Elgin Riverside Club honors Jason Smith as 2026 Man of the Year

The Elgin Riverside Club recently named Jason Smith as 2026 Man of the Year

The Man of the Year is selected by committee based on nominations made by club members. Qualities considered are volunteerism, involvement in projects around the club and overall attitude toward the betterment of the club.

Smith has been a club member since December 2015 and serves on the executive board as one of three trustees, a position held since 2023.

Smith is being recognized for his accomplishments and contributions to the Elgin Riverside Club some of which include leading the annual building/grounds spring and fall cleanup; reviving and co-chairing Ravinia Night, a large annual music & food festival; co-creating and co-chairing The Cigar Club; assisting in numerous tasks that support other music, food and holiday events; performing various maintenance and painting projects; contributing to various initiatives for capital improvements, marketing and communications programs; and overall operations of the club.

Smith grew up in Elgin and is the son of Cheryl and the late Daniel Smith. He attended Larkin High School graduating in 1987. He attended Northern Illinois University-DeKalb earning a Bachelor of Arts — Organization/Corporate Communications degree in 1992.

Upon completing his degree in communications, Smith began a 15-year career in professional services and real estate marketing. In 2007, looking for a new challenge, he left the corporate arena and started a remodeling and painting business, Duke Remodeling, which he continues to own and operate today serving residential and light commercial clients across Fox Valley and the greater northwest/west suburbs.

Outside of the club and work, Smith served as a citizen-at-large member of the Elgin Board of Health, has been involved with the Eagle Heights Residents Association, volunteered with the Elgin Big Brothers & Big Sisters and served on the Hemmens Advisory Board. He has long enjoyed assisting seniors in his neighborhood with assorted chores and projects.

In his free time, Smith’s hobbies include music, reading, gardening/landscaping, softball, golf and following sports of all kinds. He enjoys spending time with his family, his girlfriend and her two sons, his friends and his fellow Elgin Riverside Club members.

The Elgin Riverside Club honored Smith at the Man of the Year Banquet on June 20. Congratulations Jason for this well-deserved honor.