When a career-ending tennis injury struck Max Ando during his college years at Southern Methodist University, most would have seen it as a devastating setback. Instead, the half-Japanese, half-Swiss model transformed that moment into the launchpad for an entirely new career-one that would take him from the tennis courts of Dallas to the runways of New York, Paris, and Tokyo. Today, Max Ando is known not just for his striking Eurasian features and 260,000+ Instagram followers, but as a successful entrepreneur running a talent management company and mentoring youth in Brooklyn.
In this comprehensive biography, you'll discover the complete story of Max Ando-from his multicultural upbringing across three continents to his friendship with YouTube star Jessica Clements, his modeling career achievements, business ventures with Ando/Clements talent agency, and his current life splitting time between Los Angeles and New York. All information has been verified with credible sources to give you the most accurate picture of this multifaceted entrepreneur and model.
Quick Facts About Max Ando
Detail | Information |
Full Name | Max Ando (also known as Maximilien Hirsh/Max Ando-Hirsch) |
Birthday | September 23, 1990 |
Age | 34 years old (as of 2025) |
Birth Sign | Libra |
Birthplace | Paris, France |
Nationality | American (French-born) |
Ethnicity | Half Japanese, Half Swiss |
Height | 6'0" (183.5 cm / 185 cm) |
Profession | Model, Entrepreneur, Talent Manager |
Parents | Allain Hirsh (Swiss photographer), Shigeko Ando (Japanese chef) |
Education | Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, Texas |
@maxliked (260,000+ followers) | |
Modeling Agencies | Heroes Model Management, Next Models (formerly) |
Business | Co-founder, Ando/Clements talent management |
Current Residence | Los Angeles & New York City |
Estimated Net Worth | $2-5 million (2025) |
Early Life: A Multicultural Upbringing Across Three Continents
Born in Paris to Creative Parents
Max Ando was born on September 23, 1990, in Paris, France, to parents from completely different cultural backgrounds. His father, Allain Hirsh, is a Swiss photographer who brought European artistic sensibilities to the family, while his mother, Shigeko Ando, is a Japanese chef whose culinary expertise exposed Max to authentic Japanese culture and cuisine from birth. This unique combination of Swiss precision and Japanese aesthetics would later influence Max's approach to both modeling and business.
Growing up in a household where creativity was the norm rather than the exception, Max developed an appreciation for visual arts, food culture, and the importance of craftsmanship. His parents' professional pursuits meant the family traveled extensively, giving young Max exposure to diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives that most children never experience.
A Childhood Across France, India, and Japan
Max Ando's childhood was anything but ordinary. Rather than growing up in one place, he was raised between three vastly different countries: France, India, and Japan. This nomadic upbringing between 1990 and 2000 shaped his worldview and gave him a cultural fluidity that would later prove invaluable in his international modeling career.
In France, he absorbed European sophistication and his father's photography world. In Japan, he connected with his mother's heritage, learning about Japanese values of discipline, respect, and attention to detail. In India, he experienced yet another rich culture with its own aesthetic traditions and philosophies. This constant movement taught Max adaptability and how to navigate different social environments-skills essential for a future career requiring travel to fashion capitals worldwide.
Moving to America in 2000
When Max was 10 years old in 2000, his family relocated to the United States, settling in what would become his home base for the next two decades. The move to America represented yet another cultural adjustment for young Max, who now had to integrate American values and social norms into his already multicultural identity.
Despite being born in Paris and raised across multiple continents, Max would eventually identify as American, holding U.S. citizenship and building his career primarily in American cities like New York and Los Angeles. However, his international upbringing remained a core part of his identity, reflected in his Instagram bio's proclamation: "BORN IN PARIS, FRANCE, BUT CURRENTLY RESIDING BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK CITY."
Max has one brother who was also raised in this multicultural environment, though details about his sibling remain private as Max generally keeps his family life out of the public spotlight.
