Andrew Pesner

Andrew Pesner, a resident of Hauppauge, New York, is a dynamic individual celebrated for his boundless energy and deep-rooted family connections. Born on June 22, 1967, Andrew has cultivated a nurturing and supportive environment with his children and parents, reflecting his commitment to familial bonds. His career as a Capital Markets Specialist and Financial Advisor, which he embarked on in 1990, showcases his dedication to building and maintaining strong client relationships. Currently, he is associated with New Age Venture Capital, where his expertise continues to thrive.

Andrew’s upbringing was enriched by education, with both parents serving as teachers, and an older sister who likely set a high standard. His passion for music, particularly the trumpet, has been a constant since the fourth grade, earning him numerous accolades, including the highest high school music award. This passion extends into his adult life, where he plays in bands at local restaurants, engaging audiences with his heartfelt improvisations.

Andrew’s academic journey laid the groundwork for his professional success. Beyond his professional life, he is an avid marathon runner, having completed 101 marathons, including ultra marathons, and engages in other activities like skiing, snowboarding, and competitive pickleball. Music remains a central part of his life, providing a creative outlet and a means to connect with others.

Andrew’s philosophy on life emphasizes the value of experiencing joy, fostering family relationships, and finding fulfillment in one’s work. His resilience is evident in his recovery from various physical challenges, including an Achilles surgery and a cornea transplant, showcasing his discipline and determination. He attributes his success to focus, discipline, and the ability to remain undistracted by negativity, applying these principles to both his personal and professional life. Inspired by Stoic philosophy, notably the works of Ryan Holiday, Andrew sets realistic goals, believing in the power of surpassing expectations rather than setting unattainable standards. His leisure activities, like running and engaging in music, serve as a means to refocus, relax, and find contentment, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life.

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

My typical day starts with an early morning run; it clears my mind and sets a positive tone for the day. I review my goals, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and block out specific times for deep focus work. I make it productive by minimizing distractions and maintaining a disciplined schedule.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life by brainstorming with trusted colleagues and sketching out a step-by-step action plan. Testing ideas in a small, controlled environment allows for manageable adjustments before a full-scale implementation.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The integration of AI in financial advising excites me. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets rapidly helps in providing customized advice and enhances decision-making processes.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Setting daily goals is a habit that keeps me productive. I list what needs to be achieved by the end of the day, which keeps me focused and drives me to complete each task.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to worry less about trying to please everyone. Focus on your goals, and understand that it’s okay to say no sometimes to stay true to your priorities.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that extreme physical endurance activities, like running ultra marathons, can lead to better professional performance by enhancing mental toughness and discipline.

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

Reflect on your day. Spend a few minutes each evening reflecting on what went well and what could be improved. This helps in personal growth and maintaining a clear perspective.

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

I go for a run or play the trumpet. Both activities help me disconnect, refocus, and approach issues with a fresh perspective.

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

Networking has been crucial. Building a diverse network has opened doors to opportunities and provided insights and support, which have been invaluable in my growth.

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

Early in my career, I lost a significant client due to a misunderstanding. I learned the importance of clear, constant communication and managing expectations from the start, which I have diligently applied ever since.

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

A platform that connects retired financial professionals with young advisors. This mentorship can help bridge the gap between generations and enhance the sharing of invaluable experience and knowledge.

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

Whoop, a fitness and health tracker, helps me maintain productivity by optimizing my physical well-being. It monitors my sleep, recovery, and daily exertion, allowing me to adjust my activity levels and rest periods for optimal performance each day. This ensures I am always functioning at my best, both physically and mentally.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday is a favorite. It offers practical advice on turning challenges into advantages, which is incredibly valuable in both personal and professional life.

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

I recently enjoyed “Reacher” on Amazon Prime. The show not only captures the essence of Lee Child’s iconic character with thrilling action but also delves into themes of justice and perseverance against odds, which are both inspiring and resonate deeply with my values.

Key learnings:

• Starting the day with a morning run and strategically prioritizing tasks ensures a productive routine by maintaining a disciplined schedule and minimizing distractions.
• Bringing ideas to life involves brainstorming with trusted colleagues and creating detailed action plans, using controlled testing environments for iterative refinement before broad application.
• Regularly reflecting on daily experiences not only aids in personal growth but also helps maintain mental clarity and perspective, making it a crucial habit for sustained personal and professional development.