Andrew Draayer grew up in a busy home as the ninth of ten kids in a military family. His dad was a Colonel in the Air Force, and his mom worked as a nurse. Discipline and responsibility were part of daily life. He was raised in Utah, moved to Northern California, and eventually settled in Chandler, Arizona, where he still lives today.
In high school, Andrew stood out on and off the field. He won a state football championship at Hamilton High in 2004 and became the first-ever winner of the school’s Mr. HHS competition. That early mix of athletic drive and personality would shape his approach to life and work.
After school, Andrew didn’t follow a typical path. He took a one-way bus ride to Virginia to chase a job in door-to-door sales. He ended up knocking on doors in 41 states. That job taught him how to deal with rejection, read people, and stay consistent no matter what. He became one of the top reps in a company of over 400 people.
After starting a family, he shifted into real estate. Today, he helps homeowners solve real problems with trust and honesty. He’s also donated over $78,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and supports youth charities like Chandler Compadres.
Andrew is a husband, a father of three, and still loves playing basketball and golf. His journey is built on showing up, staying grounded, and growing through every stage of life.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day early. Most mornings begin before 6 a.m. That’s my time to clear my head, drink some water, and get grounded before the chaos of the day starts. I usually check in on my plan for the day—appointments, follow-ups, or projects I’ve mapped out the night before. That planning habit helps me avoid wasting mental energy when I get busy. I make it productive by staying in motion. I don’t wait around for the perfect moment to start. Whether it’s reviewing property details, making calls, or playing catch with my kids, I commit to being present wherever I am.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I move quickly. When I have an idea, I test it in the real world instead of overthinking it. That mindset came from my early sales days—knocking on doors in 41 states taught me how fast feedback comes when you put something in front of real people. If I want to try a new approach to real estate deals or marketing, I’ll try it with one client or conversation first, and adapt from there. Action is always the first step.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m really interested in the shift toward transparency in business—especially in sales and real estate. People are getting better at spotting nonsense. That actually helps people like me who’ve built careers on trust and direct communication. Clients now expect clear info, no pressure, and real connection. That’s a good thing.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I prepare for the next day the night before. I go through my calendar, check my notes, and visualize the next day’s priorities. This way, I don’t wake up wondering where to start. It reduces mental noise and helps me go into each day with clarity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d say, “Don’t wait until you feel ready.” I missed out on a few opportunities early on because I overthought them. You learn by doing—not planning. Also, I’d remind myself to enjoy the wins, even small ones. I was always chasing the next goal and rarely stopped to appreciate how far I’d come.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe rejection is underrated. Most people avoid it at all costs. I think it’s one of the best teachers out there. If you handle it the right way, it gives you clarity, thick skin, and an edge over people who fear it.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Follow up. Always. Whether it’s a business lead, a friend you haven’t heard from, or a seller who said “maybe”—staying in touch shows you’re serious. I’ve closed deals months after the first conversation, just because I didn’t disappear.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I change my environment. Sometimes that means going outside with my kids or hitting the gym for a quick game of basketball. If I really need to reset, I’ll spend time on the golf course. It forces me to slow down and focus one shot at a time.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The biggest strategy has been building trust quickly. That skill came from knocking on strangers’ doors and figuring out how to get them to open up. In real estate, that means being transparent, asking the right questions, and listening before speaking. People remember how you make them feel. If they trust you, they’ll work with you.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once hesitated on a real estate deal because I overanalyzed it. I waited too long, and someone else bought it. They flipped it for a strong profit. That taught me that the cost of hesitation is real. You have to act when the numbers and instincts align.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile service that helps homeowners prep their homes for sale in 48 hours or less. It would include light repairs, cleaning, and staging in one bundled package. Fast, simple, and perfect for people who don’t have time to coordinate with five different vendors.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Google Calendar to manage tasks, leads, and projects. I keep it simple.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It talks about how small daily actions lead to big results over time. That idea has shaped how I approach everything—from sales to parenting.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I liked Quarterback on Netflix. Watching pro athletes push themselves under pressure reminded me of my own early sales career. It’s about staying focused, taking hits, and showing up anyway.
Key learnings
- Success often comes from staying in motion and learning by doing.
- Following up consistently is a simple but powerful strategy in both sales and relationships.
- Rejection can be a tool for growth if you learn from it instead of fearing it.