The ESOP Podcast: Recent Episodes
Capital Trustees
The ESOP Podcast invites listeners to hear insights from the best in the world of employee ownership, from lawyers, to valuators, to CEOs, and even employee owners themselves – each bringing their own unique outlook and experience to our ongoing conversation about what makes ESOP participation so valuable to companies!
It's time for our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment over the summer break.Today we're sharing an episode of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler was joined by three great employee owners at 100% ESOP King Arthur Baking Company, Michael Scanlon, Manager, Workforce Acquisition and Growth, David Turner, Recipe Developer, and Ana Gallo, Fulfillment Operations Manager.Each guest shares personal insights on what ownership means to them; how they describe ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; the three words they use to describe ownership; their EO A-ha moments; and why anyone seeking work should consider a career at King Arthur.This episode was originally published on October 11, 2023, as Episode 52 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast.
It's time for our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment over the summer break.Bret Keisling was joined by Peter Newman, founder of Peak Wealth Planning [www.peakwealthplanning.com/], a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in high net-worth individuals with an emphasis on employee ownership.In this episode, Peter discusses the various considerations someone should make as they begin planning for a successful retirement. Many employee owners may retire with a nest egg that generates more income than the salary. Peter describes how a mindset shift can be necessary to focus on designing and funding a retirement lifestyle, and why making and implementing financial decisions during the career can have a huge impact on retirement.This episode was originally published on January 10, 2023, as the first in a three-part series, which is now available in its entirety on our website. The show notes for this episode also include a helpful PDF called "The Employee Owner's Guide to Diversification and Retirement Planning."https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-43-peter-newman-successful-retirement-planning
As the US begins to celebrate the July 4th holiday, we're resharing this classic episode in which Bret Keisling reflects on what the holiday means to him and how employee ownership can address what he sees as our most vexing problem in the US, our inability to work together to benefit us all.Shoutouts to NCEO co-founder Corey Rosen, the Employee Ownership News, and the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-42-from-independence-to-interdependence
It's time for our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment over the summer break.In part 1, Bret Keisling was joined by Keith Butcher, managing partner and co-founder of ButcherJoseph & Co., a national investment banking firm focused on middle market M&A and ESOP advisory. Keith shares his view that when mature ESOPs run into trouble, it is not because the ESOP structure is flawed, but that the company and leadership team has lost its entrepreneurial and strategic spirit. He discusses the positive interplay between private equity and employee ownership and why it's a good thing, and why companies should act like they're going to sell in 3 years, whether they intend to or not.This episode was originally published as the first in a two-part series, which is now available in its entirety on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-41-keith-butcher-of-butcherjoseph-part-1
It's time for our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment over the summer break.In this episode, Bret Keisling shared EO A-ha Moments from five previous podcast guests who, besides sharing a passion for employee ownership, all presented or moderated at the 2024 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, sponsored by the Aspen Institute and the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, that was held in Washington DC on April 9-10, 2024. If you missed it, you can still catch selected video from the Forum on their website.In this EO A-ha moment compilation you'll hear from Maureen Conway (Aspen Institute), Adria Scharf (Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing), Corey Rosen (the National Center for Employee Ownership), Evan Edwards (Project Equity), and Jenny Levy (Hypertherm).Links to the full interviews and more are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-40-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-vii
Bret Keisling is joined by Gina Schaefer, founder, board chair, and retired CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, which was founded in 2003 in Washington D.C. It has since expanded to 15 locations in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD metro areas. In 2021 it became a partial ESOP with plans to eventually become majority and then 100% employee owned.Gina shares the origin story of A Few Cool Hardware Stores and its journey to employee ownership. Starting with her EO A-ha Moment, which is directly related to the civil protests that took place in Washington D.C. in 2020, Gina discusses how small businesses can support their employees and communities. She touches on the challenges and rewards of transitioning to employee ownership, emphasizing the importance of community and connection.Gina shares the inspiring story of how her neighborhood hardware store hired a number of people who were in treatment at a nearby addiction center, and how the hardware store came to be known in the community as "Recovery Hardware," which became the title of her book. For more information on Gina, A Few Good Hardware Stores, and a link to where you can buy “Recovery Hardware” while also supporting independent booksellers, visit our webpage for this episode here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/283-gina-schaefer-on-business-community-eo
