From law and finance to education and entertainment, Steve Odabashian’s journey has been anything but ordinary. A lawyer turned options trader turned entrepreneur, Steve eventually found his calling in test preparation—building a thriving practice that helps students navigate the SAT, ACT, and beyond. With his unique mix of intellectual rigor, humor, and lived experience, Steve inspires young people not just to master exams but to build confidence in themselves. His story of adaptability and dedication is a powerful reminder of how reinvention can lead to impact—something that resonates deeply with our global Fuzia community of changemakers.
Q: Steve, can you tell us a bit about your career path and what led you to start your own test prep company?
I’ve had a pretty varied background. I studied economics at the University of Virginia, then went on to law school at Villanova. I worked for law firms both in Philadelphia and in Japan, where I was the only non-Japanese lawyer at one of Japan’s biggest firms. Later, I transitioned into finance, trading options in New York during the dot-com bubble, and eventually working with Susquehanna International Group in Philadelphia. But through all these transitions, I always leaned on my strength in test-taking and teaching. About 13 years ago, when finance opportunities were limited, I decided to make test prep my full-time career—and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.
Q: Are you running this business solo, or do you have a team?
It’s mostly me. I’d say about 98% of the test prep is done by me personally. I sometimes bring on independent contractors, but I’m very careful about who I hire. A big part of my company’s reputation is that I actually sit for the SAT—just like the students I tutor—to stay sharp and authentic. I want anyone I bring on to hold themselves to that same standard.
Q: Client acquisition is often a challenge for entrepreneurs. How do you approach it?
For me, it’s been largely word of mouth. It may sound old-fashioned, but when parents see results, they talk—and those conversations bring more clients my way. I also use LinkedIn, Facebook, and my broad network from law, finance, and entertainment. I’ve been fortunate that clients often find me, and my name circulates in the community.
Q: How do you define success?
Success, for me, is multi-layered. It’s about setting goals and exceeding them, yes—but it’s also about how I care for my family. My wife and I have four boys, all under 12, and making sure they’re thriving academically, socially, and personally is a huge part of how I measure success. Professionally, I want to continue growing the business, but I’m also chasing that elusive balance: growing while working less.
Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming plans you’d like to share?
I run online SAT and ACT seminars in addition to one-on-one tutoring. These are six-hour workshops spread over two evenings, designed to give students strategies and content in a cost-effective way. I keep them small—usually 2 to 15 students—so they’re interactive. My next set of seminars is scheduled for August, and I plan to keep expanding this format to reach students beyond Philadelphia.
“Success is about more than professional growth—it’s about raising good kids, giving back to your community, and finding balance in the process.” – Steve Odabashian
Connect with Steve Odabashian:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-odabashian-4b3bb0377?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android
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