Meet Ryan Smetzer! We recently met with Ryan and talked with him about his roots and connections to Franklin County.
Ryan moved to Franklin County in the Fall of 2015 when he came to Greencastle to live in his grandparents’ old home and relocate closer to his radio job at MIX 95.1, out of Chambersburg.
His connection to Franklin County goes back to his childhood. His parents were raised in Franklin County and a large portion of his father’s family still live in the Waynesboro and Greencastle area. In the times that he lived elsewhere, he spent a lot of time visiting his grandparents and other relatives in Franklin County while he was growing up. According to Ryan, moving back to Franklin County was, in a sense, like moving home.
Ryan has wanted to work in radio and entertainment since he was 10 years old and he has had the opportunity to build on those dreams in Franklin County. Ryan dreamed of being the next Ryan Seacrest as a young boy. He obsessed over American Idol and the American Top 40 radio show. He remembers growing up recording the Top 40 and then recording his own voice over Ryan Seacrest’s to make his own personal radio show. As he got a little older, Ryan was part of the Morning Announcements Crew at his middle school and went on to help announce some of the high school games. This helped him grow towards those dreams in a fun way. After high school, Ryan started sending his demo tapes to various radio stations. When he was a sophomore in college, Ryan heard about an opportunity to fill in on weekends for MIX 95.1, a station he grew up listening to. He sent them one of his demos and that turned into the beginning of many other opportunities and now he covers the daily afternoon drive on the LIVE 96.7 station.
Ryan describes his experience of Franklin County as “one big happy family” and “a breath of fresh air”. He sees evidence of the family community vibe at all of the various events he attends and/or works. “Franklin County has a calm and positive atmosphere and that’s one of the best things about the area.” One of his most nostalgic memories is stopping at the Twin Kiss when his family would come to Waynesboro – he remembers getting ice cream and feeding the deer. He loves that he still hears people today talk about taking their children to the Twin Kiss for the same reasons. He hopes that someday he will be able to take his future wife and children there as well.
We asked Ryan some questions about his favorite places and experiences with people in Franklin County and here’s what he had to say. Ryan’s favorite place would be a tie between the Big Oak Café, where he spent a lot of time when he was in school and working evenings at the radio station, and Antrim Community Park. He recently discovered Antrim Community Park but finds the park to be calming and it brings back fond memories of his childhood. The most interesting person Ryan has met in Franklin County would be Rick Alexander, one of his on-air bosses. Ryan grew up listening to Rick and Lisa on a morning show and credits Rick for playing a part in inspiring him to pursue working in the radio business.
When we asked Ryan who he would most like to have lunch with, he named Randy Wilson. Ryan thinks there are so many resources he could pull from Randy that would fit his field of work. They would most likely lunch at Big Oak Café and enjoy Ryan’s favorite wrap “The Meadow” or dine in at The Orchards and enjoy delicious steaks.
Ryan wants to learn to ski and snowboard and Franklin County offers so many local areas. He also can’t wait to try out some of the local attractions, like golf courses and kayak areas. Most people don’t know, but Ryan is also a fan of the theatre. He hopes to get more involved in the theatre arts in Franklin County in the near future.
We asked Ryan what his best advice to visitors of Franklin County would be. Ryan says, “Definitely check out the Visitor Centers to get the full scope of what there is in Franklin County. There is so much to do and see. It pays off to access those state and local entities that can provide you with the go-to spots, landmarks, and the best places to discover. Then just take it all in.”
Ryan told us, “One of the most unique things about Franklin County is the rural concept, which makes it a very relaxing community to drive through no matter your reason for coming to the area. It has a very chic rural feel and anywhere you go, you feel like everyone is family. The people are so awesome and friendly.” When Ryan thinks of “home”, the first three words that come to mind are fun, relaxing, and exciting which Franklin County is all of these things to him.
Ryan tries to contribute to Franklin County by resonating the positivity he admires so much. He enjoys the opportunity to reach others on their afternoon drives and hopes that he is able to touch other people’s lives in a positive way. His goal is to achieve that as much as he possibly can.
