Lead + Follow: Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s Bill Schmidtke

This month’s edition of Lead + Follow — a Q&A section dedicated to further understanding the personal and professional mindsets of area business leaders — features Bill Schmidtke of Capital Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric.

Schmidtke’s legacy business has been around since 1937, when William Schmidtke and Helmut Klein bought a small sheet metal shop in Olympia. Today, the company is run by Bill Schmidtke and his two brothers, Dean and Chuck. Bill Schmidtke has an engineering degree from Saint Martin’s University and acts as the company’s president and commercial division manager.

Are you feeling fit or overwhelmed?

Depends on the day of the week. Mondays, I am overwhelmed and on Saturdays and Sundays I am feeling fit. (But) overall, feeling fit.

Do you have a favorite podcast that you consume?

I listen to “followHim,” an inspirational podcast.

Is there advice you’re

glad you ignored?

Work seven days a week.

What is your exercise routine, and how often do you do it?

Elliptical and BowFlex three times a week. I started this when my boys were younger and wanted to go backpacking.

What makes you laugh?

When my 17-year-old son teaches me how life really is.

What matters most to you?

My family and spending time with them.

Best advice given from a mentor?

Remember what really matters in life and the rest will fall into place.

Best way to motivate your team?

Always be willing to do what you ask others to do and hold yourself accountable.

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

How to play the piano.

Whom do you admire most?

(Those who) live and lead by setting a good example in every aspect of their lives. Of course, my wife, Erin, has always been at the top of this list for me.

What are you afraid of?

Letting others down.

What apps do you use most?

Audible, Pandora, and TrailX.

What do you still use that is analog?

I don’t think (there is) anything, unless power tools are considered analog.

What in your wardrobe do you wear most often?

Tactical pants and a shirt with our company logo on it. Since our company shirts are black, there is not much color in my closet.

What is the most recent thing you regret not buying?

Two-door Jeep Wrangler.

Do you have personal morning rituals or schedule?

Seems like my morning ritual is to get up and pour a bowl of cereal.

How do you find calm?

Find an amazing remote place and enjoy the view and peace up in the mountains or on the coast.

What is the most recent thing you have added to your collection?

I have a collection of ATVs, but my wife has cut me off from adding to that.

What does success look like to you?

Success to me is not monetary, but in finding balance in life between family and work responsibilities.

When was the last time you completely unplugged?

ATV overland trip through Utah last fall for five days.

What is your favorite hotel or place to retreat to?

Newport, Oregon.

What is the last piece of advice you gave to somebody?

To remember that integrity is what you do when no one is watching.

What sort of music makes you happy?

Anything from Chris Stapleton.

How did you overcome your biggest challenge?

Just kept working at it until it was resolved, one piece at a time.

How do you unplug?

Go away somewhere and turn off my phone, normally on a camping trip with my family.

Is there a book you recommend?

Work-related: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. While this book is about business, it actually taught me more about myself.