Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Rakestraw.
Hi Andrew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At the start of the pandemic, I was laid off from my job as a Director of a non profit in downtown Portland. I wanted to find my purpose in this new chapter and do something that I loved. I had played chess throughout my childhood, and had great success competing/winning tournaments. After I was laid off, I invested my time in making a website, business cards, spent 150 hours building out a curriculum, and volunteered at local chess tournaments and summer camps. I taught the first couple of individuals for free, and slowly grew my network over the last 5 years. Currently, I am teaching 23 students, and I offer both in person and virtual lessons. Chess is a game that offers so many cognitive benefits to individuals of all ages, and I am so blessed that I get to share my greatest passion with the world. My long term goal is to open a center in the Tigard/Beaverton area where individuals can come and partake in any number of chess related activities on any given night 🙂
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting my own business, and getting to share my biggest passion with the world, has been incredibly beautiful for me. But, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. There has been tough financial struggles, challenges in improving my network and finding more interested individuals/families, and personal struggles not knowing if my long term goals for my business are going to be achieved.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a chess instructor .
I specialize in offering private lessons to individuals wanting to learn the game of chess.
I am known for being a kind, friendly, warm, and supportive role model for the individuals (mostly kids) that I teach.
I am most proud of being an educator that teaches in a way that is both fun and educational. Where I can build positive relationships with my students, and help them become better chess players as well as individuals. That is what I believe sets me a part from other chess instructors.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I grew up in Beaverton as a kid. I love all the coffee shops, hikes/trails, parks, and wide array of fun activities that city offers to its residents. The influx of population over recent years has been noticeable, and the infrastructure that is not currently able to support it, is a challenge that most cities outside of Portland are/have been experiencing.
Pricing:
- $50 an hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oregonschesscoach.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rakestraw-7ba65a100/
