chairman of Sun Life Stadium. In 1997, the
Marlins won the World Series, becoming
the youngest MLB franchise ever to win a
world championship. “That’s only stuff you
dream about. But I lived it. I lived the
dream,” Smiley said.
A few years later, Smiley decided to take
some time off to develop the Junior Champions Tour, a series of tournaments in
Florida for serious junior golfers, when he
was contacted by an executive search firm
in New York. They were looking for the next
president/CEO of Milwaukee World Festival
Inc., which produces Summerfest. “I’m from
Racine so I knew what Summerfest was all
about,” Smiley said. He accepted the posi-
tion and is now in his ninth year of running
the “World’s Largest Music Festival,” which
celebrates its 45th anniversary this summer.
Under his leadership, the fest’s profitability
increased by 211 percent in just three years,
but the humble Smiley credits his staff for
the success. “I have experienced, smart and
loyal employees who make my job a lot eas-
ier,” he said. In late April, Smiley’s expertise
was tapped once again when Gov. Scott
Walker named him new chairman of the
Miller Park stadium district board.
Following his father’s advice has paid off.
“It wasn’t just luck that I got that job at
Channel 5. It wasn’t just luck that I walked
into Wayne Huizenga’s office,” said Smiley.
“I worked hard. I had a reasonable idea as
to what I wanted to do, and I’ve taken ad-
vantage of good timing and fortunate situa-
tions. I’m blessed.”
It’s only fitting that someone as ambitious
as Don Smiley’s motto is, “Where is the first
tee and what’s the course record?” As for
that motto, “Bring it on,” he said. “I’ve
never broken one, but I always say it.” ;;
Smiley (fourth from left) with friends from Milwaukee
at the Frederica GC in St. Simons Island, Ga. _______________________________________
