He had worked everywhere from Los Angeles to Detroit, but two years ago, Hap Smith returned to the city he loved.
Joining Baltimore-based advertising agency Azzam Jordan as the director of client services, Smith, 64, who died Tuesday morning, made a strong impression on everyone he worked with.
“He was a guy that really understood his clients. It?s key for his position, and Hap was someone who could always solve the client’s problems,” said Allan Charles, co-founder of Trahan, Burden and Charles. “He was a unique special guy and a personality that lit up a room.”
Charles, who worked with Smith for 20 years, called his former co-worker a “classic and quintessential ad guy.”
Smith left TBC for the position of executive vice president of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge accounts with BBDO Detroit.
“[He was] passionate about advertising and about Baltimore,” Azzam Jordan partner Gary Jordan said. “I have 27 people in tears. He was a great coworker.”
Smith, a father and grandfather, had just moved into a new home less than a month ago and was in good health according to Jordan, who said that he spoke with Smith in his office on Monday afternoon.
“He was telling me about how he was at a great point in his life right now. He said he was going to leave and go home to check out the house,” Jordan said. “He was a great friend and a terrific member of the team. He was a fun guy and he will be sorely missed.”
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» A viewing for Smith will be held Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Schimunek Funeral Home on Bel Air Road in Perry Hall.