Bret Keisling is joined by Gina Schaefer, founder, board chair, and retired CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, which was founded in 2003 in Washington D.C. It has since expanded to locations in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD metro areas. In 2021 it became a partial ESOP with plans to eventually become majority and then 100% employee owned.Gina shares the inspiring story of how her neighborhood hardware store hired a number of people who were in treatment at a nearby addiction center, and how the hardware store came to be known in the community as "Recovery Hardware," which became the title of her book. This episode is excerpted from next week's EsOp Podcast, which is a full conversation about Gina's path to employee ownership and so much more. For more information on Gina, A Few Good Hardware Stores, and a link to where you can buy “Recovery Hardware” while also supporting independent booksellers, visit our webpage for this episode here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-265-gina-schaefer-and-recovery-hardware
Part 2. Bret Keisling is joined again by Campbell McDonald, chief executive of Ownership at Work [www.ownershipatwork.org/], a UK-based charitable think tank, and a research fellow at the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing. They discuss the interplay between employee ownership and company “best practices;” the international growth of employee ownership; and Campbell gives a shout out to the Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership, and the work performed by Graeme Nuttal in growing EO internationally.They also discuss board of director differences between EO and non-EO companies, and how many EO boards need to get better equipped on addressing business challenges of their companies. Listeners may want to listen to part 1 of the conversation (Ep. 281) for context before listening to this episode. A link to that episode, and all our show notes, are available on this episode's webpage at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/282-ownership-at-work-s-campbell-mcdonald-part-2
Bret Keisling is joined by Campbell McDonald, chief executive of Ownership at Work [https://ownershipatwork.org/], a UK-based charitable think tank, and a research fellow at the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing. They delve into the impact of employee ownership on businesses and communities, the importance of employee voice, sharing rewards, and leadership in employee-owned businesses. They also discuss the similarities in EO results, regardless of the form of EO or what country the employee-owned businesses operate in. Campbell shares findings from Ownership at Work's EO Knowledge Programme, which was commissioned in 2022 by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) and set out to establish a new baseline in understanding the scale and impact of employee ownership in the UK. The EO Knowledge Programme is the sector’s most ambitious research project to date, consisting of three vital research strands: The EO Performance Project, The Good EO Project, and the EO Integrated Impact Project.Check out the photo of the "light switch moment" mentioned in this episode, as well as additional resources, on our webpage for this episode at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/281-ownership-at-work-s-campbell-mcdonald-part-1
From July 2022: Bret Keisling is joined by Anne-Claire Broughton of Broughton Consulting [www.broughton-consulting.com] and founder of the North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC), who discusses small business transitions to employee ownership, open book management, and The Great Game of Business, B-corporations, and how employee ownership improves urban and rural areas and members of the BIPOC communities.Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/280-icymi-anne-claire-broughton-of-broughton-consulting
Bret Keisling is joined by Jesse Tyler, Hypertherm Associate and host of the "Owner to Owner" podcast, to share brief highlights from the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)'s 2024 Annual Conference, held April 29-May 1 in Tampa Florida. Jesse describes two panels he presented on, one on inspiring newer employee owners and another with Sargent Corp of Maine about EO podcasting.Jesse notes how employee ownership conferences have evolved in the last decade by including more forms of employee ownerships than just ESOPs and worker co-ops to include EOTs, ESOP acquisition and holding companies, and even private equity. Jesse also applauds two inspiring quotes Jennifer Briggs made at the conference.Head to our website for the video, full transcript, and links to further information for this episode: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/264-jesse-tyler-s-reflections-on-the-nceo-2024-annual-conference
Bret Keisling is joined by Brian Taussig-Lux, retired CEO of UnTours, which holds the distinction of being the first company to become a Certified B Corp, which means a business that meets high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.Brian shares UnTours fascinating story, from its unique origins to its innovative business model centered on social and environmental responsibility. Founded by Hal Taussig in the 1970s, UnTours has never been employee owned, but very much shares the same vibe as successful EO businesses. Brian also describes the evolution of B Corp certification, the impact of Benefit Corporations on business practices, and the interconnectedness between employee ownership and Certified B Corps.For the video version of this episode, along with links to the topics mentioned and related podcasts, head to our website for this episode at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/279-the-first-ever-certified-b-corp
From April 2023. To celebrate the NCEO's 2024 Annual Conference, Bret Keisling reshares an exciting announcement made at The National Center for Employee Ownership's Annual Conference last year by Loren Rodgers (NCEO) and Steve Storkan (EOX) about the formation of the NCEOX Initiative. This collaboration will combine the excellent messaging of the NCEO with the amazing messengers at Employee Ownership Expansion Network and their state employee ownership centers, which currently cover 70% of the US. At a time when EO is ascending in the US (and around the world), the NCEOX Initiative could drive a dramatic increase in ESOPs, worker co-ops, and employee ownership trusts (EOTs).The full transcript of this episode including a link to the NCEOX press release is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-263-icymi-the-nceox-initiative
