Larry recently retired after 50 years of providing financial planning, services and products to the affluent market. During his career he served as an officer of CIGNA (1987 to 1996) and Wealth Enhancement Group (2017 to 2021). He was also the founder and managing partner of Sound Financial Solutions, L.P. (1996 to 2017), which was acquired by Wealth Enhancement Group in 2017.
He is now the owner of SFS Interests, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in advising businesses, professionals and individuals on financial issues affecting estate planning and business transitions.
A graduate of Bethany College (West Virginia), Larry completed his Master of Science in Financial Services Degree at the American College in Bryn Mawr in 1991. He has earned Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner and Accredited Estate Planner designations. On retirement, he discontinued his CFP.
Larry is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Financial Planning Association, and the National Association of Estate Planners. He recently resigned his membership in good standing with the Houston Business and Estate Planning Council (of which he was President in 2008-2009 and served on its board) and Houston Society for Financial Service Professionals (having served as its President in 2005-2006 and on its board).
He has authored numerous articles on industry management and was a contributing author for the book, Managing Sales Professionals.
Larry’s charitable pursuits are numerous and varied. Arriving in Texas in 1992, he became involved in his church, Memorial Drive Christian Church, first as a Deacon and then as an Elder. He also chaired many committees including the Personnel Committee and two Minister Search committees. Larry left the church in 2020 when he moved from Houston to the Clear Lake Area.
Also, in 1992, Larry became a charter member in a not-for-profit hunting and fishing club, Los Cazadores, Inc. He served as a board member 1992-2014, Treasurer, 1992- 1999 and President, 1999-2001. The club continues to exist today and contributes to many wildlife preservation and habitat causes.
In 1999 he accepted when asked to serve as a Trustee on the Board of Brite Divinity School at TCU. In 2001 he was asked to chair a Presidential search committee. His leadership resulted in a unanimous selection of a President by what began as a contentious committee but ended as a very effective and productive committee. The President had a successful career and retired after 20+ years of service. In 2001 Larry began to chair the Fiscal Affairs Committee and to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board. Larry was successful in leading Brite’s Finances through the early turbulent years of the century as well as through the 2009-2010 financial meltdown while growing the endowment over the decade of his leadership. Larry resigned from Brite’s board in 2012 to pursue other passions. He was immediately named an Emeritus Board member.
Also in 1999, Larry joined the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Souvenir Program Committee (SPC), a committee with 220 volunteers. During his tenure on the SPC, he assumed many management roles culminating in his being named Chairman of the Souvenir Program Committee for the years 2014 to 2016. During his tenure, sales increased by 40% to just under $1,000,000 and membership increased to 400. He is now a Lifetime Member of the HLSR.
In 2007, Larry was one of three founding board members of a Charity called CompUDopt. Larry served CompUDopt as its Chairman of the Board from 2010 to 2012, as Vice President for many years and on its Board of Directors. When it started CompUDopt would receive donated computers from corporations, businesses and professionals. It would refurbishes them and give then to elementary school students in the underserved community. CompUDopt grew from 1000 Computers in 2008 to over 40,000 computers in 2025 given to grade schoolers through chapters in 12 cities. It also grew in services by developing a computer programing course for middle school children and a high school student program to teach the inner working of the computer. Larry is now Board Emeritus of CompUDopt.
In 2011, Larry joined Lakewood Yacht Club (LYC). He has served the club as a member of many committees and as a chairman of the Cruisers Committee and the Sheds and Piers Committee. He was elected to the Board of Directors at LYC in 2025 to serve from 2026 to 2029.
In 2018, Larry became a Charter member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Houston. In short order, his leadership skills were recognized, earning him the Presidency of a 140-member Club from 2020-2021. His passion for business and education was exemplified when, as chairman of the Free Enterprise Camp Committee, he partnered his club with the University of Houston to create an entrepreneur competition for high school students. The annual program has created a lasting partnership with U of H and the Downtown Rotary Club of Houston.
In 2024 Larry was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as Admiral of the Texas Navy Association to serve the Saa Houston Chapter
In 2025 Larry “Jay” joined the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Bethany where he serves on the Finance Committee, the Cash Flow committee and the Advancement Committee
Larry has been married to Marsha Smith for 53 years and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and time with his family of three sons and 7 grandchildren.
Larry Jay Smith, Partner
CLU, ChFC, AEP, MSFS
SFS Interest, Inc.
611 Harborside Way
Kemah, TX 77565
713-822-5561
Ljsmith.sfs@gmail.com