Folger & Co.[1] Due to his skills and ambition, he rose to become a partner in the company after only five years.

[1] He bought the shares of Otto Schoemann, a wealthy merchant who was initially brought in as a partner after a $10,000 investment.

[3] In 1881, Schilling broke with Folger and together with George Volkmann, a friend and fellow German immigrant, established A. Schilling and Company, a coffee roasting business.

[6] Schilling was characterized as one devoted to his business but also patronized the arts.

He is known for his love of music and would often regal visitors with the song Die Wach am Rhein.