Eric Schmitt - President

Sales and operations leader for the Contract Sales Division of Rapids

How long have you been with Rapids?

Since 2013.

What was your favorite project? Why?

There have been so many great projects that I have been a part of with Rapids that it is hard to select one. The ones that stand out to me are the projects in which our clients actively collaborate with our team to make their vision a reality. The collaboration allows us to create a space that accommodates both the operational and cost needs of our clients and prepare a thorough plan for our design an construction partners that helps them avoid delays and costly change orders. Any time we have collaboration and trust, we have incredible success.

What was your most challenging project? Why?

Renovations are always a challenge given there are so many unknowns when you begin. The most challenging was a historic renovation we did in Minnesota of a legendary supper club. The space was old and had undergone several additions and renovations in its history which meant there were inconsistencies throughout that we and our design-build peers on the project had to overcome. Although it was a challenge, it was one that really highlighted what our team is best at which is problem solving and communication. When the project opened it was an incredible space that really embraced the history of this landmark location.

What was your solution?

Because of the number of unknowns we spent an incredible amount of time in the field with the construction and design teams to understand what issues were arising during construction and revising plans and project scope to accommodate. By being there, we were able to discuss potential cost impacts with the entire team of each of our possible solutions and find the ones which kept the project schedule on track while minimizing costs to the owner. Incredible team work by everyone involved.

Name some of the projects you’ve worked on.

Check out the individual pages of our contract team members and see the incredible projects that they have undertaken. They are the people who make our clients dreams a reality! I am here to help make sure we have the resources in place to keep them delivering these amazing results.

What are you working on currently?

I have several projects going on with a wide range of customers. The best part of working on various projects with different owners is to see how each of them approach their food service operations. Some customers with practicality, and some with a bit more flare. Each one of the projects I have going now is very different, and it has been great to be a part of it with them.

What do you like to do on a Sunday afternoon?

Grocery shop with my family for the week ahead. Go on a hike to enjoy some fresh air. Run some energy off my wife Stacey and I’s 3 children. Finally (if I am not asleep myself) have a drink and relax with family and friends.

If we gave you next week off, what would you do with your time?

Road trip. This country has some incredible places that we fly over all too often. I would hop in a car with my family and discover something new with them.

What was your last “oh my god this is perfect” meal?

Mussels from Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids, IA. I am a big shellfish fan and I kid you not, the best ones I have ever had I have had in a spot that is about as far from the ocean as you could be. They boiled the mussels in ham broth with some white wine (I think?). Lights out. Still searching for something that can match it.

What is your best dish?

Saturday morning pancakes and bacon.