In this edition of My FC Dallas Life, we’re introducing you to our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Smith. His story reflects a consistent theme among all of our team members featured: taking a passion for sports at a competitive level and carrying it through your professional life.
What might surprise about his role isn't solely crunching numbers for this former accountant.
What’s your title and how long have you worked for FC Dallas?
I am the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium, National Soccer Hall of Fame Experience and MoneyGram Soccer Park and the Treasurer for the FC Dallas Foundation. I came to FC Dallas in 2010.
How did your career path lead you to your current position with FC Dallas?
I have been involved with sports my entire life. My father, brother in-law and both sisters are coaches and I have always wanted to work in sports. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting. After college, I started in public accounting and my first client was Southwest Sports Group, owner of the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars and Mesquite Rodeo.
What’s a typical day like for you on the job?
No two days are the same for me. I am involved with a lot of planning for future projects such as the construction of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, bringing events to Toyota Stadium such as Imagine Dragons and US National team matches as well as the 2026 World Cup bid. I work with the Technical Director on a regular basis to manage the first team’s salary cap. I also work on daily basis with all of our department heads regarding operations and financial forecasts.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was named “Mr. Basketball” for the state of Texas in 1993. (Editor’s Note: He's burying the lead here. Jimmy played guard in high school basketball in Victoria, TX and was named to UIL’s All Century Boys Basketball First Team along with T.J. Ford, Clyde Drexler, Chris Bosh and Shaquille O’Neal. Really. See who he beat out here. He was the starting point guard for Texas A&M under head coach Tony Barone from 1993-1995.)
What’s the biggest misconception about your position?
I spend a majority of my time doing taxes.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the challenge.Professional soccer and MLS is relatively new in America and it is fun to be a part of the growth.
What do you enjoy the least about it?
One of the biggest challenges is establishing a long-term plan for the company five to ten years and being committed to that plan while executing day to day operations and having everyone in the enterprise working together towards the overall goal.
What do you enjoy most about working for FC Dallas?
I believe we have the greatest staff in MLS and each person is committed to growing soccer in North Texas.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Vacation on any beach with the family and coaching my three boys in soccer and basketball.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to work in your industry? (I think you have an outstanding opportunity to detail how something with an interest in numbers/finance and professional sports absolutely has an opportunity to have a career in sports).
Getting your foot in the door is key and a great way to do this is through an internship program. Always volunteer to do more and be willing to work with other departments. You will learn a tremendous amount about the overall business and this will be invaluable for your career.
My FCD Life focuses on the people at FC Dallas who are sports industry veterans who are passionate about their careers and passionate about soccer. Interested in having someone featured and learning more about getting a start in the sports industry? Let us know who you would like to see featured in an upcoming edition of My FCD Life.