Smith Leonard PLLC Announces the Retirement of Founding Partner Ken Smith

Furniture World News Desk on 1/4/2024

Smith Leonard PLLC, a leading Triad-based accounting firm, announces the retirement of Ken Smith, Founding and former Managing Partner, effective December 31, 2023.

“After 54 years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership, Ken has decided to embark on a well-deserved retirement journey. He has been an extraordinary partner and friend to many during his career. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, community engagement, and business expertise,” says Darlene Leonard, Founding Partner.

During his career, Smith advised both public and privately held manufacturing, distribution, and retail companies. Smith began his career with Seidman & Seidman, now referred to as BDO Seidman, LLP or BDO, after graduating from High Point College (now High Point University) in 1969. He worked in BDO’s Atlanta and High Point offices, serving on the BDO board from 1995 to 1998. After retiring from BDO in 2006, Smith and three other partners founded Smith Leonard PLLC. During his time at BDO and Smith Leonard, Smith led the furniture industry practice writing a monthly publication Furniture Insights®, and conducting annual furniture surveys. Smith is considered an industry thought leader and is frequently quoted by national publications. His partner, Mark Laferriere, will assume leadership of the firm’s furniture practice.

“Ken was an integral part of Smith Leonard’s growth and success,” says Mark Bulmer, Managing Partner and Founding Partner. Smith has chaired and served on many local boards including High Point Regional Health System, Business High Point/Chamber of Commerce, High Point Economic Development, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, and led the United Way of Greater High Point’s 2016 Campaign. Smith is a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of High Point and has chaired and served on the High Point Regional Health Foundation Board.

A retirement celebration in honor of Smith was held on December 6, 2023, at Smith Leonard's High Point office. Clients, colleagues, friends, and alumni were on hand to celebrate and express appreciation for his remarkable career and wish him the very best in this new chapter.

Smith grew up in High Point where he still lives with his wife Sandra. They have two children and five grandchildren with whom he looks forward to annual trips to the beach. Ken enjoys High Point University sports, golf at Willow Creek, and early morning walks with friends and other members of the Big D Running Club at the High Point YMCA, followed by breakfast at Tom’s Place.

About Smith Leonard PLLC 
 Smith Leonard PLLC is a leading professional services firm offering assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients throughout the Triad, central North Carolina, and southern Virginia. Headquartered in High Point with offices in Hickory, Lexington, and Winston-Salem, the firm employs more than 100 team members with industry knowledge, technical expertise, and professionalism to deliver exceptional client experiences. Industries of focus include manufacturing and distribution, real estate, construction, transportation, and specialties include tax and assurance, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, transaction advisory services, employee benefit plans, client accounting services, international services, wealth advisory services, and succession planning. Its affiliation with BDO Alliance USA provides a global network that connects clients to a variety of resources when clients have needs that go beyond our local capabilities. For more information about the firm, visit www.smith-leonard.com.