Client Tributes
"I got more value than I could ever spend in dollars."
“I never thought I needed a life coach. As an entrepreneur with nearly two decades of success in the fitness industry, I had built a thriving business, hit countless milestones, and was constantly in pursuit of growth. But underneath all that, something always felt off. No matter how much I achieved or how much money I made, I couldn't shake the sense that something was missing.
That's when I found Andy.
At the time, I was standing at a major crossroads — considering a long-term career shift, grappling with the fear of letting go, and feeling the weight of everything I'd been carrying. I started reading Andy's emails and was struck by his presence and clarity. It was a level of calm and grounded awareness I didn't know I was craving.
Working with Andy gave me a new lens — not just for my career, but for how I relate to myself, my family, and the world. Through his thoughtful questions, deep listening, and intuitive guidance, Andy helped me uncover insights I never would've arrived at on my own. He didn't tell me what to do — he helped me see what I already knew but couldn't access.
Some of the biggest breakthroughs came in unexpected places. I was able to navigate a career transition, sell my business, and step into something new. But most profoundly, I addressed long-buried issues with my father — patterns and pain I hadn't even realized I was still carrying. That healing changed everything. It's made me a more present, loving father to my daughter, a more grounded leader, and a more open human being.
I've done therapy and workshops before, and while those were helpful, this experience was in a category of its own. I can't place a dollar amount on the value I received. The investment felt big at first — in time, money, and energy — but what I got in return was life-changing.
Today, I feel more connected to myself. The anxiety I used to carry has lifted. I'm more present in my relationships. And I finally understand what fulfillment really feels like.
If you're considering working with Andy — take the first step. Even a conversation with him can be transformational. He shows up fully, listens deeply, and believes in you in a way that helps you believe in yourself.
I'm incredibly grateful for the journey we took together. If you're ready to invest in yourself, Andy is the real deal.”
— Chris Thorndike Entrepreneur, Founder — Factory Forged
"I fear who I'd be if I worked with someone else.”
“Before working with Andy I was unequivocally unfit to assume the leadership responsibilities I desired. I find that leaders and even mentors have a strong bias towards the traits that serve them, which is fine unless they are remarkable visionaries but poor executioners or vice versa. Andy is a unicorn leader who is capable of often opposing skill sets. He sees the forest and can chop trees with expertise. Since much of leadership is holding multiple perspectives, Andy's unique blend of Marine officer, Zen master, and physical specimen intellectual makes him an optimal leader of leaders.
Andy has an almost surgical ability to find and develop the edges of one's ability. He met me at my most important challenges and made me an active participant in my growth in those areas. I turned pro in entrepreneurship working with Andy in a way that I couldn't have stumbled into on my own.
Many people don't understand that Andy isn't just a successful leader in the world. I've never met someone from which more leadership in others emerged than from Andy. He's the origin point of more new companies, blossoming leaders, and emerging minds than I've ever seen.
Andy's ability to share responsibility and authority lives inside of my leadership skill set every day, now more than 10 years later.
Andy's mentorship is the reason I've had the success that I've had as an entrepreneur. In fact, I fear who I'd be if I worked with someone else.”
— Logan Gelbrich Deuce Gym Founder, Coach, Entrepreneur
"Working with Andy wasn't about fixing or performing. It was about coming home to myself.”
“I began working with Andy at a pivotal point in my life. On the surface, everything looked successful: a very public leadership role, a life that appeared put together, and years of high performance. Underneath that, I was deeply burned out and profoundly disconnected from myself.
Like many leaders, I had learned how to manage every input and output in my life. What I called control was really protection. Over time, that protection became a mask — and eventually, it became my identity. When I stepped out of those roles and structures, I realized how empty and lost I felt.
Andy met me exactly there.
What sets Andy apart is his ability to call you out while simultaneously creating real safety. He wasn't impressed by the mask, nor did he try to tear it off. Instead, he created space — without judgment — where I could lower my guard and begin to feel again.
Through our work together, Andy helped me understand the profound value of forgiveness, the necessity of loving myself before trying to love or lead others, and what it truly means to live in alignment without self-judgment. Those principles are not abstract ideas — they are foundational to the work I do today and the peace with which I now live my life.
Working with Andy wasn't about fixing or performing. It was about coming home to myself. That shift changed how I lead, how I relate, and how I move through the world.
If you are a high-capacity leader who looks fine on the outside but knows something deeper is misaligned, Andy is the kind of coach who will walk with you into truth — with clarity, integrity, and respect.”
