In 2010, tens of thousands of retailers began shuttering their stores and experts predicted a massive shift to online shopping. Dubbed the "Retail Apocalypse" by economists, entrepreneur Andrew M. Smith recognized the opportunity to shift the culture of retail and better address the consumer experience.

Alongside his family Andrew founded Salt Pines in 2013, a clothing brand and retail location in Hyde Park Village, Tampa. Andrew believed that a retail business could successfully compete in the market with a focus on quality products and warm hospitality. Almost a decade later, Salt Pines continues to be a favorite local Tampa shopping destination with broad community impact.

Andrew Smith is a Tampa, Florida native with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Science in Entrepreneurship from The University of Tampa. Andrew also served as Chair for Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay in 2012. In his free time Andrew enjoys sailboat racing and has competed in numerous events from local regattas to international off-shore races.