Curtis Smith grew up in a small town in the Midwest and has always had an internal desire to see what is possible in life. Having fewer opportunities in a small town, he joined the Air Force after high school and served in the military for eight years. However, he always had aspirations of getting into the wealth management industry.
“Making the transition from the military to wealth management was not an easy one,” said Smith. He began his career as an unpaid intern at Morgan Stanley, ultimately taking positions at Wells Fargo and Raymond James before he launched an RIA firm.
Avior Wealth Management is a wealth management and financial planning firm with a tax planning division to also offer tax services to clients. The firm’s mission is to help people plan with intention so they can live with purpose.
“The collection of my experiences and mentors throughout my career has given me broad knowledge and viewpoints of how to build a successful firm that serves clients and advisors at the highest level,” said Smith.
Under Smith’s leadership, the firm has sustained an impressive growth rate of over 20% annually for the past decade. The firm currently has 150 employees spanning wealth management and tax planning divisions and manages assets of over $4 billion for more than 3,000 families and companies across 14 locations.
Smith has also been instrumental in developing the firm’s marketing and sales division, embodying his belief in the power of marketing not only to draw clients but to educate them and forge strong, enduring relationships. “This division has become a vital part of the firm’s strategy, ensuring that all client interactions are informed, strategic and aligned with broader financial goals,” said his staff.
“Starting his career from the basics and working his way up, Curt has a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities within wealth management,” said his staff. “This deep, from-the-trenches understanding drives his commitment to mentoring and developing talent within his team, ensuring that his firm is as much about people as it is about profits.”
Smith has also focused on dedicating his time to mentorship and career advancement for others within the firm and the professional community.
As a leader, Smith said that he sees the value in leading with a service leadership mentality of making everyone better in the organization. His advice to his younger self supports this mentality. “It’s important to focus on helping others grow their careers and seek alignment in everything that you do and with any partners in business you have,” he said.
