Kevin Smith, CEO — Entrepreneur
Kevin Smith was born on January 31, 1986, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised by a single mother after his father became a victim of urban violence, growing up as an only child on his mother’s side. Despite limited financial resources, Kevin was surrounded by strong family values rooted in resilience, discipline, integrity, and faith. His grandfather, a bishop who Kevin grew up watching preach, instilled in him a strong religious foundation that deeply influenced his character and moral compass. His grandmother and uncles, hard-working men with deep respect for structure, accountability, and perseverance, also played a defining role in shaping his mindset and work ethic.
Like many young men, Kevin initially aspired to become a professional athlete. Naturally athletic and competitive, he showed promise early on; however, limited access to opportunities and academic challenges forced him to reevaluate his path. These early setbacks became foundational lessons, teaching him adaptability, mental toughness, and persistence, qualities that would later fuel his entrepreneurial success.
After leaving college early, Kevin committed himself to self-education. He became self-taught in computers, technology, and emerging digital tools while simultaneously learning hands-on trade and labor skills from his uncles. This rare blend of technical knowledge and real-world experience allowed him to develop a practical, solutions-driven mindset that set him apart from traditional business operators.
Kevin also worked as an athletic trainer and certified nutritionist, gaining firsthand experience in performance optimization, discipline, consistency, and client accountability. During this period, between the ages of 18 and 23, he realized that traditional employment did not align with his long-term vision. Being terminated from a hospital position became a pivotal moment, serving as the catalyst that pushed him fully into entrepreneurship.
That turning point led to the founding of his building maintenance company, which he has successfully owned and operated for over 16 years. Through hands-on leadership, operational efficiency, and relentless execution, Kevin scaled the business into a sustainable enterprise. Over time, he expanded his entrepreneurial footprint by launching and managing multiple ventures, including an online dating platform, a record label, e-commerce brands, and a trucking company, demonstrating versatility across both digital and service-based industries.
Today, Kevin Smith continues to grow, innovate, and build at scale. Driven by continuous learning and strategic expansion, he remains focused on creating impactful, long-term businesses while empowering others through ownership and opportunity. As an African American entrepreneur of Jamaican descent, his journey stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, faith, and an unwavering commitment to excellence and legacy.
