About Us
Dedicated partners in economic and community development
Smart Solutions Group
Smart Solutions Group is a consulting firm dedicated to helping economic and community development organizations achieve their goals through strategic planning, custom software solutions, and practical tools.
Founded in 2001, we bring decades of direct economic development experience to every engagement. Our team has served over 500 clients throughout the United States, providing comprehensive solutions that include strategic planning, executive search services, productivity consulting, AI guidance, custom software development, and our flagship platform—EDC Forge.
We understand the unique challenges facing economic development organizations because we've lived them. Our approach combines deep industry expertise with modern technology and proven methodologies to deliver results that matter. Whether you're a small community organization or a statewide agency, we meet you where you are and provide the guidance and tools you need to maximize your impact.
Leadership
Bob Henningsen
Partner, Smart Solutions Group (SSG)
Prior to co-founding SSG in 2001, Bob served for over 15 years as the Business Development and Marketing Director for the State of Iowa Department of Economic Development and for about one year as Acting Director of the Department. He managed the state's nationally recognized business development, marketing, financial assistance, entrepreneurial services, and prospect/project management programs.
Bob has nearly 40 years of direct economic development experience. Bob primarily focuses on SSG strategic planning, marketing strategy, executive search and site selection clients and has managed hundreds of strategy projects in all sizes of communities, counties, regions, and states. SSG has served over 500 clients throughout the U.S. since it began operations.
Clark Smith
Partner
Clark joined Smart Solutions Group in 2005. SSG has served over 500 clients throughout Iowa and the U.S. SSG provides strategic planning, executive searches and the powerful economic development CRM—EDC Forge. Clark started his economic development career after graduating from Iowa State University in Hampton, Iowa as the Executive Director of the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development. He then went to the Iowa Department of Economic Development where he was a Community Manager and then Director of BRE for Iowa. Clark then became Director of Economic Development of Peoples Natural Gas (Aquila and now Black Hills Energy).
Clark has served as President of Professional Developers of Iowa and the Iowa Community Society. He has served on several boards and commissions. Clark also owned and operated Butler House on Grand Bed & Breakfast.
Let's Work Together
Ready to take your organization to the next level? We're here to help.