Leadership · Founder & CEO
Meet George Knowlton III — The Dream Driver Behind SMILE Company
Visionary entrepreneur, licensed builder, published author, and community builder — leading a family of five companies under one standard: where smiles are as important as profits.
The Vision
One mission across every company
George Knowlton III built SMILE Company, LLC to prove a single idea: that real estate can generate strong financial returns while making communities stronger. Rather than chase deals in isolation, he assembled five companies that handle every stage of the investment lifecycle in-house — investment, construction, AI-powered operations, performance coaching, and community housing — so quality and cost are controlled from acquisition to optimization.
His path didn't start with a blueprint; it started with purpose. At ten he was coaching the youngest bowling league in his town. At twelve he was up before dawn delivering 300 newspapers a day. From managing delis and training franchisees, to co-founding CanTrim Interiors in 1992 and breaking ground on a Sacramento construction career in 1989, every chapter taught the same lesson: show up, build something real, and bring others with you.
Today George leads SMILE Company's family of businesses as Founder and CEO — guiding strategy across construction, technology, coaching, and nonprofit housing, all anchored by the philosophy that gives the company its name.
The Journey
A life built with purpose
From youth coach to the founder of an integrated real estate enterprise — a summary of the milestones that shaped SMILE Company.
Construction Begins
George breaks ground on a Sacramento construction career that now spans more than 35 years — hands-on, ethical, and results-driven from day one.
Co-Founded CanTrim Interiors
Building safety-critical handrail systems for Centex Homes across the region — mastering precision, safety, and high-volume delivery.
Youth Sports Nonprofit
Founded and led the Fair Oaks Junior Broncos as CEO/COO — earning a 2007 All American Youth Football Conference State Championship.
Founded SMILE Company LLC
The parent company and philosophical home for every venture — built on Safety, Morality, Inclusivity, Linguistic Clarity, and Experiential Value.
Founded Square Up Construction
The licensed, bonded design-build arm (CCL #1069395) — ground-up commercial and residential construction across the Sacramento region.
TIDE360 & Jane's Foundation
Co-founded the TIDE360 AI operating system and established Jane's Shared Housing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting those who need it most.
The Standard
The SMILE Philosophy
SMILE isn't just the company name — it's the operating system behind every decision George makes, and the reason all five companies move in concert.
Safety
Every property, partnership, and decision prioritizes the physical and financial safety of people first.
Morality
Ethical leadership is the baseline, not a differentiator. Every venture is built to withstand scrutiny.
Inclusivity
Strong communities serve everyone. George builds teams, spaces, and housing that welcome all backgrounds.
Linguistic Clarity
No jargon, no fine-print surprises. Clear communication is how trust is built with every investor and partner.
Experiential Value
The experience of working with SMILE should be as exceptional as the returns — every interaction creates lasting value.
The Model
One company. Five engines.
George structured SMILE Company so every stage of a real estate investment is handled in-house — lowering risk and cost while keeping the SMILE standard on every project.
SMILE Asset Management
The flagship. Acquires, develops, and manages premium real estate across six asset classes — multifamily, storage, mixed-use, single-family rentals, RV resorts, and strategic advisory — chosen for strong returns and lasting community impact.
See asset classes →
Square Up Construction
The licensed, bonded general contracting arm (CCL #1069395). Ground-up commercial and residential builds, renovations, and real estate inspection — so projects are built right the first time.
squareupconstruction.info →
TIDE360 — Now It's Done
The AI business operating system that runs SMILE's back office — and is available to your business too. AI employees across marketing, finance, HR, and operations, cutting admin time dramatically.
tide360.ai →
Training by George
Personal, sport-specific, and wilderness training plus business coaching — keeping SMILE's people and partners sharp. Wealthy and healthy: that's the whole point.
trainingbygeorge.fit →
Jane's Shared Housing Foundation
SMILE's 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating safe, supportive shared housing — including Taylor's House, a youth mental-health housing initiative. Profit with purpose, built and funded in-house.
janessharedhousingfoundation.org →Published Works
George Knowlton as Author
George brings the same clarity and purpose to the page — sharing what he's learned about ethical investing, AI-powered business, and human resilience.
Invest With A SMILE
A values-driven guide to ethical real estate investing and sustainable development — written to help both new and seasoned investors thrive in 2025 and beyond.
investwithasmile.com →Smile & Scale
The wealthy, healthy approach to AI and business innovation — a practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to scale with systems, integrity, and the human element intact.
smileandscale.info →Life is a Battle and We Will Win
A multi-author book on youth mental health, healing, and resilience — co-authored as part of a national tour reminding young people to never give up.
National Tour · 2026Recognition & Credentials
Verified leadership you can trust
RE Mentor Give Back Award. Presented to George by David Lindahl, Founder of RE Mentor — one of the nation's leading real estate education organizations — in recognition of his leadership and commitment to giving back to the community.
Licensed California General Contractor — CCL #1069395, held through Square Up Construction Inc., bonded and insured.
Published author of three books on ethical investing, AI-powered business, and youth resilience.
Supporter of the MIT Real Estate Innovation Lab — acknowledged backer of Value of Design: Creating Agency Through Data-Driven Insights, led by the late Dr. Andrea Chegut.
Certified in Shared Housing — completed Principles and Methods for Shared Housing through the Shared Housing School (2022).
Founder of seven organizations across construction, technology, coaching, youth sports, and nonprofit housing.
FAQs
About George & SMILE Company
Who is George Knowlton III?
George C. Knowlton III is the Founder and CEO of SMILE Company, LLC — a Granite Bay, California real estate asset management holding company. A licensed general contractor with more than 35 years of construction and real estate experience, he is also a published author and the founder of seven organizations spanning construction, AI technology, performance coaching, and nonprofit housing.
What is SMILE Company, LLC?
SMILE Company, LLC is a real estate asset management holding company that manages premium real estate investments — multifamily, storage, mixed-use, single-family rentals, and RV resorts — through five companies that handle every stage in-house: investment, construction, AI operations, performance coaching, and community housing.
What is the SMILE Philosophy?
SMILE stands for Safety, Morality, Inclusivity, Linguistic Clarity, and Experiential Value. It is George's guiding framework for ethical business — applied to every project, partnership, and investment decision across all five companies.
What books has George written?
George is the solo author of Invest With A SMILE and Smile & Scale, and a co-author of Life is a Battle and We Will Win: Stories of Hope and Resilience, a multi-author book on youth mental health released as part of a national tour.
How do I work with George or SMILE Company?
Book a free strategy call with the SMILE Company team to explore current real estate investment opportunities, construction projects, or the TIDE360 platform — every relationship starts with one conversation.
Let's build something that lasts.
Whether you're exploring an investment, a build, or the TIDE360 platform, it starts with one conversation with George and the SMILE Company team.