Biography
My family first moved to Bridgeport in 1981. My father, Tom Smell, worked as a licensed funeral director and embalmer for Davis Funeral Home in Clarksburg, before purchasing his own funeral home in Kingwood in the early 1990s. My father, taught me about committment, hardwork and loyalty. My mother, Karen Smell, was an elementary school teacher in Harrision County and went on to become an ordained minister and served two years in the pulpit. Among other things, my mother taught me the value of a personal relationship with God and the benefits of treating others the way you want to be treated. Little did I know that I was being educated by my mother in areas of perserverance and determination, as I watched her battle cancer.
I attended Bridgeport High School and was a 1991 graduate. I was a varsity athlete in football and baseball and won county and state accolades for my contribution to those teams. I was voted “Mr. Friendly” by my peers in Junior High and High school. I attended Alderson-Broaddus (College) University to further my athletic career and focus on a degree in Sports Medicine. I was a four-year starter for the Battler baseball team and after graduating in 1996, I continued my education at West Virginia University, earning a Master’s of Science degree in Athletic Training. While a student-athlete at ABU, I met my future wife, Cyndy, who was also a student-athlete from Athens, Ohio and we were married in 1998. After a few years of traveling and job changes we chose to settle in Bridgeport to begin and raise a family and to call Bridgeport our home. We have 8 year old triplets, that are second grade students and enjoy swimming, art, soccer, baseball, camping, canoeing, biking and other outside activities. We are active members of All Saints Catholic Church, and volunteer our time regularly.
Since 2004, I have been working as a financing broker/municipal advisor, facilitating equipment financing for municipalities and other governmental agencies throughout West Virginia. In 2010, I become the Owner/Sole Member of Country Roads Leasing, LLC, situated here in Bridgeport. My business continues to work with municipalities, fire departments and other local government agencies on a daily basis. With this daily interaction, I get to see firsthand some of the struggles municipalities deal with and have an understanding of the many challenges cities face today.
My desire to become more involved with local government began with my appointment to the Bridgeport Development Authority in 2011. Through this appointment I have been fortunate to be more directly involved with strategic planning, project development and integration of some future plans for the city.
I am a loyal, trustworthy candidate with the desire and willingness to serve. I respectfully ask for your vote on June 9, 2015!