Founder Bios

Fred Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Guesthouse Hospitality

Fred Smith co-founded Guesthouse Hospitality – the Atlanta-based restaurant, hospitality and entertainment group – with his brother, Andre Smith, in early 2011, with a goal of revolutionizing the social scene for young professionals. As an experienced, upbeat leader with specialties ranging from strategic planning and project management to financial modeling, tourism and marketing, Fred’s entrepreneurial spirit provides strategic direction for Guesthouse Hospitality, while overseeing the company’s overall operations and project developments.

Prior to founding Guesthouse Hospitality, Fred served Bain & Company as Case Team Leader and Consultant where he
coordinated and implemented distinct strategies to transform customer experiences through interactive marketing techniques and effective day-to-day operations and cost management.

In 2009, as Business Development Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida, Fred lead the organization out of an impending closure – and consequentially restored its credibility and operating sustainability – after establishing influential partners, restructuring the Board of Directors and initiating five successful fundraising events that raised more than $40,000 in less than six months.

His experience also includes positions with Target Corporation, Harris Corporation and Tropical Connection, a tourism group in which he co-founded with his brother in 2006. Fred holds an MBA from Harvard Business School – where he managed the program budget of $10M after being elected Co-President of the Student Association – and a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Florida.

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Andre Smith, President of Guesthouse Hospitality

Andre Smith and his brother Fred created Guesthouse Hospitality – the Atlanta-based restaurant, hospitality and entertainment group — to establish a social scene for young professionals unprecedented in the southeast. Combined with his passion for top quality service, Andre uses his experience in project and brand management, financial planning and consultation, contract negotiation and sales to oversee Guesthouse Hospitality’s investor relationships, site selection of new  properties as well as the day-to-day operations of the company.

Andre also serves as Regional Pricing Manager for General Electric where he is responsible for the estimation and
bidding of large-scale construction projects in the southeastern United States. He also served as Account
Manager for the Atlanta sales office and was an integral member of GE’s Commercial Leadership
Program.

In 2006, Andre co-founded Tropical Connection – a tourism group specializing in student Spring Break
packages – with his brother, Fred. Through Tropical Connection, Andre secured large partnerships
with commercial airliners, major resorts and substantial restaurants and night clubs for promotional events.

His experience also includes positions with 325 Media Group, Harris Corporation and Exclusive Holiday
of Elegance. Andre is a graduate of The University of Florida where he received his Bachelor of Science in
Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Entrepreneurship.