Bret Keisling is joined by Daniel Goldstein, one of the leading voices in ESOPs and employee ownership today, who shares his insights on the transformative impact of ESOPs, fostering employee ownership, enhancing community welfare, and promoting business sustainability. Daniel addresses challenges faced by ESOPs, the significance of education and communication within organizations, and the role of employee ownership in addressing racial wealth disparities. Daniel emphasizes the importance of implementing EO across diverse industries and communities and its importance in rural areas for driving long-term employee wealth, business resilience, and economic stability.For more information, visit our website for this episode at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/278-daniel-goldstein-from-esop-ceo-to-advocate
Bret Keisling celebrates Project Equity's 10th Anniversary [https://project-equity.org/]. On April 1, 2014, Hilary Abell and Alison Lingane began working part-time with a goal of scaling employee ownership. In its first year, they created a feasibility study for different strategies to grow EO, created a worker coop academy pilot project with partners based out of Oakland, and articulated its initial organizational mission and values. Included in the Mini-cast is an excerpt from 2020 in which Alison Lingane briefly shares Project Equity's origin story.Today Project Equity operates primarily as a virtual organization of thirty team members. They have led the way with national partner collaborations, educated approximately 15,000 people about EO, and support 30-40 companies each year with technical assistance for their EO transition journeys. Congratulations and thank you to Project Equity's present and past team members. We have no doubt the best is yet to come.The video, full transcript, and show notes with links to previous Project Equity episodes are all available on our website for this episode at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-262-celebrating-project-equity-s-10th-anniversary
Bret Keisling is joined by Maureen Conway, Aspen Institute Vice President and Executive Director of the Economic Opportunities Program, and Adria Scharf, Associate Director of the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, who discuss their takeaways and reflections on the recent Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.The Employee Ownership Ideas Forum was presented by the Aspen Institute Economics Opportunities Program and the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing on April 9-10, 2024, in Washington D.C. Further details and links are in our show notes on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/277-maureen-conway-and-adria-scharf-on-the-eo-ideas-forum
Bret Keisling is joined by Daniel Goldstein, retired president and CEO of Folience, Inc. [https://www.folience.com/], an ESOP holding company. Daniel was on a panel at this week’s Employee Ownership Ideas Forum in a session called "Hometown Ownership: The Impact of Employee Ownership in Rural Communities." In this excerpt from an upcoming EsOp Podcast episode, Daniel discusses how ESOPs in rural areas provide economic opportunities, support multi-generational employment, and use innovative technology to upskill employees. The Employee Ownership Ideas Forum was presented by the Aspen Institute and the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing on April 9-10, 2024, in Washington D.C.Head to our website for the transcript and video for this episode, with links to all the resources mentioned: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-261-daniel-goldstein-on-eo-and-rural-america
Bret Keisling shares EO A-ha Moments from five previous podcast guests who, besides sharing a passion for employee ownership, are all presenting or moderating at the 2024 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, sponsored by the Aspen Institute and the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing taking place this week in Washington DC. In this episode, we share EO A-ha Moments from Maureen Conway (Aspen Institute), Adria Scharf (Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing), Corey Rosen (the National Center for Employee Ownership), Evan Edwards (Project Equity), and Jenny Levy (Hypertherm).Bret Keisling and Jesse Tyler have been collecting EO A-ha Moments from all of their guests on The EsOp Podcast and Owner to Owner podcast. It's not the first time they heard about employee ownership or thought they liked it, but rather the moment they realized that EO could be transformative to their jobs, lives, families, and companies.Links to the full interviews and more are available on our website at https://soundcloud.com/theesoppodcast/episode-276-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-vii
Bret Keisling wants to work with employee-owned companies to create more EO A-ha Moments for employee owners. It’s that moment when someone realizes that EO can be transformative. Employee owners experience these moments in different ways: at EO conferences; interacting with other employee-owned companies; or when an employee owner recognizes that they actually have a voice at their company. Feeling valued, heard, and respected can have a dramatic effect on culture and profitability. The most mentioned EO A-ha Moment among owners is when they received their annual statements and saw an increase in the company value and in their personal account. The increase in value and improvements to culture don't happen in a vacuum. It takes mindfulness, repetition, and dedication to create a great EO workplace, which we know helps make EO companies more profitable and dramatically improve recruitment and retention.If you're not sure where to start, Bret Keisling can help. Head to our website to schedule a no obligation conversation about how he can help create EO A-ha Moments for your employee owners: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-260-creating-eo-a-ha-moments-for-your-employee-ownersThe full transcript and video are also published on our website.
