Vault’s Verdict

After undergoing some cultural challenges after being acquired by private equity outfit Blue Point Capital Partners in 2021, Stax has come back strong. Insiders love the firm’s combination of a boutique feel with big-firm pay, as well as its focus on private equity clients. 

One word comes up again and again when Stax consultants talk about their company’s culture: relaxed. They say that their senior leaders go out of their way to create an inclusive, low-stress environment, pointing to social gatherings, robust DEI programs, low travel, and manageable hours (for consulting) as bedrocks of their experience.

Insiders also appreciate that Stax offers rapid career growth through a transparent promotion process, a strong onboarding program, a mentorship culture, and a plethora of formal training opportunities. In fact, some even say that it can be hard to make time to take advantage of all the learning opportunities available to them. For those looking to fast-track their careers in a comfortable environment, Stax is definitely a firm worth considering. 

Employee Reviews

Firm Culture

• “The firm culture is great. It’s relaxed. The directors and managing directors are very personable and take an interest in your growth. You can tell they care.”
• “The firm is really laid back, especially in the Chicago office. It’s a close group. Social gatherings happen regularly and even informal gatherings as well.”
• “Leadership is genuinely committed to its efforts to support consultants’ physical and mental health, fostering a culture that prioritizes both physical and mental health for all employees.”
• “People genuinely enjoy working together and are always willing to roll up their sleeves, which ensures projects get completed efficiently. This collaborative spirit extends across all levels of the organization.”

Quality of Life

• “I anticipated that consulting would mean long, inconsistent hours and difficulty scheduling personal time, but Stax has been different than expected. Their unique consulting model provides a much better work-life balance.”
• “The best aspect of our firm's quality of life is the balance we provide compared to our peers. Our low-to-no travel model and shorter engagement timelines allow employees to maintain a healthier work-life balance, with fewer disruptions to personal time. Most employees find the hours manageable, and it's generally easy to take time off.”
• “Senior leadership cares about work life balance. The CEO in particular makes a tremendous effort to be accessible and make appropriate policy changes.”
• “The firm values time off and actively works to minimize the need for work during weekends or holidays. However, mid-level and senior-level employees may occasionally need to dedicate additional hours to ensure timely client communication and completion of work on time.”

Career Development

• “Stax stands out for its excellent training and career development opportunities. The firm invests in professional growth, offering access to comprehensive in-house training, industry conferences, and external seminars that keep employees ahead in their fields.”
• “Excellent onboarding experience with supportive mentors to guide you through your journey at Stax. Overall, very positive.”
• “The best part of career development at Stax? The sky’s the limit! With a clear path for growth, extensive training opportunities, and leadership that genuinely cares about your success, it feels like you’re constantly moving forward. Promotions are merit-based, which keeps things fair.”
• “While the fast pace of work is a great learning opportunity, it can be a challenge to balance continuous training with project demands. However, the supportive culture and mentorship programs help navigate this effectively.”

Compensation

• “On par with larger peers, which is surprising for a smaller boutique firm.”
• “The best aspect of Stax's compensation package is its competitive salary structure and clear path for progression. Pay is merit-based, and the firm is committed to ensuring diversity and pay equality across all levels. While bonuses can vary based on firm performance, the overall package is well-rounded and supportive of both personal and professional growth”
• “We receive a 4 percent match on our 401(k) regardless of what we contribute. I wish it was a bit higher but like that I get it regardless. It also has no vesting period.”
• “Our firm has extensive programming in place to support health and wellness and prevent burnout. We offer a range of initiatives, including counseling services through our employee assistance program (EAP), regular exercise programs, and meditation sessions to help manage stress. Additionally, we provide nutrition education and wellness workshops that promote a balanced lifestyle.”

Community Engagement

• “Stax has long championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, even before the term DEI entered the modern business lexicon. The firm has consistently supported women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically disadvantaged groups through targeted recruitment, mentorship programs, and inclusive policies.”
• “Our firm is highly committed to DEI, supported through a range of programs including employee resource groups, internal diversity programming, and community engagement initiatives. These programs are focused on fostering inclusion and ensuring that all employees feel supported and valued.”
• “Stax takes its DEI efforts seriously, and it shows across every level of the firm. From initiatives focused on race and ethnicity to programs supporting women, LGBT individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities, the company actively works to create an inclusive environment.”
• “The firm provides generous family leave and robust support for new parents returning to work, including flexible schedules and resources to help with the transition.”

Business Outlook

• “Stax's business outlook is highly positive, with strong growth prospects driven by its expertise in the private equity space. The firm's competitive edge lies in its ability to deliver actionable, high-impact solutions, which sets it apart from competitors. Employee morale is strong, with a collaborative and supportive work environment that empowers individuals.”
• “Stax’s business outlook is highly promising right now, especially given the recent pickup in private equity deal activity. As a firm with deep expertise in PE due diligence, value creation, and exit planning, we’re well-positioned to capitalize on the surge in deal flow.”
• “The firm's CEO is very innovative and has created a game-changing platform.  Stax consultants can come and do their best work.”
• “We have made strategic investments in our senior leaders, particularly around account management and leading with high-quality content, which allows us to differentiate ourselves from competitors and build deeper client relationships. This focus on content-driven leadership enhances our ability to stay relevant and deliver value in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

Hiring Process

• “We follow a full 360-degree review process and look for capable candidates that show drive and commitment while being a good cultural fit.”
• “First comes a screener round, then there are more interviews that each consist of a behavioral and technical component.”
• “The process was very clear, and the team leading recruitment is very communicative. The firm is looking for self-motivated people who have a natural curiosity for the work and want to grow in their careers.”
• “The ideal candidate should be innovative, quick on their feet, sociable, and bring a passion for consulting and analytics.”

Interview Questions

• “At Stax LLC, we use a mix of case and behavioral questions in our interviews to see how candidates think through problems and work with data. Some generic examples include estimating the size of the U.S. market for premium coffee shops and evaluating the competitive landscape and key risks of a consumer goods company.”
• "A client’s profits have been declining despite steady revenue. What factors would you investigate to identify the root cause and recommend a solution?”
• “The interview has Excel tests, plus case studies built on projects that the firm has completed.  There are also typically behavioral questions around leadership and your interest in learning.”
• “See our website’s career page for past podcasts on about interviewing with us.”