Rack Builders Inc. (RBI) has named John Schmidt as its new CEO, effective January 1, 2022. Current CEO Bob Johannessen will assume the position of Executive Chairman. Both will continue to serve as directors of the company.
Johannessen co-founded RBI in 2009 and has served as CEO since then. His new role will focus on manufacturing improvements and new product development. “Many good people had faith in us and took a chance on us when we started, and I am very grateful,” Johannessen said. “The last twelve years have been fun and challenging, and I think the future will be even better.” This is the next step in his 50-plus year career that includes manufacturing and management positions at Navistar, Speedrack and Konstant.
Schmidt is also a founder of RBI and has served as executive vice president for 12 years. Prior to that he spent 16 years at Konstant in both engineering and sales roles. “We have a great team here and great customers,” Schmidt said. “I’m honored and excited to continue growing what Bob has built.”
Rack Builders is a leading supplier of structural rack systems to the North American logistics market. Since 2009, the company has grown from 3 people to over 200 employees, with locations in Illinois, Missouri and Georgia.
