1-270-205-4709
75 Oak Plaza Drive
PO Box 454
Calvert City, KY 42029
Linked In: J. Willie Kerns
Facebook: SmartPath Technologies, LLC
Multidisciplinary entrepreneur and executive leader with over two decades of experience in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, specializing in information technology, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and business continuity consulting. Founder and CEO of SmartPath Technologies, a seven-figure managed service provider (MSP) recognized for excellence in IT consulting and cybersecurity defense.
Experienced in managing high-profile contracts with government and quasi-governmental entities throughout Kentucky, including the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC), Kentucky Association of Counties (KaCO), Homeland Security, and the Kentucky Fusion Center.
A recognized expert in regulatory compliance, cybersecurity forensics, and property development, with a strong reputation for fostering long-term relationships with public and private sector clients. Actively engaged in industry leadership through advisory board positions, contributing to the growth and professionalization of the MSP and IT sectors.
Founder & CEO | SmartPath Technologies
Calvert City, KY & Paducah, KY | 2007 – Present
• Founded and scaled SmartPath Technologies into a leading managed service provider (MSP), delivering IT consulting, cybersecurity, and technology solutions across Kentucky and the United States.
• Successfully managed contracts with state government agencies, quasi-governmental entities, and public health departments, ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Led cybersecurity initiatives, including HIPAA risk assessments, PCI compliance programs, and IT forensic investigations, providing expert witness testimony in multiple Western Kentucky courts.
• Pioneered cybersecurity defense systems for public entities to protect against evolving cyber threats, aligning with federal Homeland Security standards.
• Established SmartPath as a trusted IT provider for major government and municipal clients, ensuring operational integrity, data security, and regulatory adherence.
Co-Founder & Partner | B&K Property Development
Calvert City, KY | 2021 – Present
• Co-founded B&K Property Development, focusing on large-scale commercial and industrial real estate development in Western Kentucky.
• Facilitated strategic property transactions, including the sale of 47 acres in the Calvert City Industrial Park to an international biofuel company, contributing to regional economic development and job creation.
• Managed all regulatory compliance aspects of property development, working closely with local government agencies and stakeholders to ensure successful project completion.
Founder & Owner | KW Properties
Calvert City, KY | 2018 – Present
• Founded KW Properties, managing commercial real estate assets across Western Kentucky.
• Directed property operations, tenant relations, and regulatory compliance, ensuring all properties operate at maximum efficiency with high tenant retention and satisfaction.
Founder & Owner | Revolution Computer Systems
Paducah, KY | 2000 – 2007
• Launched Revolution Computer Systems, growing it into a respected IT support and computer sales company in Paducah, KY.
• Transitioned the business into SmartPath Technologies, expanding its scope to include advanced cybersecurity services and strategic IT consulting for government entities.
Founder & CEO | SmartPath Technologies
Calvert City, KY & Paducah, KY | 2007 – Present
• Founded and scaled SmartPath Technologies into a leading managed service provider (MSP), delivering IT consulting, cybersecurity, and technology solutions across Kentucky and the United States.
• Successfully managed contracts with state government agencies, quasi-governmental entities, and public health departments, ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Led cybersecurity initiatives, including HIPAA risk assessments, PCI compliance programs, and IT forensic investigations, providing expert witness testimony in multiple Western Kentucky courts.
• Pioneered cybersecurity defense systems for public entities to protect against evolving cyber threats, aligning with federal Homeland Security standards.
• Established SmartPath as a trusted IT provider for major government and municipal clients, ensuring operational integrity, data security, and regulatory adherence.
Co-Founder & Partner | B&K Property Development
Calvert City, KY | 2021 – Present
• Co-founded B&K Property Development, focusing on large-scale commercial and industrial real estate development in Western Kentucky.
• Facilitated strategic property transactions, including the sale of 47 acres in the Calvert City Industrial Park to an international biofuel company, contributing to regional economic development and job creation.
• Managed all regulatory compliance aspects of property development, working closely with local government agencies and stakeholders to ensure successful project completion.
Founder & Owner | KW Properties
Calvert City, KY | 2018 – Present
• Founded KW Properties, managing commercial real estate assets across Western Kentucky.
• Directed property operations, tenant relations, and regulatory compliance, ensuring all properties operate at maximum efficiency with high tenant retention and satisfaction.
Founder & Owner | Revolution Computer Systems
Paducah, KY | 2000 – 2007
• Launched Revolution Computer Systems, growing it into a respected IT support and computer sales company in Paducah, KY.
• Transitioned the business into SmartPath Technologies, expanding its scope to include advanced cybersecurity services and strategic IT consulting for government entities.