Tennis Career: Pro Aspirations and a Life-Changing Injury
Early Tennis Prowess
Long before Max Ando became known for his modeling work, he was a serious tennis athlete with professional aspirations. He began playing tennis at a young age, demonstrating natural athletic ability and the discipline required to compete at high levels. His dedication to the sport was so strong that he eventually went pro while still in his teenage years-a rare achievement that speaks to both his talent and work ethic.
Tennis became more than just a sport for Max; it was his primary identity and career path. The structure, strategy, and mental toughness required in tennis would later translate well to the competitive worlds of modeling and business.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) D1 Tennis
Max's tennis abilities earned him a spot on the Division I tennis team at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. SMU has a respected tennis program, and competing at the D1 level requires elite athleticism and commitment. Max attended SMU's Cox School of Business, initially planning to major in finance-a practical choice that would complement his athletic career.
According to SMU's athletic records, Max Ando-Hirsh (his full legal name at the time) was listed on the men's tennis roster for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. Prior to SMU, he had impressive junior credentials:
Top 50 in the 18-and-under USTA rankings
Made the quarterfinals of the 2009 Spring National Championships
These achievements demonstrated he was competing at a national level among America's best junior tennis players. His profile noted that he chose SMU because of its location in Dallas and the quality of the coaching staff. When not on the tennis court, he enjoyed reading while listening to jazz music, surfing, studying (especially mathematics), listening to Mozart, and naturally, playing more tennis.
His favorite athletes included BJ Penn and Forrest Griffin (both UFC fighters) and Kelly Slater (legendary surfer), reflecting his appreciation for individual sports requiring both physical and mental mastery.
The Career-Ending Injury
Tragedy struck during Max's competitive tennis years at SMU when he suffered a severe, career-ending injury. The specific nature of the injury hasn't been publicly detailed, but it was serious enough to permanently end his professional tennis aspirations-devastating news for any athlete, especially one who had dedicated years to reaching the D1 level.
This moment could have been the end of Max's athletic dreams entirely. Instead, it became a pivot point. Throughout his tennis years, Max had been scouted multiple times by modeling agents who recognized his striking Eurasian features, athletic build, and photogenic qualities. While he had ignored these approaches during his tennis career, the injury forced him to reconsider his options.
From Athlete to Model: A New Path Forward
Rather than wallowing in disappointment, Max made the strategic decision to pursue modeling-an industry where he'd been repeatedly told he had potential. This transition from professional athlete to model wasn't just a career change; it required a complete shift in mindset, training, and lifestyle.
Athletes train for performance; models train for aesthetics. Tennis requires explosive power and endurance; modeling requires maintaining specific body proportions and mastering posing techniques. The discipline and work ethic Max developed as a pro tennis player directly transferred to his modeling career, giving him an edge over models without athletic backgrounds.
This pivot would prove to be one of the best decisions of his life, opening doors to international travel, business opportunities, and financial success that might never have materialized in professional tennis.
Modeling Career: Building an International Presence
Breaking into the Industry
After making the decision to pursue modeling post-injury, Max signed with modeling agencies and began building his portfolio. His athletic background, height (6'0" / 183.5 cm), multicultural features (half Japanese, half Swiss), and natural photogenic qualities made him an attractive prospect for agencies looking for diverse male models.
He initially worked with agencies including Next Models, one of the industry's most respected agencies with offices in New York, London, Paris, Milan, and other fashion capitals. This relationship with Next Models gave him access to casting calls, runway opportunities, and editorial shoots that would build his credibility and portfolio.
Heroes Model Management
Max is currently represented by Heroes Model Management, a boutique agency that focuses on developing talent and matching models with appropriate opportunities. According to his Heroes Models profile, his stats include:
Height: 6'0'' (183.5 CM)
Chest: 38'' (96.5 CM)
Waist: 31'' (79 CM)
Shoe Size: 10 US / 44 EU
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
These measurements put him in the ideal range for male fashion modeling, with the lean, athletic build that luxury brands and editorial publications prefer.
Modeling Work and Travel
While Max hasn't walked the runways of Paris Fashion Week for major luxury houses like Gucci or Louis Vuitton, he's built a respectable career in commercial and editorial modeling. His Instagram, which he launched in July 2015, showcases his work across multiple continents and cities.
