From Basketball to City Hall: Marty Small’s Blueprint for Leading Under Pressure

[0:00]  and um just doing right by people, senior citizens that come up to me and say, "Thank you for this senior program. I now have a purpose in life. I get up every day and I have something to look forward to." You know, the great job, the people that say, "Thank you for the opportunities that I provided." And not only an opportunity, but they're now excelling uh in the job or opportunity um that I provided. and just, you know, every day waking up knowing that I had the responsibility of this entire city.

[0:32]  Um, and every decision that I make, people are counting on. So, um, that's how I know I'm on the right track. You know, affirmation constantly, um, from the people that, um, that I'm doing a good job and I'm for the people. But um listen, I tell everybody, you know, people want to say, "Okay, well, you know, the house I live in, uh you know, the amount of money that I make, the personal car that I drive, um all of that came from muscle." Um I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I say all the time, I grew up in the worst neighborhood uh in Atlantic City and uh made it out. Um made decisions. Um my friends are my friends. I'm never going to turn my back on my friends because at the end of the day, the same people that you uh dealt with on the way up is the same people that you going to have to deal with on the way back.

[1:36]  Welcome back to another episode here on the Heart and Hustle podcast. Man, it's going to be a special one right here. We got Mr. Mayor. He went from balling on the court to balling out for an entire city. I mean, seven elections, three million in scholarship, and he just truly just getting started, man. Mr. Mr. Mayor, I got a question, man. H how how you survive seven elections in two years? That's kind of different kind of stamina. Some people had actually given up, but you stayed locked in. What kept you locked in? Yes. So, um, it started out in the primary. Um, I ran unopposed as, um, second ward councilman. I was the city council president. Um, if I would have lost those elections, I wouldn't have been in a position to be mayor. And then because I replaced the former mayor, it was a special election.

[2:17]  Then it was a change of government election. And it was a primary election, a general election, another primary election, a general election. All of that, seven elections in a row just to serve a full four year term. I I can bet that no one in American politics has had to go through that. No man, the grind really, man. It really kind of goes back from when you were on the court, right?

[2:37]  Do you ever miss the game or or does the court now just look like city hall? No. Well, well, listen, um I believe my um athletic experience has molded my mentality and my leadership style and skills to uh where I am today. I tell you know people all the time you know we use sports as a vehicle. I use basketball as a vehicle um to the success. So um you know when when you're an athlete you're in those tough situations. You go in hostile environments um and that transcends into my political career. I love going in hostile environments. I love the back and forth between the residents and I.

[3:17]  And um like I said, you know, you got it takes a certain type of person um you know, to be an athlete and to be a successful athlete and you know, transcended into sports um which is um politics is a contact sport and you know it's made me who I am today. Love it, man. I I really want to talk about the mindset though that you had to kind of shift. There's always a mindset shift when you do something different. So you're going from 19,500 case workers to to mayor. What was that mindset shift that had happened in between from that to to mayor? Um well I definitely started at humble beginnings. I was one who always um has been a leader amongst my peers group been always connected to politics. Um my mentor is the late great um s state senator, state assemblyman and former three-term mayor Jim Whan um

[4:04]  who was close to the peers in my age group. He uh was a swim teacher as well. He always supported us, always provided opportunities for us. So he said, "Look, you know, go to school, get good grades, graduate, come home, and make a difference in the community." So, um, I knew that basketball wasn't going to pay the bills the rest of my life. So, I wanted to get to work and put my degree to use. So, now I'm thinking in my mind, um, that, hey, I just graduated. I was a local basketball star. I was always in the newspaper. with my political connections, I'm going to come out and make at least $50,000. I went to his office and he said, "Hey, um, you know, we got this grant program coming up, but it's not ready yet, so you can start working here at city hall. We have an opening in the welfare department." Now, understand my

[4:51]  mentality then. I'm like, I'm not working with those people. I'm not working at the welfare office. I'm I'm just not doing it. And on top of it, I said, "Okay, well, what's my salary?" He said, "Well, um, 19,500." And I looked at him. I said 19,500. I said, "Man, you got people in the casinos that don't have a degree and others making way more than me." He said, "Well, listen." And I didn't understand at the time. I definitely understand it now, uh, dealing with unions. He said, "They'll kill me if I put you in at more money than the next person and so forth." So, it was either that job or take a job, I think, making $8.50 working with uh the rights of passage program after school.

