Philly Happening is proud to announce the inaugural list of top 10 Philadelphia Movers & Shakers of 2016!
Philadelphia’s Movers & Shakers were nominated by readers and selected by Philly Happening and its Publishers at Happenings Media.
Over the course of the month, we will be shining a spotlight on each one of the amazing people who made the list.
The next mover and shaker we’d like to honor is Robert Schwartz, a Principal at Harry Merrill & Son.
Robert Schwartz is the grandson of Harry Merrill, the namesake of Harry Merrill & Son Jewelers, a family-owned jeweler, located on the historic Jewelers’ Row. The company has served the Philadelphia community since 1954. Schwartz has worked with the company for nearly 20 years.
Schwartz is GIA certified and well-versed in diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry design. He specializes in custom jewelry design and redesign using the company’s proprietary computer design technology.
Former Vice President of Astro Press, Inc., Schwartz is a graduate of Drexel University, where he earned a degree in Marketing and Business Law.
Merrill gave us some insight into his busy life as a Philadelphia mover and shaker:
PH: What town do you live in?
R.M: Richboro.
PH: What motivates you every morning?
R.M.: My family and my staff.
PH: What would you say is your idea of a perfect day?
R.M.: Helping a customer to transform their mental picture of a piece of jewelry into a reality. It’s such a great collaborative process.
PH: Who inspires you?
R.M.: Positive, happy people. Just seeing someone walk into our store with a smile makes the day better.
PH: How did you decide to go into your business/profession/service?
R.M.: It’s very special to be the third generation of our family business, and I really enjoy sharing in the milestones and special occasions in our customers’ lives.
PH: Which achievement are you most proud of?
R.M.: Growing and developing our business, particularly through adapting technology like CAD/CAM jewelry design and using social media to reach a wider audience, but still keeping the values and sense of family that Harry Merrill & Son has always represented.
PH: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
R.M.: Finding ways to make our store and services stand out from the crowd, so to speak.
PH: What is the biggest accomplishment that you’d like to achieve over the next 5 years?
R.M.: Expanding our services and website even more and growing our social media presence while keeping up the tradition of our brick and mortar store.
PH: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?
R.M.: Sincere and honest with a good sense of humor.
PH: Where’s your favorite place to go in Philadelphia?
R.M.: Reading Terminal Market, for both the food and the people watching.
PH: You can take a time machine back to visit yourself 10 years ago. What advice would you give?
R.M.: Worry less and follow your convictions.
PH: Same question 10 years in the future.
R.M.: Remember your roots and fundamental values, and continue to place the highest importance on customer service, quality work, and loyalty.
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