He can be seen regularly traveling to:
Los Angeles (his primary U.S. base)
New York City (his other U.S. base and fashion hub)
Paris (his birthplace and fashion capital)
Tokyo, Japan (connecting with his Japanese heritage)
The Netherlands (European fashion market)
Various other international destinations for both work and personal travel
His modeling work includes:
Editorial shoots for fashion publications
Commercial campaigns for brands
Lookbook photography for fashion labels
Social media content creation for sponsored partnerships
Lifestyle brand collaborations aligning with his personal aesthetic
Instagram Presence and Personal Brand
Max's Instagram handle @maxliked has grown to over 260,000 followers as of 2025, making him a solid micro-influencer in the fashion and lifestyle space. What sets his Instagram apart from many models is his sense of humor and authenticity.
His bio reads: "BANANA ENTHUSIAST AND LOVER OF RICE. BORN IN PARIS, FRANCE, BUT CURRENTLY RESIDING BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK CITY."
This playful reference to his Japanese heritage (rice) and quirky personality (banana enthusiast) shows he doesn't take himself too seriously-a refreshing quality in the often self-serious world of fashion modeling. He uses his platform to share:
Professional modeling shots and campaigns
Travel content from around the world
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of photo shoots
Lifestyle content (food, fitness, social activities)
Goofy, humorous posts showing his personality
Friendship moments with Jessica Clements and other models
This balance between professional content and personal authenticity has helped him build a loyal following that appreciates both his looks and his personality.
Business Ventures: Ando/Clements Talent Management
Co-founding a Talent Agency
Max Ando isn't content with just being in front of the camera-he's also built a successful business behind the scenes. He co-founded Ando/Clements, a talent management and consulting company, with business partner Jason Gorskie. The agency name combines Max's surname (Ando) with that of his close friend Jessica Clements, though Jessica isn't listed as an official co-founder; Jason Gorskie is Max's business partner.
Ando/Clements focuses on talent management, representing models, influencers, and content creators in their career development and brand partnerships. Max's firsthand experience as a model gives him unique insight into what talent needs from representation-fair contracts, career guidance, strategic planning, and connections to the right opportunities.
Working with Jessica Clements
Max's close friendship with Jessica Clements, a successful YouTuber and model, has been mutually beneficial from a business perspective. Jessica frequently features Max in her vlogs, introducing his personality and modeling work to her large YouTube audience. In return, Max gains exposure to potential followers and business opportunities through her platform.
One notable example was Jessica's vlog series traveling through Japan, where Max joined her to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and other Japanese cities. These vlogs showcased not just Japan's beauty but also Max's connection to his Japanese heritage through his mother. The content resonated with audiences who appreciated the authentic cultural exploration rather than typical tourist content.
Their friendship has led many fans to speculate about a romantic relationship, but both have maintained they are close friends and business collaborators rather than romantic partners. Max has been linked to other models, including Dutch Victoria's Secret model Sanne Vloet, who he was reportedly dating or close with based on appearances in her travel vlogs.
Business Philosophy and Approach
Max's approach to business reflects his multicultural upbringing and athletic background. As Heroes Model Management notes in his bio: "When not working in front of the camera, he runs Ando/ Clements, a talent management and consulting company with business partner Jason Gorskie."
This dual career-modeling while running a talent management company-gives Max multiple income streams and career longevity beyond the typical lifespan of a model's in-front-of-camera career. It also demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking about long-term financial stability.
Social Impact: You/Me Project and Youth Mentorship
Mentoring Brooklyn Youth
Beyond modeling and business, Max is involved in meaningful social impact work through the You/Me Project, a program focused on mentoring youth in Brooklyn schools. According to his Heroes Model Management bio: "Additionally, he is a part of the You/Me project, mentoring youth in Brooklyn schools which focuses on developing skills around social-emotional learning."
