About Greybridge
Founded in 2025, Greybridge Advisory LLC brings deal-tested business transition expertise to wealth management firms.
Stuart A. Smith III
Founding Principal
Expertise in:
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Business financing
- Closely held business valuation
- Business planning and governance
Professional Background
Stuart is the Founding Principal of Greybridge Advisory. Before launching Greybridge, he spent six years as National Director of Business Value Strategies for Wilmington Trust’s Emerald Family Office & Advisory, helping families navigate complex business transitions in close partnership with wealth, estate, and tax advisors. During his tenure, he supported nearly $300 million in incremental AUM growth and preserved an additional $200 million through targeted consulting engagements.
Earlier, Stuart was a senior leader in M&T Bank’s Investment Banking Group, where he co-founded and co-led the M&A practice. Over two decades, he advised owners on mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and private capital raises ranging from $20 million to $150 million across a range of industries. Prior to this, Stuart was a Director in the Consumer and Industrial Products Group at PwC Securities.
Stuart brings an uncommon combination of deal execution experience and integrated wealth planning insight—helping business owners and their advisors make transition decisions with clarity and confidence.
He holds an MBA from Georgetown University, where he was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, and a BA in History from the University of Virginia. Deeply engaged in the Baltimore community, Stuart serves as Chairman of the Board of Gilchrist Hospice Care, on the Board and Finance Committee of Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and as Special Advisor to the BLINK of an Eye Foundation.
Client Experiences
Representative Transitions
Greybridge engagements span industries and transition types - including sales, transfers, and restructuring moments. Not every owner is selling. Not every transition is clean. Greybridge brings judgment and clarity to all of it.
M & A Advisory
Boat Loan Origination
- Led Negotiated Deal
- Six-week time frame
Collectibles Marketer
- Supported Banker Hire
- Key Advice at Close
IAAS Computing
- Led Banker Selection
- Seller "Therapist"
Software Design
- Banker Vetting
- Structure Guidance
Software Developer
- Banker Engagement
- Owner Sounding Board
Cosmetic Surgery
- Deal Structuring
- Negotiation Guidance
Material Processor
- LOI Analysis
- Deal “Reboot”
Propane Distributor
- Selection of Advisors
- Pre-Deal Preparation
Jewelry Design
- Process Oversight
- Plan Optimization
Plumbing Contractor
- Banker Selection
- Readiness Assessment
Real Estate Advisory
Apartment Portfolio
- Portfolio Modeling
- Internal Transfer
Adult Active Portfolio
- Offer Rejection
- Hiring of Advisor
Structuring
LT Care Portfolio
- Property Analysis
- Trust Asset Selection
Building Products
- Family Factions
- Capitalization Advice
Family Continuity
HVAC Installation
- Generational Transfer
- Financing Strategy
Industrial Real Estate
- Planning Support
- Educating Gen-2