Business Advisory Services
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The Value of a Fellows Life Plan for Business Owners
Sit down with a Fellows advisor for a future-changing conversation about protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
- What would happen if a key person/people in your company were to die?
- This is a material change: Would banks pull lines of credit and loans?
- What would a partner’s surviving spouse demand?
- What’s your business exit strategy for enjoying an abundant retirement?
We partner with Fellows because they share the same "people first" vision.
Financial Advisory Services | Business Advisory Services | Advisors' Corner
Fellows Financial Group's business advisors are available to assist all USSFCU business members with their financial planning needs. Connect with an advisor by phone, email, or schedule a virtual consultation at no charge to you.
Schedule Appointment
571.205.1515 | [email protected]
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Guarding Your Business Legacy
They Are Business Owners, Too
They understand how much time and energy you put into keeping family life in balance while keeping your business thriving. Does this sound familiar? Their job is to pull you out of a day-to-day perspective and assist you in seeing a broader perspective for creating balance and preparing for those “What if” scenarios that can bring things to an abrupt stop. Fellows advisors know why you need a succession plan. How to exit a company. How to pass on a business to one child without sowing discord. How to deal with business partnerships. And how to reduce tax liability – before it ruins a buyout. We can build you a Life Plan that integrates all aspects of personal and business financial planning with a goal-aligned approach to keep “what ifs” from shattering the future.
They respect how busy you are. The precise strategy we’ll create makes it easy for you to put your Life Plan into action— and easy on the people who are left behind if something should happen.
They help you lock in your future net worth today in tax-free dollars and protect it from divorces, creditors, predators, and other risks down the road.
They run the right scenarios for you and your unique business situation so you’re ready for “what if…” and can:
- Keep the wealth from tearing the family apart or getting lost in divorce
- Use insurance and succession planning to retain key people in your business
- Make decisions that improve your lifestyle today and secure your retirement down the road
- Ensure the business you’ve built will continue in accordance with your legacy and family plans.
The Fellows Team
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Blake Fellows | President and CEOBlake, a trusted advisor with over 21 years of experience, is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs, business owners, and individuals with personalized service and profound expertise. His mission centers on making Fellows the foremost firm for business succession, estate protection, and legacy perpetuation. Legacy perpetuation, the continuation of a person’s ultimate vision after their passing, is a core aspect of Blake’s philosophy. Beyond finance, team and community involvement empower Fellows to make a positive impact in every community they operate in. Blake’s hard work has positioned Fellows as a comprehensive planning, investment, and insurance resource for clients. He emphasizes treating everyone he works with the way he would want to be treated, underscoring the importance of empathy in serving clients. A Loudoun County native and James Madison University graduate, Blake feels blessed to serve on the board for Youth for Tomorrow, an organization founded by Joe Gibbs. Outside of work, Blake finds joy in coaching his children’s basketball and baseball teams and spending quality time with his family and wife, Kristen. Having witnessed Leesburg, Virginia’s transformation from a small town surrounded by dairy farms to a thriving extension of the nation’s capital, Blake’s clientele at Fellows Companies includes a diverse range of industries, such as farmers, government contractors, technology firms, construction, land developers, restaurants, law firms, and management consulting firms. Each client may have unique planning needs, but Blake’s experiences equip him to provide expert advice on business succession and protection, retirement, and estate strategies. Blake finds great pleasure in helping his team at Fellows grow and desires to cultivate a family of individuals who are passionate about their work, enjoy each other’s company, and can provide world-class service to all clients. |
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Jeff Schalk | Chief Operating OfficerJeff Schalk serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Fellows Financial Group and co-founder of Fellows Insurance Group, a commercial and personal insurance agency. With a passion for helping people plan for their future and safeguard their family’s assets, Jeff aims to prevent anyone from facing unforeseen challenges. He believes that careful planning can avoid or mitigate many of life’s obstacles. Originally from Ohio, Jeff moved to the area in 1987 with his wife Stacy, and they raised their sons in Herndon, VA. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH. Beyond his professional career, Jeff has actively contributed to the community. He has served as the past president of the Kingstream Community Council HOA and the Oakridge Homeowners Association. Additionally, Jeff has devoted countless hours to youth in the area through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America and supporting neighborhood and high school competitive swimming. |
