The Rist Watch

  • Executive Chairman and founder of Storm Smart® in 1996, under a holding company called The Smart Companies
  • Inventor of the innovative Storm Catcher® screens
  • Dedicates his energies to entrepreneurship (passionate about showing others how to be successful)
  • Business Observer 2013 “Entrepreneur of the Year”
  • FGCU’s Small Business Development Center’s 2019 Innovator of the Year
  • Employs more than 200 people within his family of enterprises
  • Seeks ever-better ways to serve customers
  • Develops products
  • Grows both his company and his community
  • Became an expert in innovative hurricane protection systems after witnessing Hurricane Andrew first-hand
  • Certified and licensed contractor in a variety of building-related field
  • Past Board of Directors for the Cape Coral Construction Association, Lee Building Industry Association, SW Florida Manufacturing Association, and International Hurricane Protection Association.

Become a Rist Watcher