FEDA Taps Joe Schmitt of Rapids Wholesale to Serve as Association President

Rapids Wholesale, a Cedar Rapids-based Food Service Wholesale Supply Company, announced that longtime company President Joe Schmitt has been tapped by FEDA, Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association, to serve as FEDA President for the next two year term from April 1, 2016 – April 2018.

FEDA was founded in 1933 by Sam Anoff, and is a nationally recognized association for foodservice equipment and supplies dealers. The association has been the most prominent voice in the United States foodservice equipment industry. FEDA currently has over 300 members across the United States. The core membership is made up of companies that are dealers of commercial food service equipment and/or supplies.

Joe Schmitt brings to FEDA 24 years of experience as President of Rapids Wholesale, a Commercial Kitchen & Beverage Equipment Wholesale Company which dates back to 1936. In the last 24 years of Rapids history, the company has seen exponential growth under Joe Schmitt’s guidance.

As President of FEDA, Schmitt plans and goals are many. To name just a few,

Recommend a draft MAP policy as a model for exceptional manufacturers.
Modernize FEDA’s Electronic Communications and User Interfaces, including a refreshed, secure FEDA Website.
Refresh and Expand Education Opportunities for members.
Seek a similar agreement with ASID as was reached with IIDA which allows both organizations to better advocate for legislation on behalf of their respective members.

Joe Schmitt states outgoing FEDA President “Brad Pierce did an amazing job of building the platform for the FEDA Data interchange with the help of Autoquotes and key suppliers in the channel. In addition, Brad worked tirelessly to improve collaboration and communication with our Allied Organizations in the channel (NAFEM, FCSI, MAFSI and CFESA) to ensure we are working toward the same end to improve channel profitability for all parties.” Mr. Schmitt further states he is honored to serve as President of FEDA and have the opportunity to expand on the hard work and alliances already in place thanks to past Presidents, Board Members, and FEDA’s in-house staff.