CompTIA A+
Industry-standard certification demonstrating foundational knowledge in IT support, hardware, software, and troubleshooting, ensuring strong technical expertise.
CompTIA Network+
Validates the skills required to design, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, essential for managing complex network infrastructures for both public and private sector clients.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Certifies the ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks, a key qualification for designing and maintaining secure network systems for governmental clients.
Microsoft 365 Certifications (various)
Proficiency in selling, implementing and managing Microsoft 365 cloud-based services, ensuring seamless communication, collaboration, and security for client organizations. This includes experience in Microsoft Purview, Microsoft 365 archiving, and security policies.
Sophos Certified Network Engineer
Recognized as a specialist in deploying and managing Sophos cybersecurity solutions, which are crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with state and federal cybersecurity standards.
State Certified Firefighter, Level 1, Kentucky Fire Rescue Training
Willie is a Kentucky state certified Level 1 firefighter.
Regulatory Compliance (HIPAA, PCI, State Licensing)
Expert in ensuring that businesses and government entities meet all necessary legal requirements, including HIPAA for healthcare, PCI for financial transactions, and state-specific licensing regulations. Demonstrated success in helping clients maintain compliance with evolving regulations.
Cybersecurity Defense & Consulting
Proven track record in providing cybersecurity defense strategies, including risk assessments, penetration testing, and ongoing monitoring to safeguard against cyber threats. Recognized for implementing cutting-edge solutions that meet both federal and state guidelines.
IT Forensics & Expert Witness Services
Circuit Court & Family Court Certified expert witness in multiple Kentucky counties, as well as at the Federal court level, performing IT forensics, offering expertise in investigating cyber incidents and presenting evidence in court. Skilled in identifying and mitigating security breaches, ensuring that clients are protected both operationally and legally.
State Government Contracting & Operations
Extensive experience in securing and managing long-term contracts with state and quasi-governmental entities. Adept at navigating complex procurement processes, building relationships, and ensuring contract compliance and operational success.
Property Development & Management
Skilled in overseeing the development and management of commercial real estate projects, including securing regulatory approvals, managing property operations, and fostering relationships with tenants and stakeholders to ensure high occupancy and profitability.
Business Continuity Services
Proficient in developing and implementing business continuity plans to ensure that client organizations can maintain operations during and after disruptions, safeguarding against financial loss and operational downtime.
Managed Service Provider Operations
Specialized in the management and scaling of MSP operations, including service delivery optimization, client relations, and revenue growth through efficient and effective IT service management.
Strategic Business Coaching
Experienced mentor and coach for other MSPs and businesses, providing strategic advice on operations, growth, and best practices in the IT industry. Recognized for contributions to the professional development of industry peers.
Customer and Client Relations
Adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, focusing on long-term partnerships and delivering consistent, high-quality services that meet their evolving needs.
Regulatory Compliance (HIPAA, PCI, State Licensing)
Expert in ensuring that businesses and government entities meet all necessary legal requirements, including HIPAA for healthcare, PCI for financial transactions, and state-specific licensing regulations. Demonstrated success in helping clients maintain compliance with evolving regulations.
Cybersecurity Defense & Consulting
Proven track record in providing cybersecurity defense strategies, including risk assessments, penetration testing, and ongoing monitoring to safeguard against cyber threats. Recognized for implementing cutting-edge solutions that meet both federal and state guidelines.
IT Forensics & Expert Witness Services
Circuit Court & Family Court Certified expert witness in multiple Kentucky counties, as well as at the Federal court level, performing IT forensics, offering expertise in investigating cyber incidents and presenting evidence in court. Skilled in identifying and mitigating security breaches, ensuring that clients are protected both operationally and legally.
State Government Contracting & Operations
Extensive experience in securing and managing long-term contracts with state and quasi-governmental entities. Adept at navigating complex procurement processes, building relationships, and ensuring contract compliance and operational success.
Property Development & Management
Skilled in overseeing the development and management of commercial real estate projects, including securing regulatory approvals, managing property operations, and fostering relationships with tenants and stakeholders to ensure high occupancy and profitability.
Business Continuity Services
Proficient in developing and implementing business continuity plans to ensure that client organizations can maintain operations during and after disruptions, safeguarding against financial loss and operational downtime.
Managed Service Provider Operations
Specialized in the management and scaling of MSP operations, including service delivery optimization, client relations, and revenue growth through efficient and effective IT service management.
Strategic Business Coaching
Experienced mentor and coach for other MSPs and businesses, providing strategic advice on operations, growth, and best practices in the IT industry. Recognized for contributions to the professional development of industry peers.
Customer and Client Relations
Adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, focusing on long-term partnerships and delivering consistent, high-quality services that meet their evolving needs.