Andrew Elsoffer

Andrew Elsoffer has built for himself a thriving career and a rich community in Cleveland, Ohio. His professional experience includes founding and developing his own event management company fresh out of college, which eventually led him to a career in corporate finance and investments. Outside of work, he is a committed community leader with a passion for coaching soccer and investing in local youth. Whatever he does, Andrew takes a people-centered approach, always prioritizing integrity and respect.

Before settling down in Cleveland, Andrew Elsoffer attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He studied Political Science and Business Administration, subjects that prepared him well for his future career. Having started playing soccer in high school, he was excited to continue playing for all four years of his college career. After graduating, he continued to prioritize soccer, playing on a local semi-professional team for another four years.

While Andrew Elsoffer eventually stepped away from his soccer career to focus on his work as a financial advisor, he quickly realized he couldn’t completely leave the sport behind. He began to invest in a newfound passion: coaching. For over twenty years now, he has coached teams from the high school level to adult soccer clubs. Whether playing or coaching, Andrew values every moment spent on the soccer field. He is especially grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of his players by promoting healthy team unity and mutual respect.

Professionally, Andrew Elsoffer has built over 25 years of experience in the finance industry, offering advisory services to numerous clients. His focus is on investments, and he has experience managing large client portfolios encompassing millions of dollars worth of assets. Andrew’s breadth of experience has taught him the importance of strong communication skills, professionalism, and strategic business relationships. He values his clients and his professional network and strives to provide high-quality results in everything he does while embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Andrew Elsoffer’s focus on people is evident not only in his professional interactions and coaching appointments but also in his community involvement. Over the years, Andrew has intentionally set time aside to volunteer with multiple nonprofit organizations, supporting local causes and lending his skills wherever possible. He volunteered for over five years with the Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing and support for families of hospitalized children. Additionally, he partnered with The Cleveland Swim for Diabetes Association for eight years, including two years spent as the co-chair.

Amidst his busy schedule, Andrew Elsoffer still prioritizes time for his family and personal interests. Ever since he took a six-week bike trip with his college roommate after graduation, Andrew has been intentional about spending time in nature. He loves returning to Michigan and exploring the beautiful natural areas it has to offer. It is a place full of beautiful memories for Andrew, from graduating college to marrying his wife and welcoming his son into the world. In fact, he and his family have even built a second home there to enjoy on their visits.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My day starts with an aerobic workout and then an hour in the kitchen – good breakfast and preparation of the evening meal. In advance of the market day I review the Bloomberg and Reuters news feed and then the Morningstar economy and company specific news. To enhance productivity I have a daily routine that includes email response, client communication by phone and research update. The discipline of a routine increases efficiency in meeting advisory service goals and in addressing administrative tasks as they are requested by clients. The day closes with preparation for the next day’s actionable tasks and client communication.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Ideas come to life when you think for yourself and develop conviction in the ideas as having value and merit. The next step is to apply the idea to an actionable business initiative.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The trend of vacationer’s looking for outdoors adventure, particularly in the amazing natural settings of the United States. An active vacation that includes outdoor adventure is a healthy, dynamic trend that contributes to the life experience priority of all generations!

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

The focus and objective of doing it right the first time. In addition, my goal setting objectives regardless of the task translate into productivity and effective time management.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Harness your energy through greater focus on the most important goals to ensure a greater life balance between career, family, friends and how you give back to your community and society.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.

Here in Cleveland, Ohio … it would have to be the unequivocal fact that it is great to be a Michigan Wolverine!

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Keep a good attitude as life is 10% what happens along the way and 90% the attitude that one chooses to address life. Ultimately, we are only truly in control of our attitude.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

Take a break in the great outdoors … nothing provides relief like sky overhead and fresh air!

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Listening to the customer and building a relationship based on clear communication and trust.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

The failure of overcoming internal organization disagreement. The lesson learned is very simply that those in a position to advance or diminish your career are not always held to a standard of accountability. Therefore, one must better understand the implications of disagreement before taking action on a viewpoint not shared by the organization and or direct management.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Never fail to ask for new business … if you do not ask you will never receive!

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

RBC Wealthstation for Investment Advisors … a complete platform for my advisory business

What is the best $100 you recently spent?

An evening with my wife at the outdoor Amphitheater, Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, Ohio … great music on a beautiful summer night at a wonderful venue! Good for the soul!

Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?

A Man called Otto by Fredrik Backman … a ton of value in the story … a story of what compels change, selflessness and personal growth … so often change comes from the most unexpected circumstances and at any time during the journey of life.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

Not a movie or a series …but the Women’s World Cup Soccer tournament … a triumph for women athletes, for international competition and country interaction. The Australia/New Zealand host countries have provided a great introduction to there unique culture and society.

Key learnings:

• The capacity to deliver performance relies on preparation and a disciplined approach to decision making and time management.
• Do not underestimate the value and ultimate benefit of making mistakes. Mistakes are the ingredients of new and better knowledge.
• Surround yourself with people who share a positive outlook and attitude. Inspire whenever the opportunity to do so presents itself.
• Remember if you want to go fast … go alone. But if you want to go far … go together. Always choose team!