The Global Leaders in Consulting: Chris Schellman

In 2002, Schellman founded Schellman & Company, which is an accredited CPA Firm. He began his career focusing on IT audits and SAS 70's and has now contributed to nearly 2,000 SOC examinations. 

"I believe that intellectual curiosity is the key to success," he says. "For me, my own curiosity has allowed me to become proficient in a wide variety of business topics, each with their different particulars and possible avenues, and combining that knowledge gained has led to the creation of many state-of-the-art solutions. Every bit of new knowledge could mean the next innovation, which is important in our ever-evolving industry."

He says he's proud of having earned the loyalty of his team members. "Since Schellman's inception, I have spent my career putting our people and our product ahead of all other interests, and it has paid me back in spades." 

Over the years, his innovation has resulted in several paradigm shifts in the way compliance services are rendered. As a result, the company is now one of the largest professional services firms in the U.S.

Schellman says he has "enjoyed inspiring rippling change within the industry. Though fixed fee engagements and no employee time reporting are widely considered state-of-the-art concepts today, we at Schellman first implemented those features 15 years ago," he says. "We've also recently increased our 401(k) matching contributions to 10 percent, which is among the best in the industry—though we expect that others will soon follow.  There is no higher compliment than competitors following in your footsteps."

It makes sense then that Schellman says he feels that leaders of professional services firms have a fiduciary responsibility for the careers of their team members. "I feel this responsibility keenly—I'm constantly striving to ensure both that our professionals are the envy of the industry, and that our former employees leave as friends to become leaders at other companies."

Q&A:  What does being recognized as a Global Leader in Consulting mean to you? Your firm? Your clients?

Schellman: It's an incredible honor to be recognized as a Global Leader in Consulting, as this personal distinction is truly a direct affirmation of our business model that puts quality above all.  For whatever role I played in the success of Schellman & Company, I remember that I stood on the shoulders of giants as this company has continued to grow and flourish. I'm excited about the higher possibilities for both our firm and the industry, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.