Michael Orr stays busy. When he’s not at his office at Orr Financial, he’s busy working with his hands, breathing new life into antique furniture and crafting a wide variety of household and outdoor products. And if the word wasn’t already out on all the things he does, it certainly is now...

1. You recently moved your business, Orr Financial, to a new location (1730 E. Liberty). How have things been going since the move?

Great!   I’m in a good location with high visibility.  I couldn’t ask for better exposure.

2. How has working in finance changed in recent years?

The industry has moved more toward advisory (fee-based) instead of commission.   All this is based on doing what’s in the best interest of the client.

3. What are some of the questions you hear most?

How is all the debt, spending and high inflation going to affect the economy, now and in the future.

4. What’s best about what you do?

My practice is based on advisory services (fee-based).  My services are performance based, not on commissions.  Commissions are paid whether the investment performs or not.  This goes back to doing what’s in the best interest of the client.

5. And beyond finance, you stay busy with refurbishing – and making – furniture. How did you get into that?

My wife, Sherri, had a large family. It was cheaper to make presents than to buy them. Plus, it gave it a more personable touch.Then, it just grew from there. 

6. You’ve brought some family heirlooms back to life. What’s one of your most memorable products?

An antique cherry buffet that my folks gave to us as a wedding present.

7. You also make furniture, yard ornaments, do custom framing and make cutting boards. When do you find the time?

It’s just something that I enjoying doing. I’ve always loved antiques & working with wood.  Everyone has a hobby. This has just grown to more than that!

8. Is there a waiting list?

Yes.

9. And I’m told it’s a family effort. Who else is involved and what do they do?

My wife, Sherri, and our two daughters, Elizabeth and Kaitlin. The girls started at a very young age, learning how to sand & stain.  Now they create and make their own projects, such as braided rugs, unique snow globes, etc.  Sherri has always helped, but is now busy with her upholstery business.

10. You’re a supporter of St. Brendan School in Mexico. What do you see as the value of the school in today’s community – and society as a whole?

They’re able to teach about morals, self-respect, religion and God.