Mark Galyardt, CEO of XX Companies, LLC, stands at the helm of innovation in Emerging Technology solutions. With decades of experience spanning telecommunications, IT, and emerging technologies, Mark has cultivated a reputation for strategic leadership and a relentless focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions.
Under his guidance, XX Companies has pioneered its unique Just-In-Time-Technology (JITT) model, ensuring clients receive timely, cost-effective, and transformative technologies. His journey reflects a passion for driving progress, building lasting partnerships, and navigating the complexities of a dynamic industry with vision and agility.
From Telecommunications to Cutting-Edge Innovation
Mark’s rise to CEO of XX Companies, LLC, is a story of persistence, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. It began with his graduation from Southern Methodist University, where he earned an MBA from the SMU Cox School of Business.
He entered the corporate world in September 1988, joining BellSouth in Atlanta, Georgia. Over a decade, he honed his expertise in telecommunications, taking on a variety of roles that provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. “This period gave me a solid background in telecommunications,” Mark reflects, underscoring how these foundational years set the stage for his future endeavors.
Mark’s journey then shifted toward the burgeoning field of information technology. He joined Computer Associates in their Atlanta office, taking on the challenge of covering a new strategic telco vertical. “Our team handled all mainframe, open systems, and professional services for large telco accounts,” he says.
This experience allowed Mark to leverage his telecommunications knowledge to address the IT needs of enterprise clients. He gained a deep appreciation for the critical role IT systems play in delivering the high standards of reliability demanded by complex enterprises.
After mastering the IT business, Mark transitioned to a storage and data protection VAR company based in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Here, his focus expanded to include Fortune 500 accounts across various verticals. Success followed swiftly and he became the company’s top producer for three consecutive years. “These years taught me the value of relationships and perseverance,” Mark explains, attributing his success to a strategic approach to client management.
Armed with this experience, Mark took a bold step on December 1, 2008, launching his first company, XIOSS, Inc., amid the housing market meltdown. Despite the economic turbulence, he remained focused on his Fortune 500 clients and the extensive relationships he had cultivated across the supply chain, procurement, and management levels.
XIOSS, Inc. specialized in traditional hardware, software, and professional services, laying a solid foundation for what was to come. Three years ago, Mark unveiled his next vision: XIOSSX, Inc., marketed simply as XX. This venture signaled a pivot to emerging technologies, coining a new identity just months before Twitter’s rebrand to “X.” Together, XIOSS and XIOSSX form the XX Companies, LLC.
Mark describes XX Companies’ strategy as “Just-In-Time-Technology,” delivering innovations such as quantum computing, encryption, generative and cognitive AI at optimal cost and timing. “These innovations must be delivered on time at an acceptable cost, eliminating unnecessary expense overhead,” he emphasizes, highlighting the efficiency that drives the company’s mission.
“Success lies in adaptability — embracing change and delivering value with precision.”
Driving Innovation and Creativity: The XX Companies Blueprint
At XX Companies, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity is a deliberate and dynamic process. The company thrives by drawing inspiration from the thought leadership of the enterprises it serves and the cutting-edge technical advancements of its Partner Ecosystem. This ecosystem spans industries and use cases, creating a fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas and solutions.
“Our team is always looking for innovators — whether in technology, implementation, or support — who can deliver value without unnecessary overhead or being bogged down by legacy systems or over-analysis,” Mark explains. By collaborating with forward-thinking partners, XX Companies ensures its strategies remain agile, relevant, and impactful.
Innovation at XX Companies is also fueled by the company’s unique Just-In-Time-Technology (JITT) model. This approach emphasizes adopting differentiated technologies that break away from the conventional “Me Too” solutions dominating the market. “JITT keeps us ahead by embracing transformative strategies and offering world-class support through our ecosystem,” Mark notes.
Mark’s vision for XX is clear: to continuously innovate while delivering value and precision. “Innovation isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about implementing them effectively and without unnecessary complexity,” he says.
