A Little About Us
Fred C. Smith opened the Fred Smith Group, Inc. in 1988. Fred's career began in radio in Indianapolis, Indiana. A few years later, Fred moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where his recognizable voice landed him a position with WOWO Radio.
Upon traveling to Los Angeles, California, Fred was offered a job in television by Dean Martin. He was thrilled by the offer, but declined. Fred became famous in Fort Wayne for his antics on the WGL Saturday Show. Fred anchored the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon in Fort Wayne for a number of years. He was very involved in the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre and even won an Anthony Award for his work. Fred received several awards in advertising over the years, including many Addy Awards. Fred Smith is a legend of Fort Wayne radio still today. In 1976, Fred went to work for Lauer, Etzler, and Wade Advertising. A few years later, Fred and two partners opened Nitecki, Smith, and Walker Media and Marketing Services. Clients included Parkview Hospital, Cap n'Cork, Halls, Georgetown Square, Brammal SOS, Busheys Windows and Doors, Frances Slocum Bank, and more.
After more than 43 years in the media industry, Fred opened the Fred Smith Group, Inc. in 1988. His daughter, Kelly Smith-Monasa joined the Fred Smith Group in 2001 as the senior copy writer and web designer. Phyllis Smith joined the firm in 1990 from the banking field as the treasurer of the Fred Smith Group. Fred Smith passed away on July 21, 2005 due to lung disease. Although his illness had taken a lot out of him, he continued to work until the day he passed away. Kelly Smith-Monasa has taken over the agency as president. Phyllis continues to work as treasurer and partner. They continue to live through the legacy of Fred Smith and have begun to take new clients.
