Toby Stansell, John Krebsbach and Jonathan Parker deliberately avoid two words when describing their new business-consultant company, NxTrek.
Instead of being coaches, the founders serve as guides for privately owned businesses and family enterprises looking to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The founders also stay away from the concept of development, focusing on advancing their clients’ cultural, operational and financial performance.
The trio launched NxTrek in July 2024, each bringing unique expertise and past experiences to help guide companies. Krebsbach believes it’s these experiences that make them uniquely qualified to help other companies.
“Toby is a seasoned executive. I’m an operations leader and Jonathan is a communicator,” Krebsbach said. “We’ve all started our own companies and worked for other people. So we, I think, contribute or guide our clients from a place of experience and authenticity.”
NxTrek primarily works with privately held or family companies with critical mass, generating up to $150 million in annual revenue. The team provides solutions and strategies to help clients in areas such as succession planning, leadership advancement, communication strategies and strategic planning. Outside affiliates from across the country, with expert knowledge in areas ranging from finance to organizational development, are also brought in to further assist clients.
“We’ve got what I call a process model — how we take companies from where they are to where they want to be, considering all the elements that have to be considered and adjusted for them to be as effective as possible,” Stansell said.
The NxTrek journey
Clients seeking NxTrek’s consulting services can choose from three types of “treks.” The duration and services from each trek are curated for each client’s particular needs.
The first option is the “Day Hike” which serves as a one-day training session that includes workshops and team building to provide leaders with tools to enhance their company and strengthen team alignment.
NxTrek also offers its “Signature Trails” which consist of a three- to 12-month journey during which the guides work with clients to tackle key challenges and learn strategies to accelerate growth.
Clients wishing to receive a more tailored set of services from NxTrek can choose to take a “Custom Expedition.” The NxTrek team works with the client for around six to 18 months to address its biggest challenges.
To identify a client’s specific needs, the leaders of NxTrek run a two-day diagnostic workshop with the company. Parker said they live by the phrase ‘prescription without diagnosis is malpractice.’
“Too often, companies similar to ours will go in and they’ll be like ‘We already have our playbook. This is what we run,’” Parker said. “The companies coming to us are like ‘Run the diagnostic. Get to know us. Look under the hood and talk to our people.’”
During the diagnostic workshop, the team examines everything from the company’s mission and strategy to its culture and finances. Parker explained that the goal is to connect with their clients, determine their aspirations, and identify where they currently stand.
The founders of NxTrek have worked with businesses in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Illinois. New clients often find them based on reputation and referrals. Trusted advisers of private business including attorneys, bankers and accountants also recommend their clients reach out to NxTrek if they see areas in need of improvement.
Looking toward the future, Krebsbach said NxTrek will continue to grow into other markets through meeting new clients and advisers.
Who’s who?
Toby Stansell serves as the executive chairman at NxTrek. He most recently was the CEO at Cargo, a Greenville-based marketing-solutions and services agency. He is also the author of “The Winding Road to Excellence,” a guide to help business executives lead successful companies.
John Krebsbach is a managing director with NxTrek. He co-founded a tech startup called Relify and has experience serving as a chief operating officer. Based in Chicago, Krebsach most recently worked as a principal at Precision Advisors LCC, a business-consulting firm based in Chicago, Illinois.
Jonathan Parker, managing director with NxTrek, is a professional speaker and communication coach. Before NxTrek, he founded The JRP Group, a professional communication and leadership-training company. Parker is also the author of “Art of the Conversation,” a guide for helping people engage in meaningful communication.