“True creativity thrives where agility meets purpose-driven execution.”
Balancing Leadership with Passion and Purpose
For Mark, balancing the demands of leading a company with his personal life and interests is deeply rooted in his commitment to giving back. Inspired by his parents’ values and his formative years in Boy Scouts, Mark embraced leadership early — first in high school, then in college, and eventually in the business world.
“Volunteerism has always been important to me,” he shares, crediting his upbringing for instilling a sense of responsibility and purpose. His passion for higher education is evident in his current board roles at Kansas State University and Southern Methodist University. This dedication stems from a personal connection: Mark’s father, the first in his family to attend college, was a proud graduate of Kansas State University.
“My dad’s journey taught me the transformative power of education,” Mark reflects. Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, he benefited from the trailblazing efforts of his family, which enabled him to earn an Industrial Engineering degree from K-State and an MBA from SMU.
Mark’s dedication to service extends beyond academia. He has participated in multiple Habitat for Humanity home builds, including projects in Atlanta and Gulfport, Mississippi, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. “I believe in giving back and have always enjoyed giving what I could when I could,” he says. For Mark, leadership is not just about professional success — it’s about living a life of purpose.
“True leadership thrives when passion and service intersect.”
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Ahead in a Competitive Market
As CEO of XX Companies, Mark faces the constant challenge of selecting and delivering solutions that align with market needs and drive measurable improvements for clients. “The biggest challenge has always been selecting and creating solutions the market needs and is willing to pay for as they improve their business practices,” he explains.
Achieving this balance is at the core of the company’s Just-In-Time-Technology (JITT) model, which emphasizes agility, relevancy, and cost-effectiveness. “It’s about producing ‘win-win’ projects that earn us the opportunity to deliver more successful initiatives,” Mark adds.
One initiative that stands out is XX Companies’ ongoing collaboration with its Partner Ecosystem — a network of thought leaders with proven expertise in disruptive technologies.
Mark highlights the ecosystem’s ability to deliver innovative solutions that not only meet client expectations but often exceed them by bending the cost curve for desired outcomes. “I’m proud we have the luxury of so many thought leaders in our partner ecosystem who innovate and deliver as advertised,” he says.
Staying competitive requires a proactive approach to industry trends, and Mark ensures that XX Companies is deeply embedded in diverse technologies and verticals. “Our JITT model guarantees access to the latest technologies represented by experts,” he explains.
One area of focus is the healthcare provider market, particularly enhancing Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) systems. XX Companies’ partnerships with experts in quantum computing and artificial intelligence position them at the forefront of innovation. “In my opinion, our experts are as advanced and differentiated as any in the marketplace,” Mark notes.
“The key to success lies in creating solutions that not only deliver results but also redefine expectations.”
Embedding Diversity and Inclusion into Leadership and Culture
Diversity and inclusion are integral to Mark’s leadership approach and the culture at XX Companies. By embracing a multi-faceted strategy, the company ensures its values align with those of its clients and the broader communities they serve.
“The XX Companies include being certified in multiple categories to assist our customers in doing business with companies and individuals’ representative of their customers,” Mark explains. This commitment not only supports clients in meeting diversity goals but also reinforces the company’s dedication to customer stakeholders.
The emphasis on inclusion extends through XX Companies’ world-class Partner Ecosystem, which brings together innovators from diverse industries, backgrounds, and expertise. This collaborative network allows the company to provide tailored solutions that reflect the varied needs of its clientele.
“Diversity isn’t just a box to check — it’s a fundamental driver of creativity, collaboration, and success,” Mark says. By fostering an inclusive environment, XX Companies creates opportunities for growth and innovation that benefit both its team and its clients.
“True innovation thrives in environments that celebrate diverse perspectives and shared goals.”
