Hank Shields

"An excellent education, and access to a city full of prospect" is what Hank Shields, B.A. 1999, values most from his time at Catholic University. Despite being a politics major and never doing anything directly related to his field of study, this month’s spotlight alumnus is convinced that his time at CUA opened the doors to his future and paved the way for his current career.

While a student at Catholic University, this Philadelphia native embraced his new city and started bartending at a number of familiar university haunts like the Irish Times, Third Edition and Riverside Grill. After graduation, Hank continued his work in the bar business by night, while dabbling in the D.C. real estate market during the day. Unable to effectively compete in an exploding price market, Hank decided to make a career out of the perfect marriage between his firsthand knowledge of real estate and his years of experience in the bar and restaurant business.

In 2001, Hank and some friends opened Adams Mill Bar in Adams Morgan. "The Mill," as it is known around the city, has become a favorite of young professionals. Hank soon realized that these young professionals quickly became older professionals, and so he and his associates began the planning stages of a second, more sophisticated establishment with a focus towards a balanced culinary and social atmosphere. In 2004, they opened TownHall in Glover Park.  Hailed by The Washington Post as "the talk of Glover Park," TownHall was an instant success. 

Although Hank enjoyed the successes and challenges of the restaurant business, by 2007 he was ready for a new endeavor.  That year, he joined a wealth management team with AXA Advisors. Here Hank feels as though he has found his true calling. His business acumen and first hand knowledge as a small business owner has enabled his practice to flourish despite the current downturn of the economic environment. "I really enjoy the opportunity to help improve the financial situation for my individual and business clients," he says.

Looking back on where he has been, and considering where he is now, Hank loves sharing stories of his trials and tribulations.  "My life has been so different from what I thought it would be.  That’s what makes it so enjoyable.  I think we can all say that, and I’m looking forward to hearing that from my old classmates."

With Hank’s 10-year reunion approaching as part of Homecoming and Reunions Weekend 2009, this month’s spotlight alumnus will have the opportunity to do just that.