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The Brady Family: Living Life to the Fullest in Marple
Resident Feature by Holly Stupak
Photos by Rachel Markey Photography 267-528-6687
When it comes to meeting the right person, Annette Brady will tell you that timing is everything. Although Annette and Mike Brady met in person playing co-ed football, they had already “met” virtually, unbeknownst to Mike. And, after their first date at the Manayunk Brew Pub in 2012, the relationship progressed quickly and they were married in October 2013. In 2014, they moved to Broomall and are active members of the community.
Annette and Mike Brady
Photo by Rachel Markey Photography 267-528-6687
Mike grew up in Ridley and attended St. James Catholic High School for boys. Annette grew up in New Jersey and attended Pope Paul VI High School in Haddon Township. In 2012, they met through the Philadelphia Sport and Social Club, where they both played co-ed football. Mike’s team was looking for a few new female players, and Annette, who lived in Manayunk at the time, happened to be one of them who joined the team. In a twist of fate, Mike didn’t realize that he already had met Annette through Match.com. Although he never heard back from her after his initial message of “hello,” Annette recognized him from his online photo. After six months of flirting with her, she agreed to go out with him! On their third date, she finally told him about the Match. com message.
Mike attended Widener University, where he served as President of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, and he earned his degree in Accounting in 1997. He pursued an M.B.A. Certificate in Financial planning at Widener, and received that in 2000. Meanwhile, Annette attended LaSalle University and graduated with a degree in Biology in 2001. She was planning to go to medical school and worked in pharmaceutical research for a while, but then decided to go to nursing school. She pursued a nursing degree from Drexel University and graduated in 2005. During college, Annette played field hockey. She said being a student-athlete really helped her focus and have structure while pursuing her education.
Brady Girls (L-R): Eliana, Audra, and Brielle
The Bradys have three daughters, all with unique personalities. The oldest, Brielle, is a “fiercely independent” kindergartner who attends Russell Elementary School. She loves art and music, and takes after-school dance classes. She also enjoys gymnastics and plays soccer with the Maple Newtown Soccer Association. Second oldest, Audra, is an affectionate 4-year-old who attends Pre-K at Trinity Lutheran in Havertown. She also takes dance lessons and plays soccer and basketball. Eliana is 9 months old, and is doted on by her older sisters.The last member of their family is Reggie White. “Reggie” is a 12-year-old Golden Doodle that Mike had before he met Annette. He let her know that he and Reggie were “a package deal.”
The Brady Family at Ridley Creek State Park
Photo by Rachel Markey Photography 267-528-6687
When Mike and Annette were first married, they moved into Annette’s house in Manayunk. “We enjoyed life as a young married couple, and took advantage of the wonderful downtown shops and restaurants we could walk to,” said Mike. In 2014, Annette and Mike moved into a house they had built in Broomall. Mike wanted to be close to his business, so they found a beautiful piece of property in Marple. Although Annette is a Jersey girl, she said she has embraced life in Delco. Their home on the Paxon Hollow Golf course backs up to the 7th hole. The Brady family loves to entertain in their home, and they throw an annual “After the Holidays” party in January, when they have an open house for all their friends and family.
For 15 years, Annette has worked at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, as a post-surgical heart and lung nurse. She currently works part-time for more time at home with their kids. Annette said she loves being a nurse and the best part of her job is helping patients get better. When she isn’t working, Annette loves cooking and entertaining friends and family, and traveling.
Since 2001, Mike has been the owner of LPL Financial in Broomall. His financial practice manages about $160 million in assets for about 250 families and individuals as well as many businesses who use his services for financial matters. Mike developed his good work ethic as a kid: His first job was delivering Town Talk newspapers in Ridley Park. What he loves about his job as a financial planner is that every day is different and it’s fulfilling to help families achieve their financial goals.
Mike is also very active in the business community. He serves as President of the Philadelphia Entrepreneur’s Organization, which has 110 members who are business owners of mid-sized companies like his. He is on the Board of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, and a Board Member of the Delaware County Workforce Development and the Community YMCA. Mike is also a Member of The Decency Group, a network of health professionals and financial, business and career consultants who work together to improve the lives of their clients. In his free time, Mike also enjoys playing organized ball hockey at the Hockey Dek in Springfield.
The Brady Family (L-R): Mike, Brielle, Audra, Annette and Eliana
Photo by Rachel Markey Photography 267-528-6687
The name of Mike’s dog may have helped you guess that he’s a huge Philadelphia sports fan. He attends many Eagles and Flyers games, and loves taking the girls to the Phillies games in the summer. They all especially love the beach and spend a lot of time in Sea Isle, where they own a home. If Mike gets the opportunity to travel for work, he likes to bring the whole family along. A few such trips include California, Boston and Florida.
When Mike and Annette get to have a date night, they especially love to dine at their favorite Italian restaurant in Philly or one of their favorite local restaurants. The Brady family is also very involved with their church, Calvary Chapel of Delaware County. No matter what the Bradys are doing, whether it’s going to the beach, entertaining, or traveling, they are living life to the fullest!
Do you know a family that readers of our magazine might like to meet in an upcoming issue? Nominate them by email to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.
