Richard Schmitz Food Entrepreneurship Series

The Richard R. and Mary L. Schmitz Endowment for Opportunities in Food Entrepreneurship was founded in 1999. The fund supports an annual lecture by industry experts in the category of food entrepreneurship. This includes executives within a broad range of food processing, retailing and wholesaling industries. 

Richard Schmitz logo

This series provides an opportunity for Minnesota State University, Mankato’s College of Business to engage the growing sector of Agri-business with our students, alumni and friends in a format that educates the community about growing needs in the agriculture world.
 

2023

Upcoming event on March 16, 2023
Profile size_NC0421_ChristineLantinen_Renew_123_extended copy_cropped copy.jpgJoin us for the Richard Schmitz Food Entrepreneurship Lecture Series featuring Christine Lantinen, '98 owner and President of Maud Borup. Maud Borup is a wholesale manufacturer specializing in gourmet candy, confections, and snacks for specialty and mass retailers. Christine is leading the way and introducing new and indulgent products to Maud Borup, a woman and veteran-owned business with dedication to sustainability. Learn about her entrepreneurship journey and get a taste of Maud Borup.
 
 

NEW FOR 2023!

Open House Featuring Maud Borup Leadership Team 

  • Thursday, March 16, 2023
  • Students can stop in anytime between 9:00 am – 10:30 am 
  • Johnson Alumni Room- (TC114)
  • Business casual preferred (no registration required)
Meet with the Maud Borup Leadership Team for an open house before the official event! Talk one-on-one with the Chief Communications Officer, Director of Operations, Director of Sales, VP of Operations, and the Director of Sourcing!

2022

The 2022 event featured Julie Curtis, owner and President of Curtis Food Recruiters.

2021

The 2021 event was held virtually on March 24 featuring Kristin Duncanson, Highland Family Farms, and Sheryl Meshke, AMPI, Inc.
 
 

View past photos of the events

He used his business and accounting background in the Food Retailing Business with Red Owl Stores in Hopkins, Minnesota as an auditor.

In 1973 purchased a retail food store in Olivia, Minnesota. Acquired and ran a total of five stores in 1985 in Duluth, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin. In 2003 owned two large Food Stores in Hudson and Wausau, Wisconsin and sold them and retired from the business.

His business was recognized as Business of the Year in Hudson, Wisconsin in 1992.
He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Minnesota State University, Mankato with the Harold J Fitterer Service Award in 2002.

He has served as Chamber of Commerce President in Olivia, Minnesota in 1978, Chairman of Wisconsin Grocers Association 2000 and was the President of the Minnesota State Mankato Foundation Board.