Jason A. Smith | The Valdosta Daily TimesMike Smith joined his father in managing Smitty’s in 2003 after graduating from Valdosta State University. 

VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

Mike Smith, owner and manager of Smitty’s on Baytree Road, entered into his father’s liquor business about 15 years ago.

His father started in the gas, tobacco and alcohol business about 37 years ago in Lake Park.

“We were a convenient store called Mr. Unleaded,” Smith said.

The Baytree Road location has been open since 1999.

“I got involved around 2003, and I have been in charge of running the liquor side of the business for at least a decade,” Smith said. “My dad still manages the tobacco side of the business.”

Smith had an opportunity to get into the business when his uncle decided he wanted out of the liquor business.

“My uncle, Nathan Smith, was getting out and going into real estate,” he said. “I had graduated with a business degree, and being an only child, wanted to help my dad. I wanted to help my dad handle the stresses of the business and I enjoyed it.”

But this wasn’t Smith’s first foray into the business world.

“I always grew up helping around the stores, not the liquor, but the gas station and tobacco,” he said. “Sweeping the floor, cleaning, counting the deposits. There were always discussions about how to manage the business. I always grew up hearing entrepreneurship from my dad and my family.”

Since coming into the business, Smith has helped modernize it.

“I helped modernize the business by adding scanning technology and point-of-sale technology,” he said. “Those sorts of things were implemented when I came along. I also added better security and better inventory systems.”

Smith is a Valdosta State University alumnus.

“I played baseball at VSU,” he said. “So, I really do love and support the college any way I can. We need the college for this business to grow, and for this community to grow, not just businesses around the college. VSU, its students are important to the growth and future of this community.”

For Smith, being involved in the community is important. To do this, he helps with fundraisers.

“We try to sell at cost or donate to any charities in this area,” he said.

Organizations include the Children Advocacy Center, The Haven auction, the Valdosta Service League, VSU, Girls on the Run, Miracle League and Leadership Lowndes.

“Pretty much if any charity and needs help, we try our best to help or sell at cost to them to help give back to the community,” Smith said.

Because Smith gives to the community, he also asks the community to support local businesses so money stays local.

“Please support local business, because it stays in the community and in the local economy,” he said. “All businesses are getting tougher with more competition and more internet-based sales. Our industry is changing just like every other industry, and at a pretty quick clip.”

Smitty’s has two liquor stores: 923 Baytree Road, Valdosta, and 1265 Lakes Boulevard, Lake Park, and the company has one store: 1315 Lakes Boulevard.

Smitty’s, 923 Baytree Road, is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-7 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (229) 333-0344.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.