Portfolio

Selected engagements.

A record built across six CEO and COO roles, multiple board seats, and direct co-investment. Each engagement reflects the same operating discipline: identify the value creation lever, build the plan, and execute against it.

3.1xMOIC — Icon Parking exit
2.6xEBITDA growth across platforms
250+Location platform built
6CEO / COO roles
01

Icon Parking

Role

CEO & Co-Investor

Period

2020 – 2022

Type

MBO / Co-Investment

Parking & Mobility

3.1x MOIC in 16 months.

Led a management buyout of Icon Parking — the largest private parking operator in New York City — during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. Restructured operations, renegotiated lease obligations, and repositioned the business for a post-pandemic recovery. Exited at a documented 3.1x MOIC in 16 months alongside Arkview Capital.

Key outcomes

  • 3.1x MOIC at exit
  • MBO executed during COVID-19 market dislocation
  • Full operational restructuring and lease renegotiation
  • Exit in 16 months
02

Foundation Partners Group

Role

CEO

Period

2017 – 2020

Type

PE-Backed Platform

Deathcare & Consumer Services

Built a 250+ location deathcare platform.

Served as CEO of Foundation Partners Group, a PE-backed deathcare platform. Led the company through a period of significant acquisition-driven growth, building a 250+ location platform across the United States. Oversaw integration, brand standardization, and operational infrastructure to support scale.

Key outcomes

  • 250+ location platform built
  • Acquisition-driven growth strategy executed
  • Operational infrastructure scaled for national footprint
  • Brand and service standardization across markets
03

Caesars Entertainment

Role

COO — Regional Operations

Period

Prior

Type

Operating Role

Hospitality & Gaming

COO track record in large-scale hospitality.

Served in COO-level roles within Caesars Entertainment's regional operations, overseeing multi-property hospitality and gaming assets. Built the operating discipline and multi-unit management experience that underpins Smith's current advisory practice.

Key outcomes

  • Multi-property regional operations leadership
  • Large-scale hospitality and gaming P&L ownership
  • Operating infrastructure and team development
  • Foundation for multi-unit advisory expertise
04

Burger King

Role

Board Director

Period

Prior

Type

Board Seat

QSR & Restaurants

Board experience at a global QSR brand.

Served on the board of Burger King during a period of significant strategic activity. Brought operating perspective to board deliberations on brand strategy, franchisee relations, and value creation planning — the experience that shaped Smith's approach to independent director engagements.

Key outcomes

  • Independent director at a global QSR brand
  • Operating perspective on brand and franchisee strategy
  • Value creation plan input at the board level
  • Foundation for current board director practice

Worked for / Engaged

Nine DeanCurrent
Sr. Strategic Operating Advisor
GE
Merck
IBM
McKinsey & Co.
Target
Payless ShoeSource
Stride Rite
Sperry
Caesars Entertainment
Aaron's, Inc.
Icon Parking
Foundation Partners Group
Carrols / Burger King

Sector experience

QSR & RestaurantsHospitality & GamingMulti-Unit RetailConsumer ServicesDeathcareParking & Mobility

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Manta Holdings

Strategic capital and trusted counsel for companies navigating complex transactions and growth.

Engagements

Deal due diligence, board advisory, and co-investment opportunities by introduction.

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Private Investment & Advisory