Social-emotional learning (SEL) focuses on developing young people's abilities to:
Understand and manage emotions
Set and achieve positive goals
Feel and show empathy for others
Establish and maintain positive relationships
Make responsible decisions
Max's involvement in this program demonstrates his commitment to giving back to communities and supporting the next generation's development beyond just academic achievement. His multicultural background and experience overcoming the setback of his tennis injury make him a relatable mentor for young people facing their own challenges.
Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters
The You/Me Project's focus on social-emotional learning is particularly important for urban youth in Brooklyn who may face economic challenges, family instability, or lack of positive role models. Max's presence as a successful, well-traveled professional who overcame adversity provides inspiration and practical guidance.
While Max doesn't extensively publicize this mentorship work on his Instagram (which focuses more on his modeling and lifestyle content), his commitment to the program reflects values instilled during his upbringing-giving back, supporting others, and using privilege and success to create positive change.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Current Status
Private Life Philosophy
Despite having a public-facing career and over 260,000 Instagram followers, Max Ando keeps his personal life relatively private. He shares selected moments from his life-travels, work projects, time with friends-but rarely discusses romantic relationships, family matters, or deeply personal topics.
This approach allows him to maintain a level of normalcy and privacy while still engaging with fans and building his personal brand. It's a balance many influencers and public figures struggle to achieve, but Max has managed it successfully.
Relationship Status and Dating History
Max's relationship status has been a subject of interest among his followers, particularly given his close friendship with Jessica Clements and his connections to other beautiful models.
Jessica Clements Friendship: The most frequent speculation involves Jessica Clements, the YouTuber and model with whom he frequently travels and collaborates. Their chemistry in videos and frequent appearances together led many fans to assume they were dating. However, both have maintained they are close friends and business associates. Some internet gossip forums have suggested Jessica had romantic feelings for Max while he saw her as just a friend, but these are unverified rumors.
Sanne Vloet: Max has been linked to Sanne Vloet, a Dutch model who has walked for Victoria's Secret and other major brands. Sanne featured Max in some of her travel vlogs, including a video titled "Traveling from Amsterdam to Manila," where Max appeared and they seemed comfortable with each other. Whether this was a romantic relationship or close friendship remains unclear, as neither confirmed a relationship publicly.
Current Status (2026): As of January 2026, Max has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship. He continues to keep his romantic life private, focusing public attention on his work, travels, and creative projects instead.
Life Between Los Angeles and New York
Max currently splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City-two of America's most important cities for both modeling and entertainment business. This bi-coastal lifestyle allows him to:
Los Angeles: Access to commercial modeling work, lifestyle brand partnerships, fitness culture, and year-round good weather for outdoor shoots
New York City: Access to high-fashion editorial work, runway opportunities, the You/Me Project mentorship program, and the concentrated fashion industry presence
This arrangement requires significant travel and logistical coordination but provides maximum career opportunities in both commercial (LA) and editorial (NYC) modeling markets.
Personality, Interests, and Personal Brand
The "Banana Enthusiast and Lover of Rice"
Max's Instagram bio-"BANANA ENTHUSIAST AND LOVER OF RICE"-perfectly encapsulates his approach to personal branding: don't take yourself too seriously, even in the image-conscious world of fashion modeling.
The "lover of rice" is clearly a playful nod to his Japanese heritage through his mother, while "banana enthusiast" shows his quirky sense of humor. This self-aware, humorous approach makes him more relatable and approachable than models who cultivate an untouchable, mysterious image.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond modeling and business, Max enjoys various activities that reflect his multicultural background and athletic roots:
Cultural Interests:
Reading while listening to jazz music (noted in his SMU tennis profile)
Listening to classical music, particularly Mozart
Exploring art and photography (influenced by his photographer father)
Appreciating different cuisines (influenced by his chef mother)
Physical Activities:
Surfing (listed as an interest even before his modeling career)
Fitness and maintaining his athletic physique
Tennis (recreational, after his professional career ended)
Travel:
Extensive international travel for both work and pleasure
Particular focus on visiting Japan to connect with his heritage
European travel connecting to his French birthplace and Swiss roots
Sense of Humor and Social Media Presence
What makes Max stand out on Instagram is his willingness to be goofy and not overly curated. As Harper's Bazaar Singapore noted in their profile: "What's wonderful about Max isn't only his devilish good looks, but it's also his sense of humour and how he doesn't take himself too seriously."
