Jay Smotherman
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Jay Smotherman Born and raised in Gallatin, TN, Jay Smotherman is only 32 years old, but has seen and been through as much in life as most people ever will. From a pretty normal childhood riding horses and go-karts, to playing baseball all the way into college, things seemed to be on the right track before losing his closest friend, mentor and role model, his grandfather "Pappy," at 18 years old. This led to years of destruction and substance abuse, before culminating in death, before being given a second chance at life by Jesus.
Currently, Jay owns and operates a painting and remodeling company, Christ-Driven Painting, that strives to bring honesty, transparency and integrity to an industry that is so often riddled with companies doing the exact opposite. Through his company, Jay has also been afforded the opportunity to share Christ and his testimony with countless people, not only with clients but by trying to give second chances at life to people who have come to work for him. Through his business, God has confirmed what He already told us in His word: "all hard work leads to profit." God affirmed that with Jay in just his first full year of self-employment when he did over six figures in revenue, before growing over 350 percent in year two. While growth hasn't been that exponential every year, the business has continued to grow and transform more as every year goes on, allowing more of an impact to be made in multiple different areas of life, and has even led into identifying areas of need in the industry, causing him to create an app called ContractorConnect.app. Jay also has a loving wife and three sons. He coaches their baseball teams and uses that platform to inspire future children, while trying to help guide them to Christ and avoid the mistakes he made. Jay continues to try and fulfill God's plan and purpose for his life day after day, after all, he is living on time borrowed from Christ anyway, right?
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- How Jay surrendered a seven-year meth addiction and allowed his faith to turn destruction into purpose.
- Why losing his grandfather and role model at eighteen led to years of substance abuse and a near-death second chance.
- How Jay built Christ-Driven Painting on honesty, transparency, and integrity in an industry often missing those values.
- How he generated six figures in year one and grew revenue over 350 percent in year two.
- Why Jay treats every client's home as his own while meeting even the most demanding timelines.
- How his belief that money is a byproduct of hard work and dedication keeps Christ first in business.
- Why he gives second-chance employment to people who need a fresh start through his painting company.
- How Jay uses coaching his sons' baseball teams to point the next generation toward Christ and away from his mistakes.
- That no matter how bad life appears, your story is not finished yet and calculated decisions open unseen doors.
about the show
Blue Collar America is a cinematic business documentary series featuring the contractors, tradespeople, construction leaders, service business owners, and skilled operators who help build and maintain the real economy.
Each episode takes viewers inside the story behind the business, showing how hardworking founders turned skill, grit, leadership, and execution into companies that serve customers, employ teams, and support communities.
The series highlights professionals across construction, trades, contracting, repair, manufacturing, transportation, field services, and other blue-collar industries.
Blue Collar America goes beyond the finished job to show the pressure, problem-solving, sacrifice, and leadership required to operate in demanding industries where results matter every day.
For featured guests, the series provides a platform to share their journey, build authority, and give audiences a closer look at the people, values, and standards behind the work they do.
