About
Carey Smith founded Big Ass Fans in 1999 and led it for 18 years, growing it to over 1,000 employees and nearly $300 million in annual sales before selling it for $500 million in 2017. He later founded Unorthodox Ventures to provide founders operational support alongside capital.
ContactΒ· self-published, not guessed
Experience
- Unorthodox VenturesFounding Contrariancurrent2018 β presentAustin, Texas Area
- Big Ass FansFounder and Chief Big Ass1999 β 2017
Skills & more
Business Development14Energy Conservation12Energy Management12Customer Service7Leadership18Management17Account Management3Manufacturing5Marketing6Marketing Strategy4New Business Development7Product Development17
+5 more
Project ManagementSalesSales ManagementTeam BuildingStrategic PlanningFrom Carey's professional profile.
Deals Β· 1
Vibrant GastroSolo GP
Attribution from SEC filings, press coverage, and firm rosters. Some rows are inferred. Not right? Tell us.
Colleagues at Unorthodox Ventures
Adam Kahn
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
Brian Smith
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
Cuinn Alexander
Principal at Unorthodox Ventures
Dan Easton
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
Daniel Allen
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
David Banks
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
Gavin Holiday
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
Isaac Weiss
Investor at Unorthodox Ventures
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Carey Smith?
- Carey Smith founded Big Ass Fans in 1999 and led it for 18 years, growing it to over 1,000 employees and nearly $300 million in annual sales before selling it for $500 million in 2017. He later founded Unorthodox Ventures to provide founders operational support alongside capital.
- Where does Carey Smith work?
- Carey Smith is Founding Contrarian at Unorthodox Ventures.
- Where did Carey Smith go to school?
- Carey Smith studied at Hood College (Bachelor's degree, Economics); University of Chicago.
Founder mafias
University of Chicago mafia102
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Bobby PittmanMaster's degreeFounded Oathafrica +2Sean HarperABFounded TransFS +2Bharat KilaruBachelor of Arts (BA)Founded Verano Health +2Matt KrisiloffFounded Preventive +1Robby YungB.A. cum laudeFounded The Sandbox +1Alexis BorisyBachelor's degreeFounded Foundation Medicine +1
+ 95 more
Same school
Also attended Hood College2
Also attended University of Chicago349
Mark SusterManaging Partner at Upfront VenturesShardul ShahInvestor at Index VenturesSam BlackmanEntrepreneur in Residence at GV (Google Ventures)Clay FisherInvestor at Spark CapitalJonas CiplickasPrincipal at Scale Venture PartnersJulia Gonzalez SandersPartner and General Counsel at Crosslink Capital
+ 343 more
























