Spotlight: Paul Jaeger

Imagine the changes Vice President and Relationship Manager Paul Jaeger has witnessed since joining The Trust Company of Tennessee in July 1995. The 14-person team he joined has grown to more than 100, and he’s the third most tenured team member, behind CEO and Founder Sharon Pryse and President Daniel Carter.

Much of Paul’s career has centered on retirement planning. Today, he serves wealth management and personal trust clients, many spanning multiple generations, driven by a passion for helping people achieve financial independence. He still finds joy in welcoming the next generation, like a recent meeting where a client’s young adult children joined to begin planning their own futures.

Paul has guided clients through life stages and family dynamics. One of the most rewarding moments is seeing a client realize they can retire on their terms. “We’ve seen happy tears, high fives, even disbelief,” he shared. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch people reach their goals.”

For Paul, trust is built through relationships. Personal connection allows him to see beyond the numbers and understand what matters most. That approach has led to remarkable longevity: the average tenure of his clients is 21 years.

As Paul prepares to retire at the end of this year, a thoughtful transition has long been underway. Relationship Manager Laura Beeler and Associate Relationship Manager Jacob Lorino

have spent years alongside him in client meetings, building relationships and ensuring continuity. “I asked clients if they would help me train Laura and Jake,” Paul said with a laugh. “You know it’s working when clients stop calling you.”

His message is simple: “You’ll be in good hands when I leave.”

Paul offers advice drawn from experience with clients: have a purpose and things to do in retirement. “Do it for your mental health,” he said. “And don’t be afraid of the harebrained ideas.”

He plans to spend more time with family, including his two children, two grandchildren and parents, tend to his land and animals, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Horse Haven of Tennessee, and continue serving as treasurer for the Rotary Club of Bearden.

And his harebrained idea? “I have a lot of airline points,” he says. “When there’s a sale, I’ll just go somewhere I’ve never been before!”

Senior Vice President Grant Boyd shared, “Paul is steadfast in his service to others through sharing his wisdom and giving support. His clients value him, and he is often invited to the table ahead of others for his trusted counsel. He leaves a legacy of trust and confidence as a teacher and mentor. He will be deeply missed, but we’re so happy for him as he begins this next chapter.”