Bret Keisling shares a recent episode of the "Owner to Owner" podcast featuring Jesse Tyler and three great employee owners at 100% ESOP PC Construction, Kaitlyn Keenan, Sr. Job Cost Engineer, Brady Fox, LDP (Leadership Development Program) Engineer, and Mike Delia Jr., Staff Estimator.PC Construction is a 100% employee-owned construction firm providing integrated construction services through a full range of delivery methods. They excel at projects of all sizes – from a single office fit-up to water supply programs valued at over $300 million. Formed in 1958, PC created its Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 2002 and became 100% employee-owned 7 years later.Subscribe to the "Owner to Owner" podcast for more owner-centric content: https://www.ownertoownerpodcast.com/ Show notes for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/275-jesse-tyler-and-pc-construction
Bret Keisling shares a brief clip from the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler is joined by Matt Cropp, the executive director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (https://veoc.org/), to discuss the VEOC 22nd Annual Conference which will take place on May 31, 2024, at the University of Vermont’s Dudley H. Davis Center in Burlington, Vermont and will feature keynote speaker Melissa Hoover from the Democracy at Work Institute. Attendees will gain invaluable knowledge from industry experts, thought leaders, and pioneers in the field of employee ownership. They will learn about the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies shaping the landscape of shared ownership, and create relationships with experts, advocates, and employee-owners at Vermont-based EO Companies.Head to our website for the transcript of this episode, with links to the VEOC 22 registration and more: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-259-the-veoc-22nd-annual-conference
From April 2023: Bret Keisling was joined by Dani Green, ESOP Business Development Manager for ProAct Pharmacy Benefit Management and primary host of the vlog Sweet Chats and Salty Snacks: The ESOP Exploration. Dani and a colleague visit employee-owned companies, tour the facility, and talk about building and enhancing the employee-owned culture. Following the visit, Dani and team record a video blog that shares highlights of their visit to each company.Dani shared how the vlog came to be, what she's learned at each visit, the importance of building culture, and why employee-owned companies are a great fit for young people just entering the workforce.Vlog links and further show notes are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/274-icymi-proact-s-dani-green-esop-vlogger
From October 2023: Bret Keisling was joined by Maureen Conway, vice president of the Aspen Institute and executive director of its Economic Opportunities Program [www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/econ…ties-program/], for a deep dive on employee ownership, quality jobs, and the critical interplay between job opportunities and strong communities, young people and the workforce.Maureen shared the Aspen Institute's background and focus and an overview on the first annual EO Ideas Forum, co-sponsored by the Rutgers SMLR Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing. Held in the summer of 2023, Bret called it the most powerful program on employee ownership he's seen in fifteen years in the field.Show notes and links to the topics mentioned in the podcast are available on our website at www.EsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling features "Owner to Owner" podcast host Jesse Tyler and Jaymie Oviedo and Lindsay Isaac from the National Center for Employee Ownership discussing plans for the NCEO's Annual EO Conference which will be held April 29 - May 1, 2024, in Tampa Florida.In this excerpt. Jaymie describes how the event is evolving away from speaker-centric, lecture type presentations to sessions that will be more collaborative and workshop-like. Lindsay talks about the brand-new learning track "Building an ESOP Education Curriculum,” which is designed to provide concrete training that employee owners can take back and implement at their companies.The transcript of this episode and a link to the full Episode 62 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/
