When Renee Schroeder went to work for Smith and Richardson Inc. (Geneva, Illinois) in an accounting position right out of college with no manufacturing background, she didn’t know she would come to love manufacturing and what it stands for. “Manufacturing has become more than just a career, but a passion,” she says.

Through the years, she has worked tirelessly to help the company grow, making herself available to answer questions and make decisions to help the business. As a leader and vice president of operations, she has respect of the entire organization as well as the respect of many of its large customers whom she has significant contact with, according to her nominator and mentor, Rich Hoster, president of Smith and Richardson.

Hoster says Schroeder is the heart and soul of the organization. “I honestly would not have been able to grow Smith and Richardson without her dedication and the growth she has undergone both personally and professionally,” he says.

Hoster adds he is especially impressed with her accomplishments because she has done so much while also raising her three daughters. “Renee is an awesome role model for all working mothers and does an amazing job with her work/life balance. I frankly have no idea how she performs at the level she does while doing an equally amazing job raising her family.”

Although she is receiving much praise from her colleagues, Schroeder humbly recognizes that she has had a role model during her time at Smith and Richardson to help her grow in her career. “I have been very fortunate to have Rich Hoster as my mentor who has taught me what it means to be a leader,” she says.  

Schroeder’s goal is to share her passion for manufacturing with young people considering this career.  

To learn about all of the 2020 Emerging Leaders, read Meet Production Machining’s 2020 Emerging Leaders.

To watch videos about our 2020 Emerging Leaders, click on the links below:

• Advice for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent
• Manufacturing Attracts Young Leaders in Different Ways
• Leaders Who are Goal Oriented
• Daily Challenges Emerging Leaders Face