In 1994, Smith was ready for a new chapter, one that allowed her to take advantage of her sales experience and vibrant personality. While driving with her husband one day, she had an epiphany when she spotted the man from whom she bought promotional products. She immediately joined a distributor before launching her own business – Joy of Advertising – five years later. “I wanted to leave corporate America and go back to work for myself,” Smith says. “I love that promo lets me use my creativity. I love the relationships that I’ve built with clients and suppliers. There’s much more good and fun than there ever are issues.” Giving Back A devoted volunteer, Smith has served on numerous committees and advisory councils, including chairing PPAI’s Professional Development Committee from 2020-2022. Named a PPAI Fellow in 2016, Smith also has the distinction of presenting the first MAS/ CAS training at The PPAI Expo 2004. She mentored 17 participants over the course of that year, nurturing and empowering the next generation of industry leaders. “I was raised that you can never do enough to help someone else,” Smith says, “so every time there’s an opportunity, I take it.” Beyond the promo industry, she’s served in leadership positions for various nonprofit and civic organizations, including being named Honorary Chairwoman of the Business Advisory Council for New Mexico and receiving the 2003 National Leadership Award sponsored by then-congressman Tom DeLay. She’s embarked on service mission trips around the world, mentoring recent college graduates, providing food and clothes to an orphanage and working with prison and gang ministries. PPAI’s 2024 Women of Achievement | Must Read PPAI • JULY 2024 • 39
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