— Shana Ackles
VP, Growthward Consulting
"As I worked with Andy, I started to see failure completely differently.”
“Prior to working with Andy, I was "successful" by most measures but still struggled with emotional reactivity and a deep fear of failure. Failure of any kind was totally unacceptable to me — it's no wonder I was a fierce procrastinator. I knew I needed to get things done, but would put off getting started for fear of failing to meet others' expectations.
As I worked with Andy, I started to see failure completely differently. Rather than looking at it as a way to judge myself, I started to see it as an essential part of my learning process. "Win or Lose" became "Win or Learn." I also learned to become more present, connected, and at peace by first accepting what was and surrendering to everything I couldn't change.
Today it's like I am a different person — well, I AM a different person. All of the guilt, shame, and emotional burden that the fear of failure used to trigger in me is gone. I'm now intentional in almost everything I do — especially my interactions as a husband and father — which allows me to create and manifest the life I want: one filled with love, joy, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Working with Andy not only helped me improve during our sessions, but gave me the framework to continue my journey of self-improvement long after our work together was done. I highly recommend Andy to anyone who feels successful on the surface but knows there is deeper work to be done. Working with Andy was the best gift I have ever given myself.”
— Zareh Amirian
Small Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Public Official
"Andy helped me dismantle the old operating system.”
“Andy Petranek doesn't give you surface-level tactics or motivational hype. He tells you the truth, challenges your assumptions, and helps you live in alignment with who you really are.
If you're a high-performing leader who's tired of carrying the invisible weight of success, hiring a coach with Andy's skill set is something you should consider.
Over the past year, Andy helped me dismantle the old operating system. He guided me in understanding the importance of letting go of control, releasing resentment, and seeing that real strength comes from surrender, not force. It reinforced the importance of leading from a place of internal integrity rather than constant pressure — and extending the same patience and compassion to myself that I've always given others.
By operating with clarity, confidence, and trust in myself, I've reclaimed my power from the inside out — showing up in a way that feels truly free.
Mr. Andy Petranek has my recommendation with the highest regard.”
— Philip 'Ted' Attalla
Executive Managing Director, NAI Capital
"Andy helped me to realize that I am enough, and not only that I am strong, confident, caring, and loving.”
"I had no idea that I held myself to such a high standard (an impossibly high standard, in fact) that I judged myself against. Whenever I didn’t do or achieve what I thought I should have, I would then hold a grudge (judgment) against myself. At first, I didn’t even recognize that this was something I do, but I gradually started to see it through our conversations and journaling practice. Additionally, Andy taught me a self-healing process called self-forgiveness to help me release these judgments and let them go.
We also worked a lot on my vulnerability. In the past, I had a tough exterior shell that I had created for myself for “protection.” This made me regularly come off as unapproachable, and it’s something that the aforementioned self-judgment made much worse. Through the process of self-forgiveness, my hard outer shell became much softer and gentler, I became more approachable, and I started to learn and see the strength in my vulnerability.
And in the physical world, Andy helped me buy my FIRST house! I had had a goal/dream of owning a house, preferably income property, but I held a misconception that I would never get there and it was something that “someone like me” could never accomplish. By breaking down the process into small steps, addressing the fears as they came up, and being accountable to taking action and moving forward, Andy helped me get there, and accomplish this life-long dream.
Since working with Andy, I have continued to grow, learn, and stretch into new things - all to serve my ultimate goal in life - to be happy. I have a deeper and more loving relationship with my family, I have a happier disposition at work, and I even started doing stand-up comedy, something I would never have had the courage to do before.
Probably the biggest shift that occurred as a result of working with Andy was the daily practice of self-forgiveness - something I still practice to this day. By releasing myself of the pressure, guilt, shame, and judgments I put on myself, it goes a long way toward relieving myself of the burden those thoughts and feelings create.
I think back to when Andy and I first started working together about how closed-minded I was, and how patient and supportive Andy was. In many ways, I was standing in my own way of success and happiness. Working with Andy for several years I was able to jump-start a surge in my professional career as an architect and also create a life of peace and balance. Andy helped me to realize that I am enough, and not only that I am strong, confident, caring, and loving."
— Monica Rodriguez
Licensed Architect, Senior Associate at KFA, LLP
More From Clients
Working with Andy as my executive coach for 3.5 years was one of the best decisions I've ever made. He consistently challenged me to see beyond surface-level struggles, guiding me to uncover deep insights hidden beneath years of experiences and beliefs. Through his coaching, I developed a broader perspective on people and situations, deepened my compassion for myself and others, and built unshakable self-trust and confidence.
Andy's approach helped me strengthen my self-awareness, embrace vulnerability, and refine my ability to listen generously. The transformation I experienced through our work has profoundly impacted every area of my life — my business, professional relationships, family, and most importantly, my relationship with myself.
If you're looking for a coach who can help you unlock deeper fulfillment and growth, Andy is the one.
— Justin Harris
Founder, First Rate Financial
When I first started working with Andy, I was struggling in three major areas of my life: health, work burnout, and family neglect. My wife and I were in our 20th year of marriage and had three young girls. I was practicing law and was a partner in a small homebuilding business. The pace was fast and left little time for self-care.
Through Andy's direct, honest, and inspired coaching, I transformed. I began a regular workout routine that started every day before work. I fixed my eating habits and focused on what I should eat instead of what I wanted to eat. I prioritized my family and other obligations, which made me realize what I had been missing by neglecting to spend the much needed time with my young girls and my wife.
Fast forward nearly a decade later and I'm a completely different person. Although our coaching relationship has changed over the years, our connection has grown. Andy is one of the few people who can tell me what I need to do for my own good in a way that I can hear it. And that's what everyone needs from their coach.
— Sina Monjazeb
Founder & Executive Director, Sandy Days Kids Camp
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Andy and can say without hesitation that he has been a transformative presence in my personal and professional life. From the very first session, Andy provided invaluable guidance, support, and insight that helped me gain clarity, build a new mindset, and achieve meaningful change. He pushes for personal accountability and unlocks the reasons and motivations you just may not see on your own.
What sets Andy apart is his ability to listen deeply and ask the right questions. He doesn't just give advice. He empowers you to uncover your own answers.
Thanks to Andy's coaching, I've gained a stronger sense of direction, developed new life strategies, and navigated challenges with a renewed mindset. I highly recommend Andy to anyone looking for a compassionate, insightful, and results-oriented coach.
— Kim White
Partnerships and Business Development
When I first started working with Andy, I was overwhelmed with stress and anxiety about my business, finances, and relationships — constantly worrying about the future and fearing that one misstep could cause everything to fall apart. I felt stuck, avoiding difficult conversations and decisions because they seemed too risky to face head-on.
Through our work together, Andy helped me realize that my fear wasn't coming from my circumstances but from how I was relating to them. He guided me to shift my perspective and lean into the very things I was avoiding. This changed everything. While the external aspects of my life may look the same, my approach is completely different. I now have the confidence to address challenges directly, set boundaries, and create the outcomes I want rather than passively fearing what could go wrong.
Andy is an outstanding coach who helps you see beyond your self-imposed limitations and step into clarity, courage, and leadership.
— Steve Rakow
Criminal Defense Attorney
Before meeting Andy, I had had no heart-centered male leadership role models. I was a former team-sport athlete, so I was told what to do a lot by coaches. I was yelled at and put down by leaders in order to be motivated. It wasn't until I met Andy that I saw how much heart has to go into leadership to actually inspire people and not just dictate to them — and how important it was for the leader's own actions to set the culture of his organization.
I remember my first experience literally walking into Andy's gym, and immediately feeling like: I don't care what we do here, I just want to be a part of it. I want to be a part of this community. I have no idea what we do, it looks a little bit nuts. But that's fine. I'll figure that out later. I just want to be around this guy and around the people around him.
He taught me the value of heartfelt and heart-led leadership, of being vulnerable — even when most guys don't like that word — of having integrity, of having to stand by your word, even when it's hard. To this day, in the running of my own organization, I still have mental and emotional reference points from those early days under Andy's watchful eyes.
I truly can't imagine my life without that chapter.
— Traver Boehm
Founder, Uncivilized Nation; Author, Man Uncivilized
Andy is one of the rarest people I know — a former Marine who has one of the most tender and warm hearts I have ever experienced.
His caring and commitment to clients is stunning. To be coached by Andy is to be shown new possibilities in uncharted territory with clarity and curiosity. He is willing to ask questions few would consider — which in turn helps people see their world anew.
The space he creates with clients is vast and deep. Anyone who gets to work with Andy is lucky — life is not the same and they never forget their time with him.
— Carolyn Freyer-Jones
Professional Leadership Coach, Founder — CFJ Coaching Success School
I've known Andy for 16 years. Andy was a pivotal force in our growth back then, and over the last 14 months I've had the privilege of working with him again — this time as a life and business coach.
