Describe your business in one sentence.

S. R. Schill & Associates is committed to providing our clients and community financial security and peace of mind.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

Yes, I am an Islander. I've lived here since 1972. When we were looking to move our offices about 17 years ago, we saw the growth happening on Mercer Island as residents and decided it would be the perfect place to relocate.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

When we saw our offices at 2448 76th Ave SE, we knew the location was perfect. Central and accessible. It was the perfect size for clients to feel at home and connected.

What makes your business so unique?

S. R. Schill & Associates is unique in our wide variety of services. We're not just one thing, we're essentially a "one-stop shop"! We don't just plan, we advise and manage. We don't just achieve success, we provide peace of mind. The list goes on. That's why our logo features the ampersand so prominently. We're not this OR that; we're this AND that.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

It was an odd, quick, and unexpected transition. Over the course of a matter of days, our offices were empty, and we could only see each other via Zoom. It was a strange transition to be sure, and, to this day, we miss all being in the office together, but, as a company, we adapted, as we always do. We take pride in the fact that we are resilient and ready to meet whatever challenges may come. During these strange times, we remain grateful for our amazing Mercer Island community, as well as for our clients. Because of them, S. R. Schill & Associates can keep helping clients achieve their financial futures, no matter the circumstances.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products or services that you would not have thought of before? How did it work out?

We are resilient. For 33 years, we have been here for our clients and community. We're still here; even when challenges arise, we always figure out ways to overcome them. We are proud to be a Mercer Island business, and we are proud that we have been able to find a sense of stability during these uncertain times.

If there was a single product, service, or expertise your business should be known for, what is it?

It's hard to narrow it down, but the one thing that S. R. Schill & Associates should be known for is the fact that we will help anybody. We are one of the few financial advisory firms that have NO minimum asset requirement. In a way, this is another thing that makes us unique. We believe that anybody who wants to brighten their financial future should be given that opportunity.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

Something about S. R. Schill & Associates that would surprise people would be that we plan for more than one generation of family. In some cases, we have four generations that use us to manage their finances.

What is your favorite Mercer Island spot?

My favorite Mercer Island spot is the Roanoke. I love how steeped in Mercer Island history it is. Like S. R. Schill & Associates, you feel happy and a part of the community when you go there.

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders or the Island community in general?

While living here, I've found that Islanders are unbelievably friendly. No matter where you are, you always feel included. You really feel the connection to the community.

When you aren't working, what's your favorite pastime?

I love boating and playing tennis here on Mercer Island. It's just another place where you feel plugged in to the community.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover Mercer Island, what would you tell them?

That Mercer Island is a place with an amazingly vibrant community. It's convenient, inclusive, and all in all an amazing place to live. You really feel like you have a voice in your community.

Learn more about S. R. Schill & Associates at www.srschill.com.