Continuing our “Meet the Team” series, we’re excited to introduce Mark Andraos, Partner & Wealth Advisor here at Regency Wealth Management. Since joining in 2019, Mark has brought sharp investment insight, a love of research, and a deep commitment to client care. In this Q&A, we get to know the professional path and personal passions of the person who helps guide Regency clients through every financial season.
Q: How long have you been with Regency?
A: I joined Regency in January 2019.
Q: What’s the best part about working at Regency to you?
A: I love that no two days are truly the same. The ability to help several families and institutions map out their financial future and solve problems is what keeps me motivated and eager to come to work each day.
Q: What’s something valuable that you learned in your career?
A: Be a sponge! Learn everything and anything you can early on in your career. At best, you figure out what you want to do early in your career. At worst, you figure out what you don’t want to do.
Q: What’s your family like?
A: I have been blessed in my marriage to my wife Monika of 9 years. I have three children – two beautiful daughters, ages five and three, plus a six-month old son with an already larger-than-life personality.
Q: Describe your perfect day.
A: In the office, my perfect day would involve meeting and conversing with clients. It would also involve “solving a big problem” of sorts, especially if it allows me to create a new spreadsheet/model in Excel (I am a self-proclaimed Excel nerd and there are few problems that can’t be solved with a good spreadsheet 😊).
Outside the office, my perfect day would involve some combination of: quality time spent with my family, doing something outdoors, building something with my hands, or trying out a new restaurant with my family.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Yes, several! My biggest hobby and passion outside of the office is music. Though my time is limited these days with work and three kids, fewer things bring me greater joy than playing live shows in a band. In fact, my goal is to become a full-time musician in retirement.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Filet mignon—8 ounces, cooked medium rare, with salt and pepper.
Q: Where’s your favorite place that you’ve been?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to several countries in Europe and Africa over the years. My favorite would probably be Spain. I especially loved Seville and Barcelona; both are beautiful in their own unique way.
Q: What’s your go-to morning beverage?
A: A tall glass of cold water, followed by two to three cups of black coffee throughout the morning.
Q: Have you checked something off your bucket list?
A: I have—I’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. In fact, I proposed to my wife in one. I’m glad I did it, because it solidified how terribly afraid of heights I am (I am 6 foot 4 inches, and given my fear of heights I’m hoping not to get any taller).
Q: What are some fun facts about you that people might not know?
A: 1) I am an amateur numismatist (fancy word for coin collector) and a card-carrying member of the American Numismatic Association. I am especially fond of post-WW2 bullion coins and I recently assembled one of the finest known sets of proof silver Washington Statehood Quarters, minted from 1999 to 2008. On my first date with my now-wife, I (sheepishly) mentioned that one of my hobbies is collecting coins, and surprisingly she didn’t run away and actually obliged to a second date!
2) I am a die-hard New York Jets fan. It really is a true test of character, as the best time to be a Jets fan is typically during the offseason. I would love to see a Super Bowl appearance in my lifetime, although at this point I’ve tempered my expectations and would gladly settle for a playoff win.
3) I can speak Arabic fluently! My parents immigrated from Egypt before my sister and I were born. In fact, English is my second language.
Q: If you could choose one band/musician to listen to for the rest of your life, who would it be?
A: I’m going to give a politician’s answer and skirt this question entirely. As a musician myself, I cannot commit to listening to just one band. My music taste is quite diverse. My all time favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers, followed by Simon and Garfunkel. Some of my favorite genres include pop-punk, rock, and ska. More recently on rotation has been a lot of Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Oasis, Blink 182, ABBA, Elton John, and others.
Q: What’s one non-work-related accomplishment you’re proud of?
A: My family! I love watching my three children grow up and I’m so proud of each of their own unique abilities.
Regency Wealth Management is thankful for Mark’s steady presence, financial expertise, and love for people. If you see him around, don’t hesitate to say hello, especially if you want to talk about the New York Jets or all things coin collecting!
Regency Wealth Management is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor managing over $500 million for families and small institutional investors. Regency was founded in 2004, is headquartered in New Jersey, and serves clients across the country.