Joe Schmitt

Q&A with Joe

How long have you been with Rapids?

Along with my wife Geri, my brother-in-law Joe, and his wife Diane, we purchased the company in 1992 from the company founders’ children.

What was your favorite project? Why?

All projects that we complete on time and on budget.  But most importantly, when our customers tell me that our employees who represented Rapids did so in a fashion that would allow them to recommend us for another project.  We appreciate the challenge to earn the respect and trust of our customers!

What was your most challenging project?

Working to manage our company through the challenges associated with changes in the foodservice equipment market, whether the result of economy, competitors, or customer demographic changes.

What do you like to do on a Sunday afternoon?

Spending time with my beautiful wife, our children, and our grandchildren (keep them coming kids!).

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

Spend more time with family and friends. If possible, I would ask to extend it for an additional week and spend time visiting Germany and Ireland.

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

Last time in Chicago had a meal at Joe’s Stone Crab; Stone Crab starter, Crab Bisque, Dover Sole (and a few sides) followed by The Famous Key Lime Pie…have it when you can, and hope that someone else is picking up the tab!

What is your best dish?

I really have to go with my “Beef Tenderloin”. Ok for full disclosure, this is actually a recipe that I have posted “here” from “thepioneerwoman.com”. The recipe reads more like a book, but it is worth the read and the time to take every painstaking step.