Meet NaVOBA's Brand Ambassador: Stuart Smith

Meet Stuart

Matt Pavelek, President and CEO of NaVOBA is pleased to announce Stu Smith as NaVOBA’s first Brand Ambassador.  As Brand Ambassador, Stu will amplify NaVOBA’s mission to help veterans achieve post-military prosperity through entrepreneurship. He is responsible for increasing NaVOBA’s brand awareness and generating new opportunities with potential Corporate Allies, partner organizations and veterans’ business enterprises.   


Stu is a U.S. Army veteran and has a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, owning and operating several small businesses.  He also led the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) as the chief executive. During his 2-year tenure, FAVOB doubled membership and opened operations in four new areas to create opportunities for veteran business enterprises to thrive.   

He will represent NaVOBA’s corporate allies and members’ interest on the SBA’s Advisory Council on Veteran Business Affairs (ACVBA).  He will coordinate efforts with the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) as an advisor to the NVSBC Executive Director, Scott Jensen.  Stu will also focus on legislative efforts to advance veteran entrepreneurship at both the state and national level.   


Stu is a nationally recognized veteran advocate with 40 years of achievements that enhance NaVOBA’s brand.  Recognition includes -  


  • 2024 Orlando Business Journal “Veteran of Influence”  
  • 2024 Selected to serve on the National Homeless Veteran Support Board of Directors  
  • 2023 Appointment by the SBA Administrator as a member of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs (3-year term)  
  • 2023 North Florida and State of Florida Community Partner of the Year, Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses.  Accepted by Stuart as FAVOB CEO  
  • 2022 Small Business Association (SBA) South Florida Veterans Advocate of the Year 
  • 2018 was inducted into the Space Coast Public Service Hall of Fame, Outstanding Military Service Award, Brevard County, FL, Sheriff Wayne Ivey 
  • 2017-2020 Small Business of the Month winner and Small Business of the Year finalist, Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 
  • 2012 Awarded the SHRM Atlanta Presidential Volunteer Leadership Award for leading SHRM Atlanta’s Veteran Hiring Initiative  
  • 2010 Named Paul Harris Fellow, the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and awarded the Pat Adkins “Rotarian of the Year” award 2010 for veteran advocacy work  
  • 1995 Governor Executive Fellow, State of Washington Mike Lowry, Governor 
  • 1987 9th Infantry, I CORPS and US Forces Command (FORSCOM) Soldier of the Year 

Please join us in recognizing Stu and welcome him as NaVOBA’s Brand Ambassador.   

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