In Michiana, craft breweries dot the region, and local family restaurants anchor every downtown. It’s in this environment–at the intersection of legal knowledge and entrepreneurial dreams–where Rachel Schnetzler has found her calling.
Rachel is no newcomer to restaurant law or alcohol law. She grew up immersed in the craft-brewing world, and her knowledge and connections to the service industry are strong. “My dad is an entrepreneur and successful business owner, and he inspired me to pursue law and assist other local businesses and entrepreneurs using my legal experience,” she explains.
Rachel is motivated by the spirit of local entrepreneurs and their drive to transform an empty building into a buzzing hub of local flavor and friendly connections. As she describes it, “The most fulfilling part of my job is assisting start-ups and growing businesses in moving to the next level. I enjoy seeing people’s dreams become reality and being a part of the process.”
A thoughtful and consistent communicator, Rachel takes the time to make sure her clients have the best possible legal advice as they make decisions. Being a useful hand up in opening a brewery or restaurant is important because she understands that her clients–and often their families too–have poured their passion into their business, and they trust her to provide sound guidance.
“The first time I assisted a restaurant owner from the very beginning stages to their opening night was particularly meaningful,” Rachel recalls. “I have seen the early challenges firsthand and know the hard work and excitement when an idea finally comes to life, and you get to see people at your establishment enjoying it.”
That Michiana boasts numerous thriving craft breweries and local restaurants is no accident, and neither is Rachel’s position here among them. Building a reputation as a destination for craft brewing, as the region has, can’t happen without a proper legal infrastructure. So having an attorney who can navigate the maze of restaurant and alcohol regulations while understanding why a brewer’s heart skips a beat when the first batch turns out right isn’t a luxury–it’s a necessity.
Although not originally from Michiana, Rachel is wholeheartedly committed to the local community. When career opportunities in the area aligned for her and her husband, they jumped at the chance to move. “The entrepreneurial spirit here interested us, and we are glad we made the decision to move to this area,” she notes.
A combination of skills and passion like Rachel’s isn’t something someone can learn in a textbook alone. With her industry insight and legal ability, she is an incredible asset to any restaurant industry entrepreneur needing sound understanding and trustworthy guidance.
Her unique value to local entrepreneurs hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. Rachel has assisted numerous local restaurants and breweries in navigating restaurant licensing, liquor laws and alcohol licensing as they open, build, and sustain their businesses. She stays connected to the industry and the community as a member of the Craft Brewers Association and the Elkhart Bar Association. She is an Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy graduate, has earned recognition as a Michiana 40 Under 40, and is a partner at Warrick & Boyn. Additionally, her mentorship under Judge Andrew Hicks has grounded her practice in the kind of beneficial knowledge that can only come with years of local connection and care.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Rachel dedicates time to nurturing our community’s next generation. She serves on the board of directors of her children’s school and of Ryan’s Place, a children’s grief support organization in Goshen. “I am passionate about supporting their mission as a center for grieving children and families,” she explains.
At Warrick & Boyn, we are proud to empower our attorneys. We encourage them to focus on their genuine interests, refine their most valuable skills and knowledge, and, just as Rachel has, ultimately specialize in areas that benefit our clients and community the most. As Rachel remarks, “I truly enjoy the people that I work with. I am able to practice in areas that I enjoy and work with great clients.”
Rachel Schnetzler exemplifies how strong relationships, valuable connections, and a deep commitment to the community can create remarkable good for both businesses and the families who build them. We are enormously grateful to have her on the Warrick & Boyn team. Please contact us today if you’d like to leverage her specialized knowledge, unique experience, and dedication to our local community for your business.