Bret Keisling is joined by Kevin Burns, co-founder and director of the Sand Mountain Cooperative Education Center and co-founder of the upcoming Alabama Center for Employee Ownership (ALCEO), part of the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX). Kevin discusses their innovative work educating young people about employee ownership and the potential impact on rural Alabama. The conversation delves into the prospects and challenges of promoting employee ownership, and the importance of integrating it into academic and business settings. The episode offers valuable insights into the growing movement for employee ownership in Alabama and beyond.Watch the video or read the full show notes for this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/272-kevin-burns-growing-eo-in-alabama
Bret Keisling is thrilled to announce that our podcast episodes have been listened to or downloaded over 205,632 times since 2017! Thank you to our fantastic guests, dedicated team (past and present), and most importantly, YOU - our listeners, for making this possible. The EsOp Podcast and Mini-cast are platforms for empowering conversations and inspiring stories in the world of employee ownership. Thank you for being part of our incredible journey. Let's keep amplifying and celebrating the voices of employee owners together!The only thing Bret loves more than hosting the podcasts is speaking in person with employee owners and EO companies. Use the link in our episode show notes to schedule a free, no obligation chat to see how Bret can help you grow your ESOP, co-op, and EOT: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-257-celebrating-205-000-podcast-listens
We're sharing another great episode of the Owner to Owner podcast. Host Jesse Tyler is joined by three great co-owners at 100% ESOP BL Companies, Breton Boudreaux, Director of Recruitment and Talent Management, Jennifer Huffmire, P.E., Senior Engineer, Donald A. Smith, PLS, Senior Project Manager.Founded in 1986 as a small transportation planning and civil engineering firm, BL Companies has grown to become a leading multi-discipline firm sought after for its quality, creativity, and expertise in producing successful outcomes.Each guest shares personal insights on what ownership means to them; how they describe ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; three words they use to describe employee ownership; their EO A-ha moments; and why anyone seeking work should consider a career at BL Companies.If you'd like to learn how Bret Keisling can help grow your ESOP, or if you have cultural, communication, technical, or fiduciary questions, visit the episode show notes for a link to schedule a free no-obligation conversation, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/271-the-owner-to-owner-podcast-featuring-bl-companies
Bret Keisling discusses the impact of employee ownership (EO) on creating a permanent legacy for company founders. He highlights the Silver Tsunami phenomenon, which will see many baby boomer business owners ready to retire, the rarity of successful business sales, and the benefits of transitioning to employee ownership. Keisling emphasizes the positive legacy and community impact of EO, urging business owners to consider the long-term effects of their decisions. He also offers his expertise to guide owners through ESOP transactions.If you're considering a transaction to become an ESOP, and you don't know where to turn or how to get started, or what to believe with all the myths out there, schedule a free, no obligation chat with Bret Keisling on calendy here: https://calendly.com/eo_bret/initial-consultation-no-chargeThe full transcript for this episode is available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-256-eo-and-the-founder-s-legacy
Bret Keisling was joined by Corey Rosen, founder of The National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org) and coauthor (with John Case) of "Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What. " Corey discusses his book, federal/state EO legislation, collaborations, and why this may be employee ownership's moment.You can purchase the book now here www.ravenbookstore.com/book/9781523000821Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/270-icymi-corey-rosen-the-nceo-founder-and-coauthor-of-ownershipThis episode originally aired on September 13, 2022, as Episode 215: Corey Rosen, The NCEO Founder and Coauthor of "Ownership."
