Behind Every Great Business Is a Cohesive Advisory Team

Behind Every Great Business Is a Cohesive Advisory Team

The way Stawowski McGill thinks about advisory partnerships started 25 years ago, through Stan Stawowski and Brian McGill’s close relationships with two lenders at HSBC. 

As Brian explains, the HSBC lenders had “B” and “C” clients with real potential to become “A” clients, but without the financial structure and reporting discipline to get there. 

So, we focused on understanding what HSBC actually needed to underwrite with confidence, manage risk appropriately, and support growth effectively. When we could help a mutual client evolve into an “A” client, it made life easier for the lender and created a win-win for everyone involved. 

That mindset, helping our lending partners win with their clients, still defines how we approach advisory relationships today. 

Partnering for Mutual Success

Lenders, lawyers, accountants, tax advisors, and other professionals each provide excellent guidance for business owners, but the full benefit comes when everyone understands the complete picture of the business. 

By quarterbacking when necessary, Stawowski McGill helps ensure key financial information is visible, decisions are informed, and strategies are communicated. This allows each professional to process information quickly, support growth efficiently, and minimize roadblocks for the client. 

Every mutual client is an opportunity to create shared value: strengthening the client, supporting advisors, and building lasting, trusted relationships across Calgary’s advisory community. 

Making Life Easier Across Advisory Roles

Our goal is to make everyone’s work smoother while supporting the client, creating a partnership where all advisors can contribute effectively and achieve shared success.

Here are a few examples:

• For a banker, that might mean:

• Clean, timely financial packages 

• Proactive communication about challenges 

• No surprises at renewal 

• For a lawyer, it might mean:

• Clear ownership structures 

• Management decisions that follow the right structure 

• Early visibility into capital raises or acquisitions 

• For an accountant or tax advisor, it might mean:

• Forward-looking profit projections 

• Coordinated planning conversations 

• Fewer last-minute scrambles 

Creating a Strategic Advantage for the Client

Advisors that work together don’t just reduce friction; they create a competitive edge for the client. Businesses with aligned advisors can:

1. Make faster, more confident decisions 

2. Access capital at the right time 

3. Scale operations efficiently 

4. Manage risk proactively 

5. Focus on growth rather than constant firefighting 

When all advisors are understood and strategically connected, clients gain clarity, confidence and control, and each advisor can contribute in the most impactful way.