Brad Smith – 20 Under 40
Everest Stone
31 | Dallas Baptist University
Highland Park High School alumnus Brad Smith started Everest Stone, a company that distributes natural stone, quartz slabs, and pre-cut stone products, about 10 years ago. Since then, it’s grown to have a multi-million book of business in the central U.S.
“While many of the companies in Dallas are more like hand-select boutiques, we are more of a Sam’s Club approach that handles the higher volume wholesale programs of large builders and developers,” Smith explained. “This job has given me a strong understanding of operations, distribution, importing, accounting, and sales.”
The company opened a showroom and storefront at 2330 Royal Lane, Suite 100, in 2022, and Smith hopes his business continues expanding from a regional organization to a national one.
“I think our greatest success in the past 12 months is to stay profitable while keeping all of our staff and dealing with the adversity through tenacity and strategic problem solving,” Smith added.
The longtime Park Cities Baptist Church member’s faith is integral to his life and community service. Everest Stone was part of a coalition in 2020 that helped acquire a bus for a child rehabilitation center in Africa for field trips or medical visits.
He still credits Highland Park football offensive coordinator Grayson Wells as a role model.
“I think Coach Greyson Wells on the HPHS athletic staff does an incredible job. I think he is greatly responsible for the success of the HP football program and that he plays a key part on the offensive strategy each week,” Smith said. “He was one of the most consistent male role models in my life over more than three years and had a huge impact on my life.”
Smith supports and serves as a strategic partner for the Christian organization Cru, which has campus and city ministries that encompass more than 35 cities and more than 2,000 churches and organizations. He also employs graduates of the Men of Nehemiah program, a faith-based treatment center for men battling addiction.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
One of my first jobs was being a summer camp counselor at Camp of the Woods. I think what I learned in this job is my preference to decide my own schedule and strategy.
Favorite nonprofit causes?
Nationally I think Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ is an incredible organization. In addition to having staff on many USA college (campuses), they also have ministry partners telling the good news of Jesus Christ in almost every country in the world. Locally Men of Nehemiah, I also think, does an incredible job in their gospel-based rehabilitation program.
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
I play the violin.
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
I probably wouldn’t tell myself anything as I would fear it would stop me from learning lessons I need to learn. If anything I’d just give myself a pat on the back and show that I’m still standing.
