Having over thirty years of experience in the financial services industry, Andrew Pravlik has a reputation built on honesty, diligence, and his ability to be there for his clients. As the President of Pittsburgh Financial Group, he leads using a “client-first” mindset that emphasizes right relations, values-based decision making, and trust—hallmarks that have helped him guide clients through times of both prosperity and uncertainty.
Early Career and Foundation of Experience
Andrew Pravlik started his career at Hefren-Tillotson in 1992, one of the premier financial firms in Pittsburgh. His careful, deliberate, and friendly personality quickly distinguished him, which led to him being a guest on KDKA's, "Your Money and You," which at the time was Pittsburgh's most listened to financial radio show. Before long, Andrew developed into a trusted financial authority within the community.
Andrew graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, with degrees in Economics, Finance, and French. He was also a member of the Allegheny Gators Football, Lacrosse, and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity. These experiences allowed him to learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, and discipline—attributes that remain in his daily business today.
Building Pittsburgh Financial Group
After the financial crisis of 2007–2009, Andrew Pravlik felt a need to pursue independence and form an organization that delivered on his vision of integrity-based financial advice. Andrew was inspired by the words of Sun Tzu: “In the midst of chaos, there is opportunity.” He made an audacious decision. He left the role of Senior Vice President and Partner at a large brokerage and launched Pittsburgh Financial Group.
He wanted to create something that appeared real. “I’ve always had a strong independent streak,” he reflected. “It never sat well with me to see the fruits of my labor line in the pockets of other people. Creating my own firm allowed me to serve clients with full independence and transparency.”
Currently, Pittsburgh Financial Group operates with a mission of providing custom wealth management services uniquely suited to the goals of each client. The firm provides alternative investment strategies, income-producing portfolios, estate preservation, and insurance strategies.
Expertise and Credentials
Andrew retains a General Securities License (Series 7), Securities Agent for States License (Series 63), and a Registered Investment Advisor Representative License (Series 66). He is a Licensed Life Insurance and Annuity Agent, and works with clients across over 25 states to create guaranteed income portfolios and long-term estate plans. He emphasizes alternative investments and income-producing strategies to provide clients with balanced and pragmatic wealth management strategies.
His commitment to lifelong learning is what helps him stay ahead of continuing trends in finance and technology. “We are always developing our platforms for client relationship management, research, and growth,” Andrew shared. “We are proactive with continuing education so we can improve our abilities to help our clients’ ever-changing goals.”
Leadership Philosophy and Core Values
Throughout his career, Andrew’s philosophy of leadership has grown into one of decisiveness, honesty, and accountability. He reflects that a strong leader should “confront the issue, be honest, and learn from the experience.” The basis of Andrew's management style is grounded in the value of candor—being honest and direct to avoid delays or mistakes in communication.
To Andrew, integrity is the foundation of both his career and personal life. “Integrity at work means working in the best interest of our clients while upholding fiduciary responsibility,” he noted. “For me personally, it is about being honest with myself and engaging in lifelong learning. You can think of integrity as a way of aligning purpose, wellbeing, and ambition—and it is foundational toward building sustainability and long-term success.”
Overcoming Challenges and Navigating Market Volatility
Andrew has been in the financial industry since 1992 and has been subjected to many economic reversals, including three significant recessions. From the early 2000s technology collapse to the financial crisis in 2008 and the market disruptions in 2020, each economic situation tested his resolve and endurance.
He credits facing challenges head on, and keeping the clients informed for his success. “In every significant downturn, I leaned in instead of backing away. Communication and education are important to help avoid panic and carry confidence,” says Andrew. His practice of being proactive not only helped his clients weather market storms, but also built their confidence and trust in him with their finances.
One of his proudest moments in wealth management is of a client who was recently widowed unexpectedly, and Andrew helped them submit a complete strategy to rebuild financial stability. By having appropriate life insurance proceeds on hand, and a portfolio of income producing investments, he and his team reassured the family and allowed them peace of mind in the medium and long term for their family to be taken care of financially, even for college and retirement.
Guidance for the Next Generation
When asked what advice he offers to someone going into the financial services business, Andrew keeps it simple: "Build trust and put the client first. Be ethical and transparent. Listen more than you talk. Success will follow." He underscores that the financial services industry is primarily a people industry, and long-term relationships are more important than short-term gains.
Andrew also refutes common misperceptions about wealth management. "We don't only work with the wealthy. We work with a variety of clients—from young professionals moving their 401(k)s to families establishing their first investment plan. Our goal is to provide sound financial planning to everyone."
Balancing Work, Wellness, and Family
Andrew places great emphasis on mental and physical wellness, despite the rigors of his job. Every day, Andrew rises early to walk the two miles just outside of his home with his Bernedoodle, Spur, and then goes to weight lifting before he heads into the office. “Movement is life,” Andrew said. “If I’m moving my body, my energy is up and I have less brain fog, and I can make important decisions!”
Andrew, his wife, Ivy, and their son, Aiden, split their time between Robinson, Pennsylvania, and Lake Sammamish, Washington, along with taking road trips in their RV to national parks throughout the United States, fly fishing in Montana and Idaho, and spending time in the great outdoors, mainly through hiking and biking.
Looking Ahead
Andrew Pravlik sees the future of Pittsburgh Financial Group as the inevitable growth of the firm. With successful operations in Pittsburgh and a growing presence on the West Coast, the company will launch a new radio show in both markets paying respect to Andrew's start in broadcasting in his early career.
"The future is bright," Andrew said. "We will be growing, while maintaining the same client-first values we have had for over 30 years."
Over the years, with market conditions changing and personal milestones achieved, Andrew has shown the financial services industry that success is more than numbers. Success is about character, communication, and care. A once-young financial advisor, he demonstrated - with his story of founding a firm that is now recognized - how principle and hard work lead opportunity to legacy.
