Alex Afandi is a dedicated family man and man of God, deeply committed to his family and serving his elderly parents. Based in California, he is an entrepreneur and investor with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, emphasizing finance with an emphasis in Finance. Alex’s career began at Verizon, shaping his foundational business skills, before moving into the Medical Diagnostics field, focusing on early detection of cardiac diseases. Post-2019, following a corporate acquisition, he pivoted towards acquiring and nurturing small businesses. 

Alongside his professional endeavors, Alex is passionate about cooking, pickleball, hiking, and volunteering, notably at Acacia Senior Center In Garden Grove, CA and with the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association. His life reflects a blend of strong family values, faith-driven dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of entrepreneurial success.

Q&A with Alex Afandi

Can you tell us a bit about your background, Alex?

Alex Afandi: Certainly! I’m based in California, and I hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on finance. After college, I began my career in business development with Verizon, which I consider my professional ‘bootcamp’. I then moved into the Medical Diagnostics field, working with a lab that specialized in cardiac disease early detection assays. Going back to early childhood, I grew up in a humble, loving, and, at times, loud home with an incredibly sweet mother and a strong father. One of six children whose age difference spans 42 years from eldest to youngest. It was a rare thing to be an uncle at age 4, but it was my pride and joy. I excelled in swimming and thereafter made a career out of it being an open water lifeguard where at some point, I married swimming to business and started Rescue Guards in 2012. A water safety organization specializing in special events and covering large bodies of water. 

How did your career path evolve over the years?

Alex Afandi: After the diagnostics company I worked for was acquired in 2019, I shifted my focus towards learning how to acquire small businesses. This transition marked a significant change in my career, steering me towards entrepreneurship and investment.

Besides your professional life, what are some of your personal interests?

Alex Afandi: I’m a family man and deeply dedicated to my faith, with a strong commitment to serving my family and elderly parents. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, playing pickleball, and hiking. I’ve also volunteered at Acacia Senior Center and been involved with the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association.

What’s your philosophy on success and setbacks?

Alex Afandi: I believe that success is about progressively realizing your goals. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that setbacks are an essential part of this process. They’re not just obstacles but opportunities for growth and learning.

How have your past experiences shaped your current perspective?

Alex Afandi: My experiences, especially the challenging ones, have significantly shaped me. For instance, failing to become an ocean lifeguard initially, only to succeed later and even create lifesaving programs, taught me unparalleled courage and persistence. These experiences have helped mold my current approach to business and life in that persistence is the best insurance against failure.

Who has been a significant influence in your life?

Alex Afandi: My father has been a tremendous influence. His story of suffering, sacrifice, and success has always inspired me and guided my decisions.

What strategies do you employ when faced with challenges?

Alex Afandi: I believe in going back to the basics. For me, that means revisiting foundational literature like ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill. I also emphasize the need to constantly uncover new opportunities as a way to discover paths to success.

Finally, what metrics do you prioritize in your business ventures?

Alex Afandi: In business, I focus on revenue, employee retention, and profitability. However, I’ve come to realize that maintaining a balanced life is crucial for sustained success. It’s about enjoying life at every stage while staying productive.

Key Takeaways 

• Resilience and Adaptability in Career: Alex Afandi‘s journey highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in one’s career. Starting in business development at Verizon, transitioning to the medical diagnostics field, and eventually focusing on acquiring small businesses after a significant corporate change, Alex demonstrates how embracing change and being adaptable can lead to diverse and rewarding career paths.
• Balancing Professional Ambitions with Personal Values: A key takeaway from Alex’s story is the balance between professional success and personal values. Despite his entrepreneurial drive and professional achievements, he places immense importance on being a family man, serving his parents, and his faith. This balance showcases how personal commitments and professional aspirations can coexist and complement each other.
• Learning from Setbacks and Embracing Challenges: Alex’s approach to setbacks and challenges is insightful. His initial failure and subsequent success as an ocean lifeguard and his acknowledgment of difficulties in formal education, especially in mathematics, reveal that setbacks are not just obstacles but vital learning experiences. His story emphasizes that challenges can be powerful motivators and teachers, leading to greater success and personal development.