How did you first get involved in finance? Can you tell us about BGA Financial and what you do?
I first got involved in the financial world basically the first job out of my professional hockey career. I was a Business Management major at the University of Maine, so I kind of had a brief overview through multiple directions in the financial and business world. BGA Financial (a merger of the Buckley Group of Portland and Anthoine Financial Services of Auburn) offers the two leaders in the financial services industry. With more than 45 years of experience combined, we focus in the areas of individual insurance planning, disability insurance, employee benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans and investment strategies. I am a Financial Service Representative for BGA.
"One lesson I have learned is that you should always take advantage of every opportunity no matter what you do for a living. If I have the chance to sit in on a meeting or listen to a webinar, I am constantly trying to make myself better in the financial world."-MA
What do you like to do outside of work that directly impacts your career?
I’m a very social person, so I like to be out and about doing activities with friends. I like attending sporting events, go on the boat at my families cottage, hit the beach, I’m a big movie buff, and I’m basically up for anything, I’m more of a go with the flow type of person. And all of this can be looped into impacting my career because it helps to continue interpersonal skills and relationship building. I believe this type of business places a lot of emphasis on building good relationships and trust with a client.
How has hockey shaped you? Where would you be today without hockey?
I would definitely state for fact that I would not be who I am today without the sport of hockey. It has taken me on a life journey that I could tell stories about for hours. It has taught me about responsibility, time management, work ethic, determination, team work, and how to be mentally tough. Since the age of 17, I have lived in Maine, Illinois, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Florida, Alabama, and Indiana all thanks to hockey. If I wouldn’t have played hockey, I would have graduated high school at 17 and graduated college at 21 and would have probably been able to start a working career earlier, but not have the same life experiences that I do now which help me appreciate what I do and how I can help people. I wouldn’t change a thing.
How important is having a daily routine?
It is important to bring a daily routine into your life because it almost keeps you grounded. Even the smallest things we do daily, impact our outlook on life. It creates good habits, and it is harder to break a bad habit than it is to create a good new habit. In the locker room, if you looked around, probably 80% of the other guys always had a special routine that they did every practice, every game, and every workout. Some guys took it to the extreme, while others kept it as simple as putting on the left equipment before the right. But having a routine, makes tasks become second nature, which in the long run only benefits you as you continue to live life and grow as a person.
"I would definitely state for fact that I would not be who I am today without the sport of hockey. It has taken me on a life journey that I could tell stories about for hours. It has taught me about responsibility, time management, work ethic, determination, team work, and how to be mentally tough."-MA
What are one challenge and one lesson you've learned from your transition from professional hockey to finance?
Haha, one challenge is motivation to work out! I went from being in peak physical shape for a job to relying solely on my own personal motivation to get a sweat in. But it is an important part of life to keep a healthy balanced life in which exercise falls into that. I think the amount of free time is a big difference. I went from going to the rink for a 9:00 a.m. practice and leaving by around 12:30 p.m., so I had quite the amount of free time on my hands. Now I could be at my office at 8:00 a.m. and be out and about till 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. and I really enjoy my relax and down time so that can be difficult. One lesson I have learned is that you should always take advantage of every opportunity no matter what you do for a living. If I have the chance to sit in on a meeting or listen to a webinar, I am constantly trying to make myself better in the financial world. No different than me asking a coach to get on before or stay after practice to work on some small skills of my game. I saw this “meme” the other day and it might put some thought into what I said, “In order to become the 1%, you must do what the 99% won’t”. I think doing the minimum is never satisfying, so take advantage of opportunities to better yourself.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
That’s a difficult one if I had to say on a broad spectrum, playing four years for the University of Maine Ice Hockey Team and being an assistant captain my senior year was fun. But, broken down, probably scoring two goals and beating our rivals UNH at Fenway Park my Sophomore season in front of 30,000 fans including my best friends and family.
If you could only offer 1 piece of financial advice to our readers, what would it be and why?
I would say that don’t be afraid to ask questions or educate yourself on your financial needs. Everyone thinks they don’t need something, in regards to the financial world, but if you actually took a minute to sit down with someone and look at your needs, whether it be investments or protection/insurance, you would have a better understanding of your “financial pyramid”.
What is one "I couldn't live without it" App you use?
Spotify, easily my favorite app because let’s be honest, what would we do without a little music every day!
What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote?
I’m a big inspirational/motivational fan when it comes to books and youtube videos. I’ve always like one by Tommy Lasorda, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.”
In one word, describe yourself:
Passionate
Mark Anthoine is a Financial Service Representative for BGA w/ special focus in individual insurance planning, disability insurance, employee benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans and investment strategies.