DeAndre “Andre” P. Sears is a respected leader in the trust and financial services industry. As a Business Development Officer at Peak Trust Company, he works with clients and partners across all 50 states. Andre is known for his ability to build strong relationships and solve complex problems with clarity and integrity.
With more than 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, and finance, Andre has held senior roles at leading firms in Nevada and beyond. Before joining Peak, he served as Vice President of Business Development at Nevada’s largest trust company, where he helped grow its assets to nearly $5 billion. He also held roles at a regional investment firm and Sun West Community Bank.
At Peak, Andre focuses on growing the business by entering new markets and developing strong referral networks. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences and is known for his ability to create lasting partnerships and lead high-impact deals.
Andre’s career is rooted in honesty, discipline, and a passion for helping others. He also brings an entrepreneurial mindset to his work, having previously run The Sears Agency and MA Sears LLC. His experience spans capital raising, investor relations, and sales operations.
He holds a degree in psychology from Boise State University and completed leadership training at Harvard Business School.
Outside of work, Andre enjoys golf, cigars, and travel. He also volunteers with several charities in Las Vegas, showing a deep commitment to giving back to his community.
Andre Sears is a trusted voice in the financial services space, known for his leadership, ethics, and focus on long-term growth.
Inside the World of Trust Services: An Interview with DeAndre P. Sears
In this candid conversation, we sit down with DeAndre “Andre” P. Sears, a seasoned business development leader in the trust and financial services industry. Based in Las Vegas, Andre has built his career on strong relationships, strategic thinking, and a commitment to community. He currently serves as a Business Development Officer at Peak Trust Company, where he supports clients and partners nationwide.
We spoke about his career path, lessons from sports, and why integrity is still his most important tool in business.
Q: Andre, tell us about your early career. How did you get started in business development?
I grew up in Las Vegas and have always been competitive. I played football and ran track growing up, and that mindset shaped how I approach life and work. I started at San Diego Mesa College, then transferred to Boise State University. I dealt with injuries—shoulder issues and a few others—but that taught me discipline and resilience.
I didn’t set out to be in business development. I started in banking and quickly realized I had a talent for connecting with people. I worked at Sun West Community Bank, then moved into investment services. That’s where I first saw how trust services could really make a difference in people’s lives.
Q: What drew you to the trust industry and kept you there?
It’s a relationship business. People think finance is just about numbers, but trust work is more personal. It’s about understanding family dynamics, planning for the future, and creating real solutions.
When I was VP of Business Development at Nevada’s largest trust company, we helped grow the firm to nearly $5 billion in assets. But the most rewarding part was helping clients find peace of mind. I also enjoyed working with attorneys, advisors, and accountants to build customized strategies. No two clients are the same, and that challenge keeps me engaged.
Q: Your role at Peak Trust Company covers a lot of ground. How do you manage that?
Consistency and trust. My job isn’t just about presenting services—it’s about being a reliable resource. Whether I’m talking to an attorney in New York or an advisor in Texas, I take the time to understand what matters to them.
At Peak, I’ve helped open new markets in the U.S. and internationally. I’ve also built a strong referral network of professionals across the country, and that’s been a major driver of our double-digit revenue growth.
It’s never about pushing a product. It’s about showing value, being visible at the right events, and following up with sincerity.
Q: You talk a lot about relationships. How do you build trust in such a competitive industry?
It starts with integrity. I genuinely believe honesty is a competitive advantage. People remember how you treat them, and they remember if you’re straight with them.
One example—early in my career, I lost a deal because I was honest about what we couldn’t offer. It stung at the time, but a year later, that same advisor came back because they respected my approach. That turned into a long-term partnership.
I also don’t dodge tough conversations. I’m upfront about fees and limitations. In this field, reputation travels fast, and you only get one.
Q: You’ve run your own companies. How has that experience shaped your approach today?
Running The Sears Agency and MA Sears LLC taught me to be resourceful. I had to manage every part of the business—from sales and marketing to finance and operations.
It sharpened my focus on cash flow, lead conversion, and execution. That mindset still drives me. Even now at Peak, I approach projects like I’m running my own shop. I’m always looking for ways to improve systems, reduce friction, and create scalable results.
Q: You’re very involved in your community. Why is that important to you?
Las Vegas is home, and I’ve always believed in giving back. I spent over 10 years volunteering with the Southwest Stallions Youth Track Club, helping kids build confidence and discipline. I’ve also served on the board of the Southern Nevada Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and chaired their corporate walk.
It reminds me what really matters. Business goals are important, but community work keeps me grounded.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in this industry?
Listen more than you talk. Build relationships before you need them. And always lead with integrity—it’ll take you further than any sales pitch.
Also, be patient. Trust work is complex, and it takes time to understand the moving parts. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember: behind every file is a real person or family who’s counting on you.
Read more:
DeAndre P. Sears on Trust, Leadership, and Building Business Relationships
