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.

Julianne Chandler, a dynamic and accomplished Chief Financial Officer at Saussy Burbank, has significantly impacted the financial sector since 2013. Born into a military family, her resilience and adaptability were shaped early on. Julianne’s academic achievements include a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Campbell University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, underlining her commitment to continuous learning. Her career highlights include pivotal roles in public accounting and progressive leadership positions in the energy sector. With a passion for travel, botany, and volunteering, Julianne’s philosophy intertwines personal happiness with professional success, embodying a holistic approach to life and work.

Q&A with Julianne Chandler, Chief Financial Officer at Saussy Burbank

Julianne, you’ve had an impressive journey in your career. Can you tell us about your current role at Saussy Burbank?

Julianne Chandler: Absolutely. I joined Saussy Burbank as a Controller in August 2013. Over the years, I’ve grown within the company, moving from VP of Finance to my current role as Chief Financial Officer since January 2023. I oversee all accounting areas, manage IT and HR functions, and am passionate about driving the company’s financial success.

Your educational background is quite diverse. Could you share a bit about that?

Julianne Chandler: Sure! I graduated with honors from Evanston Township High School in 1994 and then pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Campbell University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2003. I also hold an MBA from the University of Phoenix’s Chicago Campus, which I completed in 2008, and a Business Contracts certification from Cornell University in 2021.

Growing up in a military family, how did that shape your life and career?

Julianne Chandler: Growing up as an “Air Force brat” and then marrying into the army meant frequent moves, living in various places like Michigan, California, Nebraska, Chicago, Louisiana, Germany, and North Carolina. This lifestyle taught me adaptability and resilience, which were crucial in my career, especially in the early days when I was balancing work and education while being part of a military family.

You’ve mentioned facing obstacles on your path to success. Can you elaborate on that?

Julianne Chandler: The main challenge was starting a career while frequently moving due to my family’s military background. Despite this, I remained committed to my education and career goals, finding opportunities that allowed for growth and learning.

How do you define success, and what drives you towards achieving your goals?

Julianne Chandler: To me, success is about achieving one’s goals and making your desired life a reality. It’s not just about climbing the ladder or titles. My daughter and my future are my biggest motivators. Providing a comfortable and stable life for her while working hard to realize my aspirations is what drives me.

You’ve achieved a lot professionally. How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Julianne Chandler: Balancing personal and professional success is crucial for overall happiness. I believe in the correlation between the two. Success isn’t just about career achievements; it’s also about being happy in your personal life.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring professionals in the field of finance and accounting?

Julianne Chandler: Stay driven and determined, but also remain humble and grounded. A solid work ethic is essential, as is leading by example. It’s important to be open to new ideas and continually learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Adaptability Shaped by Military Background: Julianne Chandler’s upbringing in a military family and later as a military spouse instilled key values of resilience and adaptability, which played a crucial role in her professional growth. Her experience of frequently relocating and adapting to new environments contributed significantly to her ability to handle challenges in her career, especially in the early stages.
• Importance of Transparency and Integrity: A defining moment in Julianne’s career was her handling of the fraud incident with a prior employer. Her approach to this challenge underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in the finance sector. Her honesty and openness during the SEC investigation not only helped her navigate this difficult situation but also facilitated her continued advancement at Saussy Burbank.
• Balanced Approach to Success: Julianne defines success as a balance between professional achievements and personal happiness. She emphasizes that success is not solely about career progression or titles but also about achieving personal goals and maintaining happiness in life. Her focus on balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal interests and family life offers a valuable perspective on managing a successful career alongside a fulfilling personal life.