Darien K. Smith, Esq. is the Founder, President, and CEO of D.K. Smith & Co., a trusted private investment firm that exists to grow companies and strengthen communities. We provide tailored solutions for management teams, business owners, entrepreneurs, private equity firms, SBIC funds, and family offices. We invest in the future through technology enablement and operational value creation, empowering our partners to achieve lasting success.Darien is a first generation attorney from the South Side of Chicago. He started his collegiate career playing college football for Eastern Illinois University and finished his undergrad degree in finance and mathematics at the University of Miami (FL). Subsequently, Darien received his J.D. from New York University School of Law. While in law school Darien moved to China and bootstrapped a fashion startup after working in finance for Goldman Sachs his 1L summer. Upon graduation, he became a licensed corporate attorney in New York City at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan in their private funds group. After practicing law at Stroock, Darien transitioned to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Management Consultant in their Corporate Finance and Strategy Practice Area where he advised multi-billion dollar conglomerates and private equity firms, building and executing organic and inorganic growth strategies. Darien left BCG in 2019 to launch D.K. Smith & Co. where he focuses on acquiring, operating, and advising lower middle market businesses.Darien has a passion for teaching and coaching entrepreneurs and investing in lower middle market businesses. He leverages his expertise in growth strategy, risk management, and operating to roll-up his sleeves alongside entrepreneurs and management teams to accelerate growth. Growth creates jobs. Jobs feed families. Families build communities. Let's build together.