Andrew Schwartz
šRaleigh, NC | SVP, Madison Planning Group - tax strategiest
š Editorās Note | Rob Belk - Connect with me on Linkedin
I am not one to boast.
I donāt take victory laps.
I never rub it in someoneās face.
But when the cards are stacked against me. When Iāve lived at the bottom of the proverbial family totem pole - just below the dog and just above the snake. And endured daily mental abuse from my three year old who says, with extreme conviction, āIMMA MAMMAS BOY.ā Itās time to gloat.
Last week, my daughter said her first word: Dada.
Much to my wifeās chagrin, there was no mistaking the clarity. It was said loudly and lovingly. And Grainger was being held by Elizabeth, clearly trying to articulate her preference with her first word. As my Dale Carnegie disciples know, a personās name, to that person, is the sweetest sound in any language.
If my boys are mamas boys, then Iām officially a girl dad.
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Without further adoā¦
Why Andrew?
Andrew came recommended by his wife, Molly. I profiled Molly a few weeks ago and she has been kind enough to make several recommendations. Andrew has an impressive personal story of resilience and I enjoyed his recommendations.
Follow Andrew on IG
Self-Description
I went from stuck to unstoppableātraded addiction for marathons, self-doubt for a business that outpaces my old dreams, and somehow came out the other side as a dad, a husband, and a guy who still bets on people being good.
Andrewās 6 Recommendations
Written in Andrewās own wordsā¦
1. Demon Copperhead by Barbra Kingsolver
By far the best book Iāve read this year, a novel about having the cards stacked against Demon and coming through the other side. It gives a great perspective on the social struggles that some people have to face in this country. Itās a great reminder that we live in a bubble, to be grateful for what we have and empathy for those who struggle. As an adopted kid, who has been sober for a long time. This book spoke to my soul.
2. New Paltz, NY
Alright, hot take... Everyone in NYC summers in the Hamptons and goes to Surf Club in Montauk. New Paltz, is lowkey one of the hidden gems of NY. Less than 2 hours from midtown, go hike the trails at āMohonk Mountain Houseā - specifically the labyrinth and lemon squeeze. Run the half marathon on the bridal path or jump out of a plane at āSkydive the Ranchā. My third date with my wife included all of the above & I hosted my bachelor party in New Paltz.
3. Rhone Clothes
Iāve been locked into this brand since their Day 1. Founded by some of the greatest guys Iāve ever met, Nate & Ben Checketts. These guys sponsored our gear in 2021 for London Marathon, and unlike most brands, the quality keeps getting better. I wear their collared shirts for work and out to dinner; get compliments all the time. The workout gear and running stuff are comfortable and wears well. Ripstop short for a Sunday hang, super comfortable.
4. Check your relationship with- Drugs, Booze & Porn
November 10, 2016 is my sobriety date. Without sobriety, I wouldn't be here.. I wouldn't be married to a wonderful woman or a father to baby Henry. I'm not saying that everyone needs to be sober.. but I know a lot of people that struggle with their relationship with all of the above. Try 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, even better 1 year without these toxic intakes and see how you feel. Then know, you can always go back to that baseline.
I'm on the board of @releaserecoveryfoundation - we raise money to help underprivileged people recover from alcoholism and drug addiction. Running 2026 NYC Marathon with the foundation and so grateful! 10 marathons 10 years sober LFGGG
5. Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is the greatest band of all time, spoken from a guy who has a Grateful dead bear tattooed on his leg. Honestly, Eddie Vetter is a legend; the passion and kindness he brings to mankind is second to none. Seeing Pearl Jam in the GA Pit is a spiritual experience and should be experienced by everyone at least once in their life.
6. Hot Take: Bad Roman NYC
Hear me out, we all know NYC has some amazing restaurants and those donāt usually include hokie/easily attainable reservations or even restaurants in midtown generally.. However, the cacio e pepe ravioli served on a filet mignon is delightful. Itās not the best cut of steak or the best ravioli youāll ever have but the unique combination of delicious cheese dripping from al dente pasta, only to be scooped up on a piece of medium rare meat.. itās truly a special bite of food. Check it out!
Plug | Madison Planning Group
Iāve been a part of my familyās business for 12 years. The past five years, Iāve focused on working with business owners and 1099 employees. Try us out, weāll save you more money in taxes than your current guy.
Want to get in touch with Andrew? Follow Andrew on IG
P.S. from Rambull ā Another first for me. Someone stopped me to tell me they liked my shoes. They liked them enough to ask me to text them the link. I assumed they were blowing smoke but sure enough, a week later and my buddy Wright had on the same Vans. So here they are:
