Reflecting on his time at Caulfield Grammar School, Andrew recalls his involvement in sports and outdoor activities as the key highlights. School days were the start of and the fostering of a life-long active lifestyle and set in motion a direction for his professional interests.
One teacher who left a lasting impression was Jock Nelson, who taught Economics and was a charismatic and inspirational teacher.
Economics wasn’t just a subject for him; it was the gateway to his future pursuits. Andrew’s interest in commerce-type industries eventually led to his passion – stock markets and investments. This took shape in what became a lifelong career.
Starting his stockbroking journey in 1987, Andrew has been involved in investments for 37 years, mainly focusing on Australian equities markets. Despite the unpredictability and frequent changes in the world of finance, the challenges have kept things interesting.
According to Andrew, learning from experience is invaluable, and hands-on, on-the-job training can be the most educational. His journey from Caulfield Grammar School’s sports-filled fields to the stock market’s fluctuating floors is a testament to this belief.
His best memories of Caulfield revolve around the friends he made and the sports he played. Playing footy and cricket were particular highlights for him while reflecting on the outdoor pursuits offered at Yarra Junction, encapsulating the essence of his school days.
Nowadays, Andrew is a balance of staying active and working full time. He enjoys running and considers maintaining good health a priority. With his children growing up, he has more free time.
Reflecting on the critical decisions that led him to where he is today, he emphasised the importance of seizing every opportunity and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. He shared how he moved interstate for career opportunities, living in Sydney for 15 years.
Andrew’s work has taken him to different parts of Australia. He encourages others to embrace opportunities and not be afraid of change, as they can lead to learning experiences and personal growth. He enthusiastically describes the dynamic nature of investment markets and loves how the markets constantly evolve and adapt to new information. In this digital age, information is readily available, which keeps the markets lively and exciting.
However, every job has its challenges. Andrew’s least favourite part of his job is managing expectations during periods of market volatility. He emphasises that investing is a long-term game and not a short-term one. There will be times when the markets underperform, and setting realistic expectations is essential.
As Andrew approaches retirement, he looks forward to travelling more and getting his golf handicap down. He is inspired by successful sportsmen who achieve goals and perform at the highest level of competition. Andrew enjoys running, especially with the Caulfield Grammarians Cross Country Team, sailing during the summer, playing golf, watching football and spending time with his family and friends.