He posts content that shows his personality, makes jokes, and engages authentically with followers rather than maintaining a perfectly polished, aspirational-only feed. This authenticity has helped build genuine connection with his audience rather than just admiration from afar.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Estimated Net Worth (2025)
Based on multiple financial analysis sources, Max Ando's estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $5 million as of 2025. Some older sources from 2019-2020 incorrectly listed his net worth as $105 million, which appears to be a data error as there's no evidence supporting such a high figure for a working model without major brand deals or significant outside income.
The $2-5 million range is more realistic for a model with:
20+ years in the industry (since his late teens)
Solid but not supermodel-level commercial work
Ownership stake in a talent management company
Instagram following of 260,000+ enabling influencer partnerships
Smart financial management and investments
Income Sources
Max's wealth comes from multiple revenue streams:
Modeling Income:
Runway show fees (typically $500-$5,000 per show)
Editorial photo shoot rates (varies by publication)
Commercial campaign work (highest paying, can be $10,000-$50,000+ depending on brand and usage)
Catalog and e-commerce modeling
Social media sponsored content
Business Income:
Profit sharing from Ando/Clements talent management company
Consulting fees for talent management services
Commission from represented talent's bookings
Additional Revenue:
Brand partnerships and ambassador roles
Appearance fees
Potential real estate or investment income (not publicly confirmed)
Financial Comparison and Industry Context
The modeling industry pay structure varies dramatically. While top male supermodels like Sean O'Pry, David Gandy, or Lucky Blue Smith can earn $1-5 million+ annually, most working male models earn between $30,000-$200,000 per year depending on their bookings, markets, and additional ventures.
Max's estimated net worth of $2-5 million accumulated over 10+ years of consistent work, combined with entrepreneurial ventures, places him in the upper tier of working models who've achieved financial stability. His business ventures provide income diversification beyond just modeling fees, creating long-term financial security.
Challenges and Controversies
Career-Ending Tennis Injury
The most significant challenge in Max's life was the career-ending injury that derailed his professional tennis aspirations during his SMU years. For any athlete, especially one who had gone pro and competed at the D1 college level, such an injury is devastating both physically and psychologically.
This setback could have defined Max's life negatively-the athlete who never fulfilled his potential. Instead, he reframed it as a catalyst for discovering modeling and entrepreneurship, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.
Industry Pressures and Body Standards
The modeling industry is notorious for its pressures-maintaining specific body measurements, dealing with constant rejection at castings, ageism as models get older, and the financial instability of freelance work without guaranteed income.
As a male model, Max faces different pressures than female models (less extreme body standards, longer career potential) but still must maintain his physique, stay relevant, and continuously hustle for bookings in a competitive market.
Privacy and Public Speculation
Max's close friendship with Jessica Clements has led to persistent speculation and rumors about their relationship status. Dealing with public commentary on personal relationships, even when unfounded, can be challenging and invasive.
Additionally, being a public figure with a significant Instagram following means dealing with both positive attention and negative comments, rumors, and the pressure to constantly create content that maintains engagement.
Managing Multiple Careers
Balancing modeling work (which requires travel, maintaining appearance, attending castings) with running a talent management business (which requires administrative work, client meetings, strategic planning) presents significant time management and energy challenges.
Many models struggle to transition into business ownership because the skills required are completely different from those needed for modeling. Max's success in both areas demonstrates strong organizational abilities and business acumen.
Legacy and Influence
Representation in Fashion
As a half-Japanese, half-Swiss model, Max Ando represents the growing diversity in male modeling. While the fashion industry has historically favored white male models, there's been increasing appreciation for mixed-race models who bring unique, striking looks that appeal to global markets.
