Brent is a founder of Ardent Development and leads the firm’s sourcing and development opportunity efforts. He also focuses on the predevelopment due diligence process as well as the conceptual design of projects. Prior to forming Ardent Development, Smith developed many retail, multi-family and hospitality projects in the Southeastern U.S. He was part of the formation of the Retail Development Division for Crescent Resources in Charlotte, NC. as well as the initial development team for Extended Stay America. Prior to pursuing a career in development, Smith started in construction. He worked as a Project Manager on projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Denver Airport, Boeing, Nestle and multiple Class A office buildings, and industrial buildings. Smith earned a B.S. in Finance from Auburn University. He is a member of West End Community Church in Nashville, TN and served as a member of the Sunday School staff. A former board member of the Green Hills Action Committee in Nashville, TN. Smith is an avid runner and woodworker.