Marcus Smoot: A Visionary’s Journey from Mount Vernon to Hollywood
From the streets of Mount Vernon, New York, to the heart of the entertainment industry, Marcus Smoot embodies the spirit of a true renaissance entrepreneur. His journey is a masterclass in turning passion into a multi-faceted career, marked by a relentless drive to innovate and inspire.
Born in 1979, Marcus graduated from Iona Preparatory High School in 1997. Just a year later, his entrepreneurial spark ignited with the launch of BTS (Behind The Scenes), an entertainment magazine that shifted the spotlight from celebrities to the talented professionals who work behind the scenes. This venture was more than a magazine; it was a platform dedicated to recognizing the unsung heroes of the industry, a theme that would resonate throughout his career.
Building and Revitalizing Communities
Marcus’s vision extended far beyond the entertainment world. In 2000, he relocated to Maryland and, three years later, made a significant move into the healthcare sector. He acquired a substance abuse and mental health outpatient treatment facility, transforming it into a vital resource for the community. His work with federal programs demonstrated his commitment to providing essential services and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
In 2008, he channeled his entrepreneurial energy into real estate by founding Comprehensive Homes. Through this venture, he revitalized communities one property at a time, renovating and selling over 100 homes. This work not only contributed to local economic development but also provided families with beautifully restored places to call home.
The Power of Storytelling: Smoot Films
While his business ventures flourished, Marcus never forgot his lifelong dream of filmmaking. In 2016, he turned that dream into reality by founding Smoot Films. His vision was to create a platform that could showcase diverse and compelling narratives, believing that every story has the power to connect and inspire. His debut film, “Brother,” premiered in 2017, marking the beginning of a successful cinematic journey.
His creative vision and strategic acumen caught the attention of former NFL player Vernon Davis, leading to a collaboration on the 2020 film “Red Winter,” where Marcus served as Executive Producer. He continued to cement his role in captivating storytelling by writing and executive producing “Holiday Switch” in 2021 and serving on the production team for “Christmas at the Frat House.” His work as Executive Producer on eight feature films and the acclaimed BET Plus anthology series, “I Got A Story To Tell,” solidifies his reputation as a formidable force in the industry.
The Strategic Partnership: Argentry Reese
To complement his creative pursuits and ensure the longevity of his ventures, Marcus brought in Argentry Reese as a strategic partner. Reese’s extensive background in finance and taxation has been instrumental in the growth of Smoot Films. A graduate of Morehouse College with honors in Accounting, Reese’s career is marked by excellence and a deep understanding of the financial world. He holds Series 7, Series 66, and various insurance licenses, distinguishing him as a top-tier financial expert.
Reese’s career includes a crucial role at CNN, where he managed financial audits for major shows like “Wolf Blitzer” and “Larry King Live.” His tenure at the IRS further honed his skills, making him an expert at navigating the complexities of tax law. This expertise was recognized by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which appointed him as a special consultant in 2008. In this role, he provided strategic tax advice to NBA players, helping them understand the importance of tax planning and saving high-net-worth individuals millions annually through legal strategies.
The collaboration between Marcus Smoot’s creative vision and Argentry Reese’s financial expertise creates a dynamic force, turning not only aspirations into reality but also ensuring that the dreams they build are grounded in a solid foundation.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.