Hyrum W. Smith

Hyrum W. Smith is a distinguished author, speaker, and businessman. Hyrum was one of the original creators of the popular Franklin Day Planner. In 1983 he co-founded the Franklin Quest Company to produce the planner and train individuals and organizations in the time management principles on which the planner was based. In 1997 it became the Franklin Covey Company. Hyrum stepped down as Chairman & CEO in 1999. He continued as Vice-Chairman of the Board until 2004.

For four decades, he has been empowering people to effectively govern their personal and professional lives. Hyrum’s books and presentations have been acclaimed by American and international audiences. He combines wit and enthusiasm with a gift for communicating compelling principles that incite lasting personal change.

Hyrum is the author of several nationally-acclaimed books, including The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management, What Matters Most, The Modern Gladiator, You Are What You Believe and he co-authored Excellence Through Time Management.

Hyrum grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, and then spent two years in London, England. He returned from London and was drafted into the army.

He was married in 1966 to Gail Cooper while on leave. They have six children (five living) and 24 grandchildren (22 living).

After graduating Honor Graduate from Officers Candidate School, he commanded a Pershing Missile unit in Germany. Hyrum graduated from Brigham Young University in 1971 in Business Management.

Hyrum has received numerous honors and community service awards, including the following:

• International Entrepreneur of the Year by Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management in 1993

• Three honorary doctorate degrees

• SRI Gallup Hall of Fame and Man of the Year Award in 1992

• Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America

• Inducted into the Utah Business Hall of Fame

Hyrum enjoys golfing, shooting pistols and rifles, listening to classical music, horse riding and spending time with his family at his ranch in southern Utah.

He has recently founded a new business called 3 Gaps

His most recent book, "The three Gaps: Are You Making A Difference?", will be released January 11, 2016.