MAITLAND, Fla. -- After 25 years and 11 months of service to the City of Maitland, Troy Smith is turning in his flashlight and other tools with his retirement imminent: His official last day as the city’s building inspector is on Aug. 11.
Smith is what they call in the building profession a “combination inspector.” He is certified and responsible for inspecting the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical aspects of buildings. He credits the municipality with providing him an education in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. He also is a state-certified fire inspector, a credential he earned while in the employ of the city.
This has been a very busy year for Smith professionally. With five new construction sites in Maitland, Smith makes anywhere from 20 to 40 stops a day.
Earlier this year, the Central Florida Chapter of the Building Officials Association of Florida presented Smith with its “Inspector of the Year” award. Before joining the City, Smith was a general contractor specializing in building structure. He worked as a building contractor since 1983.
A native of York, Penn., Smith graduated from what is now University of Central Florida with dual degrees in political science and public administration. When asked how he stayed in the same role and same place of employment for so long, Smith said wryly, it was “always the people.”
Earlier this year, the Central Florida Chapter of the Building Officials Association of Florida presented Troy Smith with its “Inspector of the Year” award. Before joining the City, Smith was a general contractor specializing in building structure. He worked as a building contractor since 1983.
A native of York, Penn., Smith graduated from what is now University of Central Florida with dual degrees in political science and public administration. When asked how he stayed in the same role and same place of employment for so long, Smith said wryly, it was “always the people.”
Smith's retirement plans include “relaxing real hard for a while.” After he's had enough of much-needed relaxation, he plans to visit his son in Oklahoma and travel out West. Greece also is a place that appeals to Smith for its rich history and ruins ihe is a fan of Greek mythology.
In between these leisurely pursuits, Smih also plans to get back out more on his beloved kayak, one of his favorite pastimes.