He is a businessman, store owner and representative of generations of family.
In the heart of downtown Opelika lies a complete one-stop building supply store, run since 1931 by three generations of Smith T men.
Dozier Smith T, Auburn University alumnus and current owner of Winston Smith T Building Supply, said he enjoys the many different hats he wears as head of this local family-owned business.
Dozier's grandfather, Winston Smith T, founded the store in 1931. One of his ancestors, John Smith from Tennessee, found it advantageous in the 1800s to add the letter "T" (for Tennessee) to his name in order to differentiate himself from the multitude of John Smiths.
The "T" stuck, with Dozier still carrying it many generations later.
According to Dozier, Winston Smith T saw a need for a supply and hardware store for the Opelika community. He was also one of the first founding members of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
Dozier said he believes his grandfather made a lasting impression on the community because of the generational connection that still exists today.
"I have grandchildren of some of my grandfather's original customers come in (to the store)," he said.
A typical day for Dozier Smith T goes like this: open at 7 a.m., wait on customers all day and accounting (filling out invoices, paying bills and ordering) until late afternoon.
"I wear so many different hats," Smith T said. "It's like managing chaos, but that makes it interesting."
Smith T said he loves what he does. He said just being able to interact with people day-to-day, providing them with what they need, is satisfying enough.
"I like it because I'm pushing a pencil, doing numbers and physically lifting things--there's a wide variety of things (to do) in a small business," he said.
He also highlighted the advantages of being a small business owner, including being self-employed.
"You get to do things your way, and there's gratification," Smith T said. "When things go well, it's the fruit of your own labor."
The aspect Smith T said he enjoys the most about being part of a family-owned business is the special relationships it provides.
He and his father worked together in the store at one point and got closer because of it.
"The relationship I had with my father was great," he said. "It was a special relationship."
Nowadays, Dozier, who has six children, is the only Smith T running the old-fashioned-looking store.
When asked to describe his job in one phrase, Smith T said, "Challenging, but gratifying."
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