He may have difficulty acknowledging it, but leadership is probably in Pete Schmautz’s DNA. You don’t get to grow through both the corporate and professional ranks in a competitive industry without it — that knack for sound decision making; that ability to instill confidence and inspire those working for you to exceed their own expectations; and that commitment to success regardless of the obstacles that present themselves along the way.
Now, at 50, Schmautz — soon to be immediate former president of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSCRA) — has reached an interesting point in his career. He reflects on what he’s accomplished with a grounded perspective that also keeps him focused and driven toward the future. His decades of experience have taught him to keep an even-keel attitude to both corporate successes and failures, and he’s seen his share industry-wide since entering the business in 1983.