Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Campbell.
Ryan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Smyrna, Georgia and I have a tremendous love for the city. I attended the University of Alabama and following graduation, I spent a year at Target Corporation as an Operations Manager while living in Alpharetta, GA. Following my time at Target I moved back to Smyrna to help open our family restaurant named Chris’ Caribbean Bistro. Since opening our family business, we have been able to provide approximately 100 local jobs. Additionally, I am the founder of a financial services company, Uplift Financial that helps young people learn how to manage their money. I have always been passionate about city government and as our local business grew I knew this would be a great time to get involved. I joined Sustainable Smyrna, I was appointed to the Smyrna Housing Authority and also served with Cobb For Transit.
My experience in both small and large business environments, my love for the people of Smyrna and my passion for local government energized me to run for Mayor of Smyrna. This is important to me because there are many things that I would like to see my city accomplish. Even though I am only twenty-six, I believe I can offer a fresh, practical, and executable vision for the city while building on the progress already made. Smyrna has never had an African-American mayor, this is both a historical and an important campaign as it relates to the city. Issues regarding education, infrastructure, growth, and inclusivity are front and center in the race.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a business owner, there will always be growing pains. The same is true for campaigning. However, I believe that when you invest in people, take it one day at a time, and continually refine processes in business and campaigning you can achieve success.
Being a young person in the arena of business and politics, you realize there is a lot to learn. Though I have been seen as an underdog, I understand there are no short cuts when it comes to engaging with the community, hearing their concerns, and putting forth bold solutions to move the city of Smyrna forward to improve opportunity for all people.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
What has set me apart this campaign season is my willingness to engage with the community. We remain responsive to all inquiries on all social media platforms. I am most proud of our ability to build a broad coalition representative of a diverse Smyrna.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by doing as much good for others as possible. Only through the success of others can we truly find success for ourselves and greater success for our communities. From a political perspective, I define success as getting people engaged and buying into a hopeful, optimistic future.
Contact Info:
- Website: ryanforsmyrna.com
- Phone: 678-386-4497
- Email: ryanforsmyrna@gmail.com
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