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Critical Leadership

Rich (Chip) Smith

CEO & Founder

Entrepreneur
Fractional C-Suite Executive
Business Consultant
Brand Builder & Creative


"Entrepreneurship, for me, is a profound gift. I have the privilege everyday to work with business owners to solve a myriad of challenges. Their trust and success fuels my passion."

Current Roles

Critical Business Group, CEO + Founder

InnovateTLH, Board Chair

ImpactWeekTLH, Executive Director

GEN, Community Organizer

Venture Mentoring Team, Mentor

Startup Experience

InnovateTLH, Co-Founder | Present

IMPACT WEEK, Co-Founder | Present

OneLink, Co-Founder & Contract | ’22-’24

Other Experience

State Govt. – FL DOH, Strategic Planning

State Govt. – FL DEO, Communications

Non-Profit – ExcelinEd, Marketing

JMI SBEP – FSU, Class XX

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Bio

Rich has always had a keen sense for business and an eye for design. Realizing opportunity in an untapped market, he co-founded his first business while still in art school. With an extensive background in design, marketing, and communications spanning more than 20 years, Rich is an expert in crafting and executing comprehensive strategies that narrate an organization’s unique story.

 

From discovery to implementation, Rich possesses a the ability to effectively translate information from shareholders and owners to design and marketing team members.

 

Over his career, Rich has created a successful consulting firm, Critical Business Group, also known as CBG or Critical, that combines business strategy and planning with a focus on creative services. Critical has developed successful projects for businesses of all sizes and industry sectors, including small retail shops, restaurants, state government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Critical looks for and identifies unique opportunities to support business automation and process improvements.

 

Rich established his career through collaborative efforts and professional relationships with clients, partners, and community leaders. As a result, he has built a diverse network of C-Suite Executives and Consultants that provide valuable support and expertise to drive success.

CITY CLIPS Live - Episode 54

In this engaging video, Rich Smith sits down with 

Julia Holly to discuss a variety of topics, including the vision behind Impact Week, the mission of Critical Business Group, and insights into the Tallahassee startup ecosystem. Rich also shares a bit of his personal journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how his experiences have shaped his leadership in business and community development. Toward the end, he delivers a few actionable takeaways he calls “Chip’s Tips“—valuable advice – be sure to listen to the end.

Rich speaking at CREAT.ORS Creative Summit, 2024.

CBG Founder & CEO Rich Smith joined local nonprofit CREAT.ORS TLH to discuss building professional relationships by providing value.

 

CREAT.ORS is on a mission to engage, educate, and inspire our community in everything marketing. On June 27th and 28th, the group hosted their seasonal summit, gathering entrepreneurs and business owners from all walks of life under the same roof. The summit embraces the quote: “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

 

Rich spoke about his insights on how creators and business owners can grow, stand out, and protect their content and work. Emphasizing the importance of authenticity and value, Rich shared practical strategies to build professional relationships that foster growth and mutual benefit.

 

Rich said: “I am grateful for the platform to speak on my experiences and I am excited to speak to attendees individually about their businesses.”

 

Make sure to follow @‌CREAT.ORS on Instagram and Facebook if you are a local aspiring professional or simply enjoy being creative.

Domi Station MasterClass - Making an Effective Pitch

 In this video, Rich (Chip) Smith, CEO & Founder of Critical Business Group, shares valuable tips on crafting a compelling pitch for your startup or business. Hear essential elements that make a pitch effective; key strategies for capturing the attention audience. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, “Chip’s Tips” are meant to ignite the critical thinking process to help elevate your pitch and to prepare you and your business for success.

 

FSU JMI Class XX

Class XX of the Tallahassee Small Business Executive Program at the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship

marks a significant milestone for not only the participants but the program itself. I want to say Thank You to all involved for

their contributions. To my fellow business owners: “Let’s keep supporting each other.”  #ImpactTLH #SmallBusinessWeek