If you’ve spent any time around Blue Springs, at a Chamber luncheon, in a church classroom, or on the sidelines of a youth basketball game, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Chad Smith. A longtime State Farm agent, husband, father, coach, and Sunday school teacher, Chad has spent decades investing in the people and places that make this town feel like home.
At the heart of it all is family. Chad and his wife, Carla, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of three: Liberty, 27, Chason, 23, and Chloe, 20. Those relationships have shaped the way he approaches leadership, service and everyday life.
In sharing his story, Chad offers insight on the importance of character, discipline and serving others.
When you think about being the best man you can be, what comes to mind?
Being a husband, father, teacher, coach, and mentor. Leading by example and becoming the kind of man I want my son to become. Sometimes that means saying no to things I want to do and saying yes to the harder things. I’m always trying to improve spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally.
What has drawn you to serving though the Chamber, church and youth sports?
Service has always felt important to me because of the example my parents set growing up. I realized early on that not every child has people encouraging and investing in them, and I wanted to help fill that role where I could.
I was 24 when my church needed someone to teach second and third graders, and I felt called to do it. Later, when my son started playing basketball in kindergarten, I volunteered to coach. Those opportunities became some of the most meaningful parts of my life.
I've always strived to be a positive example for young people and show them what respect, leadership and integrity look like. As a business owner, I also felt it was important to be involved in the Chamber and support the community in that way.
What has your involvement in the Blue Springs Chamber taught you about leadership and community?
It’s taught me how many people quietly give their time to make this community stronger. From school boosters and church groups to Chamber events and youth sports, so much of what people enjoy in Blue Springs happens because volunteers genuinely care about the town.
I’ve met so many people through the Chamber who have had an impact on who I am today. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that most people serving in leadership positions genuinely want what’s best for the community. Even when opinions differ, the goal is usually the same.
How has your faith shaped the way you lead and serve others?
My faith affects every part of my life, it’s not just something I fit into my schedule, it guides the decisions I make and how I try to treat people.
Teaching Sunday school for nearly 30 years has strengthened my own faith in ways I never expected. I’ve also learned the value of accountability. When you spend years teaching young people, you want your actions to match the lessons you’ve shared with them.
What did your time with Blue Springs Athletic Association mean to you?
The 10 years I spent with BSAA were some of the best years of my life. I made countless memories with my children and built relationships with many young athletes who have grown into impressive adults.
I love sports and coaching, and still play as many sports as I can, but what meant the most was encouraging kids who may not have naturally felt confident. My personality is to build others up by focusing on what they do well. In rec league sports especially, I enjoyed teaching fundamentals and helping kids believe in themselves. We all need more encouragement than criticism.
Some of the most meaningful relationships in my life came from those years spent coaching and volunteering. What began as time spent supporting my own children eventually became an opportunity to encourage and mentor many others in the community.
Why has helping people understand finances been important to you?
This goes back to my dad. He taught me everything I know about personal finance and showed me the value of discipline and delayed gratification.
My dad worked hard driving a forklift for Lipton Tea while farming part-time, yet he was able to pay off his house, put two kids through college and retire at 55. Watching that taught me that financial success isn’t just about income, it’s about how you manage what you have.
That lesson has shaped the way I’ve approached my work with State Farm and how I’ve tried to help others plan for their futures.
What do you wish more people understood about finances and planning?
Everyone needs a plan. Some people like detailed plans and others prefer the big picture, but without a plan it’s easy to end up overwhelmed by debt.
Communication is also important, especially in marriage. Financial stress can create major problems when couples aren’t working toward the same goals.
Time is another key factor. When people start planning and saving early, even small steps can make a significant difference over time.
For me, those lessons all connect back to the discipline and delayed gratification my father taught me growing up. I believe those principles shape not only finances, but relationships, health and faith as well.
What do you hope other men take away from your example?
Many people today are chasing happiness by trying to do things for themselves, but real fulfillment often comes from serving others. When you focus less on yourself and more on helping people around you, happiness just kind of shows up.
When people look at your life and legacy, what do you hope stands out most?
Jesus Christ. Genuineness. Character. Integrity. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I hope people believe that verse embodies the man I’ve tried to be.