My name is Dario Smith. I am first a child of God. I am loving husband married to my wife Angela for 23 yrs. We purchased out first house in Simpsonville. We lived in Martins Grove before we purchased our next home. I am a big time girl dad. I am the father of two beautiful daughters. I live for my kids and I will take them every where with me. We are huge Pittsburgh Steelers fans. I have 30 yrs of sales, customer service, and business leadership spanning 4 states and almost 3 decades in the southeast. I am a deacon at my church, and I believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and mine. I have a Down Syndrome brother named Matthew who is also a gift from God, and three sisters. My mother was always my source of inspiration and she passed away in 2015. She introduced me to Jesus Christ early in life and set the tone for how I should work for my goals and treat others while on this earth. My brother Matthew is also a big motivator for me to treat people with love and respect. Children with disabilities love without reservation. I really enjoy the small things in life and I take nothing for granted, and I believe in hard work, I believe in helping others, and I believe in Simpsonville.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I grew up in Laurens SC, where I graduating Laurens District 55 High School in 1990. We were the best class ever to walk those halls is the strong opinion of me and my classmates. I then attended Morehouse again being a part of the The Morehouse Tigers Legendary class of 1994. I am married to my beautiful wife Angela Saxon Smith. We have been loving and supporting each other for 23 yrs now. We have 2 beautiful daughters Madison 17 and McKayla 12. As a family we love family vacations to Hilton Head, Disney World, and anywhere our family can have fun. My children are competitive swimmers and we spend a lot of time in and around swimming pools. I love watching my daughters compete and fight for something. I am also a USA Swimming official. I really love the title of Dad. My wife is a gift from God, and my children are our blessings from God. There is no greater title than the one of father. I am passionate about many things. My family first. Watching my children compete at the highest levels in swimming is another passion I have. I still compete on the basketball court, on the golf course and in life. I have a 20 plus year career serving the state of SC. I worked for Verizon Wireless for 23 yrs in Sales and Operations before retiring in 2021. I then took a leadership role with Wells Fargo as the business development officer for the state of SC. Prior to those two roles I sold cars and did TV commercials for Dick Smith Auto Sales.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
I have lived in or near The Golden Strip for more than 25 yrs, while patronizing the local businesses. I work for Verizon Wireless for 23 yrs with Simpsonville being part of my territory. I am in my first month of business ownership in the Golden Strip, having purchased my own Allstate Agency from Mr. Cornell Sweeney. He has been a pillar of the community servicing the city of Simpsonville and the state of SC for 39 yrs. I am proud to follow in his footsteps and continue the legacy he built, while creating my own legendary path of service to the beloved Golden Strip Community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I am a USA Swim Official, and I love to bass fish.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Mr. Cornell Sweeney and Mr. Al Drake along with Councilman Ken Cummings.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
The Verizon Store in Simpsonville. I was responsible for managing the build of the last two Verizon stores in Simpsonville. Those two projects I thoroughly enjoyed completing because I knew the people of Simpsonville needed something nicer with each build.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
The Golden Strip is home to three Golf courses. Simpsonville has become ground zero for golf with two private courses that have long waiting lists.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
My most recent try has been Slice. They have a really good menu along with nice owners that service a strong customer base. I also enjoy The Warehouse at Vaughn’s.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
A Beautiful Life.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
Shortfield’s Restaurant.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
I would either fish or play golf. I am a member at Fox Run Country Club, and I absolutely love playing golf.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
My mother, Barbara Smith. She passed away in 2015.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To take my family to the Maldives.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Get to know your neighbors, be kind to one another and keep God first.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Al Drake, Cornell Sweeney Jr, and Ken Cummings.
