Maria Smith

Maria brings over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. When asked about her work, she’ll tell you, “I love what I do—but you have to be a little bit crazy to do it!” She truly cares about her clients, building relationships that go far beyond the typical client-agent connection. Maria has found a true professional home at Leavitt Piedmont, where she values the strong support the agency provides—from IT to HR and all the other acronyms that keep the business running.

Originally from a tiny town in West Virginia along the Ohio River, Maria grew up in a place where you left your doors unlocked and knew all your neighbors. Now living in the Greensboro area, she appreciates that it still feels like a small town—but with big-city advantages.

Maria has been married to her husband Randy for 32 years. They met in 1991, shortly after he returned from serving in Desert Storm. Together, they have two adult children and a new daughter-in-law. One of her greatest joys is working alongside her daughter, Abigail, at the same agency—a partnership they both enjoy deeply.

Maria’s life took a profound turn shortly after getting married, when she was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). On September 4, 2013, she underwent a double nephrectomy and received a life-saving kidney transplant—thanks to her husband Randy, who turned out to be a perfect match. His selfless gift was life-changing for their family, and it continues to inspire Maria's drive to give back.

In her free time, Maria enjoys watercolor painting, reading, cooking, kayaking, and playing games with her family. Her favorite place to be is the beach. Inspired by the late humorist Erma Bombeck—who also battled PKD—Maria believes deeply in the importance of giving back, no matter what challenges you face. This philosophy has led her to support a number of causes including Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Shoebox), The Wounded Warrior Project, and Guilford County Foster Kids. She encourages both her agency and her clients to get involved and make a difference.

If you’ve read Abigail’s bio, this might sound familiar: “Happiness is a choice you make. If you choose not to be happy—you may go to your room.” It’s something Maria repeated often to her kids growing up, and to this day, if she says “happiness,” they’ll respond, “Give us a minute, Mom.” Her message to all of us: Choose to be happy.