“ Learning people pays more dividends than learning technical skills“
– Peyton Smith, Acquisition & Disposition
“ Learning people pays more dividends than learning technical skills“
– Peyton Smith, Acquisition & Disposition
Peyton is the Founder and CEO of Black Kanyon, leading the company with a bold vision to create life-changing opportunities for his people. Known for empowering his team with autonomy and championing culture above all else, Peyton combines big-picture thinking with a willingness to challenge the status quo. He leads with an authentic, visionary approach and an unwavering drive to build something meaningful, lasting, and transformative for those who choose to build alongside him. A devoted husband and father of six, Peyton grounds his leadership in faith, family, and a commitment to building something meaningful for others.
Matt serves as Black Kanyon’s Finance Manager, bringing calm, analytical precision to all financial operations. Known for being steady under pressure and turning complex data into clear direction, he provides the consistency and reliability the team depends on. Outside of work, Matt enjoys traveling the world with his wife and two kids, exploring new cultures and experiences together.
Raygen leads Real Estate Acquisitions & Dispositions for Black Kanyon, managing the full real estate portfolio with energy, curiosity, and strong relationship instincts. Known for making people feel seen and bringing a fun, upbeat presence to the team, he thrives in competitive environments and is always striving to grow. Engaged and consistently on the go, Raygen brings a personable, upbeat presence that elevates the people around him.
Chris serves as the Chief Performance Officer at Black Kanyon, responsible for supporting our portfolio of companies to achieve uncommon results. Known for a calm and coach-like approach to helping others grow, lead and succeed, he works with the leadership teams throughout our ecosystem to ensure that culture is front of mind and that standards are upheld. Outside of work, Chris is a practitioner of Jiu Jitsu, an avid classic car enthusiast and loves the outdoors. He and his wife have three sons and three dogs.
As COO & CFO of Black Kanyon, EJ leads with the belief that great companies are built through great people. He drives operational and financial strategy with intentionality, candor, and a passion for building strong deal structures that create win-win opportunities. EJ is known for simplifying complexity, aligning teams around what matters most, and elevating performance by helping people operate at their highest level. His leadership brings both momentum and meaning to Black Kanyon’s long-term vision. Outside the office, he’s a husband and father of two boys- roles that keep his priorities grounded and fuel his commitment to building organizations people are proud to be part of.
Savanna is the Executive Assistant to the CEO, supporting the organization through expert coordination, prioritization, and executive-level clarity. Known for her problem-solving skills, calm presence, and ability to make people feel heard, she brings order to chaos and keeps the company moving forward. Savanna takes care of the details that allow the CEO to stay focused on the big picture, giving him the clarity to prioritize strategy, relationships, and growth. She is a devoted wife and mother of three daughters, and her grounded, family-first approach carries into the way she supports leadership and the team.
We don’t look for people who want a job. We look for people who want responsibility.
At Black Kanyon, we operate with urgency, ownership, and a bias toward action. We run toward hard problems and hold ourselves accountable for results. If you’re wired to figure things out, move fast, and raise the standard around you, we’d love to talk.