PLP 2010 Profile: Nick Smith

Name:  Nicholas Smith (Nick or Nicholas)
Age:  33
Born: I was born at Fairfax Hospital.  I lived in Alexandria, VA until I was 2, then I moved to Lower Merion, Pennsylvania (just outside of Philadelphia).  In fifth grade I moved to Newtown, CT (Upper Fairfield County, 20 minutes from the New York State border).
Current Digs: I live and work in Westmoreland County.
Occupation: I am a captive insurance company manager by profession, but I supplement by working in my father’s law firm (not as an attorney).
Favorite part about the job: My favorite part of the captive insurance work is forming the captive.  I enjoy the creativity of structuring the risk management and the company structure.
Your first job ever? I worked as a clerk in a pharmacy starting at age 16.
Favorite book? Catch-22 and Lonesome Dove in a tie.
Favorite movie? The Departed
Comfort food? Lasagne
What's in your car CD player right now (or favorites on your iPod)? The Virginians Men’s Chorus learning CD.
Next journey? Glacier National Park
Favorite Virginia vacation spot? The Northern Neck, of course!
First political memory? Playing Ronald Reagan in a class debate.
Whom do you admire and why? I was really impressed with Governor Holton. I never knew much about him until I saw him speak at the Sorensen opening dinner.  He was, and is, a man ahead of his time, as well as a noble and courageous figure.  I wish more of today’s politicians were like him.
Best advice you ever got? Brevity is the key to persuasive argument in writing.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? Bill Clinton, because I admire him. He is an excellent conversationalist; he has a vast array of experiences and acquaintances; and he could give me guidance on a wide variety of topics.  Plus, he seems cool.
Describe a perfect day. Play golf at 8:30.  Have lunch with my wife at 12:00.  Sail to an out-of-the-way bay and snorkel for an hour or two.  Moor the boat and kayak up a river to a campsite.  Dinner by the campfire with my wife.  Sleep with the rainshield off of the tent and a view of the stars.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you? Most people are surprised when they learn that I sing in two choirs.
Ambition, political or otherwise? I would like to be chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, and run my county the right way from the Board of Supervisors.