Frank De Smidt has served the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce as president, as director, and as chair of the Government Affairs Committee. As a small business owner he opened and operated two Straw Hat Pizza Restaurants in the 1970's for 15 years and for 25 years. During that time he also was president of Los Altos Broadcasting, Inc. and General Manager of KPEN 97.7 FM. 
His commitment to civic participation has not only spanned two terms totaling six years on the Milpitas Economic Development Commission, but also participation on three city task forces, one that dealt with parking and two with sign ordinance review. He is past president and director of the Milpitas Rotary Club.  De Smidt has worked in film and television. including Lloyd, Wedding Planner, Bedazzled, and three Nash Bridges episodes. He has one son, who graduated from San Jose State University and another son, who received his Master of Arts degree in Music from San Diego State University.