Dave Smith grew up in humble circumstances in Michigan. He attended Michigan Tech University and upon graduating college he wound up in the plastics business as an industrial engineer which brought him out to California. In California he quickly became acquainted with the Jaycee’s organization which focused on community service and leadership skills. In 1976 he began service on the Newark City council, and subsequently in was elected to the public office of Mayor in 1978 and served Newark in that position until 2011.