About Us

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In 1997, Gregory Smith, fresh out of college at North Carolina State University, was hired by Franklin Street Partners in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. At Franklin Street, Gregory teamed up with Mackay Salley who had been managing money for decades and taught Gregory all he could about investment management and client service. During that time, Gregory pursued and received his MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Together Gregory and Mackay co-managed the Franklin Street Trust Small Cap Fund.

After 7 years of working together, Gregory saw an opportunity to found his own firm in his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina. It was not too long thereafter that Gregory asked Mackay to join him. What eventually became Smith, Salley & Associates gave Mackay and Gregory an opportunity to address a services gap they identified in the investment management industry. Gregory says it best:

Mackay and I started this business because so many in our industry have failed to put client’s needs in front of their own. Too many advisors push products that clients do not need or understand. Some wealth advisors prefer to impress with financial jargon, overly complex strategies, or frequent (often costly) tactical maneuvers. We wanted to be different. We offer easy to understand, customized solutions to complex problems that help our clients achieve the things they want most from their money: obtaining an independent retirement, educating the next generation, caring for aging parents, and creating legacies that last.

At Smith Salley, we’ve assembled the experienced and trusted team you need. And, importantly for you, we’ve assembled your team in an independent, fee-only practice that squarely aligns our interests and incentives with your interests.

meet our partners and associates »