Bret Keisling discusses the importance of educating family members of employee owners about ESOPs and suggests having a separate annual event for this purpose. He emphasizes the benefits of family education in reinforcing job satisfaction, improving retention, and reducing turnover, all of which tend to improve profitability. Additionally, he highlights the value of including ESOP account information in conversations about salary and benefit packages to demonstrate the financial advantages of employee ownership over comparable jobs at non-employee-owned companies.Not sure how to get started educating family members? For help with this or other ESOP topics, schedule a free no-obligation conversation through the link on our website for this episode. You can also watch the video version of this episode or read the transcript: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-255-esop-education-for-family-members
Bret Keisling shares the "Do's and Don'ts" of planning an ESOP Statement Annual Meeting, which besides Employee Ownership Month is the best way to celebrate, educate, and motivate a company's employee owners. ESOPs are required by law to value the company annually and to provide account statements to every employee owner. Companies should consider turning the share value announcement into an event. Besides comments from the CEO or other top management, consider inviting the trustee, valuation advisor, third party administrator, and ESOP lawyers, as well as members of the company board of directors and possibly even elected officials. Bret also shares what to do if there's a decrease in value.Bret would love to speak at your ESOP statement annual meeting either in person or remotely. Schedule a free no-obligation conversation through the link in the show notes for this episode, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/269-planning-an-esop-statement-annual-meeting
Our usual focus on the EsOp Podcast and Mini-cast is about what employee-owned companies do right. But in reality, the majority of employee-owned companies are stuck in neutral, and sometimes getting out of neutral is very challenging. For many companies, ESOPs are an economic retirement benefit only that has failed to deliver in any other aspect.There are many great options on where to turn for resources to help get out of neutral. But for some these great resources can lead to sensory overload. Where do you start if you don't know what you don't know? Bret offers his thoughts on how he can help get your employee-owned company out of neutral, and reach the next level.Check out the show notes for this episode for a link to schedule a free, no obligation conversation with Bret Keisling: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-254-is-your-esop-stuck-in-neutral
This week we're sharing another recent episode of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler is joined by three great co-owners at 100% ESOP and B-Corp ReVision Energy [https://www.revisionenergy.com/] , Malcolm Sonnett, Solar Design Team Manager, Amy Farnham, Solar Design Specialist, and Thomas Tutor, Residential Sales Manager.Founded in 2003, ReVision Energy is a mission-driven, employee-owned solar company operating in Northern New England. Guided by its mission and 5 core values, they are rewriting the way solar business is done. Prioritizing people over profit, community over competition, and sustainable growth over rapid expansion, they're on a mission to build a better world though solar power.Each guest shares personal insights on what ownership means to them; how they describe ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; why being both employee-owned and a B-Corporation work so well for them, their EO A-ha moments; and why anyone seeking work should consider a career at or through ReVision Energy.The goal of the "Owner to Owner" podcast is to have actual employee owners discuss a wide range of ownership experiences and culture topics, and to bring more insight into the individual ownership experience. Listen to all of the great episodes of the "Owner to Owner" podcast here: www.ownertoownerpodcast.com/
This week we're sharing the most recent episode of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler is joined by three great co-owners at 100% ESOP Northwest River Supplies, Tony Mangini, CFO/HRM, Natalie Zamora, Sales Operations Manager, and Walker Andersen, Receiving Associate.Each guest on the "Owner to Owner" podcast shares personal insights on what ownership means to them; how they describe ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; three words they use to describe employee ownership; their EO A-ha moments; and why anyone seeking work should consider a career at NRS: https://www.nrs.com/about/careers/The goal of the "Owner to Owner" podcast is to have actual employee owners discuss a wide range of ownership experiences and culture topics, and to bring more insight into the individual ownership experience. Listen to all of the great episodes of the "Owner to Owner" podcast here: https://www.ownertoownerpodcast.com/
Bret Keisling shares a clip from Episode 59 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler's guests are three great employee owners from Northwest River Supplies (https://www.nrs.com/), a 100% ESOP based in Moscow, Idaho. In this excerpt, Tony Mangini, CFO and human relations manager at NRS, shares his EO A-ha Moment. Tony candidly explains how he attended a regional conference specifically looking for ways to shut down the company's ESOP. Instead, he learned something about ESOPs that would change his mind and change NRS into a tremendously successful 100% ESOP.The full transcript and show notes for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-253-from-nah-to-a-haFor more, check out Episode 59 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast featuring Jesse Tyler and three great employee owners at Northwest River Supplies at https://www.ownertoownerpodcast.com/post/o2o-ep-59-northwest-river-supplies
