John W. Schmid

John Schmid is the co-founder and President of Project Roar Publishing, a company dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Lionel trains. His lifelong passion for model trains began in childhood, building and expanding layouts with his father—a tradition that made every day feel like Christmas in their home.

John’s professional journey began in the software industry, where he led sales divisions for renowned companies including Sage Intacct, Host Analytics, Siebel, Hyperion, and NCR/AT&T. However, a pivotal moment came in 2001, when he and his father acquired a treasure trove of original Lionel Train Company documents at auction. This discovery sparked John’s fascination with the historical and collectible side of the hobby, inspiring him to transition from software to publishing.

Through Project Roar Publishing, John has become a leading authority on Lionel train history. He is the author and photographer of Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960–1969; co-editor and image manager of Inside The Lionel Trains Fun Factory: The History of a Manufacturing Icon and The Place Where Childhood Dreams Were Made; co-editor and photographer of Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Postwar Operating Cars; and editor of Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! A Photo History of an American Icon.

John holds an MBA in Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.

Today, John continues to research, write, and connect with the model train community—preserving a unique slice of Americana for generations to come.