Kristi Smith is a celebrated author and internationally renowned business coach known for her unique approach that marries powerful business, life, and leadership strategies. She supports thousands of women change-makers worldwide, helping them expand their businesses and lives with the power of practical, foundational principles.
But it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Kristi has built, pivoted, and closed businesses, climbed the corporate ladder, and faced her fair share of health and life struggles. Through these experiences, she discovered the true value of returning to the basics.
I’ve been immersed in the world of business for as long as I can remember. My entrepreneurial journey began in childhood, where I turned simple ideas into profit. Whether selling catalpa worms to fishermen, babysitting for neighborhood families, or perfecting my sales pitch as a Girl Scout cookie seller, I discovered early on the power of creativity, hard work, and connecting with people.
As a teenager and young adult, I built on these experiences by diving into the retail, food service, and customer service industries. These roles taught me the importance of customer satisfaction, teamwork, and adaptability—skills that laid the foundation for my professional success.
Before even graduating with my Accounting degree, I had already secured internships and landed my first full-time job in the accounting field. This head start allowed me to climb the corporate ladder quickly, gaining expertise in critical financial roles such as Payroll Supervisor, Revenue Manager, and General Ledger Accountant. But deep down, I knew I wanted more than a corporate career—I wanted the freedom and fulfillment of building something of my own.
In 1999, I left Corporate America to launch my own Accounting and Bookkeeping Firm. Over the next 18 years, my firm grew to serve clients across four states, providing tailored financial solutions to businesses of all sizes. My first client was my last client, a testament to the trust I had built with my clients. At the same time, I expanded into Management Consulting, helping small business owners navigate every stage of their journey, from generating ideas to crafting plans, launching, and scaling.
My passion for teaching and empowering others led me to academia, where I spent several years teaching Professional Development at Indiana University of South Bend. There, I inspired future leaders to build confidence and develop essential business skills.
In 2012, I re-entered Corporate America, balancing various roles while continuing to run my businesses. My positions ranged from Accountant to Membership & Marketing Manager, Corporate Trainer, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, and General Manager/Chief Operations Officer. Each role broadened my perspective on leadership, operations, and strategic growth. I also found fulfillment mentoring aspiring professionals as a Program Manager for externships, combining my love for education with real-world application.
Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized continuous learning. I hold certifications as a Business Coach, Life Coach, Infinite Possibilities Trainer, and Danielle LaPorte’s Heart Centered Leader. I’m also a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. These credentials, combined with decades of hands-on experience, equip me to guide entrepreneurs and business owners with both proven strategies and intuitive insights.
Today, I focus on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their dreams through business coaching. I also run a thriving business buying and selling used books and work part-time as a Financial Operations Associate. Beyond that, I’m a prolific creator, having written over 100 books and eBooks and developed more than 150 courses. My approach is rooted in practical wisdom, creativity, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities business owners face.
My commitment to community service spans decades. I’ve taken on leadership roles in various charitable organizations and initiatives, from serving on the EnviroFest Committee with the Elkhart Environmental Center to volunteering with Loveway’s therapeutic riding classes. I’m also a proud member of Elkhart Morning Rotary, 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County, and Beta Gamma Chapter of Beta Chi Sorority, as well as a co-founder of Elkhart Green Drinks. My involvement with the University of Notre Dame’s Athletic Fan Council reflects my passion for supporting others and contributing to causes close to my heart.
At the core of my work are my values: kindness, compassion, empathy, and honesty. These principles guide my interactions and the advice I offer to clients. Having lived with chronic health conditions throughout my life, I bring a unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and prioritizing well-being—a perspective I share openly to help others navigate their own journeys.
Outside of work, I’m a wife, mom to my son and step-son, and fur mom to our Great Dane. I live in Northern Indiana, where I enjoy an active lifestyle filled with golfing, cheering on Notre Dame athletes, traveling, and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking. My introverted side thrives on quiet moments curled up with a good book, a warm blanket, and a chai latte.
As your business coach, I bring decades of diverse experience, a genuine passion for helping others succeed, and a steadfast belief in your ability to achieve your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, I’m here to guide you with practical strategies, compassionate support, and the encouragement to dream big. Let’s work together to build the business—and the life—you’ve always wanted!
I’m an Entrepreneur.
And being an entrepreneur means building business success through tried-and-true methods and shaping that success on your own terms.
Here’s the real deal: Everyone’s got it backwards these days!
People throw around fancy buzzwords to sound like they know what they’re doing, but the truth is in the basics.
Check out the Entrepreneur Creed below:
Entrepreneur Creed
We believe in the power of traditional knowledge.
Traditional knowledge makes you a better thinker.
Traditional knowledge makes you a stronger business owner.
Traditional knowledge helps you market yourself more effectively.
Traditional knowledge helps you earn more from your work.
And most importantly, it allows you to impact more lives.
We are a community committed to growth.
When everyone zigs, we zag.
We test everything.
We’re not “anti-modern,” we’re just “anti-shortcuts.”
We believe in learning new skills through neural imprinting.
We know the old way—slow, steady, and intentional—is the best way.
That’s what being an entrepreneur is all about.
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Overall, both my sales and cash flow increased five times over. Now I am well on my way to enjoying regular $100k months, meaning a much bigger impact amongst my clients, much bigger purpose, and the doors to my continual growth and expansion wide open.
Kelly
As a result, I created my first 50K month in business. I still cannot believe how natural this growth has been and am excited about the future. I know I would not be able to do this without Kristi’s program, so I am extremely grateful!
Emily
We donate five percent of all profits to causes that support business ownership, entrepreneurship, and the environment.