The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Joe Smith in our Community Proud series.

Joe Smith is one of those familiar faces you do not have to be introduced to. If you have been to wedding, fundraiser, bar, or community event in Mystic, chances are Joe was behind the music making it all happen. Known for his kindness, humility, and generosity, Joe has built a career around bringing people together and giving back to the community he calls home.

Originally from Waterford, Joe has deep family ties to Mystic. As a kid, his aunt used to bring him to local parades, planting the early seeds of connection to the area. Over the years, Joe lived in Waterford and Ledyard before eventually settling near Mystic, where he began working as a DJ in 2016. Today, he is the resident DJ at Friar Tuck’s and Chapter One, while also juggling roles as a 911 dispatcher and a co-founder of Mystic Events.

Joe’s love for music started early. When he was just 16 or 17, a friend asked him to create a wedding playlist. Instead of being paid, Joe was given DJ equipment. That moment changed everything. What began as DJing house parties for friends slowly grew into weddings, bar gigs, large-scale events, and long-standing relationships with business owners and event planners. Over the past 20 years, Joe has turned a hobby into a livelihood built on trust, consistency, and quality.

Being born and raised in Southeastern Connecticut keeps Joe rooted in the community. It is nearly impossible for him to go out without running into someone he knows. That close-knit feeling matters to him. It keeps him connected and grounded, and it fuels his desire to give back.

Giving back is not just a value for Joe. It is part of his work. His involvement in toy drives began when he was part of the fire service in Waterford as a teenager. Over time, he partnered with Mike Buscetto of Filomena’s to create an annual toy drive benefiting Safe Futures and other local organizations. This year, the effort expanded through partnerships with Perks & Corks, Friar Tuck’s, and Filomena’s, continuing a tradition of supporting families in need.

Joe’s ability to form strong community partnerships comes down to pride in his work. He believes in delivering a good product and creating events that succeed for everyone involved. Business owners, patrons, and partners all want the same thing: a great experience. Joe’s professionalism, approachability, and attention to detail make collaboration easy and effective.

Alongside Brittany Hadfield, Joe co-founded Mystic Events to take the events they were already producing to the next level. From Mystic Santa Con to the Merry Mile and beyond, their goal is to create large-scale community events that are fun, meaningful, and impactful. Mystic Santa Con alone has grown from a small idea ten years ago into an event that now includes 11 bars, draws over 6,000 people on a Thursday night, and has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Cactus Jack Foundation. Every dollar raised stays local and supports people who truly need it.

Joe believes trust is built through genuine connection. He is easy to talk to, takes the time to get to know people, and treats every interaction with professionalism. In a community like Mystic, where people want to see each other succeed, that approach goes a long way. Joe credits the success of his events not just to himself, but to the people who work at the establishments and the patrons who show up to support local businesses.

When asked what makes Mystic feel like home, Joe says it is simple. Walking down the street feels familiar. You grab a coffee and see six people you know. The town has charm, but more importantly, people genuinely care about one another.

Joe is inspired by seeing people have a good time. He takes pride in creating events that work, that bring joy, and that allow people to escape their everyday routines. Turning a dream and a love for music into a career is something he does not take lightly.

In his limited free time, Joe is usually still working. If not, he is with friends, family, or talking shop with local business owners. He enjoys running the Mystic Mile on his days off and spending time with his girlfriend Jen and their two dogs.

Joe would like to thank his loyal clients and the many relationships that have supported him along the way. He also extends heartfelt appreciation to Brittany Hadfield for her partnership in Mystic Events.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Joe Smith for his dedication to community, his generosity, and the positive energy he brings to Mystic every day. Joe truly embodies what it means to be Community Proud.