The variety of backgrounds of our membership is incredible. This is another one that will grab your attention and surprise you. Marta was born at “Fitkin” Hospital, now Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, the youngest of four daughters of the “Smock Clan”. Her father Bud Smock founded PL Custom Emergency Vehicles in Manasquan, her mother an RN at Fitkin Hospital. Thanks to Marta, our club had the opportunity to visit this amazing manufacturing facility a year ago which is operated by her sister Debbi.

The Manasquan beach was this little girl’s playground where the family lived but Marta’s parents parted when she was very young. Her mom “Jackie” married Tom Sperry and they all lived in a farm house build in 1792 in Middletown. This was a farm with goats, chickens, sheep and produce grown on many acres of land. Tom’s family started S&H Green Stamps back in the day. It was during her years in the Middletown schools that she got the “mascot” bug. She was “Bingo the Clown” for Ground Round, “The Lion” in Jr. High, “The Eagle” in High School and the “Patriot” in college. No wonder she was a natural to be our Polar Bear mascot for our plunge. Some kids never grow up.

After receiving her BS in Marketing from the University of Colorado, Marta commuted to NYC for several years working as a Communications Assistant to executives for The Associated Press, J J Kenny and Time Incorporated. It was during this time she married and moved to Florida because of her “first” husband’s new position. Once in Florida, Marta became an Assistant to the Director of Golf at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens. It was in this position that she met Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fuzzy Zoeller, Jack Nicklaus and many other greats. The Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus recruited her to work for his company, Golden Bear International as Director of Communications & Marketing a position that she absolutely loved and worked for Jack for over 10 years. This experience provided an opportunity to play a lot of golf in and out of the country. A 13 handicap at the time was rather good.

Marta returned to New Jersey as a single mom and wanted to raise son, Billy, then 4 and daughter Corey 5 years old here and to be closer to her family. She spent the next 19 years working at Brookdale Community College in the Marketing Division, the Foundation and Event Management. Marta was deeply involved in her kid’s sports activities and coached every sport they played including baseball, basketball, soccer and football. You read that right, Coach Marta.

Daughter Corey, now 25 owns Shore to Sparkle Cleaning Co., and Billy 26, a scratch golfer works at the family business PL Custom Emergency Vehicles as a supervisor. Both live in Monmouth County. Marta’s interests are travelling and golf. She goes to Italy every year where she would love to live someday. She has also been to France, Russia, Croatia, Greece and many other countries. Marta is an authority on Drag Queens. Ask her about that one. Marta has membership in Monmouth-Ocean Development Corporation, Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, N. J. State Chamber of Commerce and Audubon Society.

After leaving Brookdale, Marta then focused on developing her own company QuinnEssentials Events, a marketing and event consulting company which she operates today. This led to an association with HABcore, which Marta says is not a job, but a calling. She is the Director of Development and Community Outreach. This 30 year old non-profit provides permanent housing and personal support services to the homeless, veterans, families, children and individual with special needs. Her dedication to this organization is deep and a vital part of her everyday life. Sean Growney was her sponsor in April of 2017 and was recently selected to be Co-Chair of our Centennial Committee.

Marta feels that she was destined to become a Rotarian. As a young girl, her parents were heavily involved with the New Jersey Jaycees and Project Concern. We were taught to be involved, care for others and do right by others. She feels honored and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of our international organization.