Kevin Conroy Smith

Kevin Conroy Smith

How and why did you start Story From a New Friend?
I started Story From a New Friend back when I was in college. I attended several nonprofit meetings and noticed the same crowd at each meeting. There was so many people not attending. The rooms were filled with many people eager to make a difference but not necessarily as educated on the topics we were helping as you would think. I began to implement “story” sessions during the meetings, this way people were learning at the meetings and could make more educated decisions about where to help. During that “story” time we featured a story a meeting taught by a student who had lived through the situation. It was during those 30 minutes each week that I felt we as students we learned the most. I knew I had to share this idea and from it Students Educating Students began, which is now Story From a New Friend.

What is the main purpose of this blog?
The idea of the blog is to highlight Chicago business leaders who care about the community. Our organization is about education and continual learning. We wanted to share with Chicago the business leaders who care. This way, we can make more educated decisions about who and what to support. There is nothing better than knowing the business leaders you support care about the community you live.

What are two things you would like Chicagoans to know about yourself?
That my main mission in life is to create a legacy were people remember me as a kind and appreciative person. I want to touch and inspire as many people as I possibly can. Life is about making a difference and not stressing about the little things because otherwise you will overlook the big things. The big things in life are how you treat other people and what you love. Also, my family means everything to me. I am a big momma and daddy’s boy!

How is the board of Story From a New Friend involved in the business world of Chicago?
Our board was picked very carefully. Every board member either owns his or her own business or is very active in the industry in which they focus on within our organization. Each of our board members fits the mission or our organization and could be featured on our blog because they care about Chicago and continue to give their time and money to bettering this city and the community. The board is what makes us what you see today.

What does “Listen. Learn. Love.” mean?
I came up with Listen. Learn. Love. while in college. It is the idea that if you listen to other people: whether at school, at work or at church, you will learn valuable lessons that will change your life. In the process of that learning you will begin to love the people that you listen to. I think people don’t listen enough and judge too quickly. Everyone has a story, listen.

How do you manage your time with running the nonprofit and also running your business?
I also am the owner of the Kevin Smith State Farm Insurance Agency. I sit on several board or directors for various nonprofits too. The beautiful thing about looking at your life as a mission or building a legacy, is that everything comes together as one. When I am working within my agency I am building relationships and helping clients in a way no other State Farm agent does. Also, when I am working with SFANF I am meeting new people all the time that I can help. My life is about making the biggest difference I can within the community of Chicago regardless of the industry or time of the day. There is nothing more amazing than helping people and I can do that at my agency, on any board and while working with my nonprofit.

What’s next for Kevin Smith?
The next step for me is getting into the club and entertainment business. I want to create an empire in Chicago where the main focus is on helping and treating people well. I want to create a movement in Chicago that inspires a change that is heard around the world. In short, I want to change the universe.

What do you love most about Chicago?
The people. I have traveled across the country speaking to young adults and business executives and the one thing that continues to bring me back to Chicago is the people.

What are you doing to help the Chicago community?
As I said earlier, my life is all about helping the community I live in. I am on the board for Habitat for Humanity, Gateway Green, Story From a New Friend and own the Kevin Smith Agency all of which focus on bettering Chicago. I am always giving my time and money to causes that will better Chicago. The people of Chicago deserve the best place to live with the best opportunities to learn about issues that affect the world. I look forward to growing more in Chicago and learning form the great people that I meet everyday. Listen. Learn. Love.