About KMS Consulting
After leading at the executive level and then transitioning full time into our farming operation, I saw the need for a human-centered approach to marketing - one that is hands on and tailored to fit small businesses and organizations that need real, tangible results - not just more studies or reports in a forgotten folder.
I believe in a holistic approach to marketing - identifying specific areas to improve and providing action items that are easy to implement.
Experience and Certifications
Executive Director - Heart of Appalachia
As Executive Director of Heart of Appalachia, I led marketing and strategic initiatives that influenced tourism and economic activity across a seven-county region. In this role, I worked closely with local entrepreneurs and gained firsthand insight into the realities facing small businesses—many operating with limited staff and resources, leaving little time or energy for long-term strategic planning. This experience shaped my commitment to helping businesses move from day-to-day survival to intentional growth.
Leadership
I am committed to continuous growth as a leader and decision-maker. I have completed formal leadership training through the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, a program focused on strengthening leadership capacity across rural communities. I also participate in Executive Link, a peer advisory program that emphasizes accountability, strategic thinking, and sound business management.
These experiences, along with countless others, have strengthened my ability to lead organizations, make disciplined decisions, and support business owners navigating complex challenges.
Tourism Marketing Professional
I am also a graduate of the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College, where I developed a strong foundation in data-driven marketing and strategic decision-making. I continue to build on that knowledge through the organization’s alumni program, staying current on emerging trends, tools, and best practices in marketing and business strategy.
Certifications
I have completed training and certifications in areas including Google Analytics, QuickBooks Online, project management, search engine optimization (SEO), data analytics, and prompt engineering, and previously held a Real Estate Salesperson license. These certifications reflect my commitment to building practical, technical skills that support sound business decisions and measurable results.
While not a comprehensive list, it represents the range of tools and disciplines I continue to study and apply in real-world business settings.
Small Business Owner
In addition to my professional roles, I am also a small business owner in partnership with my husband on our family farm. Together, we manage direct-to-consumer beef sales, marketing, customer communications, and business operations. This hands-on experience keeps me grounded in the realities of running a small business—balancing limited time, tight margins, and the constant need to make practical, results-oriented decisions.
Advocacy & Organizational Planning
I am passionate about helping organizations clarify their purpose and align their actions with a clear mission and vision.
I believe effective advocacy begins with clarity—knowing who you serve, why your work matters, and how to communicate that message with confidence. This approach has guided my work in my own business along with organizational planning, leadership development, and community engagement.
Owner Bio
At home, I work alongside my husband and our dogs, Jake and Spuds, on our family farm in Southwest Virginia, where we manage a commercial cow/calf herd and a direct-to-consumer beef business. Farm life keeps me grounded and reminds me daily that any business strategy must work in the real world. It has also given me a deep understanding of the unique frustrations and challenges that come with family businesses—balancing relationships with responsibilities, making decisions across generations, navigating limited time and resources, and carrying the weight of both legacy and livelihood. Those experiences shape the way I support other business owners, with empathy, practicality, and respect for the complexity of their work. As someone who has worked hard since the age of 15, I am also learning how to balance productivity with quality of life.
When I am not working, you will likely find me outdoors , traveling, taking photographs, volunteering in the community, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of rural life. I am passionate about continuous learning, thoughtful leadership, and helping others build businesses and organizations that thrive.
Thank you for visiting my website,
Kim Smith