Inducted: 2022

BS in Accounting & Economics, 1983

Gary Smith Sr. is a 1983 graduate who received a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Accounting and Economics. After graduation, he worked with two international accounting firms and earned the Certified Public Accountant designation in 1985.   

After 10 years co-founding and working to grow a retail food-service franchise business from 1996 through 2006, Gary held leadership positions in two assisted living communities, first Atria Senior Living from 1996 to 2001 followed by Elmcroft Assisted Living which he started with a business mentor and partner in 2001.  From 2001 to 2006, Gary served as President & CEO of Elmcroft which grew through its commitment to Servant Leadership principles to have operations across seven southeastern states prior to its sale in 2006. 

Gary became Chairman of the Board of Kentucky Trailer in August of 2006 after working with a small group of the R.C. Tway Company’s fourth generation owners to arrange a transaction that resulted in a recapitalization of the company and redemption of the third-generation majority owners of the company. He subsequently joined the company in April of 2007 where he has served as President and CEO for the past 15 years.  In 2013 Gary led the company through a transaction that resulted in Kentucky Trailer becoming a majority owned operating subsidiary of Alleghany Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation (ticker symbol ‘Y’ on the NYSE).  

Gary's experience in public accounting, management experience with public and private enterprises and his sense of stewardship and passion for Kentucky Trailer’s heritage and to the principles of Servant Leadership have come together to position the company to continue its sustain and build on its long history of success.