Schack makes bid for City Commission

 

Bill Schack grew up and graduated college in New Jersey. He graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s in marketing and has used his degree in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years. He came to Florida State shortly after to play golf and immediately loved the FSU campus and the city of Tallahassee, and decided to stay.

During his career, he became well known for being a coach and mentor, always encouraging his staff to go the extra mile. His ability to thrive in the fast pace of the restaurant business and his skills in turning around failing restaurants with his high-level work ethic and enthusiasm, has earned him respect among his peers, co-workers, and thousands of staff members.

He was  promoted to one of the youngest general managers in the Applebee’s company’s history. Schack was recognized as team player of the year, and marketing manager of the year. His stores often earned sales, customer satisfaction and operation excellence awards. 

Schack picked up his bulk cooking skills after working for Qdoba’s Mexican Grill, Chili’s and the cafeterias he ran in state buildings.

Schack’s “success forward” management style encouraged the development of sales-building special events. In 2008 and 2009, he was recognized by the National Restaurant Association as the humanitarian of the year for Florida for his restaurant success and community involvement.

  Schack spends his time serving several non-profits, as a coach and unified partner with Special Olympics, serving on boards, and as a Road to Recovery driver for the American Cancer Society. 

 His experience serving people who have been positively impacted by charitable work, and his full-time job serving the homeless in Tallahassee, has inspired him to do more for all the residents of Tallahassee.

“My wife and I have known Bill Schack for almost 10 years. We initially met Bill when my son wanted to play Special Olympics golf in Tallahassee. Bill at that time was the head golf coach and I will never forget my first impression when I saw how he related to the kids,” said Dean Ferris.

His experience and passion has helped to make a difference in peoples’ lives every day. He believes that is what is needed on the City Commission in 2018.

“When I met Bill Schack, I was transitioning from a halfway house in Tallahassee. I had been in some trouble and was seeking to change my life, work, and become a productive law-abiding citizen. Because of my past, I was having a hard time finding employment. Bill Schack took a chance with me and gave me a job in his restaurant,” said Kimberly Thomas, a former employee.

Over the years, he has recognized that local politicians continue to make the same promises year after year, election after election, yet the same tough issues and problems still exist in Tallahassee.

“I believe it’s time to address these issues, and not talk about them any longer,” Schack said. “Our city needs a new voice on the commission, one that will be the voice of the people to get things done for our city”. 

Schack has been married to his wife Holly for 13 years. In 2008, they adopted their daughter, Courtney.

Schack has served as a food manager at the Kearney Center for the past two years.

Schack hopes to gain the support of his Tallahassee neighbors as he campaigns for Tallahassee City Commission, Seat 3 in next month’s primary.