Joseph Smith was clearly meant to be in Seattle 4.
Years ago, he was on a board with Nyasha Tunduwani, who told him of Rotary. He was in Leadership Tomorrow, and Jan Levy told him of Rotary. And then, one day, as Joseph was running in downtown he stopped at a light. Jon Bridge stopped at the same light. They ran to the next light, and the next. They ended up running together for a couple of miles. At the end, Jon gave Joseph his card. (You know you are a serious connector when you run with your business cards.)
Joseph called Jon for another run and now we get to welcome him to our club. Serving, leading, and running, how could Joseph avoid being a Rotarian?
Jon Bridge proposed and President Cindy Runger seconded his nomination.
Joseph Smith, Jr. was born and raised in Seattle, along with his twin sister. He wanted to be a professional athlete. Here is a fun fact: Joseph was a Seattle Mariner bat boy.
Baseball’s loss was money management’s gain. Joseph works for Axa Advisors, a full-service financial firm. He focuses on retirement planning and wealth management for small businesses and families. When I asked what he liked about his job, he said he likes talking to people and finding out what makes them tick. He helps people realize their hopes and dreams.
For volunteering, Joseph interviews for Leadership Tomorrow. He also serves as board vice-president of the University District food bank, where he just finished up a stint as the board’s secretary.
In addition to contributing to the welfare of the world, Joseph clearly knows about equilibrium. For fun he runs, with no music or podcasts. He gardens. He spends time with his family, Julie and their two boys, Jackson and Maxwell. I am struck by the balance he creates in our hectic life in the city.
When I asked why he joined Seattle 4, Joseph said he hopes to meet some really cool people who are doing great work. (That shouldn’t be a problem!) He is in the process of visiting committees to see where he can best contribute. If I were you, I’d try to scoop him up for your committee. Every time I’ve connected with him, I have been struck by Joseph’s calm, competent, and open presence. We are lucky to have him in our club.
His proudest accomplishment, besides being married, is having kids. Parenthood made him realize life is not about you; it is about raising individuals to contribute to the world and thrive.
Joseph Smith is optimistic in general. He sees this as an innovative time, with ridesharing and companies like GoFundMe changing the world. There are opportunities for individuals to make a difference in the world. He is excited about the possibilities of the human spirit and "us/them" thinking swinging to "both/and." (Me too!) He and Julie are raising boys who will offer their gifts to the world. As I said, he was meant to be a Rotarian.
