Why Build Your Career in Tyler, TX? Ask These Residents

Nathan Lambrecht

There’s no better place to build a career than the business-friendly city of Tyler. Its growing economy and proximity to larger metro areas help to make it an ideal place for professionals at any stage in their career. But it’s the strong community support that allows individuals to thrive no matter what career path they choose. Three residents representing a range of professions share how launching their career in Tyler allowed them to level up. 

Side Business to Day Job 

While working for an architecture firm, Myranda George started a side business doing 3D renderings. Thanks to her passion for the work and the support of the community, George soon realized her side job had grown into a full-time business. The mother of five now runs Myranda Ayla Designs mostly from her home, where she specializes in residential house plans, commercial work and 3D renderings. 

“On my social media, I always showcase that you can be a mom, and you can have a career that you are passionate about,” George says. 

George says Tyler is the perfect size to grow a business network. “Every time I get a new client, there is going to be some kind of mutual person that I was referred to, and we already have that connection and trust before I even start a project,” she says. “People in Tyler are loyal clients, and they are going to do a lot of your marketing and promotion.” 

George says Tyler has limitless opportunities for business growth. “Things are moving here. You always hear of something new coming to Tyler, and that’s creating more jobs,” George says. 

Support for Local Ventures 

Dr. David Flynn didn’t know a single person in Tyler when he moved here to launch his chiropractic clinic 14 years ago. One of his challenges was that banks in the larger cities would not approve him for a business loan. 

“I applied in Houston, Austin and San Antonio – and I just got nothing but doors slammed in my face,” Flynn says.

“When I came up here, I knocked on a couple of doors, and Southside Bank said, ‘We’ll get you a loan covered,’ and it kind of just blew me away.” 

Flynn says he found that experience to be part of a larger pattern of small and community businesses supporting each other. 

“That’s kind of the neat part of Tyler; it seemed like homegrown American businesses ran the town, whereas every other city I was looking at, national chains owned it,” Flynn says. 

Other doctors, as well as the community at large, welcomed Flynn. Soon, his business began to thrive and grow. 

Flynn says he is proud to give back to the community, repaying the kindness full circle by volunteering at events and giving donations to support local sports teams. 

Courtesy of Tyler ISD

Earning and Learning Opportunity 

For Tiffany Simmons, a substitute teaching gig she took to make extra money ended up being the opportunity that launched her education career. 

Simmons became a permanent substitute and then enrolled in a program through Tyler ISD’s District of Innovation to become a certified teacher. The program allows people with bachelor’s degrees to teach full-time while working on their teacher certification. 

“Working on my teaching certification while teaching has been amazing,” says Simmons, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. “I have two children, so that has helped me be able to provide for them more than if I had to work a job that doesn’t pay as much.” 

She spends the majority of her day in class teaching high school math and the rest in meetings, training or networking with other teachers. 

Simmons, who was named Rookie Teacher of the Year during her first year of teaching, credits her success to support from the district. “I definitely would encourage people to be a teacher in Tyler ISD, especially if they have a love for students,” Simmons says. 

Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Celebrates 125 Years!

The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025. From pioneering female membership to spearheading significant developments, the chamber’s rich history echoes the city’s own evolution. 

“It all started in 1900 when a few men got together to form a business group, and today our chamber has grown to 1,800 members,” says Henry Bell, president of the Tyler Area Chamber. 

The organization’s original name was Tyler Commercial Club. 

“An interesting point is that in 1902, they welcomed the first female member to the club,” Bell says. “That was unusual because it was almost 20 years before women were granted the right to vote, and most men’s clubs did not have women members.” 

In 1903, the club made a significant decision: It matched funds with famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to build a Carnegie Public Library in Tyler. This prestigious library operated from 1904 to 1980 and now serves as a museum and archives for the Smith County Historical Society. 

To mark its anniversary, the chamber has implemented marketing tools to trumpet the celebration. It has adjusted its longtime logo to include the 125 years reference, and a large banner on the chamber’s downtown building proclaims the milestone. 

“Every event throughout the year includes mention of the 125th in some way,” Bell says. “I also send out a weekly newsletter and add bullet points in each letter to highlight chamber accomplishments over the 125 years.” 

Looking ahead, Bell says the chamber will continue to attract new industry, enhance the quality of life for Tyler residents and promote local businesses. One of the ways it supports business is by hosting numerous networking events. 

“We often survey our members and ask what the No. 1 reason is for being a chamber member, and the top reason given by far is the networking opportunities,” Bell says. “Whether at our Accelerate Business Expo, Power Breakfast, State of the City and County Luncheons, Horse Show, Technology Expo and more – it’s all about networking, networking, networking.” 

Bell has served the chamber for more than 35 years, and as a history buff, has enjoyed celebrating the chamber’s 125th anniversary. “My family actually arrived in Tyler way back in 1845, which is the same year that Texas became a state,” he says. “And with the arrival of my latest great-grandson, our family has now been in Tyler for eight generations.” 

– Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.