America's 250 & Community Leadership with Matt Smith

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Matt Smith, a father, veteran, entrepreneur, real estate professional, community leader, and chair of Midland’s America’s 250 Celebration. Matt shares his journey from growing up in Sanford to serving in the Army, building Smitty’s Iron Works, finding a new path in real estate, and giving back through mentorship, veterans advocacy, Leadership Midland, and community service. The conversation centers on gratitude, unity, self-starting leadership, and what it means to help build a place where people choose, stay, and thrive. Matt also previews Midland’s America’s 250 celebration, including a community signing of a 50-foot Declaration of Independence, a public reading featuring voices from across the region, live music from Chemical City Band, the national anthem by Gretchen Shope, and a powerful reminder that history can bring people together. Whether you know Matt through business, service, fitness, real estate, or his community work, this episode is a conversation about purpose, pride in place, and the hope that Midland County can be a catalyst for unity and positive change.