Meet Chris Kardys, Senior Vice President and Investment Advisor at 1900 Wealth. Chris leads 1900 Wealth’s San Antonio office, where he oversees client portfolios, advises on investments, and works on the firm’s long-term strategy for growth and operational excellence. His role allows him to combine leadership with hands-on client service, ensuring the firm continues to deliver tailored financial solutions that align with clients’ needs.
What drew you to the industry and, more specifically, your role within the industry?
I was drawn to 1900 Wealth and Jefferson Bank by the opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to quality client service and long-term value creation. When I first sat down with Todd in 2018, I was impressed by his vision for the firm, his leadership style, and his commitment to clients. The strong culture at Jefferson Bank and the caliber of its people made it an easy decision for me—I knew this was something I wanted to be part of.
What skills do you bring to your position and to servicing your clients?
With a finance degree from Texas A&M and over a decade of experience in business transformation consulting at Accenture, I bring a strong strategic and operational background to my role. I’ve also managed an oil and gas chemical and service business, which gave me a deep understanding of business operations and financial planning.
My approach to client service is built on trust and relationship-building. No matter the industry, strong service delivery and the ability to build meaningful relationships are key to success. I bring this mindset to my work with both our clients and our team every day.
What differentiates 1900 Wealth from your competitors?
What sets us apart is our culture, the depth of our service, and our alternative investment platform. At 1900 Wealth and Jefferson Bank, relationships come first. We focus on providing personalized, high-quality service with integrity and responsiveness. Our team collaborates closely across departments and with outside professionals, such as CPAs and attorneys, to develop customized solutions for our clients. In a time when many firms are becoming more transactional, our clients recognize the value of our client-centric approach.
What current market trends do you see?
I’ll highlight three trends:
- International stocks are attractively valued. Compared to U.S. stocks, international equities appear undervalued and have become a meaningful part of our client portfolios.
- M&A activity is on the rise. With deregulation efforts gaining traction, we are seeing a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions, which has positive implications for both the markets and the economy.
- Market volatility remains a constant. Uncertainty will always be a part of investing. At 1900 Wealth, we focus on building resilient, long-term portfolios that can withstand market fluctuations and position our clients for sustained success.
What do you enjoy most about working at 1900 Wealth?
The relationships I’ve built with my colleagues and clients are what make this job so rewarding. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with an outstanding team that shares a common goal—serving our clients well and making a meaningful impact in their lives. We work hard, but we also have fun together, and that camaraderie makes all the difference.
I also enjoy the culture of innovation at 1900 Wealth. Finding new ways to create value for our clients and continuously improving our services is something I’m passionate about.
What are some of your favorite local spots or activities in or around San Antonio?
I’m an outdoors enthusiast and enjoy spending time in the country, the mountains, and by the beach. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, playing golf, tennis, or pickleball, I love staying active. My wife, Sarah, and I enjoy exploring San Antonio’s food scene. We frequently visit Southtown and the Pearl District but also enjoy discovering off-the-beaten-path spots like Outlaw Kitchens and Il Forno. When we’re not out and about, we love traveling, working in our yard, and spending time with our three children and golden retriever.
