By SCOTT CARLSON
North Platte Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Bob Schmidt, founder of Eagle Communications, lived by the motto, "Forward Ever, Backward Never." This motto served as a guide in Schmidt's life both personally and professionally.
When Schmidt launched Eagle Communications after purchasing KAYS Radio in Hays, Kansas in 1989, his goal was to leave a legacy not only in broadcasting but also in the communities which Eagle served.
Bob’s “Forward Ever” outlook, combined with his wife Pat’s interest in community projects led to the formation of the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, now known simply as The Schmidt Foundation.
Over the years, The Schmidt Foundation has built a brighter future for many in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. With the “Forward Ever” attitude, the Board of Trustees work to continue Bob and Pat’s vision of improving the quality of life in our communities.
Through the years, Eagle Communications has made many strategic moves and acquisitions, but perhaps none more important than Bob and Pat’s decision to sell the company to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. That decision in 1998 would be fully realized in 2012 when the last of Bob and Pat’s shares were purchased making Eagle 100% employee-owned.
The Employee-Owners continue to carry on Bob and Pat's mission through the support of nonprofits in the communities they serve in Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.
At Eagle Radio North Platte's Annual ESOP Meeting in June at the Prairie Arts Center, Eagle Communications Chairman of the Board and Chief Development Officer and Schmidt Foundation President Gary Shorman held his annual flipping of the prized Eagle ESOP coins that are given to each employee-owner at the time they are hired.
The last employee to match Shorman's coin is given $1,000 from the Schmidt Foundation to donate to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
This year's winner Patrick Jacobson selected the North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity as the recipient of the donation.
"Habitat for Humanity is a great organization that has helped many families in our community and I thought the extra funding would benefit another family," said Jacobson when asked why he selected Habitat for Humanity.
On Wednesday, Jacobson presented a check to Dalene Skates, Executive Director of the North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity, who recently raised the wall on their 63rd home in North Platte.
You can learn more about the Schmidt Foundation HERE, and learn more about the North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity HERE.
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