The C Suite: Brad Smith

Achievements: Chief executive officer since 2014; managing partner for Cove Creek Development since 2012; chief operations officer and president of military housing division for Kimbel Mechanical Systems from 2000-2014; certified as master plumbing contractor in 12 states; mentor for past 20 years; led multiple mission trips to Guatemala over past eight years.

Hometown: Prairie Grove

What got you pointed toward your current career? I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing people who helped groom me toward my current position. I’ve always enjoyed leadership, and they helped me realize how those skills could be used to grow our company and brand.

What aspects of your work do you find the most rewarding? I love dreaming about the possibilities of Kimbel’s future and strategically planning how we are going to achieve those dreams. I also love interacting with our KMS team. We have such a tight-knit group of people. We try to create a fun work environment and occasionally a little practical joking. Even in the midst of sometimes stressful situations, our team supports each other and works well together.

What one word best describes you? Intense.

What do you consider the greatest achievement of your professional career? Building the team of leaders who I get to work with every day.

What’s something interesting about you that people would be surprised to learn? I love the outdoors and farming. I enjoy gardening and working my cows on our farm. It is extremely relaxing.