🦏 Meet Our Founder & CEO

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I'm Craig "Rhino" Smith, a proud native Angeleno and former NBA player. As a Fairfax High School and Boston College Hall of Famer, I’ve always been driven by a deep passion for uplifting the next generation. Today, I carry that same energy into my work as a children's book author, community ambassador for the Los Angeles Clippers, and assistant basketball coach at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, CA.

I’m committed to bringing motivational assemblies to schools across Los Angeles and beyond. I believe every child deserves the tools, confidence, and encouragement to thrive. A little motivation can spark big change—and I’ve seen it happen.

I’m looking to connect with partners, sponsors, and supporters who believe in this mission. Whether you sponsor a s📚 Inspiring the Next Generation

I’m committed to bringing motivational assemblies to schools across Los Angeles and beyond. I believe every child deserves the tools, confidence, and encouragement to thrive. A little motivation can spark big change—and I’ve seen it happen.

I’m looking to connect with partners, sponsors, and supporters who believe in this mission. Whether you sponsor a school event or lend your platform, we can make a powerful impact together.

My message isn’t just for students. I also speak at corporations and organizations, sharing my journey—from South LA to the NBA—to help professionals embrace leadership, resilience, and purpose.

From athletes to executives, I believe motivation is universal. I recently read to youth at the Chaffee Fresno Zoo, and I’ll go anywhere to help people think outside the box and build a better future.

I’m currently working on a wide range of creative projects:

• A second Craig children’s book
• A graphic novel/anime series with rhino-themed characters
• A personal biography detailing my life and journey
• A cartoon series: Craig and His Magical Basketball
• A feature film about my Boston high school experience
• A television series with a fellow NBA alum (currently in development)

The Taylored Rhino Foundation website is your hub for inspiration, empowerment, and giving back.

Here’s what’s currently available and coming soon:

• Digital & print editions of my children’s books
• Booking information for speaking engagements at schools, organizations, and corporate events (now available!)
• “Merch with a Message” – Coming soon: motivational apparel featuring my NBA journey and affirmations, with a portion of proceeds supporting our mission to end rhino poaching

At the heart of this mission is impact. The Taylored Rhino Foundation was created to serve two causes I care deeply about:

• Protecting rhinos from poaching – through awareness, partnerships, and education
• Supporting the unhoused – by offering resources, community outreach, and dignity

I recently served as Executive Producer on AYO Check Up!, a short film about basketball and mental wellness. It explores how strangers, through the game, can find peace and relief from life’s pressures—even for just one moment.chool event or lend your platform, we can make a powerful impact together.

My message isn’t just for students. I also speak at corporations and organizations, sharing my journey—from South LA to the NBA—to help professionals embrace leadership, resilience, and purpose.

From athletes to executives, I believe motivation is universal. I recently read to youth at the Chaffee Fresno Zoo, and I’ll go anywhere to help people think outside the box and build a better future.

I’m currently working on a wide range of creative projects:

• A second Craig children’s book
• A graphic novel/anime series with rhino-themed characters
• A personal biography detailing my life and journey
• A cartoon series: Craig and His Magical Basketball
• A feature film about my Boston high school experience
• A television series with a fellow NBA alum (currently in development)

The Taylored Rhino Foundation website is your hub for inspiration, empowerment, and giving back.

Here’s what’s currently available and coming soon:

• Digital & print editions of my children’s books
• Booking information for speaking engagements at schools, organizations, and corporate events (now available!)
• “Merch with a Message” – Coming soon: motivational apparel featuring my NBA journey and affirmations, with a portion of proceeds supporting our mission to end rhino poaching

At the heart of this mission is impact. The Taylored Rhino Foundation was created to serve two causes I care deeply about:

• Protecting rhinos from poaching through awareness, partnerships, and education
• Supporting the unhoused by offering resources, community outreach, and dignity

I recently served as Executive Producer on AYO Check Up!, a short film about basketball and mental wellness. It explores how strangers, through the game, can find peace and relief from life’s pressures—even for just one moment.