The History of Smith Craft
Seizing opportunities, building on strengths
Robert Smith, Jr. and Philip C. Craft formed Smith Craft Real Estate Corporation in 1992, merging their real estate expertise, along with key personnel, to embark upon what would prove to be a remarkable business journey.
In response to economic change within the real estate industry in the early 1990's, Smith and Craft began pursuing new opportunities offered by the banking sector. Through aggressive acquisition of bank-owned assets, market repositioning of income-producing property, and the development of "for sale" residential communities, the partners succeeded in laying the foundation for the diversified real estate organization Smith Craft is today.
Smith Craft's portfolio presently encompasses 50 buildings, including residential; office, medical and industrial; hotels, an 18 hole championship golf course, restaurants and retail buildings; as well as 900 acres of residential land with development rights to build 1,000 active adult detached housing units.
Executive Profiles
Robert H. Smith, Jr.
President and Co-Chief Executive Officer/Owner
Mr. Smith supervises the overall operation of Smith Craft along with his partner, Mr. Craft. He is personally responsible for the company's financing needs, in addition to managing the design and construction of development projects.
Mr. Smith’s real estate experience began shortly after his graduation from Pepperdine University in 1984, when he founded Smith Construction Company. Initially a developer of residential properties, the company quickly expanded into commercial development and general contracting, through which Mr. Smith gained expertise in the development of all major types of residential and commercial properties.
Philip C. Craft
Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Executive Officer/Owner
Mr. Craft is jointly responsible for the overall operation of Smith Craft, and personally supervises $15 million dollars in annual revenues from the company's hotel, restaurant and golf course holdings. Mr. Craft's specialty in hotel property development began when he joined the family hospitality business after graduating from Connecticut College in 1982. In addition to his executive position with Smith Craft, he is the majority shareholder and president of Turnpike Lodge, a 165-room Howard Johnson Hotel in Milford, Connecticut.
Donna J. Crandley
Vice President and General Manager
Ms. Crandley is responsible for the financial, property management and leasing activities of the Company. Joining Smith Craft after seven years in controller positions of local financial institutions, Ms. Crandley continues to contribute her banking experience, insight and banking relationships to the company. Possessing over fifteen years of real estate experience as General Manager, she has become the day-to-day problem solver for the Company. Ms. Crandley is a graduate of Providence College.
Careers
Smith Craft is always interested in professionals who share our dedication to developing high quality properties and making positive contributions to the community. If you are interested in a career with Smith Craft, we invite you to submit your resume.