The impact has been profound. I came to Andy in the middle of a personal crisis with pressure coming from multiple directions. Through his guidance, presence, and ability to cut right to the signal, I've grown significantly in nearly every area of my life — emotionally, spiritually, professionally, and mentally. Most importantly, I've found a much deeper sense of peace. That peace has created more meaning and fulfillment, more excitement for the future, stronger relationships, and a healthier way of moving through the world.
Andy doesn't just help you solve problems. He helps you build the life you actually want. I'm living proof of that. If you're looking for a coach who understands both business and the human behind the business — someone with deep wisdom, integrity, and a rare ability to help you navigate change — Andy is that coach.
— Henry S.
I worked with Andy during a critical time in my life, personally and professionally. His astute assessment of life's swirling challenges, and his ability to bring focus back from the mind to what is actually true, was the foundation of our work together. Simplifying the perceived challenges and reframing what was actually in front of me became the driver for my taking a huge leap.
The leap opportunity didn't come during my time working with Andy, but a few months after. But I was ready to see it. I was ready to grab it. I was ready to make it mine. I am so glad I did. Thank you, Andy.
— Allison Gander, AIA
Project Portfolio Manager, UCLA Health
Several years ago, I was struggling with an overwhelming feeling of general dissatisfaction and anxiety. I was in a serious rut, and I blamed it entirely on my job. I felt that my job had become pointless and boring, and therefore my life had become pointless and boring. I thought I needed a new job, perhaps even a new career, to fix things, and thought about it incessantly.
Through my work with Andy I came to realize that the fundamental issue wasn't my job, and that finding a new one wasn't the solution. My work with Andy allowed me to take several steps back, re-focus on myself holistically, and truly shifted my perspective. I had so much anxiety from being consumed with the future and what-ifs that I was no longer present. This in turn negatively influenced my relationship with myself, and by extension, with my family, friends, and job as well. It was my job that had become the scapegoat. It's an easy thing to see clearly in hindsight, but quite difficult to see when in the middle of it.
It took a lot of work to become more present, and still does, but as a result I am genuinely a much more positive and contented person thanks to my work with Andy.
— Eric Malzone
Founder, Future of Fitness Podcast and the Podcast Collective
When I met Andy, I was utterly stuck in every area of my life — physically, mentally, and spiritually. He was the light-bearer who guided me out of that place after a decade of feeling defeated and disheartened by my very existence.
Andy is an extremely skilled coach, mentor, and leader. He has an elegant balance of qualities that waltz together brilliantly: the rigor, grit, accountability, and firmness on one side — the open-hearted curiosity, allowance, and warmth on the other. Possessing both in such a magnificent capacity is rare in a person.
My life is forever different because of Andy Petranek. Over the years, whether directly or indirectly, he's helped me reconnect with my own brightness. And it's funny — when you realize what it's really about, you care a lot less about the things you thought it was about.
I'm honored to share an orbit with Andy. I highly recommend you give yourself the gift of having a conversation with him.
— Andee Scarantino
Consciousness Architect, Leadership Coach
Before working with Andy, I struggled with sharing my true feelings without fear of judgment. I sought help to learn new ways of engaging, because my existing ones weren't helping me connect with others — or with myself.
The aspects of Andy's coaching I've appreciated most are self-love, the importance of integrity, and accountability. Up to that point, I was estranged from these pillars, and it's been satisfying to reconnect with them.
Working with Andy has profoundly changed how I feel and engage in my life. He is a great human being and a salt of the earth soul.
— Stephen Armstrong
Casualty Wholesale Broker, Construction and Real Estate
In the last 15 months I was hit with a triple whammy: overwhelming debt, the depletion of reaching nearly 20 years in my marriage, and the devastating loss of my father. I had tried reading and thinking my way out of it, but I stayed stuck.
Andy has been a buddy for years, so I finally reached out — and was completely shocked at his level of skill. He listened with a no-judgment intensity, clearly drawing from his own life experience, and made me feel truly understood. As an overthinker, I believed I could solve everything on my own, but Andy showed me how that trap doesn't work. Our thoughts always pass through the same filter — our own worldview — and mine desperately needed an upgrade. Andy helped me see through a new lens, one that opened doors to joy, possibility, and light.
Unlike many coaches or therapists who only ask questions, Andy brought his knowledge forward and actively guided me through my struggles. The results have been transformational: I got completely out of debt in 15 months — something I thought would take a decade — my business and personal life are soaring, and my relationships with both clients and my wife have deepened in the most rewarding ways.
Andy Petranek is the real deal. If you're struggling, or even just want to elevate your life, trust him — he has the ability to help you see the world differently and to create meaningful, lasting transformation.
— Erik Flexner
Compass Real Estate