MEET the team
Marcus Smoot, a Mount Vernon, NY native, is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary. Since graduating from Iona Preparatory High School in 1997, he's pioneered ventures that redefine industries. In 1998, he launched BTS (Behind The Scenes), an entertainment magazine spotlighting personalities behind the stars, igniting his entrepreneurial journey.
Transitioning to Maryland in 2000, Marcus acquired a substance abuse and mental health outpatient treatment facility in 2003, expanding it into a vital resource, notably serving federal programs. In 2008, he founded Comprehensive Homes, renovating and selling over 100 homes to revitalize communities.
In 2016, Marcus fulfilled his filmmaking dream with Smoot Films, debuting "Brother" in 2017. Collaborating with former NFL player Vernon Davis in 2020, he served as Executive Producer for "Red Winter," blending creativity with strategic vision. Continuing his cinematic journey, Marcus wrote and executive produced "Holiday Switch" in 2021 and served on "Christmas at the Frat House," cementing his role in captivating storytelling.
Marcus Smoot's journey embodies unwavering passion and resilience, empowering others to turn aspirations into reality. As an Executive Producer for eight feature films and the acclaimed anthology series "I Got A Story To Tell" on BET Plus, he continues to inspire with each endeavor.
In 2016, Marcus Smoot turned a lifelong dream into reality by founding Smoot Films. His vision was not just about storytelling but creating a platform that could showcase diverse narratives. To complement his creative pursuits, Smoot brought in Argentry Reese as a strategic partner. Reese, a former IRS auditor, enriched the enterprise with his extensive background in finance and taxation.
unleashing cinematic brilliance
Argentry Reese’s journey in finance began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Morehouse College, where he graduated with honors. His commitment to excellence was evident as he not only pursued a career in accounting but also obtained the Series 7 and Series 66 securities license, insurance license, and variable product licenses, setting him apart in the financial industry.
Reese’s career trajectory included a crucial role at CNN, where he handled financial auditing functions for prominent shows such as “Wolf Blitzer,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” and “Larry King Live.” His tenure at the IRS equipped him with top-notch training and work experience, making him adept at navigating the complex world of taxes.
In 2008, Reese’s expertise was recognized by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). He was appointed as a special consultant to provide strategic tax-related advice to NBA players during mandated Team Awareness Meetings. Reese’s responsibilities extended to overseeing performance audits of companies providing tax filing services for any NBA player.
His efforts empowered players to grasp the significance of tax planning, secure substantial amounts through amended filings, and gain insights into legally sound tax strategies that save high net-worth individuals millions annually.