Max's success shows that models from multicultural backgrounds can build sustainable careers without conforming to traditional Western beauty standards. His Eurasian features have been an asset rather than a limitation.
Entrepreneurial Model
Max represents a new generation of models who don't just rely on their looks but build businesses around their industry expertise. By founding Ando/Clements, he's created a model for how models can transition into entrepreneurship while still actively modeling.
This approach provides:
Multiple income streams
Career longevity beyond typical modeling lifespan (late 20s-early 30s)
Industry influence and respect
Financial stability and wealth building
Youth Mentorship Impact
While less publicized than his modeling work, Max's involvement with the You/Me Project mentoring Brooklyn youth represents his values-driven approach to success. Using his platform and experience to support social-emotional learning for young people creates a positive impact beyond fashion.
Future Outlook and Potential Directions (2025)
Continued Modeling Career
At 34 years old in 2025, Max is entering the later stage of a typical modeling career, but male models often work longer than their female counterparts. He can continue booking:
Commercial and lifestyle brand work (30s-40s models often preferred for mature, aspirational brands)
Editorial work for men's magazines
Campaigns for luxury goods (watches, cars, spirits, menswear)
Fitness and wellness brand partnerships
His athletic background and maintained physique give him advantages in fitness-focused campaigns that value authenticity over just looks.
Expanding Ando/Clements
The talent management business has significant growth potential. Possible expansion directions include:
Representing a larger roster of models and influencers
Expanding into additional markets (beauty, lifestyle content creators)
Consulting services for brands seeking talent partnerships
Educational programs teaching models business skills
Potential New Ventures
Based on his interests and experience, Max could explore:
Content Creation:
Launching his own YouTube channel (leveraging experience from Jessica Clements' vlogs)
Podcast about modeling industry, entrepreneurship, or multicultural identity
Online courses teaching aspiring models how to build careers
Product Lines:
Fitness or wellness products aligning with his athletic background
Menswear or accessories leveraging his fashion industry connections
Food products connecting to his mother's culinary expertise and Japanese heritage
Expanded Social Impact:
Growing involvement with You/Me Project or similar youth programs
Speaking engagements about overcoming setbacks (tennis injury) and career pivoting
Mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs or models
Personal Life Development
While Max keeps personal matters private, natural life progressions might include:
Settling into one primary location rather than LA/NYC split
Potential marriage and family (if he chooses)
Deeper involvement in causes he cares about
More focus on business and less on modeling as he enters his late 30s
Conclusion: From Tennis Courts to Runways, A Story of Resilience
Max Ando's journey from the tennis courts of Southern Methodist University to the fashion runways and boardrooms of New York and Los Angeles demonstrates that setbacks can become setups for greater success. When a career-ending injury destroyed his professional tennis dreams, he could have given up or struggled to find direction. Instead, he leveraged the modeling opportunities he'd previously ignored, built a successful career in fashion, and expanded into entrepreneurship with Ando/Clements.
His estimated $2-5 million net worth reflects over a decade of consistent work, smart financial decisions, and income diversification. But his true wealth extends beyond money-it includes the experiences gained from his multicultural upbringing across France, India, Japan, and America; the discipline learned from pro tennis; the creativity inherited from his photographer father and chef mother; and the relationships built throughout his modeling career.
What sets Max apart isn't just his striking Eurasian features or athletic physique-it's his authenticity, humor, and refusal to take himself too seriously in an often superficial industry. His Instagram bio proclaiming him a "BANANA ENTHUSIAST AND LOVER OF RICE" shows someone comfortable in his own skin, proud of his Japanese heritage, and unafraid to be goofy despite working in high fashion.
At 34 years old in 2025, Max Ando continues building on multiple fronts: maintaining his modeling career, growing Ando/Clements with partner Jason Gorskie, mentoring Brooklyn youth through the You/Me Project, and splitting his time between the creative energy of New York and the lifestyle appeal of Los Angeles. His friendship with Jessica Clements continues providing mutual benefits through content collaborations and business opportunities.
