Each year, VIP Alexandria Magazine accepts nominations and selects the newest class of Most Interesting Men. This year, VIP partnered with The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Each "gentleman" was photographed with an adoptable dog seeking its forever home. We are proud to announce that all dogs featured in VIP have been adopted. Special thank you to our 2023 class of Most Interesting Men for helping us support this amazing charity!
Story by LIESEL SCHMIDT | Photography by JONATHAN THORPE | Benefitting the ANIMAL WELFARE LEAUGE OF ALEXANDRIA | Sponsored by TING
President and CEO are impressive titles to hold in any company—even more so when that company is a successful investment firm. As the owner of McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc., Shawn McLaughlin carries those titles as well as the responsibility of managing money for the clients who entrust him with their financial security. “I love that I have done this long enough to watch my clients benefit from my advice,” says McLaughlin, who loves the daily challenges that come in his career and enjoys pushing his own limits. “There is a feeling of immense pride and joy in seeing your hard work pay off.”
As high stakes and stressful as his work can be, McLaughlin likes to spend his downtime in more relaxing ways. “I have a strange passion that most people probably wouldn’t enjoy the way that I do,” he admits. “I personally detail my car nearly every weekend. It allows me time to unwind and relax and it gives me a sense of accomplishment different to the one I find in my work.”
Clearly, the man has a meticulous attention to detail. That is a character trait that translates into all aspects of his life. Still, McLaughlin approaches life with a smile. “For some reason, people tell me I’m always smiling,” he says. “I’ve learned a warm smile goes a long way.”
The Belmond, Iowa, native has come far from the one-stoplight town where he grew up. Alexandria has been home since his graduation from Georgetown University in 1982. Being financially savvy as he is, hindsight has given him a few regrets. “I wish I had borrowed every nickel possible and bought several homes in Old Town,” he says. “I would be working on my golf game 24/7 right now!”
BOOK ON HIS NIGHTSTAND...
"Never Ride a Rollercoaster Upside Down by Jeff Smulyan. I always love a great business book that challenges my thinking and reminds me to always do right by your clients." -Shawn