Daily Inspiration: Meet George Smiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to George Smiley.

Hi George, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I spent most of my career navigating the structured world of corporate America—building a foundation in Information Technology, with a deep focus on data and analytics. But beneath the surface, there was always that entrepreneurial spirit pulling at me.

Over the years, I explored real estate and other ventures, but it wasn’t until about six years ago that everything began to take shape. My wife and I were presented with an opportunity to step into something new, a martial arts franchise known then as Premier Martial Arts. We didn’t fully realize it at the time, but we were stepping into a journey that would challenge us, stretch us, and ultimately redefine us.

We opened our first location in 2019, full of hope and anticipation. And then, almost immediately, the world changed when Covid hit.

Like so many small business owners, we found ourselves in uncharted territory. A business built on community, physical presence, and personal connection suddenly faced restrictions that made all three incredibly difficult. There were moments of uncertainty, moments when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. We had to make hard decisions, ones no entrepreneur ever wants to make, including closing one of our locations.

Through resilience, faith, and a commitment to the families we served, we held on to our Decatur location. And in many ways, that experience became our greatest teacher. We learned what it truly means to run a business, not just the operations, but the grit, adaptability, and perseverance it demands. We learned how to lead through crisis, how to stay grounded when everything around us feels unstable, and how to keep moving forward when giving up might seem easier.

Most importantly, we deepened our connection to the community. Working with families, watching students grow in confidence and discipline, and knowing we were making a difference, that’s what made it all worth it.

Looking back, it hasn’t been an easy road. But it has been a meaningful one. Every challenge, every setback, every small victory has shaped who we are today not just as business owners, but as people.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening our doors in 2019 should have been the start of a smooth, upward climb. Instead, it became a test of resilience almost overnight. When Covid hit, the very foundation of our business, face-to-face interaction, community engagement, and in-person training, was disrupted in ways we could have never anticipated.

We were forced to navigate uncertainty day by day, making decisions without a playbook. Revenue became unpredictable, operations had to constantly adapt, and the pressure of sustaining the business weighed heavily on us. Like many entrepreneurs during that time, we faced difficult choices, including the painful decision to close one of our locations.

Beyond the financial strain, there was also the emotional toll. Carrying responsibility for our team, our students, and our community during such an unstable time wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, moments where the path forward wasn’t clear.

But those challenges also became defining moments. They forced us to become more resourceful, more disciplined, and more committed than ever before. And while the road was tough, it ultimately strengthened both our business and our resolve.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve spent over 30 years building a career in Information Technology, working with several organizations across the Atlanta metro area. After serving in the military, we made Atlanta our home, and it’s where my professional journey truly took shape. I began as a developer, learning the craft from the ground up, and over time grew into senior leadership roles, leading teams responsible for delivering data and analytics capabilities that helped organizations make better decisions and drive meaningful outcomes.

While I was still working full-time, my wife and I took a leap into entrepreneurship and opened our business, an experience that added a new dimension to my professional life and challenged me in entirely different ways.

I’m proud of the career I’ve built and the impact I’ve made, but my greatest pride lies beyond the workplace. Being a father to my three children and watching them grow into adulthood has been the most rewarding journey of all.

I’m also deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the communities we’ve been a part of, first through our church, and now through our business, continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of others. It’s such a blessing to see the growth in confidence and maturity our students demonstrate as they progress through the program working with our talented and dedicated staff. Our staff has done a great job of creating our culture, making everyone feel welcome and a part of the family. We are so fortunate to have the staff we have.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m from a small town in Alabama. I have seven siblings, 6 sisters and a brother. I served in the Army for 4 and half years, with 3 of those years being stationed in Italy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.premiermartialarts.com/decatureast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/premiermartialartsdecatureast