About
It started with one consultant and a lot of good questions.
Ben Smithee founded The Smithee Group in 2014 after years in consumer research. It grew into a full digital agency, and today it’s the group behind Wild Type Digital, i3 by TSG, Altfund, Quatro Fi and Seek First Resources.
Research before everything
Ben’s career started in consumer research. As CEO of Spych Market Analytics, he helped brands understand Gen Y and Millennial customers, and he was presenting on how social media would change market research back in 2007. That work led to McDonald’s, EA Games, General Mills and Cox Automotive, and to stages on six continents.
Turning insight into action
In 2014 Ben founded The Smithee Group so clients could act on what the research told them. TSG grew into a digital growth agency that paired consumer insight with marketing, media and web work, while its research division, i3 by TSG, kept the insight side sharp.
Built to own
As the agency matured, Ben made a deliberate shift. Agency work moved to Wild Type Digital, led by Jake Hensley, and The Smithee Group stepped up to become the group above it. Today TSG is the group behind Wild Type Digital, i3 by TSG, Altfund, Quatro Fi and Seek First Resources, with room to add more.
Research division
The research roots are still here.
i3 by TSG carries the research practice Ben started with. It runs focus groups, in-depth interviews, digital communities, usability studies and Dream Labs for brands that want to understand their customers before they make the big call.
Founder
Ben Smithee
Ben founded The Smithee Group in 2014 after years in consumer research, and has spent more than 15 years building companies and helping other leaders build theirs. Along the way he has advised General Mills, McDonald’s, EA Games, Cox Automotive, Popeyes, Chase, Salesforce, TaylorMade, Signet and Serena Williams, plus hundreds of startups and retailers.
Today TSG is the group behind Wild Type Digital and its research division, i3 by TSG, and it holds positions in and works alongside a growing portfolio that includes Altfund, Quatro Fi and Seek First Resources. Ben has spoken on stages in more than 30 countries, lately on AI in advertising and digital strategy.
Ben sits on the boards of Gem Legacy, Barnabas Network and Liberty Church. He lives in Dallas with his wife and daughter, and when he isn’t working he’s usually racing cars or snowboarding.
- Consumer research & insights
- Digital strategy
- AI in advertising
- Keynote speaking
- Venture building
At my core, I believe in business as stewardship and that entrepreneurship and leadership are platforms for multiplying good, serving others, and building things that outlast us.
Recent stages
- JCK 2025Utilizing AI to Advance Your Advertising
- JCK 2025Digital Strategy That Builds Your Business
- AGS Conclave 2025AI in Advertising
- PGA 2025Business Snapshot
- AGS Conclave 2024From Intimidation to Innovation
- JCK 2024The Future of Digital Advertising
Work with us
Want to build something with us?
We’re always glad to hear from founders, operators and partners with a long view.