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Forrest Smith Chief Strategy Officer at IT WORKS!

Forrest Smith Chief Strategy Officer at IT WORKS!®: Driving Innovation and Digital Transformation

IT WORKS!®, a global lifestyle and wellness brand, is undergoing a major transformation. With the recent appointment of Forrest Smith as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) in September 2025, the company has signaled its commitment to innovation, technology, and growth. Known for its viral product “That Crazy Wrap Thing”, IT WORKS! is now aligning itself with AI-driven tools, automation, and modern business strategies to stay competitive in the digital economy.

Who is Forrest Smith?

Forrest Smith is often described as a serial entrepreneur, with a proven track record of scaling startups and successfully exiting by selling businesses to Fortune 500 companies. His entrepreneurial background gives him a unique edge: the ability to blend innovation and speed with corporate-level execution.

Corporate Leadership and Operational Expertise

Forrest Smith, Chief Strategy Officer at IT WORKS!, driving innovation and digital transformation.

Before joining IT WORKS!, Forrest Smith served as the Executive Director of Global Operations at a publicly traded network marketing company. There, he championed the use of artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, establishing himself as a leader who embraces the future of business.

Appointment as Chief Strategy Officer at IT WORKS!

The decision to bring Forrest Smith onboard is more than a simple executive hire it represents a strategic shift. IT WORKS! is moving away from solely relying on its legacy multi-level marketing (MLM) model and embracing a tech-driven hybrid approach that integrates e-commerce and digital platforms.

Strategic Role and Responsibilities

As CSO, Forrest Smith’s mission includes:

  • Driving innovation and growth initiatives

  • Ensuring cross-functional integration across departments

  • Modernizing distributor tools with AI-powered solutions

  • Building a scalable infrastructure for global expansion

IT WORKS!® – Company Snapshot

Founded in 2001 by Mark Pentecost, IT WORKS! grew from a small business into a global brand with a presence in 20+ countries. Known for its direct-selling model, the company built a community of over 100,000 independent distributors, famously referred to as Wrapreneurs.

Product Categories: Wellness, Beauty, Lifestyle

IT WORKS! focuses on three key verticals:

  • Wellness – supplements, detox kits

  • Beauty – body wraps, skincare

  • Lifestyle – collagen drinks, energy boosters

Social Selling and Global Reach

Unlike traditional retail, IT WORKS! thrives on social selling. Its distributors leverage platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to engage customers worldwide, making it one of the most digitally-driven MLM companies in its category.

Strategic Vision Under Forrest Smith

Forrest Smith’s appointment signals a technology-first strategy. By incorporating AI-driven insights, IT WORKS! aims to optimize distributor performance, streamline supply chains, and personalize customer experiences.

Building Agile and Scalable Business Models

Smith believes in agility and scalability, meaning the company can adapt quickly to new markets while sustaining global operations. His approach blends startup energy with corporate discipline.

Empowering Distributors with Technology

At the heart of his vision lies the field force. By empowering distributors with tech-driven dashboards, data analytics, and automated marketing tools, Forrest Smith ensures that IT WORKS! remains competitive in the fast-changing wellness industry.

Challenges and Criticisms of IT WORKS!

Like many MLM companies, IT WORKS! has faced criticism over its business model, particularly regarding income distribution among distributors.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Compliance

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and FDA (Food & Drug Administration) have previously issued warnings to similar companies for exaggerated income and product claims. IT WORKS! must tread carefully to ensure compliance while maintaining its distributor-driven growth.

Opportunities for Growth

Under Smith’s leadership, IT WORKS! may evolve into a direct-to-consumer e-commerce hybrid, reducing reliance on MLM and expanding into mainstream digital sales.

Future of Direct Selling in the Digital Era

As consumer behavior shifts toward online convenience and transparency, IT WORKS! has the opportunity to reinvent itself and remain a market leader in lifestyle wellness.

Related Literature and Business Frameworks

  • Strategic Thinking and Cross-Functional Execution (Payne, 1987) – aligns with Smith’s role in ensuring integration across departments.

  • Business Process Management & Balanced Scorecard (Smith, 2010) – reflects the performance optimization IT WORKS! seeks.

  • Leadership and Execution (Wyeth, 1989) – mirrors Smith’s leadership style of combining entrepreneurial boldness with corporate discipline.

Conclusion: A Strategic Shift Towards Future-Readiness

The appointment of Forrest Smith as Chief Strategy Officer at IT WORKS! marks the beginning of a new strategic era. With his unique blend of entrepreneurial vision and corporate execution, IT WORKS! is set to embrace AI, automation, and modern digital strategies. While challenges remain, particularly with the MLM model, Smith’s leadership positions the company to evolve, innovate, and thrive in the global wellness market.

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