[5:29]  So, um, I chose the welfare department and it turned out that that was one of the best jobs that I ever had. Uh, money aside, one of the best jobs I ever had. Um, I have relationships with the staff today. Some of them are still working here um, in city hall and that experience um, you know, provided, you know, me to help people and I definitely help people. One quick story. I registered one of our clients in the overcomers program at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. And it was one night on a late night. I went to uh Thriftway, the supermarket in Atlantic City, and I was talking and I didn't notice the cashier in line until it was time to bring my food. And it was one of the clients that I recommended to the overcomers program. So that made me feel good. um from uh the welfare department.

[6:16]  I then went to the safe haven program uh making $25,000 um per year. Little more but still not where I wanted to be. Um I was responsible for all the quality of life activities from the area at the time the state of New Jersey said was the worst in Atlantic City dealing with crimes was the area from New Jersey to Tennessee Avenue. And my job was to provide quality of life activities for youth and seniors. And we done it. Then uh right after that I had an opportunity to quote go back home. Um I was a Boys and Girls Club kid uh growing up. I was a member till I was six from the age 6 to 19. Um and everyone always said that hey when you grow up you're going to come back and you're going to run this place and I had an opportunity to do so. Um and this is what I respected about uh Mayor Whan.

[7:04]  I sat in this office that I'm sitting in now. It looks much different though. And I said, "Hey, um, Boys and Girls Club offered me the position to come, you know, run the club, brand new building. It's a chance to go home." I said, "But I really, really, really love my job with the city." And he said, "Well, listen, as a mayor of Atlantic City, I want Marty Small to stay because the job that he's doing with youth and seniors is making me look good." He said, "However, as a friend of Marty Small, someone who I know has political aspirations, um, you can't turn that job down. you got to take that job. He said because you can't work for the city and run for office and you got to take that job.

[7:43]  It's give you more experience, let you make more money and you know I have to let you go from Boys and Girls Club and a lot of people don't know. Um you know I made $30,000 for three out of the four years that I was there. Didn't get a raise. Um I talked to the kids now which a lot of them are now you know working in city hall and I wear the badge of honor. Um I said well look Mr. Marty never got a raise and all of those things that we were doing on the weekends traveling from state to state to state a lot of that you know came out my own pocket. So you know from Boys and Girls Club I then went to the school system where I got the chance to affect more kids um in Atlantic City working the entire city and you know from from there I worked a year at Principal Academy Charter. That's on the professional side. I've always been

[8:32]  active politically. When I first came home, one of the things that I've done um you know to you know keep playing basketball and give back to the community as well, we ran a men's midnight basketball league. Bank of America was our main sponsor. We named it after the late great um community hero uh Lwood Roberts. So I did that.

[8:50]  Mayor Wellen appointed me to the board of uh library board of trustees to get me some government experience. Then I ran for the board of education. I won. I was the top vote vote getter under the campaign slogan of think big and vote Marty Small and then the youngest elected councilman in the history of the city then council president in 2016 and now mayor of the great city of Atlantic City. I know that's a mouthful but I wanted to give people the complete story of who I am. Also um I have a bachelor's degree in communications from Stockton and a master's degree in educational administration from Cheney. I'm married to the superintendent of Atlantic City Schools Dr. The court is small. We have two children, Jada and Marty Small Jr.

[9:32]  Doing it, man. And all this pressure, man. You truly built for pressure when you think about what how where you come from and where you're at today. But was there a moment cuz I believe that when success happens, people just see success, right? People just see top of the line and think mayor and you gave us all the accolades that come with Mayor Marty Small. But was there a moment that almost broke you?

[9:53]  I wouldn't say it's a moment that broke me. I mean, at the end of the day, I am human. Um, I have feelings. I have emotions just like everyone else. But there's just something inside of me where pressure doesn't bust my pipes. You know what I'm saying? If they like it, I love it. Um, and I thrive under pressure. I operate well in crisis. Um, hence my leadership style. I let us through COVID when nobody could see, touch, or smell what was going on. It was my leadership um uh with this assistance of Senator Cy Booker who I had a passionate plea in a 45minute phone call. I said, "You got to help Atlantic City. You got to give us the tools to succeed with my leadership. We had two testing sites, the only municipality in the state of New Jersey at the time from a municipality standpoint. We fed um senior citizens in Atlantic City uh three hot meals a week

[10:43]  for like five months. Um you know, we did a lot of things, man. And um like I just look at it and I'm blessed to be in this position. This is something that I always wanted to do. And I know that with the mayor of Atlantic City, there's always a target and a bullseye on your back. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. And um like I said, I'm just going to keep, you know, pushing and no matter what situations that were dealt with or the hands or cars that that that I have in my hand, um the the quote that sums up my life is by the late great Dr.