Shaping the Future of Telecommunications and IT Solutions
Mark envisions a dynamic future for telecommunications and IT solutions, one where innovation knows no bounds and enterprises adapt rapidly to emerging technologies. In this evolving landscape, XX Companies is uniquely positioned to lead, leveraging its partnerships with global innovators to deliver cutting-edge architectures at enterprise scale.
“We represent, enhance, and deliver leading architectures from our partners who have already implemented telco and IT solutions globally,” Mark states, emphasizing the company’s proven track record. Through its Just-In-Time-Technology (JITT) model, XX Companies ensures clients receive the latest advancements without delays or unnecessary complexities.
Mark is confident in the company’s ability to remain a trusted partner for organizations navigating the complexities of Emerging Technologies. “We will continue to deliver these capabilities without hesitation, as no boundaries exist to the technologies XX Companies can provide our clients,” he says.
This steadfast commitment to innovation and client success positions XX Companies as a critical player in shaping the future of the industry.
“The future of telecommunications and IT lies in boundary-less innovation—and we’re here to lead the way.”
Navigating Risk and Crisis in a Dynamic Industry
In a rapidly changing industry, Mark approaches risk management and decision-making with a blend of experience and intuition. “I have learned to trust my instincts,” he explains, noting that years in the field have honed his ability to distinguish fact from fiction.
This confidence, paired with a methodical approach, enables him to tackle challenges with clarity and precision. One significant challenge Mark successfully navigated involved a critical financial error: a large sum of money was mistakenly wired to the wrong institution.
Resolving this crisis required meticulous coordination with financial institutions and vendors, ensuring proper documentation and clear communication throughout the process. “It was a months-long ordeal,” Mark recalls, “but by placing traces on the funds and securing unanimous agreement from all stakeholders on the issue and the course of action, we achieved resolution.”
This experience underscored the importance of collaboration and attention to detail in high-stakes situations. While the crisis was resolved, Mark hopes such a scenario will never be repeated.
“Success in crisis management comes from trusting your instincts and embracing a disciplined, collaborative approach.”
Building a Vision for the Future
Mark’s long-term vision for XX Companies centers on sustained growth, innovation, and customer success. His strategy focuses on expanding the company’s partner ecosystem, broadening its portfolio of cutting-edge technologies, and maintaining a solutions-oriented approach to meet evolving customer requirements.
“We aim to keep expanding our ecosystem and technology portfolio while staying focused on expert implementation and support,” Mark says. This commitment ensures that XX Companies not only meets but exceeds client expectations in delivering innovative, reliable solutions.
By continually adapting to market trends and leveraging its Just-In-Time-Technology (JITT) model, XX Companies positions itself as a leader in providing timely and relevant solutions. Mark’s plan includes nurturing partnerships with industry thought leaders and fostering a culture of agility within the company, enabling it to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies.
“Growth isn’t just about scaling — it’s about creating value, staying relevant, and delivering excellence.”
Guiding the Next Generation of Technology Leaders
Mark’s advice for aspiring leaders in the technology industry is grounded in curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of staying open to emerging technologies and dedicating time to studying their impacts on various industries. “The key is to create plans that optimize these new capabilities,” he explains, highlighting the necessity of strategic thinking in leveraging innovation.
He also underscores the value of lifelong learning and seeking knowledge from others with more expertise or different experiences. “Some of the most successful people make it a point to surround themselves with people who know more than they do,” Mark shares, reflecting his belief in the power of collaboration and humility in leadership.
Mark’s approach encourages aspiring leaders to embrace change, prioritize learning, and build strong networks to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving technology industry.
“True leadership lies in staying curious, learning relentlessly, and surrounding yourself with expertise that challenges you to grow.”
Conclusion
As the driving force behind XX Companies, Mark Galyardt exemplifies the forward-thinking leadership required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. His unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence positions XX Companies as a trusted partner for organizations navigating the future of emerging technologies. With his sights set on expanding the company’s impact and ecosystem, Mark’s leadership continues to shape a legacy of transformation and success.
