Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
The Venture & Innovation Center at St. John’s University recently hosted alumnus Keeth Smart, a former Olympic medalist and Hall of Fame fencer turned entrepreneur, to share his insights with students, faculty, and administrators. The event took place on February 20 at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.
Smart, who earned a bachelor's degree in Finance from St. John's University, won a silver medal in the men's team sabre fencing competition at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He is now the Senior Vice President of Chelsea Piers Fitness, which operates high-end fitness facilities in New York City and Connecticut.
During his lecture titled "Beyond the Foil," Smart drew parallels between his experiences in athletics and business. Reflecting on his fencing career, he said: “In 2008, I was competing for the silver medal as part of the USA team... In sports and in life, when you have a plan you believe in, stick to it.”
Smart's visit coincided with the upcoming Johnny's Innovation Challenge, organized by the Venture & Innovation Center (VIC) and The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. Opened in January 2024 under Director James M. Kinsley, VIC aims to support entrepreneurship through resources like creation space and marketing strategies.
Born in Brooklyn's Flatbush section—a locale not known for producing Olympic-level fencers—Smart shared how he ventured into entrepreneurship after his Olympic stint. His journey included roles at Google and an appearance on CNBC's Shark Tank with Physiclo, a resistance wear brand.
Highlighting networking as key to business success, Smart recounted how it helped him secure his role at Chelsea Piers: “I saw an ad from Chelsea Piers... They were looking for someone with an entrepreneurial background.” Since joining Chelsea Piers in November 2017, Smart has been instrumental in opening five facilities that compete with luxury fitness brands like Equinox.
While only a few students had visited Chelsea Piers facilities personally, many recognized Smart's achievements as one of America's top fencers. Among them was Yasir Shaikh, a fourth-year Economics student who expressed admiration for Smart's experiences: “You listen to Mr. Smart speak... How can you grow yourself and your business?”
This visit marked Smart’s first return to St. John’s campus in nearly ten years—a reunion that also included meeting Red Storm fencing Coach Yuri Gelman and Fares Ferjani '22TCB,'23MBA who won silver for Tunisia at the Paris Olympics.
“It was great to see him here,” Coach Gelman noted about Smart’s visit while emphasizing his influence beyond sports: “He was a great athlete... but is an even better person.” Ferjani added appreciation stating that "He is a great role model."
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