Matt Smith, Neighbor

I have lived in the Gig Harbor community for 20 years now.  In 1983 I moved to Washington and started a patient charting health care products manufacturing business with two partners in Kent, Washington.  In 1990 we moved the business to Lakewood near Tacoma.  That's what brought my wife and I to Gig Harbor to live and raise the remaining three of our four sons.  In 2000 we sold the healthcare products business, and I became a licensed real estate sales agent, where I have been actively involved locally ever since.  I currently am partnered with my sister, DeeDee Arena, also a local real estate sales agent and involved with the Peninsula School District in a teaching capacity.  Together we recently changed our team name from South Sound Properties to The RExperts Team at Better Properties Gig Harbor just off Point Fosdick Drive near the Inn at Gig Harbor.  Along with my wife Jean, we love to hike and travel. Hawaii is one of our favorite destinations.  We have 4 wonderful sons, and now 3 precious grand daughters with a grandson on the way.We enjoy gardening where we are both active in our own yard, and with promoting fundraising efforts for the Gig Harbor Garden Club to benefit Tacoma Community College locally, and their illiteracy programs.