Fred Smith

Founder and CEO of Guesthouse Hospitality

Fred Smith co-founded Guesthouse Hospitality – the Atlanta-based restaurant, hospitality and entertainment group – with his brother, Andre Smith, in 2012 to develop modern hospitality venues with a focus on social interactions. As an experienced, upbeat leader with specialties ranging from strategic planning and project management to tourism and marketing, Fred’s entrepreneurial spirit provides strategic direction for Guesthouse Hospitality, while overseeing the company’s overall operations and project developments.   A natural leader with ambition for success, Fred began his business career by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the University of Florida, where he served as chair of the 50,000-plus member Student Alumni Association. Continuing his path of excellence, Fred earned a master’s degree in business administration from the prestigious Harvard Business School, where he was elected co-president of the student body and served as a liaison to school administration while overseeing 80 campus organizations and managing a $20 million program budget.   Fred parlayed his educational achievements into the professional workforce where he continued to use his high-energy, take-charge leadership style. Prior to founding Guesthouse Hospitality, Fred served Bain & Company as a case team leader and consultant where he coordinated and implemented distinct strategies to transform customer experiences through interactive marketing techniques and effective day-to-day operations and cost management.   In 2009, as Business Development Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida, Fred lead the organization out of an impending closure – and consequentially restored its credibility and operating sustainability – after establishing influential partners, restructuring the board of directors and initiating five successful fundraising events that raised more than $40,000 in less than six months.   For three years after his undergraduate studies, Fred managed business development for Harris Corporation, a $4 billion global international communications and information technology provider to government and commercial markets. While leading a multifunctional team as it pursued defense industry business opportunities, Fred was also hired to the Business Leadership and Development Program for high-potential employees targeted for senior-level executive roles.    His experience also includes positions with Target Corporation as an MBA Finance Intern during his Harvard Business School experience, and Tropical Connections, a tourism group he co-founded with his brother in 2006 that planned, coordinated and executed economical packages and transportation services for over 300 college students’ spring vacations.   Fred even brings his leadership into the fitness arena, where he teaches a very popular indoor cycling class at Flywheel Sports in Buckhead. He was nominated as “Best Indoor Cycling Instructor” for Best Self Magazine’s “Best Of 2013” issue released in December 2013. Fred also leads the membership committee for the Harvard Business School Club of Atlanta. 

Case Team Leader at Bain & Company

June 2011 - April 2012

Consultant at Bain & Company

January 2010 - July 2011

Business Development Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid Florida

June 2009 - December 2009

FLDP Intern at Target

2008 - 2008

Business Development Manager at Harris Corporation

August 2004 - July 2007

Founder and CEO at Guesthouse Hospitality

January 2012

Concept development, business development, strategy, fundraising, and oversight of day-to-day operations.

Harvard Business School

2007 – 2009

MBA

Activities: Co-President, Student Association 2008-2009; Senator, Student Association 2007-2008, Management Consulting Club, AASU, Caribsa

University of Florida

1999 – 2004

Bachelor of Science

Concentration: Computer Science and Engineering

Volunteering in youth education, exercising, DJing