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Marty Smith
Bank of Ann Arbor, SVP
and Livingston County Manager
Tell us what inspires and drives you in your work or business?
I have always been a closet entrepreneur. I am fascinated by the many ways we are able to make a living in this great country. As an advocate of the entrepreneurs and small business I take pride in being a business partner providing financing and advice to help them grow. As they grow, they generally employ more people which in turn creates more opportunity and which ultimately benefits the whole community.
What do you love about conducting business in Livingston County?
What’s not to like about being in business in Livingston County? Since 1990, I’ve seen Livingston County as more than market from which to glean more business. It’s my family home, my faith home and work home. You find that people want to do business locally whenever possible. We all want to be treated as clients and not transactions. That we invest in each other, trust each other and promote the best interest of the business and family community is proof of that.
What do you love about being a Chamber member?
I mentioned being part of the community since 1990 and actively participating in the chamber has been at the core. It is a commitment I encourage all my bankers to make a priority. I have enjoyed not only the fruits of an expanded network to help grow the bank but an ever-growing base of friends and advisors that are open to helping problem solve community issues, provide business advice and share experiences and services. The fact that the Howell Chamber is growing at record speed is a testament to its leadership and members commitment to help each other. That’s a very special dynamic you won’t find everywhere.
Can you share a recent success story?
Without divulging the client’s name, I have a favorite recent story that exemplifies the both the entrepreneurial spirit and local commitment. In was introduced by their CPA, Let’s call them “Client A”. During the lock down of 2021-22, this service provider was left for dead by their existing bank and advisors, but the owner saw this as an opportunity to reinvent the company. Their mindset of success and commitment was so strong that I was compelled to provide financing when the conventional banking world said “no”. What started as a small business with a $250K line of credit and $3M in sales employing 15 people is now a client with sales greater than $40M and employing more than 60 people. As the comedian Yackov Smirnov says, “Only in America.”
Share exciting plans or initiatives for 2024?
We have really focused our efforts on financial safety and financial literacy. Every business and individual faces constant cyber-attacks and financial fraud from every part of the world. So we’ve dedicated resources to promote financial safeguards for our clients and often at little or no charge. Helping customers, especially seniors, stay aware of potential fraud risks and walking through ways to safeguard their savings is part of living our motto, We Love to Help!
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