Q & A: Jeffry Schneider, Entrepreneur & Founder of Ascendant Capital
Jeffry Schneider throughout the years has gained a lot of practical knowledge about private companies, debt strategies, real estate, investment firms, and the alternative investment world in general. Over two decades of industry experience have helped him grow his company, Ascendant Capital LLC, an alternative asset management firm, from a small startup into a larger organization. Within this Austin company, he works closely with investment advisors and brokers that seek to bolster their clients’ portfolios with alternative investment strategies.
Jeffry Schneider works diligently to lead his company, but he is committed to sharing his success with the Austin community as well. Taking care of the disadvantaged is top of mind for Schneider and his team. At Ascendant Capital, the staff pledges 400 collective hours of community service each year to a variety of charities which include donation drives that assist young mothers, no-kill pet shelters like Austin Pets Alive!, and youth advocacy groups like the Cherokee Home for Children. An exploration of Schneider’s values and ethics provides insight into his success growing his company.
Q: Where did the idea for Ascendant Capital come from?
A: Before I started my company, there wasn’t a lot of places for advisers to turn when they wanted to connect with asset managers and top sponsors. Ascendant Capital’s goal is to assist advisers’ businesses, so we offer a unique alternative to conventional investments for the portfolios of their clients.
Q: What does your typical day look like? How do you make it productive?
A: I am on the road quite frequently. When I am able, I like to start my day with some exercise. After that, I usually meet with my COO and we talk about the most important things for the day. When I am not in Austin, I can usually be found in my New York office. No two days are the same, but my calendar is always full. Working hard and moving forward creates momentum, and I’ve found that momentum is always the best recipe for personal progress.
Q: What is one trend that excites you?
A: The newest trend that excites me is the move from traditional investing strategies to more alternative methods. When I first started in the industry, most people used stocks and bonds, which go up and down with the market, as the primary vessel of investment and that is still considered traditional. Alternative investments are different than these standard investments, so by deviating from the norm, they are exciting to me.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
A: If I could share advice with my younger self, it would be that to achieve success you must pay total attention to your client’s goals. Simply put, when you care for your clients, you care for yourself as well.
Q: What is one book that you recommend to our community? Why?
A: Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People is a great book. It offers classic lessons in sales and general business. I encourage all employees to read this book before they begin working at Ascendant Capital. To attract clients, you must recognize what makes them interesting and important. When you connect with an individual, he or she will connect with you as well. This book provides easy tips for focusing on others and enhancing communication.
Ascendant Capital is an affiliate of and securities offered through Ascendant Alternative Strategies, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Jeffry Schneider is a Registered Representative of Ascendant Alternative Strategies.
