Ken Smither, who founded Smither & Company in 1996, has extensive experience in all aspects of investment banking and corporate finance, having initiated, structured and managed transactions in excess of $3 Billion during his career. Ken has previously served, and currently serves, on numerous boards and has gained significant operating company experience through his direct work with clients.

Ken founded Smither & Company Capital Markets, LLC, a FINRA-registered broker/dealer established to conduct investment banking and merger and advisory activities, which operated until October 2021, when Ken elected to wind down the broker/dealer entity.

Ken was instrumental in the formation and growth of Service Center Metals, LLC in 2001, handling all investment banking and capital formation engagements and serving as a Board Member as the company grew significantly, culminating in the sale of SCM to an affiliate of The Riverstone group in July 2019.

Ken founded Specialty Coating & Laminating, LLC in 2010 to acquire a manufacturing facility in Doswell, Virginia, and served as Chairman of the Board as the company grew, being ranked #1 on the RVA 25 list of the region’s fastest growing companies. SC&L was sold in 2015 to Interstate Resources, Inc.

Smither & Company Investments, LLC serves as the direct investment vehicle for Smither & Company, and Ken Smither manages all activities of Smither & Company Investments, and co-invests with investment partners in certain transactions.

Prior to forming Smither & Company in 1996, Ken was a Managing Director of Carter Kaplan & Company, where he was responsible for managing investment banking transactions including buy and sell-side merger and acquisition advisory services, institutional debt and equity placements, re-capitalizations, corporate valuations and fairness opinions.

In 1996, Carter Kaplan & Company was sold to Ferris Baker Watts, a regional brokerage firm headquartered in Washington, DC.

Ken began his professional career with First & Merchants Bank (now Bank of America), where he was responsible for developing and managing a substantial commercial loan portfolio in the central Virginia area.