[11:13]  Martin Luther King Jr. It says, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands at moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. And I'm always stand." I'm just listening to you and I just love to hear you speak, bro. Like to, you know, there was a when when Barack Obama was president, I just enjoyed seeing him talk. And just listening to you, man, like people sleep on you, right? You're really out here really building programs. Uh you're not just building pride. What's what's been the most slept on win thus far that people don't even realize? Um that that I'm always want to be connected to the people and the biggest win is for the taxpayers of Atlantic City. We just announced six straight tax decreases when you talk about Atlantic City's finances both Moody's and Standard and Pores. Wall Street agency said the city is not only in good shape, it's in great shape. They're giving us a positive

[12:00]  outlook and we are one step away from investment grade here in the great city of Atlantic City. the things that we do for youth and singers who are two most precious resources here in the great city of Atlantic City. Mayor Small has sent kids to Africa um you know with our youth services program. We have a rebuilt um newly uh recreation program that's doing different things, different programs and we're so proud of them because another administration founded that the way to balance the city's budget is to lay off 52 recreation workers. That's not happening under under mayor Marty Smart. We believe in investing in human capital. We have a $3 million three-year scholarship program that's coming up on the last year. We we we've given away $3 million to Atlantic City residents over the last three years to address the educational disparities.

[12:46]  When you talk about the multicultural community, Atlantic City is a has a bustling South Asian community. Um we are we have a multicultural office that is doing a lot of tremendous things such as Tai Chi um Bengali language and more for the multicultural community in order for the entire Atlantic City to matter. The LGBTQ plus um community has to matter. We mayor Small has brought in the first LGBTQ plus program coordinator here in the city of Atlantic City. When you talk about Atlantic City being clean, Atlantic City being safe, we changed the culture. Kudos to the five men and women that blew up the public works department who each and every day all six wars main and Jackson and every neighborhood in between goes out there and make sure that this city's clean. We added more police officers, more firefighters, promotions, um you name

[13:34]  it. Equipment, um speaking of equipment, the five $5.8 $8 million that this administration invested um and other people's money in the state of New Jersey to get cameras all over the city with AI capabilities to help our police officers, which is the best police department in the world, um make sure that um they keep a watchful eye over the city in addition to boots on the ground. Um when you talk about infrastructure from repairing and rebuilding two municipal bridges in Venice Park section of Atlantic City, we did the first and the second bridge.

[14:04]  when you talk about by the end of this summer um that both Atlantic and Pacific Avenue will not only be paved but also synchronized the light signals um as well. We got another pavement project on Baltic Avenue from Maine to Missouri at the end of the year MLK from Route 30 to Mediterranean. So we doing it in that space when you want to talk about investment people say that since CRD is out of the housing business that no one would invest private money here in the city of Atlantic City. And I believe as the mayor again investing in human capital that charity starts at home. If I'm going to sell a developer to come build in Atlantic City for opportunities, we have to put our money where our mouth is. And that's exactly what Mayor Small did with our unique housing lottery program. And we got four firsttime home buyers, brand new homes that was valued at 400,000 to 175,000

[14:53]  and less with the subsidies that the great city of Atlantic City is supplying. We have phase two coming with that program as well. But we have K-hop Nann, which is a national major developer. The Kushner family, which is a national major developer, and more building here um in the great city of Atlantic City. When you want to talk about homeless, it's homeless issues all over the country. But in Atlantic City, people near and far sitting there, homeless people here and say, "Go figure it out in Atlantic City because of the rescue mission and our Supreme Social Services." But Mayor Small was the first mayor to address this homeless crisis.

