Faces of UB: Ron 'the Sandwich Guy' Smith

A trip to Putnam's in the Student Union may lead some students to the Red Hat Deli, where a cheerful Ron Smith serves droves of UB students daily.

To satisfied patrons, the tall, slim man with long salt and pepper hair tied back in a ponytail is known as simply "Ron the Sandwich Guy".

Taking both of his breaks for his 8-hour shift together, Smith welcomed the chance to sit and talk about a place he loves to be - UB.

"I have worked at UB for nine years, and after working in Pistachio's, Goodyear and Governors, I have found my place here at the Red Hat Deli in Putnam's," Smith said. "Of all of the places I have worked here at UB, I love Putnam's the best."

As he stands behind the counter, brandishing a smile, there is no mistaking Smith's love for his job.

Jami Furnagiev, a sophomore nursing student, flashed a smile right back, as she stepped up to the counter to make an order.

"I think Ron is awesome," she said. "He always brightens everyone's day. UB needs more people like him."

Watching Smith carefully craft a sandwich reveals his warm personality and kind heart.

"I love talking to the kids that I serve and those that I work with," he said as he handed his masterpiece to Furnagiev. "I just love to have fun at work talking and laughing and getting to know the students."

As he began creating his next work of art, Smith spoke of his work ethic.

"I take pride in my job, and it shows," he said. "I've even trained some of the kids that I work with, and I am proud of all of them."

Even the task of opening the Red Hat Deli in the morning proves to be a delight for Smith.

"I love to open; I work 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.," Smith said. "There are so many students that come through the Student Union everyday, and I get visits from a lot of them. I get to see many, many smiles on the faces of the students as I hand over their favorite wrap sandwich or pita."

"I have so much fun hanging out with the kids," he said. "I absolutely love my job, and don't notice the time going by because of it. Like I said, I love it here, and would never want to leave."

Though he thoroughly enjoys his job, a true "family man," Smith said he looks forward to the weekend when he visits with his family.

"I have three grown girls and a doll of a grandbaby," he said. "My daughters and grandbaby keep me on my 'P's and Q's.'"

An avid bowler, Smith said he uses this activity to spend even more time with his family.

"I just love bowling with my family," he said. "I do whatever I can to be with my family."

Smith treats his students at UB as an extension of his family he said he often gives them advice after hearing about their days.

"If there's anything I always tell the students, it's that they should live long, happy and prosperous lives," he said with a distant, cheery look. "That's what I hope for all the kids."

According to Smith, working at UB has given him a loyal following, as many students know him on a first name basis, and return frequently.

"I have regular students that I see every day of the week," he explained. "I even have students that graduated that come back to visit me."

Smith said pleased students' faces stand out during his day.

"I love it when I see the facial expressions of students after their long days," he said. "Many students look forward to their wrap or pita bread sandwich all day, so when I finally hand over their sandwich and see them smile, I know I made their day. And when I make their day, they make mine."