit Executives, the National Association of Economic Educators and Global Economics Education Alliance. She was the former President of Phi Beta Kappa Phoenix Association, promoting excellence in liberal arts and science higher education.
Murray Smith is a Financial Planner at KeatsConnelly, the largest cross-border wealth management firm in North America that specializes in helping Canadians and Americans realize their dreams of a cross-border lifestyle. Murray is responsible for providing financial planning recommendations to move people efficiently toward their financial goals. His recommendations are formed from a deep understanding of a client’s situation, values and goals combined with his expertise, experience and skills in financial planning and analysis.
Kris Anest has been in the brokerage business since February 1987. She started her career with Fidelity Investments working in Salt Lake City, Utah and Boston, Massachusetts.
Marie Burns, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with insurance and securities licenses, has been advocating for clients as a financial advisor for close to 20 years. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association nationally and locally, 100+ Women Who Care, Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors, and Mountain Park Church. Originally from Wisconsin, she has helped clients with their financial lives in a bank setting, accounting firm, at Vanguard, at a financial planning firm and now writes and speaks and has her own practice with an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. She enjoys cooking, reading, walking, hiking, Zumba and especially creating memories with family and friends.

Utizlizing the Fail-Safe Economic Development (FSED) strategy, 















