Andrew Petras

HBComm’13

Financial Consultant, IG Wealth Management

At Lakehead University I built relationships with instructors, professors and industry professionals that directly benefited me after graduation.

Getting down to business

Andrew Petras (HBComm’13) knew that a smaller university did not mean a smaller experience. Born and raised in Simcoe County, Andrew was drawn to the idea of staying close to home and being able to stay connected to his community.

“I liked the idea of smaller class sizes and knowing everyone in not just my class, but my program. The connections that can be made there, I knew would last a lifetime and support me beyond my years at Lakehead. The people, from classmates to professors, are my favourite memories and the biggest takeaways I have from Lakehead and the business program,” says Petras.

Petras believes that the Orillia campus and Business Administration program gave him a foundation and confidence to go into the world and figure out the next chapter of his life with greater self-assurance. After graduation, Petras obtained several additional designations in financial planning, chartered life underwriting, and registered retirement consultant. Through these additional certifications and navigating the post-graduation world, he found his way to financial planning, and has now joined IG Wealth Management in Barrie as a certified financial planner.

“My professors, classmates and those I got to interact with really helped me achieve my goals. That is a part of my role now, as a financial planner, that I enjoy the most. I get to help others turn dreams into goals and it is extremely rewarding, especially when I get to work with multi-generational families.”

One of Andrew’s main reasons for staying in Simcoe County was to stay connected with his community and he has maintained that post-graduation. In the community, he serves on the organization and teaches financial literacy to grade school students. An avid skier, he is a level 3 instructor with Collingwood Alpine Ski Club and has coached youth and adult soccer.

He is also an active member of Lakehead’s Simcoe County Alumni Chapter, and as their President has helped host numerous events, including Lakehead Orillia’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

It was the combination of his community and connection to Orillia and Lakehead that led him to be awarded the Inaugural Ambassador Award at the 2020 Homecoming ceremonies. This award is a new addition to the fall Homecoming activities and was designed to annually recognize either an Ambassador or Chapter President/member. The ideal candidate is a champion for Lakehead University, someone like Petras, who shows dedication and continued support to the University and who has made a significant impact on students, alumni, faculty, and staff.