Our origin story and firm values
Endurance Strategies was founded in Atlanta in 2010 following my having worked for two large regional banks in the capital markets/investment banking divisions (SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and Regions Capital Markets). Nearly 15 years ago alternative investments were largely utilized by institutional investors and family offices. When I started in the business I focused on capital solutions and strategies, product development, and helping emerging managers navigate the complex process of growth in a highly competitive industry. Along the way I held multiple roles where I interacted with financial intermediaries and grew to understand the pain points they faced when trying to identify, diligence, and select alts managers or how to incorporate alternatives into their practices. Today, the landscape has changed considerably, and individual investors, and their financial advisors, are a meaningful and important part of the future of our industry. After many years working in the trenches of this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, I know I can bring tremendous value to clients seeking to differentiate their advisory practices and platforms with a smart, strategic approach to alternatives.
The values of Endurance Strategies have been informed by my experiences in this industry and include:
- Put the client's interest first
- Your people and teammates are your company
- Stand by your word
- Do the right thing
- Add value
- Relationships matter
- Be yourself
Endurance Strategies Founder and CEO
Andres Sandate
Founder and CEO
Andres Sandate formed Endurance Strategies, LLC in 2010 as an advisory and placement agent for emerging managers focused on raising institutional investor capital. The firm has evolved and today is focused on helping independent advisors who want to start utilizing alternative investments to grow and differentiate their practices. In order to further advance its mission of helping democratize access to alternative investments, Andres founded and created ATLalts, a media and events platform. The ATLalts podcast was created to educate investors about private markets investing and leverages 20 years of experience Andres gained working in investment banking, capital markets, securities, asset management, and alternative investments to explore relevant topics to the independent RIA.
In addition to working as an investment banker for two of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., Andres held senior leadership roles and voting investment committee status at hedge funds, private equity, real estate, private credit, and alternative asset management firms. Andres also has considerable startup and venture experience, having been the first employee at multiple fintech startups. Andres currently serves as President of the Southeastern Alternative Funds Association (SEAFA), is the past President of the King Springs Elementary School Foundation, a two-time recipient of Cobb County Schools Foundation Volunteer of the Year, a member of the Principal's Advisory Council at King Springs Elementary and Co-Founder of the King Springs Dad's Club, past President of the Atlanta Chapter of ALPFA, and a lifetime member of the National INROADS Alumni Association (NIAA). Andres holds Series 7, 66, and 79 securities licenses and is a Registered Financial Advisor with Gramercy Park Wealth Advisors, LLC.
Andres earned an MBA and a B.S. from The University of Kansas and is a native of Newton, Kansas. Andres and his wife Heidi (McElroy) Sandate have three children and reside in Smyrna, Georgia. In his free time he loves to coach, volunteer, exercise, podcast, and read.