Jennifer Smash, MBA
Jennifer Smash, MBA, is a seasoned accountant, entrepreneur, and VR/Metaverse strategist with over 35 years of experience in financial management and business advisory. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served high-profile entertainers, athletes, and business leaders, providing tailored financial guidance that balances strategic growth with operational efficiency. She spent 20 years running her own accounting practice, gaining deep expertise in financial management across diverse industries.
In addition to her accounting career, Jennifer has held pivotal leadership roles, including Controller for HeatTrak, LLC, CFO/Controller at VenueGPS, and Chief Operating Manager for the James Beard Award-winning Busy Bee Cafe. She is recognized for driving operational growth, implementing financial strategies, and optimizing business performance. Notably, her advisory work has helped clients scale revenues significantly, including taking a small restaurant from $750,000 to $3.2 million in annual revenue and growing a manufacturing business from $6 million to $22 million through improved inventory controls.
Currently, Jennifer is the CEO of VIP Entrepreneur Academy, a platform dedicated to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs using a structured business plan approach. She leverages her expertise in accounting, business strategy, and VR/Metaverse technologies to teach entrepreneurs how to build sustainable, profitable ventures both in real life and virtual environments. As a double amputee and visually impaired professional, Jennifer embodies resilience and innovation, inspiring others to overcome challenges while pursuing success in business and beyond.
• Strayer University-Maryland - MBA
• Disabled community
• VIP Accountants and Business Consultants
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and mentorship of exceptional professionals such as Robert Perlet and Attorney Wooder, who have played a pivotal role in my professional growth. My educational foundation has also been instrumental, starting with an associate’s degree in Business Management from Berkeley College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Taxation from St. Thomas University, and a master’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Taxation. To stay current with evolving tax and wealth management regulations, I have also pursued numerous continuing professional education (CPE) courses throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the field, I emphasize the importance of building a strong professional reputation and actively leveraging referrals. Establishing credibility and fostering trusted relationships early on can open doors and create lasting opportunities for growth and success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life center on mentorship, innovation, and community-building. I am passionate about mentoring individuals in the VR and metaverse space, helping them create successful businesses and vibrant communities. A particular focus of my work has been leveraging VR technology to support amputees, providing them with a sense of connection and belonging through virtual environments. Through initiatives like the Meta Amputee Coalition, we are developing virtual worlds for amputees and have already donated headsets to enhance accessibility and engagement. Tracking the impact of these efforts and exploring opportunities to share this work with broader communities, such as the National Amputee Coalition’s annual convention, reinforces my commitment to meaningful, values-driven impact.
Locations
VIP Entrepreneur Academy
Stone Mountain, GA 30083