Andrew Draayer doesn’t believe in shortcuts. He believes in people, hard work, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard.
If you ask him about his success, he’ll probably smile and give credit to his family, his early experiences, and a lot of rejection that taught him how to grow. “I’ve never been the smartest guy in the room,” he says, “but I’ve always been willing to knock on another door.”
Andrew is an entrepreneur, a real estate investor, and a father of three. He’s built his life and career through persistence, positivity, and a deep belief in connecting with others.
A Military Childhood with Big Lessons
Andrew grew up in a military household. His dad was a Colonel in the Air Force. His mom was a nurse. He was the ninth of ten children, and life was always busy. “Being in a big family, you learn how to speak up—but also how to listen,” he says.
He was born in Utah, spent some of his early years in Northern California, and moved to Chandler, Arizona at age 11. “We moved a lot. You learn to adapt. You learn that being friendly and confident goes a long way.”
He also learned to compete. Sports became his passion. Football especially. In high school, he played for Hamilton and won a state championship in 2004. “That was a big deal,” he recalls. “It showed me what teamwork and preparation can do.”
He also made school history by winning the first-ever Mr. HHS competition—a mix of talent and personality. He won by singing and dancing to “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. “I wasn’t trying to impress anyone,” he laughs. “I just wanted to have fun and give people a good time.”
From Bus Tickets to Sales Success
Andrew’s career started with a bus ticket. Literally. His older brother bought him a one-way ride from Phoenix to Roanoke, Virginia so he could try door-to-door sales. “It was a 2.5-day trip,” he remembers. “I read The Secret the whole way and visualized what I wanted.”
That trip turned into a full-time hustle. He knocked on doors across 41 states, selling home security systems, and later, Dish Network services. “I learned more from rejection than I ever did from school,” Andrew says. “Every no taught me how to be better, how to listen more, and how to communicate clearly.”
He became one of the top sales reps in a company of over 400 people. But as life changed—he and his wife welcomed their first child—so did his goals. “I couldn’t keep traveling and knocking doors forever. I needed something more stable for my family.”
That’s when he pivoted into real estate. Using the same people-first approach, he began helping homeowners solve problems and sell homes with confidence.
A Mindset Built on Trust and Consistency
For Andrew Draayer, sales isn’t about pressure. It’s about trust. “People buy from people they like and trust. That’s it,” he says. “If they don’t feel safe with you, the deal’s already lost.”
He emphasizes being genuine, professional, and approachable. “Smile. Make eye contact. Ask questions and actually listen to the answers.”
He also talks about the power of communication. “Keep it simple,” he explains. “Don’t flood people with features—talk about how the product helps. Use stories, not scripts.”
And when it comes to rejection, he doesn’t flinch. “It’s not personal. It’s timing, budget, fear. I always ask what’s holding them back, and I leave on a good note. You never know when they’ll come back.”
Family, Sports, and Giving Back
Outside of work, Andrew’s world revolves around his family. He and his wife are raising three kids, and he loves introducing them to the sports and activities he enjoyed growing up. “They’re my why,” he says.
He still plays in a men’s basketball league and is “obsessed” with golf. “Golf humbles you every round. You think you’ve got it figured out, and boom—double bogey.”
He’s also serious about giving back. Andrew has donated over $78,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has supported Chandler Compadres, a nonprofit that helps underprivileged kids. “If I’ve been blessed, I want to be a blessing,” he says simply.
A Voice for New Entrepreneurs
Andrew recently launched his own personal website to share stories from his journey. It’s part blog, part Q&A, and part behind-the-scenes. His goal is to help aspiring entrepreneurs find guidance through real-world experience.
“I didn’t come from money or a fancy background. I came from hustle,” he says. “If I can do it, others can too. They just need someone to show them it’s possible.”
His message to new entrepreneurs is clear:
“Work hard. Stay positive. Be real. Learn from the losses. Celebrate the wins. And don’t be afraid to knock on one more door.”
For Andrew Draayer, success isn’t just about the deal—it’s about the connection. And that’s something worth building.
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