In this episode of the Founder Spotlight Podcast, we had the opportunity to chat with Andrew Lazar, founder of Lazar & Company. Andrew’s innovative startup addresses a unique and meaningful problem: empowering stay-at-home parents to re-enter the professional world as remote executive assistants. By leveraging the experience of stay-at-home moms and dads, Lazar & Company provides a much-needed bridge between career and family life.
Working remotely has become an integral part of today’s economy, and Andrew’s mission to focus on this specific demographic is both impactful and inspiring. Let’s dive into his journey, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he shared on this episode.
Andrew Lazar’s journey toward founding Lazar & Company began with a deeply personal story. He and his wife, Nicole, both had extensive experience as executive assistants, working in the field for over 13 years. When they started their own family and welcomed a newborn, the reality of balancing a full-time job with parenting hit home.
Andrew explained, “We realized pretty quickly that going back to a 9-to-5 right after having a child is extremely difficult. You miss out on valuable time with your infant that’s crucial for building a strong bond early on.” This realization planted the seed for Lazar & Company.
“We wanted to empower stay-at-home moms and dads who already have experience in the field to work remotely and maintain that precious family time.”
With this heartfelt mission, Andrew set out to create a business that would not only provide professional opportunities for parents but also transform how they balanced work and family life.
Starting a business is no small feat, and Andrew faced his share of challenges while building Lazar & Company from the ground up. One of the early hurdles was the cost of launching a business. “We bootstrapped a lot,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of managing overhead expenses, especially in a services-based business like his.
Perhaps the most significant breakthrough came from the power of word-of-mouth referrals. Andrew explained how their first few clients provided referrals, which triggered a domino effect of new business. “That referral chain became one of our biggest growth drivers,” he noted.
“We made sure to deliver exceptional service to our early clients, and in turn, they became our biggest advocates.”
Lazar & Company focuses on providing remote executive and personal assistant services through a highly tailored approach. What sets their model apart is the emphasis on flexibility for both clients and assistants. The assistants, who are all independent contractors, can make their own schedules while ensuring the clients’ tasks are completed within agreed timeframes.
Andrew shared how the company creates customized job postings for each client based on their specific needs. “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said. “We tailor our hires to fit each client, which has dramatically reduced turnover and kept both clients and assistants happier in the long run.”
When it comes to leadership, Andrew and Nicole lead by example, fostering a culture of flexibility, trust, and mutual respect. Their hands-on approach extends to not only their clients but also their team.
One key aspect of their leadership philosophy is stepping in to ensure smooth transitions whenever a match between a client and assistant doesn’t work out. “If a client isn’t happy, we personally step in to handle their tasks while finding a better fit,” Andrew explained. This dedication to client satisfaction has become a cornerstone of Lazar & Company’s success.
By prioritizing compatibility and trust, the company ensures long-lasting relationships between clients and assistants. “There cannot be butting heads or a lack of trust in this kind of role. It just doesn’t work,” Andrew emphasized.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Andrew had some candid advice: “It’s going to be hard. Even if you have experience and think you know what you’re doing, success rarely comes overnight.”
“Keep going. You could be one week away from your big break, and you’ll never know unless you stick with it.”
Looking ahead, Andrew has ambitious goals for Lazar & Company. Within the next five years, the startup aims to hit $100,000 gross revenue per month while maintaining its personalized and client-centered approach.
“We want to scale sustainably,” Andrew said. “Our clients will never become just numbers to us.” To achieve this vision, the company plans to invest in more robust marketing strategies, potentially partner with brands like Nike, and assemble a board of advisers to provide critical guidance.
While the path to growth presents challenges, such as differentiating themselves in a competitive market, Andrew remains optimistic and committed to his mission of empowering stay-at-home parents.
Andrew Lazar’s journey with Lazar & Company is a testament to the power of turning personal challenges into impactful solutions. By creating meaningful opportunities for stay-at-home parents, Andrew and Nicole are not only redefining remote work but also proving that business success can go hand-in-hand with a fulfilling family life.
As Andrew reminded us, building a startup requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep pushing forward. “Don’t give up,” he urged. “You never know when your big break might be just around the corner.”
For more insights from Andrew and to hear his full story, tune in to the Founder Spotlight Podcast. His journey is sure to inspire and motivate anyone navigating the entrepreneurial path.
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