After his graduation in 1982 at the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, Jože Smrekar began his career at the then Geodetic Institute of the Republic of Slovenia in Ljubljana, where he first worked on cadastral surveying, and later as head of the Department of Land Consolidation, he also gained the first managerial experience. In 1989, he brought his professional career to the City Municipality of Ljubljana, where he improved his professionalism and knowledge of spatial law within five years of his work as an urban inspector at the City Administration of Inspection Services.
In 1994, Jože was chosen as Director of the then Ljubljana Geodetic Bureau, which was renamed in 2008 to the current LGB, Geodetic Engineering and Geoinformation Technologies. With his takeover of the rudder, the LGB experienced intense development and growth. Under Jože's leadership, the company advanced to an important player in the Slovenian competition of geodetic companies, followed by organizational changes, personnel enhancements, and technological improvements.
With a thoughtful strategy, good adapting to changes in the market and a sense of new business opportunities, Jože contributed to successful operations even in the uncertain times of the Slovenian economic crisis. During this period, the company expanded its activities further into the field of remote sensing.
In 2017, after his retirement, Jože became the LGB Procurator after being the director of the company for 23 years. For him, the employees were the greatest potential of the company. With an open and honest attitude towards colleagues, he managed to create a dynamic, committed and homogeneous collective, which not only achieves the set goals but also often exceeds them. He was an important contributor to every individual, and he still wants to dedicate his time to strengthening collegial relations and belonging to the company today. Precisely because of the correct attitude towards colleagues and business partners he is appreciated and respected also today.
Jože was also active in the wider geodetic community. For eight years he was chairman of the Ljubljana Geodetic Society, he was active in the Executive Board of the Slovenian Geodetic Association, he is a founding member of the Economic Interest Association of Geodetic Operators (GIZ GI), and he was also a member of the geodetic section at the Slovenian Chamber of Engineers (IZS) and the Association of Court Experts and Certified Appraisers in geodetic profession.
Dynamic rhythm doesn’t calm down in his free time, as he loves balls on tennis and basketball courts. With his wife and four children, they are a sporty active family. Since the family is the most important for him, he takes it around the world for longer trips or cycling and mountain tours. A special place in his free time has a nautical theme since every year he loves to sail through the islands of the Adriatic Sea and thus accumulate new powers for work.