JD Smith has been a member of Salt Lake City’s Business Advisory Board since 2013. He represents District 6.
JD has over 20 years of experience writing, producing, and directing both radio and television commercials, as well as promotional pieces for corporate, small business and non-profit. As owner of Studio 702 Media Management, a full-service advertising agency, he works to establish and create brand building materials for application at all touch points of a company’s marketing and branding strategy as well as the management of those campaigns.
He started his career in the radio industry serving as an on-air Talent for Simmons Media, then on-air and commercial production for Citadell Broadcasting, followed by Production Director/Creative Services Director for Clear Channel Broadcasting. Says JD, “Establishing and launching your own brand from scratch can be difficult—particularly when you’re a startup with limited resources. The way you introduce your company to your customers has a huge impact on your potential for future sales. After all, you really do have only one chance to make a first impression. The key is to make it memorable.”
Thank you JD for bringing your talents to Salt Lake City’s business community!
Q&A with JD Smith
| What are you excited about in District 6? | The growth of Sugarhouse as one of SLC’s hottest and hippest neighborhoods. It’s always been a cool place to call business home, and now when asked where we’re located, when I say Sugarhouse…the response is “Of course you are!” |
| What changes would you like to see happen in District 6? | Bus service, mass transit, bus service, more transportation options. |
| What is your favorite “Third Place” to hang out in the District 6 neighborhood? | At 21st & 21st we need to create it! But as a service district it’s tough to do. Next best 3rd place for us is the restaurants in the heart of Sugarhouse, but that would be District 7. Where the buses and street car are. See our struggle? |
| What do small businesses in Salt Lake City need more help with? | Qualified job applicants, that need a way to get to Sugarhouse, because District 6 rents are too high for small business employees to afford. (Transportation, Affordable Housing) |
| What is Salt Lake City doing right for business? | Economic opportunity. Loan fund, tax incentives. |
| What is the first word or words that come to mind when you think of Salt Lake City? | Liberal saint of Utah |
| Anything else you would like to add? | I love Salt Lake, I moved here 21 years ago with the opportunity to further pursue my broadcast career. I fell in love with the city and can’t imagine leaving. While we provide service across a 4 state region, we’ll always call SLC our headquarters. . |
About the Business Advisory Board:
The Business Advisory Board (BAB) is made up of city business owners and community leaders who partner with Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. Its members are appointed by the mayor and must be SLC residents and/or have ownership interest in a Salt Lake City business. BAB helps direct city economic policy, promotes small business growth, supports local entrepreneurs, and encourages businesses to relocate to our city.
As part of an ongoing effort to keep SLC’s business community in the loop, the BAB shares synopses of monthly meetings on the Salt Lake City Economic Development’s blog page. Recordings are available to the public as well.