A Closer Look: Dan Schmitt’s Journey to Hall of Fame

An Annual Local Honor

On May 13th, 2026, Dan Schmitt will be inducted into the Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of Central Virginia. This honor celebrates not only his professional accomplishments, but also a lifelong alignment with the values of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership that Junior Achievement instills in young people.

For Schmitt, that connection is deeply personal.

Image caption: Dan Schmitt in his role as Brookland District Supervisor

Built from the Same Values Junior Achievement Teaches

Long before he built a company or held public office, Schmitt was learning the very principles that Junior Achievement champions today. Growing up around his family’s business, he gained early exposure to entrepreneurship that would shape his entire career. He reflected, “I remain fully convinced to this very day that my work ethic, financial literacy, attention to detail, and focus upon people-first is derived from those years.”

It’s no coincidence that when he first learned of his Hall of Fame induction, his thoughts returned to those early lessons and how closely they align with Junior Achievement’s mission. “I immediately thought about my parents… and how everything I learned connects directly to the core values and mission of Junior Achievement,” he says.

The Risk That Defines Entrepreneurship

That foundation was put to the test in 1999, when Schmitt and his wife Sharon made a decision that would define their future. With a newborn on the way and limited financial security, they considered whether to take a leap that many aspiring entrepreneurs face. He remembers asking, “Can we forgo my job and ‘regular’ paycheck and make a run at building RMC Events?”

That leap led to the creation of RMC Events, Inc., which began with just eight employees and has since grown into a regional leader supporting thousands of team members and tens of thousands of events annually.

Looking back, Schmitt still marvels at that moment of uncertainty and courage: “Not sure how in the world those two twenty-somethings had that kind of courage—but sure glad we did.” Dan is an example of the real-world risk-taking and resilience that Junior Achievement programs aim to prepare students for.

Image caption: RMC Events staff on Flying Squirrels opening night.

Leadership That Extends Beyond Business

Schmitt’s impact goes far beyond entrepreneurship. Since 2018, he has served on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, representing the Brookland District and helping guide one of Virginia’s fastest-growing communities.

He credits much of his growth to the influence of colleagues and mentors. He recalls first meeting Jack Berry as a young intern, describing a progression from eagerness to nervousness to deep respect. Over time, that respect evolved into something more personal, as he had the opportunity to work alongside him. As Schmitt puts it, Berry inspires him through “consistent and clear loyalty and commitment.”

He also points to John Vithoulkas as a daily example of what effective leadership looks like at the highest level. “He’s the single individual I know who somehow, every day, hits the trifecta of leadership combining exceptional skill, genuine compassion and heart, while achieving team-based results at extraordinary levels,” Schmitt says, adding that “I’ve adjusted many of the ways I approach every-day decision making based upon what I’ve learned.”

And then there’s Todd “Parney” Parnell: a source of energy and human connection as the long-time face of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Schmitt describes him as “one of my most loved humans who I unashamedly steal energy from—all the time,” noting that his ability to connect with people is something truly special.

Grounded By What Matter Most

Despite the demands of leading both a business and serving in public office, Schmitt remains grounded in what matters most: family. “The hobby that supports my success is making sure these moments exist in abundance,” he says, describing time spent with loved ones as essential to maintaining balance and perspective.

Whether it’s a quiet Sunday at home or a day on the water, those moments carry deeper meaning. “The kids may think that we’re just fishing… but to me, it’s WAY more than fishing.” It’s a reminder that success is not just measured in professional milestones, but in the relationships and values that sustain them.

A Full-Circle Honor

Dan Schmitt’s induction into the Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame represents a full-circle moment that ties together the lessons of his youth, the risks of entrepreneurship, and a career dedicated to community impact.

Through Junior Achievement, those same principles are being passed on to the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Schmitt’s story stands as an example of what those values can become over a lifetime.

Join us on May 13 to celebrate Dan and this year’s other distinguished honorees.