Skoll Scholar 2010/2011
In 2002, Xavier co-founded of Better World Books, a social enterprise with offices in Indiana, Georgia, and Scotland. Better World Books imagines a better world where people who donate and buy books help teach the 1 in 7 illiterate citizens of the world how to read. Increasing literacy levels is not only a great thing for the world, but the root of a 100 year business strategy to greatly increase the market for books. To this end, Better World Books has raised over $8 Million for libraries and literacy organizations. It is also the largest supplier of donated university textbooks to the African continent through a partnership with Books For Africa.
Better World Books has grown from a startup to a profitable social enterprise with 300 employees worldwide. Today, it competes successfully with the biggest names in the online bookstore business on a social enterprise model. Xavier credits the success to its innovative business model, amazing team and commitment to flabbergasting its customers with service. In 2009, Better World Books became one of the founding B Corporations, a movement to create a new corporate form that serves more than just shareholders. Xavier has served as a continual source of strategic direction and creative energy for the company, launching multiple business lines, building out the company's consumer brand, and even selling software to other booksellers.
Xavier is passionate about big ideas that can change the world. He writes a column for Forbes.com on social entrepreneurship and has spoken on the topic at numerous universities and conferences. He is also an amateur chef and unrepentant foodie who is passionate about the local food movement. A meeting with Skoll Centre Director Pamela Hartigan inspired him to apply for the Skollar award. "Being named a Skoll Scholar was one of the most exciting moments of my life. It is an incredible community that I feel honored to be a part of."