A Legacy of Leadership, Service, & Empowerment
Each individual’s journey is influenced by their values, life experiences, and sources of inspiration. For Glen Smith, the founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of GDS Wealth Management, his journey has encompassed more than mere numbers. It is a narrative grounded in purpose, steered by integrity, and propelled by a clear vision: to empower individuals and families to confidently and clearly manage their financial futures.
Today, Glen is a trusted leader in the financial services industry, serving clients across the country from the heart of Flower Mound, Texas. But his path to success began thousands of miles away and is deeply grounded in service.
Born in California and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Glen was immersed early on in a life centered around community service. His parents, Jerry and Janice Smith, served as missionaries in Ecuador for over 40 years, dedicating their lives to supporting those in need. Growing up in this environment, Glen learned the importance of compassion, humility, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. These values instilled by his family remain at the heart of everything he does.
When sitting down with Glen, he shared, “I enjoy finding ways I can give back to others and make sure they’re taken care of. Finance is a very important part of people’s lives. Once clients give us the opportunity to serve them, we don’t drop the ball.”
After earning a degree in Management and International Business from Sonoma State University, Glen launched his career in financial services. He gained invaluable experience during his time at A.G. Edwards and later at Merrill Lynch, where he rose to the role of Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor. Over time, however, Glen recognized a growing need for a more personalized, client-first approach to financial planning—one that prioritized long-term relationships over transactions.
That realization became the driving force behind the launch of GDS Wealth Management.
GDS Wealth Management was created to deliver personalized strategies designed to meet each client’s unique goals. The firm operates under a true fiduciary standard, constantly striving to act in the best interests of its clients.
Since its founding, GDS has helped more than 400 families build and preserve wealth, plan for retirement, and navigate life’s financial milestones with greater peace of mind. The firm boasts an impressive 99% client retention rate, a testament to the strong relationships, trust, and consistent service that define its approach.
At the core of GDS is Glen’s leadership philosophy: a commitment to Kaizen (continuous improvement), servant leadership, and unwavering excellence.
In 2025, GDS Wealth Management was proud to be named a DFW Favorites Award Winner for Best Wealth Management, a recognition driven by client feedback and community support. That same year, Glen was named a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for the seventh consecutive year, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence and client satisfaction.
While awards are appreciated, Glen and his team remain focused on what matters most—helping clients feel informed, empowered, and well-prepared for whatever the future may hold.
“One of the things that gives me the most fulfillment is seeing clients reach their goals, whether that’s in retirement, funding their kids’ college, or whatever is important to them. We feel like we’re vicariously living through them. Their successes become our successes. Even if we play a small role in that success, we love it,” said Glen.
Understanding that financial literacy is key to empowerment, Glen launched the GDS Unplugged podcast in 2025. Co-hosted with fellow financial professional Robert Casey, this biweekly show delivers concise, practical insights on topics such as Roth conversions, estate planning, market trends, and adviser transparency.
Whether you’re navigating retirement or just starting to invest, GDS Unplugged provides accessible guidance designed to help listeners make more informed decisions. The podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify.
Glen’s passion for service extends far beyond the office. He, his wife Gisella, and their children, Nathalia and Lucas, are actively involved in local outreach through RockPointe Church in Flower Mound. Together, they support a variety of initiatives focused on children’s healthcare, education, hunger relief, and support for survivors of abuse and human trafficking.
To Glen, true success is measured not just in financial terms, but in the impact made on people’s lives—both within and beyond the world of wealth management. As financial markets continue to evolve, so too does the mission at GDS Wealth Management.
With a team committed to ongoing education, ethical responsibility, and innovative thinking, the firm is well-positioned to help clients navigate today’s complexities with greater clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for retirement, planning for a child’s education, or simply seeking more personalized financial advice, Glen and his team are here to guide and support you.
Glen Smith’s journey is one of vision, values, and lasting impact. Through GDS Wealth Management, he has built more than a business—he’s built a legacy of trust, empowerment, and excellence.
To learn more or schedule a complimentary financial consultation:
469.212.8072
GDS Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Awards and rankings referenced are not indicative of future performance. Criteria for third-party ratings can be found at GDSWealth.com/Disclosures. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice.
