Andy Smith

Andy Smith is a seasoned entrepreneur, builder, and venture creator with a track record of launching, scaling, and exiting high-growth companies across technology, energy, and services. With more than 20 years of experience turning early-stage ideas into sustainable businesses, Andy operates at the intersection of strategy, execution, and leadership.

Andy's entrepreneurial journey began in small-town America and progressed through engineering, operations, and growth leadership roles. These experiences shaped his belief that durable companies are built through disciplined systems and strong people. He founded his first venture in 2007 and grew it into an eight-figure clean energy company that exited to private equity. He later acquired and scaled an oilfield services firm, more than doubling revenue before a strategic sale.

In 2020, Andy founded BlackSmith Ventures, an investment and advisory firm focused on helping founders and business owners unlock growth, build teams, and prepare for successful exits. Under his leadership, BlackSmith became a platform for operators and investors aligned around long-term value creation and operational excellence.

Andy is also a founding partner of Unisupports, a tech-enabled services and AI automation firm that helps businesses scale through better systems, automation, and execution. He regularly advises founders on technology adoption, operational discipline, and building companies that can grow beyond the founder.

At CREATE Industries, Andy brings a builder's mindset and an operator's discipline to help industrial and energy businesses grow, professionalize, and execute at a higher level. He believes innovation is forged through real-world execution, aligned teams, and a deep respect for the industries that power the economy.

Outside of work, Andy is a husband, father of three, youth basketball coach, and endurance athlete. He is guided by a simple philosophy that systems beat burnout and that businesses should create value for customers, teams, and communities alike.