For 15 years, Earl B. Smith was a residential electrical subcontractor, working on various pieces of equipment in some of the most important places and companies in America. His career spans over 30 years, with a background in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, working as a millwright and an industrial mechanic in hydraulics, pneumatic systems, high voltage electrical and robotics. He is also a former member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18-S.

After graduating high school with a certificate for Building Maintenance systems, Earl went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and then a Master's in Public Administration. He spent a few years as an instructor and program director with Vatterott College but spent most of his career working in the building and industrial trades.

Earl did not expect to spend his life getting his hands dirty. He originally wanted to be on a stage entertaining people, singing, and performing in places all over the world. Instead, Earl was with his dad repairing refrigerators, freezers, and furnaces. During his youth, He was right by his father's side, learning about the honor of servicing the needs of people, and how to perform like a pro. His father had once told him, "If you're determined to do this entertainment thing, you must have a backup plan." Fortunately, the backup plan became his main plan.