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Michael Schimmel | Financial AdvisorMichael Schimmel is a Financial Advisor at Fellows Financial Group with extensive experience in financial services. Having worked for Global and National banks such as HSBC Bank and Wachovia, he has excelled in various roles, including Vice President and Cluster Manager, where he focused on new client growth, wealth management, mortgage, banking solutions, and community development strategies. Before joining Fellows, Michael was a Partner/Owner of McCallum Sauber, a wholesale floral delivery company, where he contributed to business growth and client satisfaction in the DC metro area. His emphasis on client development and engagement ensured substantial value for clients. Michael earned his BA in Political Science and Economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he was actively involved in Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and served on the Inter-Fraternity Council Board of directors and the Associated Student Government. His true passion lies in helping people. As a financial advisor, he assists clients in making sound financial decisions and implementation, allowing them to focus on the present rather than uncertainties. Beyond work, Michael volunteers and organizes community-building events as a Board member of Rotary in Northern Virginia. In his leisure time, he cherishes moments with his wife Meredith and three children, coaching his son’s baseball and basketball teams, and supporting his daughter’s dance recitals. He also finds joy in the outdoors. |
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Kelly Keyser-Thompson | Business Development DirectorKelly Keyser-Thompson serves as the Business Development Director for Fellows Insurance Group, bringing with her over 25 years of valuable experience in the insurance industry. Her expertise makes her a valuable addition to our team of professionals. Kelly understands that insurance is essential for financial protection, and her first priority is comprehending each client’s unique circumstances to address their needs effectively. Previously, Kelly owned a successful independent insurance agency for 18 years, making her insights even more valuable to our Insurance Division. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Kelly has been a resident of Loudoun County since April 2000. Apart from her insurance career, she has a passion for figure skating, enjoys cycling, hiking, and any outdoor activities, and loves to travel. Kelly actively engages with the Dulles Regional and Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, having been a past member of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Business Women of Loudoun (BWOL). She also contributed as a former commercial insurance instructor at the Small Business Development Center. Kelly continues to support various local community organizations and non-profits, including the Ashburn Fire Department, Loudoun Hunger Relief, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, and advocates for the annual Toys for Tots campaigns. Furthermore, she enthusiastically participates each year in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery. |
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Amanda Judd | Administrative AssistantAmanda Judd is an administrative assistant at Fellows. With a background in marketing and administration, she developed a strong passion for serving others through non-profit and ministry work after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019. Amanda’s client support role at Fellows aligns perfectly with her heart for helping others. She recently got married in 2022 and welcomed her first child in June 2023. Amanda and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors, being with their growing families, and actively engaging in their church, Cornerstone Chapel. |
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Beth Lobbin | Executive AssistantBeth Lobbin is an executive assistant at Fellows Financial Group. While this is her first role in financial planning, Beth brings valuable experience supporting executives in various professional services fields, including technology, consulting, and executive search. At Fellows, she provides support to our Founder and is enthusiastic about being part of the client service team. Beth’s passion lies in getting to know and providing excellent care to our clients. Originally from Michigan, Beth earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. She currently resides in Leesburg with her husband, two daughters, and cat named Willis. Outside of work, Beth enjoys cooking, watching her daughters dance, and actively serving at her church. |
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Part of Fellows' adherence to offering clients comprehensive services and products sometimes involves engagement with outside service providers. These relationships are constantly monitored and evaluated to ensure their value-adds to Fellows clients. While they partner with many corporations, there are a few that stand out as primary providers and are listed below.
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Check the background of investment professionals associated with this site on FINRA’s BrokerCheck
Fellows Financial Group is registered through Arkadios Capital, a SIPC and FINRA member firm. Arkadios Capital and Fellows Financial Group are not affiliated and do not share common ownership. Securities offered through Arkadios Capital, Member FINRA/SIPC, advisory services offered through Wealth Care Advisory Partners.
Personal and Commercial insurance services are offered through Fellows Insurance Group LLC. Fellows Insurance Group LLC is a separate entity from Fellows Financial Group LLC, and Wealthcare Advisory Partners. Fellows Financial Group LLC, Fellows Insurance Group LLC and Wealthcare Advisory Partners do not offer tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.
Fellows Financial Group LLC, Arkadios Capital, and Wealthcare Advisory Partners are third-party partnerships and are not affiliated with United States Senate Federal Credit Union and USSFCU Best Life.
The Fellows Financial Group investment products are not insured United States Senate Federal Credit Union deposits and are not NCUA insured. These products are not obligations of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union and are not endorsed, recommended, or guaranteed by the United States Senate Federal Credit Union or any government agency. The investment value may fluctuate, the return on the investment is not guaranteed, and loss of principal is possible. United States Senate Federal Credit Union is not a registered broker. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.