Xavier Staggs is a seasoned entrepreneur and M&A advisor with a diverse background in business, law, and accounting. He grew up in an entrepreneurial family, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for business from a young age. With extensive experience in M&A advisory, investment banking, and fractional C-suite services, Xavier has become a trusted advisor to many businesses, particularly in the lower middle market and middle market sectors.
Xavier’s career began in accounting and auditing before he transitioned into law, earning his JD and MBA simultaneously. He has worked with numerous businesses, helping them prepare for successful exits by increasing their valuations and optimizing their operations. His deep understanding of the M&A process, combined with his practical business insights, has made him a sought-after advisor for companies looking to navigate complex transactions.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Xavier is actively involved in several non-profit organizations, including the Hospice of Huntington, Country Roads Angel Network, West Virginia Hospitality Travel Association, and Friends of Fisher House of the Tri-State. His commitment to community service and volunteerism reflects his belief in giving back to his community and supporting the growth of future entrepreneurs.
Xavier’s approach to business is characterized by his accessibility, practical advice, and a deep understanding of his clients’ needs. He is based near Columbus, Ohio, where he continues to drive growth and innovation in the M&A advisory space while supporting local startups and entrepreneurs.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early, around 5:30 or 6:00 AM. I dedicate the first hour or so to clearing my emails and setting priorities for the day. My mornings are usually spent on strategic planning and high-priority tasks that require deep focus. By setting three key goals I must achieve each day, I ensure that I make meaningful progress on my most important projects. Midday, I often meet with clients or work on M&A advisory tasks that don’t require uninterrupted focus. Maintaining a structured routine helps me stay on track and maximize my productivity. I also set aside time in the evening to review any outstanding emails and plan for tomorrow.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life involves a combination of thoroughly understanding the goal, strategic planning, a practical view on implementation, and constant assessment and pivoting. When I have a new idea, I start by thoroughly researching and validating it, often seeking input from trusted advisors and colleagues. As a certified M&A advisor, I’ve learned the importance of due diligence and comprehensive market analysis. Once I have a clear plan, I focus on executing it step by step, making adjustments based on feedback and results. For example, when helping clients prepare for a sale, I might identify areas where they can improve their valuation, such as optimizing financial records or streamlining operations. Staying flexible and open to change is crucial, as the initial idea often evolves during implementation. By combining strategic vision with practical execution, I can turn innovative concepts into successful ventures.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the increasing use of AI in business processes. AI’s potential to streamline research, summarize data, and lend more time to decision-making is immense. I’ve seen firsthand how AI can save time and improve accuracy, particularly in drafting documents and conducting market research.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly boosts my productivity is setting clear, actionable goals each morning. By focusing on just a few key tasks each day, I ensure that I make meaningful progress on my most important projects without getting overwhelmed by less urgent tasks. This habit is particularly valuable in my role as an M&A advisor, where I need to balance multiple complex transactions and client engagements simultaneously. Prioritizing my tasks helps me stay organized and maintain momentum, ensuring that I consistently deliver high-quality results for my clients.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to invest in the right people and processes. It’s crucial to build a strong foundation, even if it means spending more upfront. Proper planning and quality resources can save a lot of time, money, and stress down the road. This lesson is vital in the context of M&A transactions, where having a competent team and robust systems can make the difference between a successful deal and a missed opportunity.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe the best time to plan an exit strategy for a business is right at the beginning, during the formation stage. Many people think it’s too early to consider an exit, or their energy is simply too focused on starting the business. However, having a clear vision of your end goal can guide your decisions and help you build a more valuable business. In my experience as an M&A advisor, I’ve seen how early planning can significantly impact the success of a sale. By understanding what potential buyers are looking for and structuring your business accordingly, you can maximize its value and make the exit process smoother and more profitable.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I consistently take time each week to review and reflect on my goals and progress. This regular self-assessment helps me stay aligned with my long-term objectives and make necessary adjustments to my strategy. I recommend this practice to everyone, as it provides clarity and helps you stay focused on what truly matters.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and break down my tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This helps me regain focus and build momentum, making the overall workload feel less daunting. Additionally, I find that taking a short break or engaging in a quick physical activity, like a walk or some light exercise, can help clear my mind and reduce stress. By addressing the feeling of overwhelm head-on and employing strategies to manage it, I can maintain my productivity and stay on top of my responsibilities.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong, trust-based relationships has been a key–the key strategy in my career. Being accessible, offering practical advice, and my commitment to genuinely understanding my clients’ needs have allowed me to create lasting partnerships that drive mutual success. In the M&A advisory field, trust and reliability are paramount. Clients need to feel confident that their advisor has their best interests at heart and can provide valuable insights and guidance. By prioritizing client relationships and consistently delivering results, I’ve been able to grow my business through referrals and repeat engagements. This approach has helped me build a successful career and established me as a trusted advisor in the industry.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One significant obstacle was when I left my profession for a new role in the federal government, expecting to start an exciting new career, only to have the position put on hold due to budget cuts. I had already resigned and relocated, so I had to adapt and find new opportunities quickly. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A business idea I’d like to share is creating a service that uses AI to help small businesses streamline their bookkeeping and compliance processes. Many small businesses struggle with these tasks, and an affordable, AI-driven solution could save them time and reduce errors.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Perplexity as my primary search engine. It provides quick, accurate information, helping me conduct research more efficiently than traditional search engines.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books as a young entrepreneur and small business advisor was “The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What To Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber. It discusses the three roles entrepreneurs must balance and how to avoid letting your business become your life (if you don’t want it to), which has significantly influenced my approach to business ownership and my advice to entrepreneurs.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series “Succession.” It’s a fascinating portrayal of power dynamics and business strategy, offering entertainment and valuable leadership and corporate governance lessons. The intricate plots and complex characters provide insights into the challenges and intricacies of managing a large, family-owned business, making it both an engaging and educational experience.
Key learnings
- Setting clear, actionable goals daily boosts productivity and ensures progress on critical tasks.
- Planning an exit strategy from the beginning can guide business decisions and build more valuable companies.
- Building trust-based relationships with clients is crucial for long-term success.
- Resilience and adaptability are essential when facing unexpected challenges.
- Leveraging AI in business processes can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy.