Life & Work with Ryan Smart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Smart.

Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I attended KU from 2011-2016, with a break in 2014 to focus on music. I released two albums independently and am concluding my third project in the following months. During the pandemic, I was driving for Uber and DoorDash to fund my music career and decided to make a change. I applied to work at Hendrick Toyota off of 1-35 and 67th St and selling cars came easy to me. I was number one salesman my first month back in March of 2021 – I sold 19 cars. I continued to excel and sold 21 cars back to back months afterwards and my life changed overnight. My focus now is to save enough money to fund my music career with an actual budget and hire professional help for videos and studio time. Music is my dream and has been for a decade – now I have the resources to make it happen!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely hasn’t been a smooth road. I don’t know anyone that’s had it easy since the pandemic started. My first two music projects didn’t get any attention and it’s been a realization that marketing is just as important if not more than the product. I’ve had to take a lot of personal responsibility for my results and really selling cars has been a validation of sorts. Putting years of your life into albums to have them go unnoticed was tough, working a 60 hr/week job and putting your dreams on hold isn’t easy. It’s easier when you’re great at something though and being number one at the number one dealership is rewarding.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of my progress. I have a hidden YouTube video of me singing from 2010 and it’s horrendous. Somehow I was able to improve dramatically over the years and start to dial in my sound and authenticity. I’m proud for sticking with it all this time in the shadows. I think people will connect with my third album. I’m proud of breaking through on the income side of things as well.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The only risk is not taking one. I think a lot about regrets and the things I haven’t or won’t get to do. Comparing yourself to others at certain ages, especially turning 30 in April this year. I didn’t make it big in my 20s like I wished but I did become who I wanted to be. My 30s should be amazing and I’m excited for the journey. It’s tough to risk what you aren’t willing to lose. I advise knowing your risk tolerance and not compromising yourself, that way you don’t have room for what-if’s because you wouldn’t have done anything differently.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/rynsmrt
• SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/rynsmrt