[15:26]  right now um we have people on the street every day um morning, noon and night uh working on the behalf of the city and trying to get these homeless people help offering them services and more. And when you look at where the city is going as far as um violence, um as I sit here right now, if this was this time last year, I would be telling you that I had six murders already. Um now this year, we have no murders. Um, we have our antiviolence program which are reformed criminals who used to be a danger to society. Now they're fully reformed and rehabilitated and they tell the children and adults that this is not the way to go. And when people come home from Atlantic City, um, we're urban setting and I'm going to say it again.

[16:09]  We are urban setting. Let me say it one more time. We are an urban setting. So we want to reduce the recidivism rate because people knock on the door ask for job hoping opportunities and no one is paying them any mind. It's just talk. Well, what are we going to do? This administration not only talks the talk, we walk the walk. Not only do we have a re-entry program, but we have a full-time job coordinator that is addressing job opportunities outside of city government and more. And we want to make sure that people have an opportunity not only for employment, but for housing, um, you know, getting that driver's license and more. Um, the unique programs that we offer to our residents for free. We have a CDL trucking school right on city property, Beta Field, and over 400 people have gotten their CDLs because of the um partnership with Mayor Marty Small City

[16:56]  in my administration and earns a transit and trucking. Um we got free credit classes for people. We have a small business academy that shows it's a 8week curriculum ran by the African-American Chamber of Commerce that allows Atlantic City residents for free to um freshen up on their business skills, come up with new ideas, and we're going to have incentives for them upon graduation, which is happening in a few weeks. Um we had an investment cohort where we had a young lady, Ashley Fox, we're bringing that back in the fall, who taught the Atlantic City community how to invest invest. So, this and more. Um, you know, financial planning is coming in the fall. We're really doing it for the residents of Atlantic City. And that's just a little bit of what we doing. I know I've been talking too much. I'm on the road, but you got me going. You're on the road, man. You You knocking out the parking and what really just forget

[17:42]  politics. But even with people, man, let's talk people. You got an open door policy literally. Why is being s Why is that being like such a core part of your leadership? Why you said, "I want an open door policy where people can have these conversations. There's no need for you to you you don't want to be the next politician, right? That you got to set up a schedule that you can't have that conversation. I believe even you said people got my number, man. I'm still answering the phones. I think last time I spoke to you, you mentioned that as well. Yeah. I mean I mean my my cell phone number hasn't changed. People know where I live because I like to tell everyone that I'm Atlantic City born.

[18:14]  I'm Atlantic City bred. And when I die, I'mma be Atlantic City dead. The key is, listen, there's going to be some people that look at me and say, "Oh, well, you know, now that he's the mayor or whatever, he's changed." No, I haven't. I mean, of course, things have changed. But the people that really know me, I'm the same Marty Small that grew up in this place right here. That's right. VAC for life. You see, I'm representing my VAC shirt. But but no, but seriously um when when you look at being in leadership, you always have to be available uh to the people and accessible. And sometimes with me, but a lot of times for me, that's the gift and the person. I go to the store and I could be with my family, people want to

[19:01]  stop me. I'm in a restaurant, people want to stop me. Um and that's just the nature of the beast. So one thing I do and I had to separate you know from friends um is the chain of command. Yes in this building I'm mayor small out of the building. Yes I'm Marty that you grew up with but at the end of the day we must remain respectful and professional and respect everybody's decision and that's how I have to balance the two but I'm pro employee as my employees will tell you and more importantly I never forgot where I came from and never will.

[19:32]  like there's a lot you're giving up, right? You're pouring into a lot of people's cups. I can only imagine. Um you're you're leading a city. You're showing up as a husband, father, son. What What does that Where does your refill come from? Like how do you get refilled? Well, I mean, it's important. And my staff, you know, tells me, you know, I I have a lot going on and the multiple things that I have to juggle and deal with and just everyday life in general.

[20:00]  Um, you have to stay grounded in prayer. Um, I know first and foremost who my Lord and Savior, uh, Jesus Christ is. You have to value spending time with family and friends. And more importantly, and I have to do a better job of it. Um, I have to get rest because this is a grind. Um, you know, I'm not a mayor that just sits behind a desk. I'm hands on and everything that we do. And, uh, you know, sometimes you have to rest and get recovered and refilled. And I'm I'm a person that doesn't like to take off and you know when I'm at home if I'm taking off I'm just you know trying to scratch the itch but um I do have to take more time and you know balance that at the end of the day if I'm not healthy if I'm not rested I'm no good to myself or the people I serve here in the great city of Atlantic

[20:46]  City. If the Heart and Hustle podcast has ever sparked any idea or made you think differently, do us a favor. Make sure you guys share this, post it on LinkedIn or even text that nonprofit friend that you just have. Whatever works. This is what keeps the conversation going and allows us to just grow this community together. Seriously, we appreciate you.

