Meet Malcolm Smith | President/CEO of GHM Transportation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malcolm Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malcolm, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My path to starting a business came from an unexpected place: a challenge to my self-worth. One day, as a teacher, I received a letter that stopped me in my tracks – I was being suspended without pay. Eager for answers, I reached out to the person who had sent the email. The condescending tone on the other end of the phone was a blow to my dignity. I yearned to stand up for myself, but the fear of losing my job kept me silent. That was the moment I knew things had to change.

Determined to create a buffer that would allow me to always speak my mind, I began saving every dollar. My ‘FU Number’ grew to $20,000, and that’s when the seed of entrepreneurship was planted. The trucking business seemed like a solid choice – simple and straightforward. So I invested in a 1992 Freightliner. I was a novice in the industry, but ready to take on the challenge.

That truck ended up teaching me some hard truths about business and perseverance. There were plenty of doubters, sure, but each hiccup taught me something valuable. Those lessons built the business I have today.

My drive wasn’t just personal; my brother had his own struggles within the school system, just as I did. His support and belief in our shared vision spurred me on. Together, we weren’t just chasing a business dream – we were chasing freedom. Freedom to make our own decisions, to speak without fear, and to step out of the shadows. Trucking was our first step on a journey to living life on our own terms.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As the President and CEO of GHM Transportation, I lead a certified ACDBE dump truck hauling company right here in Atlanta, Georgia. Our work involves subcontracting with construction companies, quarries, concrete plants, and other entities to haul building materials essential for their projects. What distinguishes GHM Transportation is not just the services we offer but our origin story. We began at the very bottom, and it was through this struggle that we learned the intricate details of the hauling business. This knowledge now fuels my passion for educating and consulting others on social media platforms, offering guidance on how to navigate and succeed in this industry.

Was our journey to success easy? Far from it. It was riddled with challenges that demanded constant learning and adaptation. We faced each obstacle with a commitment to perseverance, embracing every problem as an opportunity to learn and improve—building our ‘house’ brick by brick. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that there’s no shortcut to success. It’s all about consistency and the incremental gains you make every day. My college coach, Bill Curry, used to say, “get 2% better every day.” It took me years to fully grasp the weight of those words. Success is a marathon, not a sprint; it’s about the small, daily victories that accumulate over time.

I want people to see my story as a testament to the power of resilience and continuous learning. I wasn’t always the President of a company; I started as a middle school Physical Education and Health teacher. A single pivotal moment made me reassess my life’s direction and embrace the unknown. With no formal business education or trucking experience, I relied on my strong work ethic and eagerness to learn. That’s what I want to pass on to others through my story and the GHM Platform. It doesn’t matter where you start or what you know now. If you have the drive and are willing to absorb knowledge, you can achieve your dreams. My message is simple: don’t put off chasing your dream because you think you’re not ready. You are more capable than you know, and through GHM Transportation, I’m here to not only share my journey but to also empower and educate those looking to take their first step towards their own dream.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a best friend that wasn’t from Atlanta and they came in town , we would keep it straightforward but memorable. We’d definitely hit up a few sports games – there’s nothing like cheering on the Falcons, Braves, or Hawks from a suite, where we can enjoy the action in comfort. It’s about that electrifying Atlanta sports atmosphere.

For a taste of the city, we’d hit some tourist spots, just to give them a flavor of Atlanta’s scene. And of course, we can’t miss out on the dining experience here – we’d check out some of the city’s best spots, from high-end restaurants to those hidden gems only locals know about.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If there’s someone who deserves a big shoutout in my story, it’s definitely my brother. He’s been more than just family; he’s been a true comrade from my college football days to the moment I embarked on my business venture. His belief in me has been rock solid – he’s always been confident that we’d succeed, against all odds.

He hasn’t just been on the sidelines; he’s been by my side every single day. His trust in me never wavers – he’s like the teammate who never quits.

I’ve got to highlight my parents too – they’ve always been supportive. Their love and encouragement have been a constant throughout my life. But my brother, he’s been right there in the day-to-day battles with me. He’s been a partner in every sense of the word, and his support means the world to me.

So this shoutout is dedicated to him – for always being there, for his unwavering belief, and for being an integral part of this journey. His support has been my steadfast pillar. And while my parents have certainly set the stage for us, it’s my brother who’s been with me in every scene, every act, and every success.

Website: https://ghmtransportation.com

Instagram: ghm_transportation

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/malcolm-smith-7a886453

Twitter: ghm_transpo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghm.smith?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@GHM_Transportation

Image Credits
Malcolm Smith Marcus Smith Andrew Young