Founder & CEO

Terry Smith

Significant Impacts in Wilmington, NC

Terry Smith began his career in business leadership, serving as Vice President of Information Technology and later Vice President of Distribution with Rag Shop, where he gained valuable experience in operations, systems, and management. In 1997, he founded Terry M. Smith Certified Public Accountant, PLLC, where he spent over 16 years providing comprehensive tax and accounting services to individuals and businesses. His firm built a strong reputation for delivering trusted financial guidance tailored to client needs.

In 2014, Terry joined Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. PA, a regional and multi-state CPA firm, as a Tax and Business Financial Consultant, specializing in business consulting and governmental auditing. Building on this foundation, he launched Smith Group Advisors, LLC in 2015, where he currently serves as Managing Member. Through this role, Terry provides brokerage services for small businesses, serves as an intermediary in mergers and acquisitions ranging from $5–50 million, and offers franchise development consulting. Smith Group Advisors operates as an independent franchise of Transworld Business Advisors while he continues to expand resources and strengthening support for entrepreneurs across the region.

Fun Fact About Terry:

Terry is a fluid triathelet who completed in the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii

Over 35 Years of Experience

Provided Services

Advisory and Consulting

Accounting & Payroll

Attestation

Financial, Tax & Estate Planning

Exit Strategies

Business Valuations

Business Owned Real-Estate

Fiduciary after Consulting

Community Involvement

“It's about giving back to your community, making sure everyone has the resources they need to be successful in life.” — Terry Smith

UNCW Seahawks Club

Terry Smith is actively engaged in the Wilmington community, serving on the board of the UNCW Seahawks Club and as a member of the Athletic Director’s Champion Circle as well as the Women’s Basketball Fast Trackers Club at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

He also serves New Hanover County on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, where he helps assess, prioritize, and identify strategies to support at-risk youth and individuals who have been adjudicated, with a focus on prevention, accountability, and long-term community impact.

Wilmington Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Chair):

Smith has been instrumental in community development, working with fellow board members to review the park, recreation and open Space comprehensive plan, Urban forestry master plan, Greenfield park master plan, and notably leading the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of Olsen Park in July 2025. This project includes the addition of a fenced multi-purpose field, four dedicated pickleball courts, a ¾-mile loop trail, and additional parking, enhancing recreational opportunities for the Wilmington community.