[21:09]  Love it, man. And you you just been since the first conversation I've ever had with you very vulnerable. Has you ever felt that it's backfired on you or is it just something that has always been your strength? No. Well, I think a lot of people take my kindness for weakness. A lot of people take their relationships for granted with me and we have to have those serious conversations like hold on, you know, don't Yeah. Yeah. I hear you. Don't forget who I am, right? Yeah. But where I come from? Yes. I hear you. I hear you. VC.

[21:44]  Let's talk about this AI, man. You just mentioned some some cool stuff. um this real time AI that I think last time you told me if something was happening and and you just talk to it and say I'm looking for this person glasses gray shirt that is going to find you every single person that is wearing glasses gray shirt really to help the community stay a little safer. What got you into that mindset to to think that deep? Well well we want the best for Atlantic City and uh we want to stay involved with the technology. We have a great IT department. They work very well with our police department and we're constantly seeking ways to push the needle. So, um, the camera system that we have, um, you'll be able to say, um, I'm looking for a guy in a gray shirt with black glasses, um, with his top two buttons unbuttoned. And every single camera in

[22:34]  the city will find that description. And then at that point, it's just process of elimination. And we also have, and this what I'm telling people, it don't pay to do crime in the great city of Atlantic City because we also have license plate readers at every entry and exit point in the city. So, if a if a car is stolen, it comes into Atlantic City, you're going to get that alert. Um, if you left Atlantic City at a certain time, you're going to get that alert. And about two weeks ago, we solved the crime. It was a bar fight and someone got stabbed. And because of the license plate readers and the citywide camera, we got the person right away as they was trying to leave the running city. Oh, you guys are on it, man. And it's you just mentioned how technology is something that you guys are investing in. I think um the number was exactly 5.8 million in into tech. Uh what's the people first reason behind

[23:21]  that investment? I know you talked about just keeping it safe. Is it also just kind of stayed ahead of the game? Yes. And not only that, um I set my expectations very high. Um, and that's the thing like with our city workforce, um, they've never been pushed like they've been pushed under me. They receive training, they receive support, and people are rewarded, um, for the job that they do. Um, you know, we've over the last what, four years, people have gotten upwards to $15,000 in raises that has never happened before. And their contract is up at the u at the end of the year. So, we really want to make sure that we continuously um, you know, take care of our employees um, in the right way. What else do you see? I mean, you're a big believer in AI, obviously, with the things that you've done. Where else do you see if someone wants to go to the website uh of Atlantic City?

[24:08]  Where can you see AI being a part of it? Whether it's communicating with with others through some SMS tools or where do you want to see that continue to enhance for the community to feel safer, feel like they have a resource, a place they can go to? Well, I mean, it's not only in I mean, I'm not, you know, sure as far as like, you know, the people that write the website. I'm not sure if they're using like chat GPT or any other tools, but um our our website is night and day um from our internet and our internet, our in-house system. Our IT department does a tremendous job as well as our contractors. I believe it's alpha dog who maintains the website. Um we also have another site that's by Lucky PR which is called Greatday Atlantic City.com. If you ever want to know what's going on in the great city of

[24:54]  Atlantic City and more and not the spam and fake news and you know the bias bloggers that the you know people who don't like Mayor Small or the administration, it's simple. Um I tell people getting back to the expectation level. I make no bones about it. I want to be the best mayor that the great city of Atlantic City has had and I carry that every day with me in every decision that I make. Obviously, you're not going to make everybody happy. Um, you know, happiness is in the eye of the beholder and, uh, you know, we're really doing a good job and we giving our whole entire organization the tools to succeed. Do you ever worry that innovation could possibly outpace uh, intention?

