Meet Fred Smith
About Fred
Fred Smith is a Johnston County family man, farmer, community leader, successful businessman and conservative leader with a proven track record of getting results.
Fred rose from humble beginnings. He was raised in the Methodist orphanage in Raleigh, where his father was a teacher and coach and his mother was a house mom. Fred’s parents taught him to respect people, the importance of education and community, and instilled in him a strong work ethic and value system. Fred’s work ethic earned him a football scholarship to Wake Forest University. He went on to graduate from the Wake Forest University School of Law with Honors.
Fred served as a Captain in the U.S. Army as a staff Judge Advocate (JAG Corps). He received the Army Commendation medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster).
In 1972, Fred’s love of rural North Carolina prompted him to purchase a farm in Johnston County, where he raised cattle and crops. He and his family have lived in Johnston County since that time.
Professional Success
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Fred began his professional career as an attorney. He quickly demonstrated his leadership ability by rising to the position of managing partner of the law firm Smith, Debnam, Hibbert & Pahl. He served as president of the Commercial Law League of America, a national organization.
In the late 1980s, a new personal vision emerged in Fred’s life: he wanted to plan and build communities which families would be proud to call home. This vision led to the formation of the Fred Smith Company, which has earned numerous awards for industry excellence since its inception.
In 2000, Fred helped found North State Bank, a community bank based in Raleigh, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board. North State Bank has seven full-service banking offices in Wake and New Hanover Counties.
Return to Farming Roots: A Leader in Agriculture
In 2011, Fred and his brother, Irvin, re-entered the farming business when they launched FSC Ranch, which is located on Pritchard Road near Archer Lodge. FSC Ranch raises high-quality SimAngus bulls for commercial cattle customers throughout the state and nation.
Fred Smith is a leader in the agriculture community. He currently represents the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association on the National Beef Cattle Association board as N.C. Policy Director. Fred is also a former president of the N.C. Simmental Association (1978, 2009, 2009). He previously served as President of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association (1982).
A Legacy of Conservative Leadership
In the late 1990s, Fred felt a calling to enter the public square. In response to this calling, Fred ran for and was elected to the Johnston County Board of Commissioners in 2000.
In 2002, Fred was elected to the N.C. Senate, where he represented Johnston and Wayne Counties until seeking the Republican nomination for Governor in 2008.
