PHOENIX, AZ, September 24, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael M. Smith, CFP®, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by close to five decades of service spanning both civilian and military roles, Mr. Smith is the founder, chief executive officer and investment manager of ProFocus, Inc., where he has led with distinction since 1995. Under his leadership, ProFocus has grown into one of the largest independent investment management firms in Arizona, with more than $200 million in assets under management and a client base that extends around the world. He recently expanded the firm by opening a second office on I Street in Washington, D.C., and is in the process of relocating to H Street.

Mr. Smith's commitment to helping his clients reach their long-term financial goals is reflected in his focus on building lifetime revenue streams through a proprietary system known as Circular Investing. He has assembled a highly capable team and takes great pride in mentoring emerging professionals, including a young man he guided from eighth grade through college and into a position at his firm. Additionally, he is mentoring numerous other young individuals, four of whom have begun their college journeys.

Prior to founding ProFocus, Mr. Smith engaged in pivotal work on real estate development projects that showcased his vision for building office spaces. Inspired by his grandfather, a master builder, he constructed his first office building from the ground up in Phoenix. He later expanded his ventures to Williamsburg, where he acquired 17 acres of land in the historic area through a mutual client and developed Burlington Woods in partnership with Ryan Homes.

This project attracted significant interest from major builders and led to further opportunities, including an offer from the city of Newport News for additional land development. Ultimately, Mr. Smith decided to transition away from construction to concentrate on his passion for helping others through asset management and financial planning.

From 1982 to 1994, Mr. Smith served as a financial manager with Principal Financial Group. Guiding small business owners through the complexities of tax structure and benefits, he distinguished himself as the top-ranked insurance agent in Tucson for 10 years and received both the Early Achievement Award and recognition as one of the company's leading agents. His success in insurance sales paved the way for him to obtain a securities license and registered investment advisor status, both of which became foundational for his later work as an independent investment manager.

Mr. Smith began his professional journey with service in the United States Air Force from 1977 to 1982, during which he achieved the rank of sergeant. His aptitude for numbers was recognized early on through military-administered tests that placed him in resource management roles. Also running the commissary at his base during the Iran-Iraq War era, he was honored with the L. Mendel Rivers Award for operating the best commissary in the Air Force in 1980.

Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has been recognized for his integrity and leadership beyond traditional finance roles. In 2005, ESPN highlighted his principled stance during interactions with professional athletes through a feature on the acclaimed documentary "30 for 30: Broke." The story centered on his decision to walk away from high-profile clients when their values conflicted with his own commitment to honesty and personal responsibility.

Alongside his primary endeavors with ProFocus, Mr. Smith holds active memberships in several industry organizations, including the Financial Planning Association, the Independent Investment Advisors Association, the Optimist Club and the Napa Group.

Mr. Smith's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Phoenix, which he earned in 1987 after transferring his credits from the University of Maryland due to financial constraints while serving in the United States Air Force. He later obtained an advanced designation from the College of Financial Planning and completed further coursework that contributed to his expertise in asset management.

To augment his knowledge and qualifications, Mr. Smith was certified as a financial planner by the Certified Financial Planning Board in 1995 and maintains both his securities license and investment advisor registration.

The foundation of Mr. Smith's integrity and values can be traced back to his family heritage and formative influences. His lineage is deeply rooted in American history as a descendant of Harriet Hemmings Bell from Monticello, connecting him to Thomas Jefferson's legacy through Harriet's marriage to Thomas Bell.

Additionally, Mr. Smith's mother, who was among the hidden nurses enshrined at the University of Virginia, instilled in him the strong principles of faith and perseverance that continue to guide all he does today. He also credits mentors such as Ms. Graves, his high school teacher who introduced him to business studies, and Major McCleary from the Air Force for guiding him during pivotal moments.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Smith is actively involved in civic initiatives as a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club and through his private mentorship of more than 20 young people who have shown interest in pursuing asset management careers. His outstanding contributions have seen him honored through numerous accolades, including recognition among America's Top Financial Planners in 2012 and 2015 as well as selection for inclusion in Who's Who in 1991.

A proud father of four children, Mr. Smith is deeply devoted to his family life with his daughter and three sons whose individual pursuits reflect their family's legacy of achievement across diverse fields. Through decades of leadership marked by integrity, mentorship and innovation within finance and asset management, he continues to empower others while advancing the standards of his industry — on both local and national levels.

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