Description: Join us for lunch and a moderated discussion with J.J. Smith, CEO of Valley Proteins, Inc., a 3rd generation, family-owned business headquartered in Winchester, Virginia but providing services across the United States. Smith is a 1983 graduate of Wake Forest University. The Legacy Speaker Series features business leaders sharing their business, family and personal stories. These programs are moderated discussions centered on the Center for Private Business Focus areas: Culture, Leadership, Succession Planning, Governance and Family Harmony. The discussion will be moderated by Ragan Folan. 

Valley Proteins, Inc. has grown to become one of the largest rendering companies in the United States with several hundred million dollars in annual sales. On average, the company currently processes three million tons of raw materials, and manufactures over one million tons of value-added animal feed ingredients annually, which are marketed throughout the world. Valley Proteins continues to explore new opportunities to serve its raw materials suppliers and customers. Growth through acquisitions, expansion into global markets and investment in biofuel technologies continue to be a focus for Valley Proteins.

About the Speaker: Mr. Smith received his BS degree in Accountancy from Wake Forest University in May 1983 and started his career with Price Waterhouse as a staff auditor in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in July of that year.  In September 1985 he returned to Winchester, Virginia and began his career with Valley Proteins, Inc., the business founded by his grandfather in 1949.  During his career, the Company, which is still owned by the Smith family, has grown to be the largest privately owned recycler of animal by-products and waste cooking oils operating in North America. Mr. Smith serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of First National Corporation (FXNC) the holding company for First Bank located in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.  He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Historical Society and the Wake Forest University School of Business.  He is the former Chairman of both the National Renderers Association and the Fat and Proteins Research Foundation. Mr. Smith is married to Kaye DeHaven Smith (WFU ’84) and they have three children - Evan, Emily and Elise.  The couple resides in Winchester, Virginia and has a second home in Sea Island, Georgia. A licensed commercial pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, Mr. Smith is also type rated in a King Air 350 aircraft.  He also collects Chevrolet Corvette sports cars.

Members of the Center for Private Business may attend this event for free. Non-Members are $50 per person. Registration is required by September 12, 2019.

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