Robert J. Smith

Robert J. Smith is a renowned figure in the fields of finance, creative writing, and business consulting. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Smith has garnered recognition for his exceptional achievements and contributions across various industries. He is widely acknowledged for his unparalleled success as a financial advisor, having achieved top rankings and set production records at prominent financial institutions such as BankAtlantic/BB&T, Mutual of New York (MONY)/AXA Equitable, John Hancock, and New York Life.
Smith's expertise extends beyond the realm of finance, as he is also a highly acclaimed creative writer and filmmaker. Smith's proficiency in storytelling and filmmaking has earned him prestigious awards, including Director's Awards for The Art of Visual Storytelling and Editing for Film, Games, and Animation.
==Early life and education==
Robert J. Smith was born in Livonia, Michigan. Raised in Michigan, Smith demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and a keen interest in various fields from a young age.
Smith pursued his higher education at multiple colleges and universities. He earned both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) professional designations at The American College. By completing this dual degree program in only 13-months out of the allotted 48. For doing so, Smith received a commendation from John Hancock CEO, David D'Alessandro for being the fastest financial advisor in the storied history of that great company to complete both programs. That record still stands today. Smith also earned is Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation at the College for Financial Planning in short order.
He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at Stetson University. Smith exhibited remarkable leadership skills and a strong aptitude for finance and business management. Following the completion of his undergraduate studies, Smith continued to expand his knowledge and expertise by enrolling in various professional development programs and certification courses. He obtained licenses and certifications in insurance counseling, mortgage brokerage, real estate, securities, and investment advising, solidifying his credentials as a seasoned financial professional.
After suffering severe spinal injuries in a not-at-fault auto accident and faced with the possibility of not being able to walk again, Smith was no longer able to travel and closed his financial advisory offices. While undergoing several surgeries and years of physical therapy, he completed both his Feature Film Writing certification program at UCLA and his Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing as Valedictorian at Full Sail University.
Smith's diverse educational background equipped him with a unique blend of financial acumen, creative storytelling abilities, and business management skills, laying the foundation for his multifaceted career and remarkable achievements in the years to come.
==Career==
Robert J. Smith embarked on a distinguished career marked by outstanding achievements and contributions across various sectors.
===Financial Services:===
Smith began his professional journey in the financial services industry, where he quickly rose to prominence as a multi-million-dollar producer for some of the most prominent companies in America and around the world. He started as a top-ranked Home Market Merchandiser for Coca-Cola before transitioning into the role of a Financial Advisor.
During his tenure at The John Hancock Companies, Smith made history by becoming the fastest Financial Advisor ever to earn both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) professional designations. He shattered sales production records at BankAtlantic/BB&T and played a pivotal role in New York Life's unparalleled 50-year domination at the top of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).
Smith's exceptional performance extended to his leadership roles at financial services giants like Manufacturers Life/Mutual of New York (MONY)/AXA Financial and The Equitable, where he led North America and global production.
===Entertainment Industry:===
In addition to his accomplishments in finance, Smith made significant strides in the entertainment industry. He achieved recognition as a top 1% producer, director, actor, and writer in the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Smith's creative talents earned him Director's Awards for his contributions to visual storytelling and editing for film, games, and animation.
He leveraged his storytelling expertise to pursue writing projects, including books, screenplays, and comic book series. Smith's dedication to storytelling extended to his role as a producer, where he provided opportunities for local talent through his production company based in metro Orlando.
===Authorship and Public Speaking:===
As an International Best-Selling Author, Smith contributed to publications that topped the Amazon Best-Seller lists, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in sales techniques and financial literacy. He shared his insights and strategies through public speaking engagements, helping professionals and entrepreneurs achieve success in their respective fields.
Smith has been named to the Entrepreneur Leadership Network and is a member of the Forbes Business Council providing practical business strategy tied in with movies and television.
===Business Consulting and Philanthropy:===
Smith extended his expertise to business consulting through his firm, Smith Profits, where he assisted clients in maximizing sales, revenues, and profits. He also dedicated his time to philanthropic endeavors, raising millions of dollars for charity and volunteering to teach financial literacy, writing, and public speaking in schools.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning five decades, Robert J. Smith exemplified excellence, innovation, and dedication in every endeavor, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of finance, entertainment, and beyond.
==Awards and Achievements==
Throughout his distinguished career, Robert J. Smith has garnered numerous awards and accolades in recognition of his exceptional contributions and achievements across various fields.
* Director's Awards: Smith received Director's Awards for his outstanding work in visual storytelling and editing for film, games, and animation, showcasing his creativity and expertise in the entertainment industry.
* Perennial Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Member: As a perennial member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Smith demonstrated consistent excellence and leadership in the financial services industry, contributing to New York Life's unparalleled 50-year domination at the top of the MDRT.
* Greater Detroit Area Life Underwriters Field Council: Smith's leadership and contributions were recognized through his membership in the Greater Detroit Area Life Underwriters Field Council, where he played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and practices.
* Executive Council, New York Life: Smith's exemplary performance earned him a place in the Executive Council of New York Life, further underscoring his reputation as a top-tier financial advisor and leader in the field.
* President, Executive Sports Council, Atlanta: Smith's involvement as President of the Executive Sports Council in Atlanta highlighted his commitment to community engagement and leadership beyond the realms of finance and entertainment.
* Treasurer, World League Baseball, Tampa: Serving as Treasurer of World League Baseball in Tampa, Smith demonstrated his dedication to supporting sports initiatives and fostering community development through his philanthropic endeavors.
* United Way Board Member, Tampa: As a board member of the United Way in Tampa, Smith contributed his expertise and resources to support charitable initiatives and address pressing social issues within the community.
==Licenses and Certifications==
Robert J. Smith holds various licenses and certifications in the fields of finance, insurance, real estate, and investment advising. His qualifications include:
* Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC), Able to Testify as Expert Witness, State of Michigan.
* Licensed Mortgage Broker, State of Florida, State of Michigan.
* Licensed Life, Health, and Variable Contracts Agent, States of Florida, Michigan, Georgia, and Massachusetts.
* Licensed Real Estate Agent, State of Florida.
* Series 7, General Securities Representative, FINRA.
* Series 63, Uniform Securities Agent, FINRA.
* Series 65, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), FINRA.
* Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Stetson University.
* Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts (CWMFA) as Valedictorian at Full Sail University.
* Feature Film Writing Certificate, “With Distinction” from UCLA.
* Certificate in Leadership from the University of Michigan.
* Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from The American College.
* Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) from the College for Financial Planning (CFP).
* Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Instructor at Oglethorpe University.
* Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist from the CMPS Institute.
==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
* Smith profits website
* Robert Smith Production website
* Influence In Action Book
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* Robert J. Smith on YouTube
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* Robert J. Smith on Imdb
Category:American business executives
Category:American entrepreneurs
Category:Full Sail University alumni
Category:People from Livonia, Michigan