Jay and Raj Abrol bring a truly global perspective to life in Newcastle. Jay was born in the United Kingdom, Raj in India, and their son, Raam, made his grand entrance on New Year’s Day three years ago in the United States. Together, they are a close-knit family who value culture, community, and time spent around the table.

Both Jay and Raj have impressive professional backgrounds. Jay is the Branch Manager at Columbia Bank on Mercer Island, with 16 years of experience in banking and a former career as a qualified lawyer in the UK. Raj works as an Audit Operations Manager at Cotiviti Inc., headquartered in Utah, and is a former certified Chartered Accountant. Their shared dedication and ambition first brought them together in 2009 while studying for their professional qualifications in the UK. They married in February 2015 and began building a life shaped by both opportunity and adventure.

In 2017, the couple relocated from the UK to Seattle following Raj’s intercompany transfer. After renting in downtown Seattle, they purchased their first home in Newcastle in 2019—a decision driven by the area’s strong family feel, proximity to Bellevue and Seattle, easy airport access, and the surrounding lakes and natural beauty. Newcastle quickly became home. You’ll often find the Abrols enjoying Lake Boren Park, attending the annual Newcastle Days Fair, or heading out on scenic drives to Mount Rainier and the Cascade Loop.

As avid travelers, the Abrol family has explored more than 20 countries, with favorite destinations including Bora Bora, Hawaii, Italy, Dubai, Thailand, Miami, and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. At home, their passions center on cooking, hosting friends, and experimenting with plant-based cuisine. As vegans and vegetarians, they’ve even launched their own Instagram page, @abrolskitchen, to share their love of home cooking and creative ingredients. When dining out, they gravitate toward Araya’s Vegan Thai in Old Bellevue and The Clove at Renton Landing.

Giving back is also important to the Abrols. Jay regularly participates in charity events such as KidVantage in Issaquah and hosts quarterly free youth financial clinics covering topics like saving, budgeting, and credit. The family also supports cultural events at the Bellevue Hindu Temple & Cultural Center.

And a couple of fun facts: Jay has met both the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William, future King of England, while Raj is a devoted German car enthusiast. Together, they embody a blend of global experience, community spirit, and warmth that fits right in here in Newcastle.