An In Depth Conversation with Andrew Draayer On Balancing Career and Family

Andrew Draayer is a driven entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who thrives on competition, connection, and making a meaningful impact.

Growing up as the ninth of ten children in a military family, he learned the value of discipline, adaptability, and perseverance from an early age. His competitive spirit was evident in sports, where he excelled in football, earning a state championship with Hamilton High School and becoming the school’s first-ever Mr. HHS winner.

Andrew’s career is a testament to hustle and determination. He began in door-to-door sales, knocking on doors in 41 states and refining his skills in negotiation and relationship-building. Rising through the ranks as a top sales representative, he later transitioned into real estate investing, where he specializes in helping homeowners navigate complex financial decisions while building long-term wealth.

Beyond his professional success, Andrew is passionate about giving back. He has donated over $78,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and actively supports Chandler Compadres, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting underprivileged children. A devoted husband and father of three, Andrew Draayer enjoys playing golf, competing in men’s league basketball, and encouraging his children to embrace the activities he once loved. His philosophy is simple: work hard, stay positive, and never stop growing.

What is one piece of advice you live by every day?

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was, “Control what you can control.” Life throws curveballs—business deals fall through, people let you down, things don’t go as planned. But at the end of the day, I focus on my attitude, my effort, and how I respond to challenges. That mindset has helped me push forward in every area of my life, whether it’s sports, business, or being a husband and father. You can’t dwell on things outside your control—you just have to keep moving.

Looking back, what was the biggest turning point in your career?

The moment I decided to shift from door-to-door sales into real estate investing was huge. I had spent years perfecting my craft in sales, traveling across the country, meeting thousands of people, and learning how to close deals in every situation. But when my wife and I had our first baby, I knew I needed something that offered long-term stability and growth. Real estate became that path for me. It was still about problem-solving and negotiation, but instead of selling a service, I was helping people with life-changing decisions about their homes. That transition set me on a path that changed everything.

What is something people misunderstand about you?

People assume that because I’m outgoing and high-energy, I don’t have a serious side. But in reality, I take my work, my family, and my goals very seriously. I just don’t believe in letting stress or setbacks define me. I put in the effort, I do the work, and I expect a lot from myself—but I also believe in enjoying the process.

How do you stay motivated when things don’t go your way?

I remind myself why I started in the first place. I’ve had plenty of tough days—failed deals, missed opportunities, even personal struggles. But I always come back to my core motivations: providing for my family, setting an example for my kids, and building a future that I can be proud of. I also look at challenges as lessons. Every time something doesn’t work out, I try to find what I can learn from it and use that knowledge to get better.

What’s been your most memorable deal or business experience?

One of the most memorable experiences was closing my first real estate deal. I had been knocking on doors, trying to find homeowners who needed help selling their properties. I met an older couple who were struggling financially and needed to move fast. I worked hard to find them a solution, and when the deal finally closed, they were in tears, thanking me for helping them out of a tough situation. That moment reinforced why I do what I do. It’s not just about making money—it’s about making an impact.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

I would tell myself to enjoy the journey more. I’ve always been goal-driven, always chasing the next big thing, but sometimes I didn’t stop to appreciate how far I had come. I’d remind my younger self to take a breath, celebrate the small wins, and trust that the hard work will pay off.

What role does competition play in your life?

Competition fuels me. Whether it was playing football, winning sales contests, or now competing in business, I thrive on pushing myself to be better. But the biggest competition isn’t with others—it’s with myself. I constantly ask, “How can I improve? How can I grow?” I think a competitive mindset is crucial for success. If you’re not pushing yourself, you’re standing still.

What do you hope your kids learn from watching you?

I want them to see the value of hard work, resilience, and treating people right. I want them to understand that success isn’t given—it’s earned through effort, persistence, and integrity. I also want them to see that it’s okay to fail, as long as they keep getting back up. More than anything, I hope they grow up knowing they can achieve anything if they’re willing to put in the work.

How do you balance work, family, and personal interests?

It’s all about priorities. Family always comes first. No matter how busy I get, I make time for my wife and kids. At the same time, I love what I do, so work doesn’t always feel like work. As for personal interests like golf and basketball, I see them as essential—because staying active and having fun helps me show up better in every other area of my life. It’s about making sure I give attention to what truly matters.

What’s next for you in life and business?

I’m focused on growing my real estate investments and taking my business to the next level. I also want to keep expanding my network and finding ways to help others succeed, whether through mentorship, business partnerships, or philanthropy. Personally, I’m always working on becoming a better husband, father, and competitor—whether that’s on the golf course, the basketball court, or in life. The best part is, I feel like I’m just getting started.