As the co-founder and COO of Avalaunch Media, Andrew has spent nearly two decades building not just a successful marketing agency, but a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow. Outside the office, he’s a family man first — happiest traveling, boating, skiing, or mountain biking. With a heart rooted in loyalty, honesty, and connection, Andrew is the kind of leader, friend, and adventurer who leaves every person and place better than he found them.
Company: Avalaunch Media
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Andrew Melchior: For over 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of building Avalaunch Media from the ground up — helping brands grow while creating a company where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed.
At my core, I’m a builder — of businesses, of teams, of lasting relationships.
What drives me isn’t just scaling revenue; it’s creating environments where people do their best work and love being part of something bigger than themselves.
A few things I’m passionate about:
•Building Avalaunch Media into a nationally recognized marketing agency
•Creating a company culture based on integrity, accountability, proactivity, fun, and genuine care
•Helping talented people grow into the best versions of themselves
•Leading with heart, strategy, and a bias for action
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me:
•Traveling the world
•Skiing the slopes of Alta or mountain biking Utah’s best trails
•Rowing or doing yoga to stay strong, clear, and focused
•Diving into history, architecture, and adventure wherever I go
Core values I live and work by:
•Loyalty and honesty
•Impact over recognition
•Relationships over transactions
•Continuous growth — personally and professionally
•Enjoy the Ride
Whether in business or life, my mission is simple:
Build meaningful things. Lift others up. Make the journey unforgettable.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Andrew Melchior: From mid-2022 through mid-2023, things got tough for a min. Many businesses were hit hard by post-COVID market shifts and funding slowdowns. We saw a lot of churn. Instead of retreating, we leaned in and had real, open conversations with every client to understand what they were up against and how we could help. That “we’re in this together” mindset made all the difference. It wasn’t easy. We had to make some hard calls internally too, but staying true to that partner mentality helped us pull through.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Andrew Melchior: We see failure as just part of the process on the way to success. At Avalaunch, we talk a lot about how perfection can be the enemy of progress. That’s why we aim to fail fast, move quickly, and then iterate based on what we learn. It’s not about getting it perfect the first time, it’s about adapting, reflecting, and improving with each step. That mindset has been key to how we innovate and grow.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Andrew Melchior: Building a resilient team starts with clarity. Everyone needs to understand what’s expected of them and what success looks like in their role. That clear direction becomes the North Star when things get tough. From there, it’s about giving people room to navigate challenges. Growth doesn’t happen if leadership steps in to shield them from every tough conversation or misstep. When a client voices a concern, my first question is usually, “Have you talked to your strategist about this?” Because unless the team hears the feedback directly, they don’t get the chance to learn and improve.
When hiring, we look for people who are proactive communicators, open to feedback, aligned with our core values, and comfortable having the kinds of professional conversations that build trust. Integrity, positivity, and a passion for innovation are key. Those traits are what help individuals, and the team as a whole, stay strong through any storm.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Andrew Melchior: For me, personal resilience starts with perspective. When I hit tough times, I remind myself of all the challenges I’ve already faced—and made it through. That reminder of past grit gives me the confidence that I can handle whatever’s in front of me now. It’s funny how, once you’re on the other side of something hard, it usually feels way smaller than it did when you were staring it down. That mindset helps me stay grounded.
I also know when I need to step back and reset. Whether it’s exercise, time with my kids, a good book, or just hanging out with friends, taking a break often gives me a clearer head and a fresh burst of energy to tackle whatever’s next.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Andrew Melchior: When a crisis hits, my first instinct is to lean into it with my team. I gather the right people, whether it’s our executive team or others directly involved, and we break down the issue together. What are we really facing? What’s within our control? How can we split up the responsibilities and start moving forward? That open dialogue not only sparks solutions, but also gives people space to voice concerns and reset their mindset so we can face the challenge head-on.
I also find it helpful to reflect on past crises we’ve already overcome. Looking back reminds us that we’ve handled tough situations before, and that gives us the confidence and clarity to tackle the next one as a team.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Andrew Melchior: During a crisis, clear and confident communication is everything. People naturally look for leadership in uncertain moments, so it’s important to show up with confidence and provide a steady presence they can trust. At the same time, I make it a point to listen with empathy. I want team members to feel heard, to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. That kind of inclusion helps build trust and buy-in.
Just as important is making sure everyone walks away with clarity. Whether it’s an internal meeting or a conversation with a client, I make sure we clearly outline next steps so the team knows exactly what needs to happen and who’s doing what. That clarity keeps things moving forward, even when things feel chaotic.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Andrew Melchior: The best advice I can give is to lead by example. During hard times, your team needs to see that you’re willing to step up, stay steady, and guide them forward. That kind of leadership sets the tone for resilience throughout the organization.
Second, action matters. You can only plan and gather feedback for so long, at some point, you have to move. Progress comes from iteration, not perfection. The sooner your team starts taking thoughtful steps forward, the sooner you gain momentum.
And finally, accept that not everyone will agree with every decision. That’s just part of leadership. What matters most is that you’re moving the team toward solutions, even if the path isn’t perfect for everyone. Staying stuck trying to please everyone can kill progress.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Andrew Melchior: Preparing for future crises starts long before the crisis shows up. It’s about building trust and rapport with your team today—working through challenges together, learning from each other, and showing that you’ve got each other’s backs. When that foundation is in place, and you know you’re surrounded by capable, committed people, you’re much better equipped to face whatever comes next.
It also means creating a culture where people feel safe asking for help. Whether it’s a company-wide crisis or an individual team member going through something tough, they need to know they won’t face it alone. If people trust that the team will rally around them, that sense of support becomes a huge asset when times get hard.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Andrew Melchior: The most important lesson I’ve learned about leadership in a crisis is that your team needs confidence and clarity. They need someone who can stand in front of them and say, “We’re going to get through this and we’re going to do it together.” That steady presence matters more than ever when things feel uncertain.
They also need to see that you’re not just optimistic, but committed. That you’re building a plan, working the plan, and leading the charge. When people feel that sense of direction and shared purpose, it helps them stay focused and push forward, even when things get tough.
