Brian Staats

Principal, Wealth Consultant, Family Office Service Line Leader
Great Bend, KS
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How I help . . .

I have always had a passion for problem solving. My career as an accountant and consultant has given me a lot of opportunity to help my clients solve business and tax problems. I always listen to the client first and learn what their needs are so I can better help them.

One particularly satisfying experience occurred when helping a client with a family farm. Mom and Dad were retiring and wanted to pass the farm to the next generation. We were able to develop a succession plan that eliminated the roughly $1.6 million potential estate tax and structured the operations of the farm in such a way it saved them another $80,000 from their taxes every year. This was the culmination of a 23-year journey we took with the client, seeing them through changes in tax and estate laws. And the reward was that we were able to help them successfully transition the business to the next generation. I enjoyed working on this project because it was like a big puzzle, and we knew what we wanted the final picture to look like, but we had to figure out how to put the pieces together to fit their vision. We worked collaboratively with specialists and utilized our amazing team here at Adams Brown.

MEET BRIAN
“I’m a problem solver and a hard-working father of four. Before finding my calling in accounting, I worked in hospitality, farming, industry and retail.”

Q&A with Brian

What does above + beyond mean to you?
This means you can depend on us to do a top-notch job every day, and you can rely on us to help you take your business to the next level. We work as a part of your team every day.
What does being a strategic ally mean to you?
We do more than just accounting; we discuss strategies, provide ideas and ask questions to help your business be successful. We look out for your best interests and have your back to help you, your family, and your business.
What are some of your favorite things?
I love a good steak with a slice of pecan pie, especially from Whisky Creek. I like listening to 80’s and pop music. In my spare time, I read business strategy and self-help books. You can also find me at home woodworking, doing DIY construction projects and working on my car. When I was in high school, I played football and wrestled, but now I prefer golf and pool.
What does your typical day look like?
I get up by 5:45, get a cup of coffee, get ready to go to the office and spend most of my day in meetings addressing operational challenges and executing on our strategic plan goals.
What are you most proud of and why?
I’m proud of my family and everything they have done in their lives. I’m also proud of my career, where I have helped a lot of people achieve their dreams.

Life Outside the Office


Hobbies & Interests

  • Woodworking
  • Fixing up cars
  • Home renovations
  • Traveling

Frequented Websites

  • BNA.com
  • IRS.gov
  • Yahoo Finance

Little Known Facts

  • I was a janitor and a maintenance worker at a meat packing plant.

My Professional History


Memberships

Education

  • Garden City Community College
    • Associate of Science
  • Fort Hays State University
    • Bachelor of Business Administration

Work Highlights

  • Year joined Adams Brown: 1988
  • Year entered accounting: 1988

Designations

  • CPA
  • CGMA