Who am I?

Born and raised in Morristown, NJ, but with roots deep in the Midwest (dad grew up in Milwaukee, mom in small town in NW Wisconsin), Julie Schmitt moved to Elgin, IL in December of 2000 because of its diversity, historic character, and community.  Julie has spent her life being active with her community starting as a Brownie with the Girl Scouts, and progressing to her involvement locally in Elgin with the Gifford Park Association. 

As a young girl of nine, Julie became enthralled with horses when she began riding lessons at the local stable in the county park.  This progressed naturally to her love of the outdoors and amateur participation in orienteering, cross-country skiing, biking, hiking and birding.

After an independent consulting career spanning 7 years in SE Chester County, Pennsylvania, Julie decided a change was in need so she sold her house “for-sale-by-owner”, packed a moving van and drove to Chicagoland in May of 2000.  There she found her former position as an E-Business Development Manager in Schaumburg for Omron Electronics. In her search for a home, Julie fell in love with the architectural integrity and neighborhood character of the Historic District in Elgin, and purchased a dilapidated American Foursquare.  Over the next 6 years, Julie lovingly renovated the interior and exterior of the home, which was featured on the 2006 Elgin Historic House Tour.

Currently employed with Knaack LLC in Crystal Lake, IL as their Ebusiness Development Manager, Julie spends her time biking, riding, gardening, and home improving projects.  In addition to these hobbies, she also is an active member of the Gifford Park Association and takes an active interest in development projects sponsored by the City of Elgin.  An ardent supporter of the environment, Julie is a member of the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Chicago Wilderness, The Nature Conservancy, and the Natural Resources Defense Council in addition to Moveon.org and the Illinois Green Party.  She is a graduate of Morristown High School, The County College of Morris and currently resides in the Historic District in Elgin, IL with her Rat Terrier and 2 cats.