Meet Andrea Streff | Technical SEO Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Streff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The formation of our business, Elementive, happened organically. My business partner Matthew Edgar and I formed Elementive in 2014 after working together in a client-consultant relationship for over 4 years. We had been collaborating on a variety of projects for a non-profit organization, Qualistar Colorado, where I was the Vice President of Marketing & Development, and Matthew was my lead web development consultant. During our tenure as client/consultant, we created numerous solutions like a highly sophisticated Child Care Search, online application systems, and online training platforms. We also significantly increased web traffic for the organization, taking a site with 2,000 visits a month to one that received 12,000 visits a month.

In 2014, we were both exploring other opportunities, Matthew was growing his SaaS company and finishing his Master’s degree, while I was considering other roles in marketing. However, a pivotal moment came when I asked Matthew to be a reference for a job application. This prompted him to propose that rather than look elsewhere, we should consider combining our strengths to create something new. After some initial discussions, we found ourselves increasingly excited about the potential of a joint venture.

Our commitment to the idea saw us spending countless hours before work and after work developing our business plan. By November 2014, we were ready to dive in. I left my position at Qualistar, and Matthew informed his clients about our new venture. By January 2015, we had our first client onboard at Elementive.

Our diverse but complementary skills, education, training, and experience – totaling over 40 years combined in web development, marketing, and analytics – formed the backbone of Elementive. We work collaboratively, blending our expertise in technical and analytical areas with marketing know-how, to deliver meaningful work for our clients.

One thing that often arises is the question of our relationship status. To clarify, we are not married – at least not to each other. Our relationship is one of close friendship and mutual respect as business partners, each equally committed to the success of Elementive and maintaining a balanced life outside of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been working in the marketing field since the early 2000s. My professional journey has largely been influenced by the digital boom, and as a result, I have developed a keen interest in the internet’s intricacies. This curiosity about the internet, search engines and the world wide web fuels my passion for what I do at Elementive, and it’s what I believe sets me apart from others.

From analyzing data to uncover insights to solving complex technical issues that improve website performance, every day presents a new challenge that I eagerly embrace. It’s not just a job for me – it’s a chance to indulge in my passion for the digital world.

Over the years, my professional journey has had its share of challenges. Transitioning from my position as Vice President of Development and Marketing at Qualistar Colorado to starting my own business was not easy, but the lessons I learned along the way have been invaluable. I learned to adapt to change, be patient, and persevere even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences at previous roles, including being an Account Executive at Promotional Concepts and a Marketing Coordinator at the City of Aspen, have all contributed to my growth and success.

What I am most proud of is the work we do at Elementive. Matthew Edgar, my business partner and I work tirelessly to ensure our clients’ needs are met. Our diverse skill sets, combined with our passion for what we do, enable us to provide top-tier technical SEO consulting services.

Beyond work, my life is enriched by a loving family – my husband, my son, and our two dogs. They provide the balance and adventure that make every day a joy. I believe that maintaining this work-life balance is key to my professional success.

In sharing my story, I want the world to understand that passion, perseverance, and a love for learning can pave the way to success. Regardless of the challenges one faces, it’s possible to achieve one’s dreams with determination and a positive outlook. I look forward to what the future holds for Elementive and remain excited to continue helping businesses grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Likely skewed by much of my free time being spent entertaining and keeping up with a 6 year old and my love of the mountains, especially Aspen my favorite spots to visit would be:

Denver Metro:
-Denver Zoo
-Colorado School of Mines Museum of Earth Science
-The many putt-putt golf courses in the area
-Wings Over The Rockies
-Lots of other small museums like those in Littleton, Castle Rock, Lakewood etc

Colorado Springs:
-Cheyenne Mountain Zoon
-The many putt-putt golf courses in the area
-The Broadmor

Aspen/Snowmass/Glenwood
-Downtown Aspen and all its parks and shops
-Aspen Center for Environmental Studies – ACES
-Glenwood Caverns
-Glenwood Hot Springs
-Snowmass Mall and Base Village
-Maroon Bells
-Castle Creek

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way that deserve recognition! First and foremost, I would not be where I am today without the support of my husband, Erik Streff.
My son Lachlan is a constant source of motivation and inspiration (even at 6-years-old)
My parents and family provide unconditional support.
I cannot imagine Elementive without my business partner Matthew who pushes me to learn more, do more, and be better every day.
And there are three leaders who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself as a young professional. Without Gladys Wilson (former CEO of Qualistar Colorado), Jennifer Landrum (former CEO of Denver Preschool Program) and Debbie Patrick (former CEO of Promotional Concepts) I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: https://www.elementive.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamstreff/