The J-TAC

Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Kelsey Fitzgibbon Daniel Smith graduated from Tarleton in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in computer information systems. Smith opened Stephenville Realty in March 2007.

Four years after his graduation, former Texan Daniel Smith is using his experience and education from his time at Tarleton to guide his business decisions.

Smith graduated from Tarleton in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in computer information systems and a minor in accounting. Smith said he participated in many honor societies at Tarleton, as well as business organizations that accompanied his major.

While in school, Smith held several part-time jobs, including one for a real estate agency in Stephenville.

He said he always had an interest in realty but this experience lead to his decision to open his own business.

"About a year before graduating I knew I liked it, so I got my license," said Smith.

Smith said he remembered many instructors at Tarleton throughout his college career, but two greatly influenced his experience.
Dr. Boyd Collier, professor of accounting, finance and economics and Dr. Jason Sharp, assistant professor of computer information systems both had positive memories about Smith as a student.

"To my knowledge, he not only did well in business courses but also performed at an excellent level in science, government, English, psychology, etc. We wish that we had a lot more students like David," said Collier. "Our best memory of David is that unlike other students that we often plead to attend class more frequently, David was almost always in class."

Sharp also remembered Smith as a hard-working student.

"He portrayed many of the characteristics of a successful businessperson. He was industrious, goal-directed, creative and conscientious. I was not surprised at all to hear that he had returned to Stephenville to start his own real estate business," said Sharp. "Mr. Smith is a great example of someone who took their Tarleton education and applied it directly in the business world."

After graduating, Smith spent two years working for Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties before moving to Allen, Texas where he acquired his broker license. After spending a year in the city, Smith and his wife decided to move back to Stephenville where they could start a family. He began Stephenville Realty in March 2007. The business now includes three additional realtors, two of which, Joseph Selem and Daniel Smith, also graduated from Tarleton.

"I learned a lot of valuable skills at Tarleton," said Smith. "Not only do they teach you specific information, while you're there you're learning how to learn. They teach you how to grow. I think that's what you have to do as a business, is learn how to adapt."

Smith advised students nearing graduation to follow their interests.

"Go after something that you really have a passion about," said Smith. "And learn more about what you are getting involved in."

To students interested in owning their own business, Smith said to be careful, budget-conscious and be willing to adapt.

Stephenville Realty is located at 1901 W. Washington St.

For more information about the company, visit http://www.stephenvillerealty.net.

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