[25:35]  I mean, let me just give you an example about a little under two years ago. Um, you know, in our office, I'm a Matt guy. Um, we have, you know, the greatest laptop, you know, ever made by Mac. Uh, you know, now that was the that was the second model. Now they're up to the fourth model. The cameras that we first were talking about, you know, weren't at this level that they are now. Our police chief and our IT directors going to a conference um in a few weeks in Orlando to find out the great technology is forever changing. Um, if you get something new, that's just like, you know, a car. if someone gets a car um on a year where it's the final style, a final body style, and then I come get

[26:23]  the car um in December and it's a a new version. You're looking at yourself like, man, like, you know, I thought I had the best vehicle. Look at this. So, it's just, you know, ever changing. Um when you talk about um intention, my intention is always um to do the right thing by the residents of Atlantic City.

[26:41]  We're intentional in our think and I always tell people that we don't govern on feelings and emotions. We govern on the facts and data that's put before us. I love it, man. And you obviously leaving a hell of a legacy. Everything you're telling me, everything you plan to do, but we know that it's not been on a day. You've done this for a long time.

[26:58]  What's something people seen or something that you've planted that people won't even see until bloom long on until you're you know after you're gone? And that's what my constituent service director Kashon Cash McKinley always says. He's like, "People aren't going to realize the job that I'm doing because we're all living in this moment until it's time for someone uh to replace me." And they say, "Well, look how good we had under small. Look at all the things that we're doing." But that's sometime soon. Um, I'm gonna be here for a long time serving the people of Atlantic City, doing the great job that we are, continuing to push the envelope, push the needle, um, you know, to make this organization as best as it can. Um, giving younger people opportunities where they wouldn't get opportunities

[27:46]  before, giving ex fillings opportunities. I wear all of that with a badge of honor. Love it. Well, what does success look like after you leave office? I mean, I'm pretty sure some time's away, but that time will come. What is the second list like after the fact? Well, listen, um I'm smart. I'm educated. I have experience. I believe that opportunities will always uh find me again. Um I have no plans of doing anything else uh no time soon. But you know the saying that you have have options and you have options and not need them to need options and not have them. I believe that life is the relationship. Um you know networking and networking is my strength. Um, one of my friends calls me a professional beggar and um, you know, it's just, you know, we'll always have opportunities. Um, I

[28:35]  tell my staff each and every day that relationships matter. Life is the relationship. We'll see what that brings outside of the political spectrum. I love it. I do feel that communication, networking, all that is a part of it. And any job it seems that you've taken from early on in your years, it was always about communicating and networking and and never burning bridges, right? That's kind of what led you to the spot is and believing in yourself. Um it was this instilled as a young kid to just always believe in yourself, never give up. Like where's this this come from, man? You have so much grit. There's times right now, you kind of talked to me last time that there is some hate, right? There's always going to be when it gets to the political side, there's going to be that hate. There's going to be people that don't like you because whatever reason because they felt like you changed. You mentioned a little earlier, but where's that come from? And and it's the fact

[29:23]  that there's people out there that don't like what's going on uh with my wife and I. The fact that um we control upwards of $580 million of taxpayers money and doing a fine job at it. Um she's a superintendent of schools. I'm the mayor of Atlantic City. But when others were at the helm or you know they had this power, it was okay. But at the end of the day, uh she has a doctorate degree.

[29:46]  I have my master's degree. We're highly educated and qualified. We're going to always do right by people and we gonna put Atlantic City residents first. That's a key term of people saying they put Atlantic City residents first. But that's clearly um what we're doing as far as like the grit and and all of that. Like I said, this is just my makeup. This is exactly um how I'm wired to be. I'm a pillar of strength. There's a lot of people that don't understand like how I'm functioning, dealing with the personal matters that both my wife and I are dealing with right now that ultimately um the both of us uh will be okay. So that's a lot where that hate word comes from and everything. But um when you're doing the right thing and you're doing right by people, the people of Atlantic City will never fail you.

[30:31]  Love it, my brother. So let's let's kind of talk about it. Let's kind of start ending and wrapping up a little bit. But if someone's listening right now and they want to get involved into the comeback or I wouldn't really say to the comeback, but just to kind of propel what you already put, you know, down, what's the first step they can actually take to kind of get involved to what you're doing and and, you know, be a part of history, per se? Well, yes. Um, you know, I I would tell any person that's looking to do business with the great city of Atlantic City, um, our doors are wide open. If you want to bring development projects or more, our doors is right wide open. Um, you can get in touch with the mayor's office in Atlantic City. You can follow our progress on the city's website which is www.acj.gov, all of our social media, which is ran by our PIO department um at Atlantic City government on all

