On May 9, Wharton-Smith, accompanied by clients, community members, elected officials, and more, celebrated its 40th anniversary. Over 200 guests were in attendance, highlighted by co-founder George Smith, to commemorate the remarkable forty-year journey. See photos and video.
The evening was a true celebration of community, featuring special guest appearances from a diverse range of participants. The majorettes, drumline, and step team at Midway Elementary School, a local electric violinist, the University of Central Florida cheerleaders, and dancers with mascot Knightro, ambassador animals from the Central Florida Zoo, and community nonprofits Kids House, The Sharing Center, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Rescue Outreach Mission all came together to make this event memorable.
To showcase Wharton-Smith’s growth and expansion across the southeastern United States, conference rooms were themed to embrace the different regions our offices call home. The Florida room featured cuisine such as gator bites, conch fritters, and Jimmy Buffet’s margarita. The Carolinas office was represented by BBQ pork sliders, low-country crab cakes, and a Charlotte racing Sundrop. The Gulf Coast sported shrimp and grits, a Texas brisket, and a hurricane. Dessert was served in our nonprofit room, featuring North Carolina’s Krispy Kreme donuts, New Orleans’ praline squares, Cedar Key lime tarts, and Plant City strawberry shortcake.
Director of Operations West Coast Florida Jeffery Williams kicked off the ceremony, passing the mic to Chairman Ron Davoli, speaking about the past 40 years. “The culture that George set at the beginning of this company lives on today,” said Ron. “He believed that to grow the company, you had to give good people good opportunities, or they’d leave you. Well, here we are now with over 800 employees and closing in on the $1 Billion mark of revenue. It’s truly amazing.”
President and CEO Tim Smith looked forward to the next 40 years of Wharton-Smith. “I’ll keep it simple,” Tim said. “These next 40 years, we’re going to do the same thing. We’re going to continue to build communities, continue to grow profitably, and continue to give back, just on a grander scale.”
