About Us | L.I. Smith & Associates

Mission & Vision

At L.I. Smith & Associates, Inc. (LIS), we’re committed to ethical, innovative, and sustainable land surveying and civil engineering solutions that uplift our communities, empower our team, and foster lasting partnerships.

Mission Statement

At L.I. Smith & Associates, Inc. (LIS), we are dedicated to delivering professional land surveying and civil engineering solutions that enhance the natural and built environment. Guided by ethics, integrity, and accountability, we strive to contribute to the well-being of our communities through innovative practices and a commitment to equity and social responsibility.

We empower our team through continuous learning, teamwork, and leadership,
fostering an environment that values honesty, creativity, and fun. By differentiating
ourselves with technical excellence and a passion for service, we aim to meet the
evolving needs of both public and private clients, ensuring sustainable growth and
shared success for all.

Vision Statement

To be the trusted leader in land surveying and civil engineering, shaping a future where innovation, integrity, and excellence enhance the quality of life for communities and clients alike. Through sustainable practices, exceptional service, and a commitment to professional growth, we strive to redefine industry standards while inspiring trust, equity, and lasting partnerships in the natural and built environment.

Core Values

Professionalism

We uphold the highest standards of excellence, ethics, and accountability in everything we do.

Integrity

Honesty, transparency, and trust guide our interactions with clients, employees, and partners.

Innovation

We embrace creativity and forward-thinking solutions to deliver exceptional results.

Teamwork

Collaboration and mutual respect drive our success, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Sustainability

We are committed to enhancing the natural and built environment through sustainable and responsible practices.

Social Responsibility

Serving the public interest and contributing positively to communities is at the heart of our mission.

Equity & Inclusion

We celebrate diversity and ensure fairness and equity in our decisions and actions.

Continuous Learning

Personal and professional growth is essential to staying at the forefront of our industry.

Service Excellence

We are dedicated to exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships through quality service.

Balance & Well-Being

We promote a culture that values rest, recovery, and an enjoyable workplace, empowering our team to thrive.

OUR Leaders

patrick smith, pe, pls, CPESCpresident
731-644-1014
psmith@lismith.com

LIS President, Patrick Smith, heads the leadership team. Smith is an experienced engineer and surveyor, holding Registered Land Surveyor licensures in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Virginia. Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Virginia, and Alabama, and as a Professional Land Surveyor in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, Patrick also holds certification as a CPESC (Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University in 1998. Under his leadership, the firm has grown its Nashville office, enhanced its training and certification programs (including CST, LSIT, EIT, and PE support), and expanded into drone and construction technology services. He is deeply committed to professional development, especially for surveyors and engineers whose educational backgrounds may lack soft skill training. His leadership emphasizes clarity, professionalism, humility, and purpose. Smith is involved in several professional and technical societies, including serving as president for the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, and being active in the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors, Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors, and American Society of Civil Engineers, to name a few.

LARRY smith, pe, plsExecutive VICE president
731-644-1014
lsmith@lismith.com

Larry Smith is the founder and Executive Vice President of LIS, bringing more than 50 years of industry experience. He launched the company after earning his first professional licensure in 1975 and has since become a distinguished civil engineer and land surveyor, holding Registered Land Surveyor licenses in seven states and Professional Engineer licenses in six. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. A recognized innovator, Larry was an early adopter of computers, electronic distance measurement, and GPS in the surveying field. He established one of the region’s first GIS departments, developed software solutions, and produced some of Kentucky’s earliest electronic tax maps. His technical expertise is matched by his dedication to mentorship, with dozens of professionals earning their surveying licenses under his guidance. Larry’s commitment to service extends beyond the profession. He has served as President of the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors, Mayor of Rutherford, Tennessee, and City Commissioner in Paris, Tennessee. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served around the world in locations including Guam, Thailand, and Vietnam. He also spent 20 years in the Tennessee State Guard, retiring in 2022 as the Regimental Commander of the First Tennessee Regiment in Henderson.

christopher conrad, plsexecutive vice president
731-644-1014
cconrad@lismith.com

Chris Conrad is the Executive Vice President of LIS and acts as head of our Nashville office. Conrad is a Professional Licensed Surveyor (PLS) with an impressive resume. He possesses more than 30 years of industry knowledge, with extensive hands-on experience in the field and proven leadership skills. He assumes complete responsibility for the day-to-day operations at LIS which includes the supervision of operations personnel, inventory and purchasing of all essential equipment and instruments, and management of the company’s fleet of vehicles. Conrad is also responsible for further improving the daily operations and current business functions through collaboration and strategic planning with other members of company leadership.

trevor teague, pe, plsvice president - engineering
615-256-0290
tteague@lismith.com

Trevor Teague, PE, RLS, is a licensed Professional Engineer and Registered Land Surveyor with extensive experience in civil engineering and surveying. His expertise includes stormwater management, site and subdivision design, boundary determination, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys, construction layout, and advanced surveying technologies, allowing him to lead projects from initial survey through final design with a seamless, full-service approach. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, Trevor was selected for the 2026 ACEC Tennessee Leadership PE program and is actively engaged in advancing the engineering profession across the state. He was also named the inaugural recipient of the Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award, recognizing his professional excellence and strong commitment to serving and strengthening rural Tennessee communities.

nathan whitingVICE PRESIDENT OF operations
731-644-1014
nwhiting@lismith.com

Nathan Whiting serves as Vice President of Operations at L.I. Smith & Associates, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience across technology, consulting, and military environments, including 20 years of military service. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis and an MBA in Finance from Norwich University. Prior to joining LIS, Nathan held leadership and consulting roles with Oracle, Whiting Advisory, and Credera, where he focused on operational excellence, strategic execution, organizational performance, and leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, and implement systems that support long-term growth. At LIS, Nathan applies that experience to improving company operations, supporting leadership, and helping ensure teams have the structure and resources needed to perform at a high level.