Full Name
Kenneth Smith
Job Title
President
Company
Grace Mar Services Inc
Speaker Bio
Kenneth Smith is a visionary business leader, author, and speaker with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His journey, from humble beginnings to building Grace Mar Services Inc. into a leading community-driven organization, showcases his dedication to empowering communities, fostering leadership, and creating sustainable change. Kenneth’s unique background in corporate finance and social entrepreneurship enables him to bridge the worlds of business acumen and community impact, positioning him as a powerful advocate for transformative leadership.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kenneth graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Finance from David N. Myers University. His early career took him to major corporations across North America, where he held pivotal roles in companies such as General Electric, Wells Fargo Financial, American Express, and Robert Half International. Known for his strategic insight and exceptional sales abilities, Kenneth achieved numerous corporate distinctions, including:
• Top Customer Service Banker and Rookie of the Year at GE
• Country Sales Leader in mid-market sales at American Express
• Consistent top rankings in closed sales, leading his team to close contracts totaling over $51 million with Fleetcor (British Petroleum, BP).
In 2009, Kenneth and his wife, Grace, co-founded Grace Mar Services Inc., a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming lives and businesses across North and South Carolina. Starting with a modest $150 donation, Kenneth’s leadership grew Grace Mar Services into a trusted agency known for providing critical resources and innovative programs that support over 40,000 individuals and businesses. By 2020, under Kenneth’s guidance, Grace Mar secured a landmark $1.5 million donation from the US Department of Labor, demonstrating the trust and impact his organization commands.
Kenneth’s work has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honors, reflecting his commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service some which include:
• Future 50 Smart CEO Award from CEO Magazine (2017)
• Community Partner of the Year by Brightwood College (2019)
• Community Excellence Award from Mecklenburg County Unified Workforce Department (2021)
• Empowering Fathers Achievement Award (2022)
• Outstanding Achievement in Professional Services by the Virginia-Carolinas Minority Diversity Supplier Council (2015)
• Triangle Leadership Award 2013 & 2014
Kenneth is a certified trainer in RP3 Strategies, and is Six Sigma, and the Cynefin framework trained, equipping him with advanced tools to navigate complex decision-making processes and implement data-driven solutions. These certifications enhance his ability to guide teams and organizations through strategic, impactful problem-solving. His proficiency in Six Sigma and the Cynefin framework ensures that his clients receive innovative and adaptable solutions tailored to their unique challenges.
Kenneth’s influence extends beyond his organization. As a dedicated community leader and men’s ministry advocate at his local church, he serves as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless individuals. His leadership style, which integrates corporate rigor with deep-rooted Christian values, resonates powerfully with his community and peers. Kenneth’s initiatives have led to life-changing outcomes for many, including the launch of the Empowering Fathers Program, Small Business/Nonprofit Incubator serving minority-owned businesses as well as bring the YouthBuild program to the City of Charlotte in 2020.
A published author and frequent speaker, Kenneth uses his insights to educate and inspire others. His books and training materials offer guidance on business strategy, leadership development, and community-focused innovation. Kenneth’s engaging presentations, infused with his experience and personal commitment, leave a lasting impact on his audiences, encouraging them to drive positive change in their own communities.
Family remains central to Kenneth’s life. He and his wife, Grace, have been married for 28 years and are proud parents of two sons, Kenny Jr. and Emmanuel, who actively contribute to the family’s business legacy. This strong family foundation not only fuels Kenneth’s personal mission but also reflects in the values-driven approach he brings to his professional work.
Kenneth Smith is more than just a successful entrepreneur; he is a catalyst for positive change, a leader who weaves compassion into every project, and a visionary who turns challenges into opportunities. His work continues to elevate Grace Mar Services Inc. and inspires community leaders to embrace innovation, resilience, and purpose in all they do.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kenneth graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Finance from David N. Myers University. His early career took him to major corporations across North America, where he held pivotal roles in companies such as General Electric, Wells Fargo Financial, American Express, and Robert Half International. Known for his strategic insight and exceptional sales abilities, Kenneth achieved numerous corporate distinctions, including:
• Top Customer Service Banker and Rookie of the Year at GE
• Country Sales Leader in mid-market sales at American Express
• Consistent top rankings in closed sales, leading his team to close contracts totaling over $51 million with Fleetcor (British Petroleum, BP).
In 2009, Kenneth and his wife, Grace, co-founded Grace Mar Services Inc., a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming lives and businesses across North and South Carolina. Starting with a modest $150 donation, Kenneth’s leadership grew Grace Mar Services into a trusted agency known for providing critical resources and innovative programs that support over 40,000 individuals and businesses. By 2020, under Kenneth’s guidance, Grace Mar secured a landmark $1.5 million donation from the US Department of Labor, demonstrating the trust and impact his organization commands.
Kenneth’s work has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honors, reflecting his commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service some which include:
• Future 50 Smart CEO Award from CEO Magazine (2017)
• Community Partner of the Year by Brightwood College (2019)
• Community Excellence Award from Mecklenburg County Unified Workforce Department (2021)
• Empowering Fathers Achievement Award (2022)
• Outstanding Achievement in Professional Services by the Virginia-Carolinas Minority Diversity Supplier Council (2015)
• Triangle Leadership Award 2013 & 2014
Kenneth is a certified trainer in RP3 Strategies, and is Six Sigma, and the Cynefin framework trained, equipping him with advanced tools to navigate complex decision-making processes and implement data-driven solutions. These certifications enhance his ability to guide teams and organizations through strategic, impactful problem-solving. His proficiency in Six Sigma and the Cynefin framework ensures that his clients receive innovative and adaptable solutions tailored to their unique challenges.
Kenneth’s influence extends beyond his organization. As a dedicated community leader and men’s ministry advocate at his local church, he serves as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless individuals. His leadership style, which integrates corporate rigor with deep-rooted Christian values, resonates powerfully with his community and peers. Kenneth’s initiatives have led to life-changing outcomes for many, including the launch of the Empowering Fathers Program, Small Business/Nonprofit Incubator serving minority-owned businesses as well as bring the YouthBuild program to the City of Charlotte in 2020.
A published author and frequent speaker, Kenneth uses his insights to educate and inspire others. His books and training materials offer guidance on business strategy, leadership development, and community-focused innovation. Kenneth’s engaging presentations, infused with his experience and personal commitment, leave a lasting impact on his audiences, encouraging them to drive positive change in their own communities.
Family remains central to Kenneth’s life. He and his wife, Grace, have been married for 28 years and are proud parents of two sons, Kenny Jr. and Emmanuel, who actively contribute to the family’s business legacy. This strong family foundation not only fuels Kenneth’s personal mission but also reflects in the values-driven approach he brings to his professional work.
Kenneth Smith is more than just a successful entrepreneur; he is a catalyst for positive change, a leader who weaves compassion into every project, and a visionary who turns challenges into opportunities. His work continues to elevate Grace Mar Services Inc. and inspires community leaders to embrace innovation, resilience, and purpose in all they do.
Speaking At