[31:19]  platforms. uh as the aforementioned website which is a news site for investment developers and more to really show what's going on here in the great city of Atlantic City and block out all the fake news that's out there. You go to www.cratedayatlantic city.com uh and you know it's just an exciting time uh to be here in Atlantic City and and I'm just so proud and back to what I was saying like about giving younger people opportunities. If you walk in city hall today it looks totally different um than when I first became mayor. And here's why. We are giving younger people opportunities because I remember when I was coming along, I was I was a struggle for young people to get involved in government any way, shape, or form. Um, like I told you, those former Boys and Girls Club kids that call me Mr. Marty still. Um, a lot of them are working in city hall. And I'm

[32:07]  extremely proud looking back on the times that we had at the Boys and Girls Club. And I tell everybody before like that old banner years ago that read you had to be here. You had to be there. but just providing opportunities, giving um exoffenders a chance and sometimes our people need a second, third, and fourth chance and Mayor Small is going to be here um to provide that opportunity. So, it's very important that we continuously maintain those relationships and look out for the people that's coming up. I love it, man. You mentioned the youth.

[32:35]  Let's talk to them. What's one leadership trait that you hope every young person that's in Atlantic City actually walks away from or walks away with after watching this? Well, I I hope at the end of this interview that they're looking up and say that this guy has came from the same neighborhoods we came from, the same schools we went to, and been through some of the struggles that we go through. I'm human at the end of the day. And um I want people to look at this to, you know, be proud because I mean, excuse me, be proud that they can look to see that someone just like them has made it to the top office in the city. And not only it's one thing to make it, it's another thing to govern. I remember the night that I found out that I was becoming mayor of Atlantic City.

[33:22]  And I was up talking to my wife and she said, "I can hear people now and say, Marty always wanted to be the mayor. Now he got his shot. what is he going to do with it? I looked at I said I'm not going to give it a chance. That's why we're in your face with everything that we do. Some people can take it as bragging. No, this is basically reminding people because unfortunately people get short memories. They have quarterback memories. And that's a sports analogy that I'm going use.

[33:48]  Meaning a quarterback that just got beat for a 60 yard bomb, the very next play you got to lace him up again and forget that he just got beat with a 60 yard bomb. So we always want to put out there what we've done, what we what we done, what we did, what we're doing, and what we going to continue to do. So um, one trait is, uh, you know, overcoming adversity. Um, that's my story, overcoming adversity. And, um, I want people to know that it's not how you start, it's how you finish. And at the end of the day, if I can do it, so can you. Yeah. No, I agree, man. You you touched on o overcome adversity. It's true. We all have a story. We all have to uh at some point realize that maybe at someone was writing our story, but at some point you take that pencil and start to write your own story. Mayor, you you you've done that. You know, when

[34:35]  someone try to write your story, man, you take that pencil back every time like now this is the real story right here. And you being always so, like you said, open like I don't mind talking numbers. I don't mind talking about my private life. And I wasn't going to get into you mentioned a little bit. We weren't going to get into it, right?

[34:47]  Because like I could only imagine people already talking about it. There's no need to to continue to kind of be that dead horse. But I really want to know what keeps you grounded, man. And in a time where people are are for you, people are against you. Uh we mentioned a little bit you're you're a family man.

[35:00]  You're always giving second chances. Um and still people just don't see you for that. What keeps you grounded when the cameras are off and and it's it is just Marty. Faith and family. Those are the two most important things. As I said, I know who my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is. And I know without him, none of this would be possible. And at the end end of the day, like they say, the author and finisher of my faith, you know, we know what's going on. And uh the song that I listen to every day on my way to work is by Yolanda Adams. The battle is not yours, it's the Lord. Okay. Now, listen.

[35:38]  Some people may not have not known that. We got an insider right here. Okay. Let's talk about it. A little bit. Let's talk about it. I love it, brother. So, we're going to get right into that blind question, man. We're wrapping it up, but someone Megan, a last leader here that we had on the podcast says, "What was the moment you realized you were on the right path?"

[35:55]  The moment I realized I was on the right path is, you know, making it to where I'm at and doing right with this opportunity. Um, you know, because even some of my friends, they would say to me that I knew that you were the best person for the job, but I didn't realize that you were this good. And the constant faith that the residents of Atlantic City continuously put in me because like I don't have a contract. Um, it's simple.

