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Meet the Wilmette Walgreens team
Two Men And A Walgreens: Left, Mark Schmidt, Wilmette (Lake/Skokie Blvd.) store manager with Irv Abrams, Wilmette resident, also of Walgreens. Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: November 27, 2012 11:24AM
When the Wilmette Walgreens opened Nov. 16 at the corner of Lake Avenue and Skokie Boulevard, it did so under the supervision of Store Manager Mark Schmidt, of Chicago, and Wilmette’s own Irv Abrams, district manager of the company’s north suburban district.
Abrams, a 16-year Wilmette resident, and his wife Lisa have four children, Bruce, 23, Brittany, 23, Aaron, 22 and Justin, 19. Schmidt, a 20-year Walgreens employee, has two daughters: Shannon, 17, a high school junior, and Katie, 16, a sophomore.
Meet neighbors Schmidt and Abrams, the guys behind the newest corner store.
Q. Mr. Schmidt, how does the new Walgreens play into local economic development?
A. We have 20 employees and we’re looking to grow and add employment opportunities in the community. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to serve the customers and it’s an honor.
Q. So what do you think of that guy (Abrams) who’s got your back?
A. I work for the best boss in the world!
Q. Mr. Schmidt, how important is economic development?
A. Edens Plaza is coming back. We’re just finishing up what has been started by the community and making it what the residents of Wilmette deserve. We’re here to serve.
Q. Mr. Abrams, why do you choose Wilmette to raise a family?
A. Great schools, that’s why I moved here. Being a resident of Wilmette, I care deeply about my neighbors. I look forward to serving their needs.
Q. Mr. Schmidt (a huge Chicago Bears fan), are you a winter or summer person?
A. I am a seasonal person. I’m from the Midwest and I plan on staying in the Midwest. I am a (1985) Weber High School graduate. If any Weber alumni are out there, please come and see me at the store.
Q. Mr. Schmidt, how will the manager in you spend the holidays?
A. I spend every second that I’m not working with my kids. I know on Thanksgiving morning, we always get up early to throw the football around for an hour. It’s a tradition. My mom’s gravy (at Christmas and Thanksgiving) is the best, we put gravy on everything.
Q. Mr. Schmidt, what does community mean to you?
A. I think it’s just natural for me to be a member of the community. My purpose here is to help people get well, stay well and live well.
Q. Mr. Abrams, closing thoughts?
A. That’s our company belief, to get well, stay well and live well. About community support, it’s so important to give back.
