Aaron Andreas
Finding My Dream Job
I grew up in Kent, Ohio – often referred to as “The Tree City.” But after completing both undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, I just couldn’t leave Michigan.
My Industrial Engineering degree led me to work as a computer simulation consultant after graduating. I enjoyed the work but often found myself frustrated when implementation of our strategies stalled. During those years, I developed a passion for personal finance. I continued to work as a consultant while pursuing my MBA in Finance at Michigan.
Four years later, I knew it was time to focus my career on personal financial advising. I worked at AXA Advisors, The Ayco Company, LP (A Goldman Sachs Company) and was a co-founder of Baron Wealth Management LLC.
As I made my way through this industry, I became disillusioned by much of what I saw. Too many common practices – like pushing products, encouraging harmful investment behaviors and overly complicated or hidden fees – simply aren’t in the client’s best interest.
My objective when I started Arbor Wealth Advisors was to build a firm I would personally hire if I was looking for an advisor.
I love helping families that need an objective, trustworthy advocate as they navigate the murky waters of the investment and financial planning industry. I enjoy problem solving and the one-on-one relationships I have developed with my clients over the years.
I absolutely have my dream job, but my dream situation would be one or both of my sons joining me here someday.
A Little More About Me
The Midwest:
I spent my first 18 ½ years in Kent, Ohio, followed by an amazing 4 years in Ann Arbor, Michigan; lived in Rochester, Berkley and Royal Oak, Michigan for 11 years before settling down in Troy, Michigan in 2005.
Family:
Married Katie in 2005. We have two awesome little guys – Benjamin (born 2009) and Brandon (born 2011).
Having Fun:
I love spending time with Katie, Benjamin and Brandon and watching my sons grow up; traveling; skiing; reading; watching Michigan Wolverines football (Hail!) and Detroit Tigers baseball (Go Tigs!).
Traveling:
My favorite destinations include Northern Michigan, Captiva Island, Florida, and any ski mountain west of the Mississippi (fondest memories are in Lake Tahoe, California, Park City, Utah and Snowmass, Colorado).
Bucket List Trips:
Australia and New Zealand; Greece
Good Eats:
Brewpubs, Chips with Fresh Salsa (including my own recipe), Pretzels, Shepherd’s Pie, Smoked Brisket, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Bangers and Mash, and Lasagna (my mom’s recipe).
Restaurants:
Slows BBQ (Detroit, Michigan), Royal Oak Brewery (Royal Oak, Michigan), and The Mucky Duck (Captiva Island, Florida).
Must-Read Financial Books:
The Behavior Gap (Carl Richards), Happy Money (Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton), The Millionaire Next Door (Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko), and The Wealthy Barber (David Chilton).
Leisure Reading:
The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand), Into The Wild (Jon Krakauer), The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger), and Moneyball (Michael Lewis).
Financial Advice I’ll Share with My Sons:
Buy experiences, not stuff. Always spend less than you make.
My Credentials
I earned two degrees at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. I hold a Bachelor of Science (BSE) in Industrial & Operations Engineering, Cum Laude and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Finance with Distinction. My financial advisory career is focused exclusively on assisting financially established families with their personalized financial plan.