For aspiring models, Max's story offers valuable lessons: leverage your unique background, develop skills beyond your looks, build multiple income streams, give back to communities, and maintain authenticity even as you build a public brand. His transition from athlete to model to entrepreneur demonstrates that career pivots, while challenging, can lead to greater fulfillment and success than originally planned paths.
As Max continues navigating his mid-30s in an age-conscious industry, his entrepreneurial ventures and social impact work ensure his influence will extend far beyond his modeling career. From the tennis courts where his pro dreams ended to the boardrooms where his business ventures thrive, Max Ando has proven that resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking matter more than any single talent or career path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Max Ando
1. How old is Max Ando in 2025?
Max Ando is 34 years old as of 2025. He was born on September 23, 1990, in Paris, France, making him a Libra according to the zodiac. He celebrates his birthday each September and has been working in the modeling industry since his early twenties after a career-ending tennis injury redirected his professional path from athletics to fashion.
2. What is Max Ando's ethnicity and background?
Max Ando is half Japanese and half Swiss. His mother, Shigeko Ando, is a Japanese chef, while his father, Allain Hirsh, is a Swiss photographer. He was born in Paris, France, and raised between France, India, and Japan before moving to the United States in 2000 at age 10. This multicultural upbringing across three continents has shaped his unique perspective and contributed to his striking Eurasian features that have served him well in the modeling industry.
3. Is Max Ando dating Jessica Clements?
No, Max Ando and Jessica Clements are not dating-they are close friends and business associates. Despite frequent speculation from fans due to their chemistry in videos and frequent travels together, both have maintained they have a platonic friendship. Max co-founded Ando/Clements talent management company (named partially after her), and Jessica frequently features him in her YouTube vlogs, creating a mutually beneficial professional relationship. Max has been linked to other models, including Dutch model Sanne Vloet, though he keeps his romantic life private.
4. What is Max Ando's net worth?
Max Ando's estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $5 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from multiple sources including his modeling career (runway shows, editorial shoots, commercial campaigns), his ownership stake in Ando/Clements talent management company that he co-founded with Jason Gorskie, and social media partnerships through his 260,000+ Instagram followers. Some older online sources incorrectly listed his net worth as $105 million, but this appears to be a data error.
5. What happened to Max Ando's tennis career?
Max Ando was a promising professional tennis player who competed for the Division I tennis team at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. Prior to college, he was ranked in the top 50 of the 18-and-under USTA rankings and made the quarterfinals of the 2009 Spring National Championships. However, during his time at SMU, he suffered a career-ending injury that permanently ended his tennis aspirations. After being scouted multiple times during his tennis years, he decided to pursue modeling, transforming a devastating setback into a new career opportunity.
6. What is Ando/Clements talent management?
Ando/Clements is a talent management and consulting company co-founded by Max Ando and his business partner Jason Gorskie (not Jessica Clements, though the company name includes her surname). The company represents models, influencers, and content creators, helping them develop their careers and secure brand partnerships. Max's firsthand experience as a working model gives him unique insight into what talent needs from representation. The company allows Max to diversify his income beyond modeling fees and build a sustainable career beyond the typical lifespan of modeling work.
7. Where does Max Ando currently live?
Max Ando currently splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City. As stated in his Instagram bio: "BORN IN PARIS, FRANCE, BUT CURRENTLY RESIDING BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK CITY." This bi-coastal lifestyle allows him to access both Los Angeles's commercial modeling and lifestyle brand market and New York City's high-fashion editorial and runway opportunities. He also travels frequently internationally for work, including regular trips to Paris, Tokyo (connecting with his Japanese heritage), and other fashion capitals.
8. What is the You/Me Project that Max Ando is involved with?
The You/Me Project is a youth mentorship program in Brooklyn schools that focuses on developing social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in young people. Max Ando participates as a mentor, helping Brooklyn youth develop abilities to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, show empathy, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. This involvement demonstrates Max's commitment to social impact work beyond his modeling and business careers, using his experience overcoming adversity (tennis injury) and multicultural background to inspire and guide young people facing their own challenges.