Gary C. Schmidt is the chairman of Schmidt’s Wholesale Inc., a plumbing, heating, electrical, waterworks, and HVAC supply house in Monticello, N.Y., with branch location in Florida, N.Y.
He is a graduate of Monticello High School Class of 1966 and went to Clarkson College of Technology, now Clarkson University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution in 1970.
Schmidt has been active in the business community and wholesale industry for many years serving on the board and as president of New York State Plumbing and Heating Wholesalers, the board of American Supply Association and on the board and as president of WIT & Company, a national buying co-operative in the plumbing and heating industry.
In 1990 Gary, along with a group of local business people started Community Bank of Sullivan County, which opened in 1993. The bank is now called Catskill Hudson Bank and is owned by its Holding Company, Catskill Hudson Bank Corp. Gary is a director in both entities. In 2006, he was elected to serve on the board of directors of the Mid-Hudson Co-Operative Insurance Company, where he is now secretary. He is also on the board and secretary of Claverack Co-Operative Insurance Company and on the board of MidRox Co-Operative Insurance Company.
Schmidt is a founding member and serves on the board of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development. In 2002, he was honored with their highest award, the Walter A. Rhulen Award for Service to Business, Community, and Humanity. He also served 17 years on the Monticello Village Planning Board.
Schmidt has dedicated much of his time to the Boy Scouts of America. He is an Eagle Scout, God and Country Award holder, and a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow. Since 1972, he served as a member, vice president for camping and a president of the Hudson Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1980, he was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest award given by a local council. In 1990, he was honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award.
In 2004, Schmidt was named the Business Person of the Year by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.
Schmidt is a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Monticello where he currently is lay leader, chairman of the finance committee and on the board of trustees.