Rob Smith, the CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, has created a space, combining his profession with his passion.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Rob began a long retail career, spanning over 30 years, orchestrating multi-billion dollar businesses through merchandising,  e-commerce, marketing, product development, and supply chain management.

He worked his way through Macy's for over two decades, working within four divisions and finishing with his final position as GMM/EVP Macy's Corporate in product merchandising. Gaining new experiences, Rob became GMM/EVP at Victoria’s Secret direct. He was the Children’s Global Chief Product Officer for Nike, Levi’s Jordan, Hurley, and Converse with Haddad Brands.

Rob mentors numerous fashion brands and serves on the Board of Directors for Steve Madden Ltd., leading the newly created CSR committee. He’s the former Board Chair for The Hetrick-Martin Institute, which empowers, educates and advocates on behalf of LGBTQA+ youth around the world and has also served on the board of directors for Athlete Ally.

Today, Rob leads and mange’s The Project Project. A leader in the Gender-Free fashion movement. Phluid, joining a global movement of freedom of authenticity and self-expression, leads with values, a powerful community and a fearlessness to challenge the status quo. Phluid thoughtfully expands into new spaces where they can offer insight, education and impact.

Rob lives in NYC with his husband, Rod Grozier, and his dog, Jackson.