Charles Smith

Charles Smith Jr. is currently the Executive Director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA).

Highly acclaimed for his business insight, Smith speaks to professional leaders on a variety of topics such as industry growth and structure, financial disciplines and thought provoking business solutions. His ability to navigate business concepts and strategically use sports analogies to motivate his audience towards positive professional success, has positioned Smith as one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the Tri-State area of NY, NJ and CT.

Smiths' publicly recognized experience in technology, non-profit and community related affairs, affords him the opportunity to present his unique vision of formulating a well-planned business strategy and offers guidance to corporations and non-profit industries interested in structuring a sound and effective business institution. Smith participated in discussions hosted by some of the most prestigious companies, such as the Forbes CEO Forum, Nike, ESPN, G.E. and the Milken Institute.

Smith is a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh. His athletic accomplishments include:

College
University's all-time leading scorer and shot blocker
Led the US world championship in scoring and the gold medal -1986
US Olympian, Seoul, Korea - 1988
Big East Player of the Year - 1987-1988
College jersey retired #32

NBA
Drafted third pick overall in 1988 draft by Philadelphia 76ers
10 year career with Clippers, Knicks and Spurs - 1988-1998
Career High - 52 points

Expertise

Non-Profit - Founder of Non-Profit with 18 year track record. Programming consists of after school, adult education, computer training, community development, organizing and events. His organization has gone through multiple changes dealing with management, growth, board members and company's mission.

Marketing - Founder and CEO of a company that developed and produced nationally televised events, one being the "Battle of the Basketball Stars. Another event that still exist today is," "A House Full of Toys Concert," hosted by Stevie Wonder. Smith was instrumental in securing and negotiating marketing and promotional deals for clients with leading multinational companies, including Champion, Coca-Cola, Domino's Pizza, Perry Ellis, Fleer, Footlocker, Ford, Reebok, Starter, and Wilson Sporting Goods. Clients included NBA stars Charles Oakley, Kevin Willis, Derek Harper, Anthony Mason, Gary Grant, and Eric Mobley; NFL All-Pro linebacker Bruce Smith; and Kristoff St. John, Emmy Award-winning actor. Assisted both sports and non-sports companies invest their marketing and promotional dollars in sports events.

Entrepreneurship - Has taken ideas and concepts to revenue generating businesses. Has managed staffs and learned great lessons about employee retention and what the ingredients for success are comprised of in undertaking a start-up business. Recognized by Urban Profile Magazine as a winner of the 1992 "30 Under Thirty" Entrepreneur Contest, the 2003 "Top 40 under 40" Entrepreneurs in the state of New Jersey by NJ Biz Magazine. Smith also raised over $6 million in angel and institutional financing.

Technology - Owns prestigious customizable software application patent built on today's open standards in Content Management. He has been the keynote speaker and panelist at various technology conferences. Provided full service solutions for sophisticated next-generation broadband services for television broadcast networks, content companies, and sports leagues. Smith hired a team of top-flight technical personnel to develop cutting edge interactive broadband applications. He positioned the company to be the driving force behind a pure end-to-end solution for content companies. Successfully closed worldwide contract with Hewlett Packard and two anchor clients (Major League Baseball, Madison Square Garden Network)

Sales - Instrumental in developing company's strategic business, sales/marketing plan. Established initial market research and design/development budgets, then conducted rigorous market research to identify the market and specific applications for revolutionary broadcast software product. Traveled extensively for 1 year meeting with executives at professional athletic leagues, broadcast companies, film and music companies, interactive advertising agencies as well as record label owners/producers and members of e-commerce discussion groups to identify market niche and need for new product