[36:26]  If the people don't want me, they're the ones that have to vote me out. and um just doing right by people, senior citizens that come up to me and say, "Thank you for this senior program. I now have a purpose in life. I get up every day and I have something to look forward to." You know, the great job.

[36:44]  The people that say, "Thank you for the opportunities that I provided." And not only an opportunity, but they're now excelling uh in the job or opportunity um that I provided. and just, you know, every day waking up knowing that I have the responsibility of this entire city. Um, and every decision that I make, people are counting on. So, um, that's how I know I'm on the right track. You know, affirmation constantly, um, from the people that, um, that I'm doing a good job and that I'm for the people.

[37:15]  But um listen, I tell everybody, you know, people want to say, "Okay, well, you know, the house I live in, uh you know, the amount of money that I make, the personal car that I drive, um all of that came from the muscle." Um I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I say all the time, I grew up in the worst neighborhood, uh in Atlantic City and uh made it out. Um made decisions. Um my friends are my friends. I'm never going to turn my back on my friends because at the end of the day, the same people that you dealt with on the way up is the same people that you're going to have to deal with on the way back. I love it, man.

[37:50]  Continue being representation. You just kind of mentioned how when we talk about the youth that, hey, look what I was able to do. You mentioned from the roughest community in Atlantic City to now mayor speaks value, man. Whether people like it or not, I think there's something there that people cannot deny. And it was that you overcame adversity, right? Right. I can imagine there was already a stigma that you wouldn't make it out um just by living where you live.

[38:12]  So I mean kudos to you and and not only that growing up in the house with eight women. Wow. Um you know in that neighborhood and you know making the right decision being involved in church being involved with my sports groups uh and more. Um and and I tell people that no matter what we're we're we're going to deal with the facts. I have another slogan that men, women, political opportunists lie, but the numbers and facts don't. And we want to keep I love it, brother. Well, mayor, what is your blind question for the next leader that we have here on the Heart and Hustle Podcast?

[38:46]  My blind question for the next leader that we have on the Hustle Heart podcast, not knowing the profession or anything. Yeah. Um, I would tell them to name three things that got them where they are and three things before they got where they are, where they doubt, three instances where they doubted that they would ever get there. I love it. I love it. It's It's always good to kind of go back, man. So many times we're on the uh the this path of um just I wouldn't say chasing success, but being in success because we're already in success, right? That you forget sometimes, man, look how far I've come.

[39:20]  when you think you're not doing enough, you mentioned look back the things at times you doubted yourself, but you did it and look where you're at today. So, I'm a big believer in it. Mayor, thank you so much for this conversation, my brother, for being just so honest, for giving us all the facts where where people may kind of not understand really what's kind of going on behind the scenes. Um, we we mentioned where we can go on the website. Where can people connect when it comes to mayor? Are you on Facebook, Instagram if they want to see what you're doing out and about Atlantic City? Uh, yes. Um, I don't really use Twitter, but my Facebook is Marty Small Senior. My Instagram is I am M I am Am M A R T Y S M A L. Um, also ironically, this is shameless plug. I'm running for reelection for mayor of the great city of Atlantic City. You can find that information at www.marty small the number4 mayor.com.

[40:07]  Again, www.marty small for mayor.com. And listen up all of you listening out here, even if you're not in Atlantic City, you know people in Atlantic City. This administration is what all your hopes and dreams are made of. So on Tuesday, June 10th, we want you to think big and vote small. Again, think big, vote small. Vote for the entire team. Small ticket. Um for governor of New Jersey, vote for Steve Fuller. For assembly, vote for Lisa Fernando and Bruce Weekes.

[40:36]  For county commissioner, vote for uh Reverend Collins Days, who's my pastor. And for the Atlantic City, vote Marty Small for mayor. I'm an F2. Um, also my running mates are G4,5 and six, re-elect Pat Bailey, re-elect Stephanie Marshall, and elect Muel Amed. And I'm Mayor Marty Small Senior, and I approve this message. And always remember, it's a great day here in the city of Atlantic City. Can we say great day? Great day, brother. Guys, with that being said, it's been the hard podcast. My name is E Fran. We got Mr. Mayor Marty. Thank you guys so much for tuning in. Make sure you guys do comment. Share this with someone in Atlantic City that may need this information. We'll catch you guys on next episode.