Ever wonder who replies to all of those comments and suggestions at the Whole Foods on Milwaukee's East Side. An intern maybe? Maybe the store's general manager? A committee of experts? Nope, it's one individual. Her name is Emily Schnadt.
Schnadt, the Milwaukee Whole Foods store concierge, started at the company in 2001 at its Boulder location. She's originally from Illinois, but "loves Milwaukee."
"The people are so friendly and welcoming; and there are so many wonderful places to check out and fun things to do," says Schnadt.
Schnadt recently took time out to answer a few questions.
OMC: How many comments does the store get daily/weekly?
Emily Schnadt: Daily one to five, weekly seven to 30.
OMC: What type of training does a Whole Foods concierge need?
E.S.: I have a background in herbal medicine and nutrition, but the common thread amongst other concierges is a passion for natural and organic products, and most importantly, in serving our customers. This position necessitates an expansive interest in our business and products. I am constantly learning more in order to better help our customers.
OMC: Do you answer them all?
E.S.: I sure do!
OMC: What's the strangest request that you've received?
E.S.: I don't think any requests are strange. However, I did receive two comments on the same day: One requesting that we stop playing rock 'n roll music and the other praising us for playing rock 'n roll. I receive some comments that were written to make me laugh and they do! Like, "More Cowbell!"
OMC: What's the most asked question?
E.S.: That varies. Around our store opening, we had a lot of comments for bike racks and baby changing tables-which we have installed. Now it is mostly product requests.
OMC: Any mean ones?
E.S.: We receive a lot of comments that rave about our store, our products and our customer service. However, there are times when something happens that we need to address. We embrace our customers' passion for our business and will do everything in our power to meet their needs.
OMC: Here's a suggestion from me, where's the juice bar?
E.S.: As a region, we are not building juice bars into our stores. We still offer vegetable juices, smoothies and wheatgrass juice throughout our Grocery and Produce departments. Next time you are in the store, I can show you these products!
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
