Employee Spotlight: Bayé Muhammad, Chief Revenue Officer

At Smith Group of Americas, we pride ourselves on having a team of dedicated and inspiring professionals. Today, we shine the spotlight on our Chief Revenue Officer, Bayé Muhammad. Bayé is a lifelong learner who loves connecting people for good. With a diverse career spanning various leadership roles, Bayé brings a wealth of experience and passion to our company.

Professional Journey

Bayé has been with Smith Group of Americas for about a year and a half. He initially began consulting with us in late 2023 and was offered the position of Chief Revenue Officer in December 2024. Over the years, he has held numerous roles, including Regional Director for the NYS Senate Information Services, Commissioner of Parks for the City of Syracuse, NY, Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development for the City of Rochester, CEO of the Rochester Economic Development Corporation, and founding partner in two companies.

Inspiration and Motivation

When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in this field, Bayé mentioned his long-standing acquaintance with Eli Smith, the CEO and owner of Smith Group of Americas. Watching Eli and his team’s persistence to become best-in-class has been a significant source of inspiration for Bayé. He enjoys working alongside people who thrive on winning, even when the path isn’t clearly defined.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of work, Bayé enjoys reading, learning to play golf, traveling, spending quality time with his family, and exploring new cultures through firsthand experiences.

Role and Responsibilities

In his current role, Bayé’s days are dynamic and varied. He spends his time supporting his team, meeting with new and existing clients, identifying growth opportunities, and collaborating closely with the CEO, CFO, and other departmental leaders. Key skills essential for his job include listening, asking the right questions, planning, executing effectively, building strong teams, and ensuring they have the resources to succeed.

Company Culture

Bayé describes the company culture at ESmith/SGTR as truly diverse and highly respected. He believes that Eli Smith’s drive and belief in the company’s success set us apart from others in the industry. Unlike some, Eli didn’t inherit a fortune to build this company—it’s his persistence and vision that inspire everyone around him. Bayé contributes to the team and company culture by bringing a mix of personal and professional experiences, fostering learning, and promoting continual improvement.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

One of Bayé’s most memorable achievements during his time with the company is winning the opportunity to build Micron’s downtown Syracuse Headquarters. This stands out as a significant milestone in his career.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Bayé aims to deepen his understanding of his role and his team, doing everything he can to help scale the company. While it’s too soon to tell how his role might evolve, he envisions potentially moving into a mentorship role for leaders in the future. His advice to those looking to start a career in this field is to educate themselves, learn about different areas of the company, be open to change, and take the initiative to lead.

Bayé Muhammad’s journey and contributions to Smith Group of Americas are truly inspiring. We are proud to have him as part of our team and look forward to seeing his continued impact on our company’s growth and success.