Jeffry Schneider, founder of Ascendant Capital, is a Manhattan native and Austin transplant. Schneider focused his career on the financial industry with a heavy emphasis on alternative asset management. Upon graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amhurst, he worked for many notable financial service and asset management companies. Throughout his career, Schneider honed his skills as a financial advisor focusing on private companies and the alternative investment market. One of his most important career opportunities began at Axiom Capital Management, an investment firm. There, he learned how to analyze managers while exercising due diligence. After gaining experience in the financial field, Schneider built his own business which connected his skills with alternative investments.
Jeffry Schneider is a dedicated businessman who works diligently alongside his team while taking care of his community. Schneider’s company, Ascendant Capital, is based in Austin, Texas. Over the past few years, his company has assisted investment advisors and their investors in finding products that work for them.
In addition to managing his team-oriented workplace, he has always made time to help non-profit organizations. Jeffry Schneider partners with groups like LifeWorks to assist single mothers with their toddlers and infants in addition to participating in donation drives and other community outreach events. He feels that giving back to the community is essential. He and his staff perform over 400 hours of service to a variety of local charities.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
When I first started in the financial industry, there were few places for advisors to turn to find information or advice. I created my company, because I wanted to get involved with fellow advisors and their businesses. Our approach is centered around alternative investments rather than traditional venues.
What is the core of your business plan?
I am committed to comprehending the needs of the market. At my company, we partner with experienced fund managers to assist in fulfilling these needs.
How long did it take for your company to become profitable?
As with any new business, it takes time to establish solid client relationships. Using my experience in this area of the financial industry, my company started to build these relationships more quickly than we anticipated.
When you were first starting out, was there ever a time when you doubted that it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Absolutely. Starting a new venture is very challenging. You always doubt yourself. To address that doubt my company has relied on putting our client’s needs first from the very beginning. When you serve others, you benefit as well.
How did you establish your customer base?
When I started Ascendant Capital, I wanted to create a network that connected financial advisors to other people in the business. As word spread about the offerings that my company provided, I was able to establish our customer base.
What is one marketing strategy that you’re using that works well to generate new business?
Instead of concentrating on outward marketing techniques, I focus on the internal aspects of my company. I train my team, so they can work effectively without my help. Since I trust them completely, I can leave them to their work, tend to more important tasks, and grow the business.
What do you think has contributed to your accomplishments?
I like to be direct and transparent with everything I do, and I always take total responsibility for completing projects and meeting deadlines.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Starting Ascendant Capital is by far the most satisfying thing I have ever done. It allows me to do what I love which is a gift I do not take for granted.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
There has been a shift from investing in conventional assets to alternative investments. This has me excited for many reasons. With stocks, the market can dictate returns, but alternative investments are less likely to be affected by the market, which brings greater potential for steady rewards. However, there is also higher risk. All the contributing variables are exciting for me.
What business books have inspired you?
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” has influenced me in a multitude of ways. It is a classic that I encourage all my staff to read. When you notice the true value in others, you will gain their trust and win their attention. This is a key concept in any type of business.
What is a recent purchase that you have made that’s helped with your business?
As a service business, we try to invest in people rather than things. The other night, I was eating at a food truck in Austin where women were working themselves to the bone, making tortillas from scratch and dealing with impatient customers. I left them a substantial anonymous tip, and it made me feel so good to imagine how they would react when they found it especially after such a busy day. I know this story does not involve a direct investment in my business, but I consider Ascendant Capital a service business first and foremost. Caring for our caregivers and our community is the most important investment we can make.
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.