Bret Keisling is joined by Keith Davenport of Blazer Strategies LLC, [https://www.blazerstrategies.com/] which provides a variety of consulting services for businesses of all sizes. Besides Keith, Blazer features an all-star roster of professionals who share a passion for community growth, development, and wellbeing. Blazer is mission-driven, working to transform communities into healthy places to live, work, and play, by accelerating growth for people and organizations already doing great things.Keith is a past guest on The EsOp Podcast, in his previous role as executive director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership (MOCEO). He discusses how his work with ESOPs and worker co-ops is reflected in Blazer Strategies' vision, and how many of the hallmarks of well-run EO companies are simply best practices, which successfully translate to any business, regardless of ownership status.Read the show notes and access all our past episodes on our website, https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/266-keith-davenport-of-blazer-strategies
Part 3 of 3. Bret Keisling again welcomes Peter Newman of Peak Wealth Planning for a discussion on the benefits of ESOP companies providing personal financial wellness training to employee owners. We know that ESOPs provide greater retirement wealth than non-EO companies, but too many employee owners face the same retirement uncertainties and insecurities as non-employee owners. Just as many ESOPs emphasize open book management, Peter Newman discusses why it's important to include personal financial wellness planning, which leads to higher job security and satisfaction as well as increased retention among workers. Peak Wealth Planning works with companies to offer three tiers of education, tailoring each program to where people are in their career cycle.Peak Wealth Planning [https://www.peakwealthplanning.com/] is a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in high net-worth individuals with an emphasis on employee ownership.The show notes for this episode, including a helpful PDF called "The Employee Owner's Guide to Diversification and Retirement Planning," are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/265-peter-newman-part-3-esop-company-provided-personal-financial-wellness-planning
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt featuring Peter Newman of Peak Wealth Planning [https://www.peakwealthplanning.com/], discussing things to consider mid-career when looking towards a future retirement, taken from next week's episode of The EsOp Podcast. In the final episode of our three-part series with Peter Newman, he will be discussing the importance of employee-owned companies offering personal financial wellness education to employee owners, and the three training tracks offered by Peak Wealth Planning for three different career stages: early, mid-career, and close to retirement.Visit our website for the full transcript, video, and show notes for this episode, including a helpful PDF called "The Employee Owner's Guide to Diversification and Retirement Planning."
Part 2 of 3. Bret Keisling is joined again by Peter Newman, founder of Peak Wealth Planning [www.peakwealthplanning.com/], for our deepest dive ever on Diversification and Distributions. ESOP plans allow participants to diversify, i.e., sell some of their shares back to the company, at various points prior to retirement. Peter describes various considerations, include taxes and total portfolio management, that may lead a participant to diversify or not. He also shares what participants should consider about post-employment life as they plan to use their ESOP distributions for a successful retirement.The show notes for this episode, including a helpful PDF called "The Employee Owner's Guide to Diversification and Retirement Planning," are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/264-peter-newman-part-2-diversification-and-distributions-a-deep-dive
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt featuring Peter Newman of Peak Wealth Planning [https://www.peakwealthplanning.com/], who gives a very quick look at ESOP Account Diversification taken from next week's episode of The EsOp Podcast. In that episode you'll hear our deepest dive yet on the nuts and bolts of ESOP Account Diversification and Distributions. ESOP account owners usually have the right at various times to diversify their holdings by selling their ESOP shares back to the ESOP Trust or the company, and understanding your options with Diversification and Distributions is critical for planning a successful retirement.Visit our website for the full transcript, video, and show notes for this episode, including a helpful PDF called "The Employee Owner's Guide to Diversification and Retirement Planning."
Part 1 of 3. Bret Keisling is joined by Peter Newman, founder of Peak Wealth Planning [https://www.peakwealthplanning.com/], a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in high net-worth individuals with an emphasis on employee ownership.In this episode, Peter discusses the various considerations someone should make as they begin planning for a successful retirement. Many employee owners may retire with a nest egg that generates more income than the salary. Peter describes how a mindset shift can be necessary to focus on designing and funding a retirement lifestyle, and why making and implementing financial decisions during the career can have a huge impact on retirement.The show notes for this episode, including a helpful PDF called "The Employee Owner's Guide to Diversification and Retirement Planning," are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/263-peter-newman-part-1-planning-retirement-success-with-peter-newman
Over the next three weeks, Bret Keisling is bringing you episodes featuring Peter Newman, founder of Peak Wealth Planning [https://www.peakwealthplanning.com/], a boutique financial advisory firm specializing in high net-worth individuals with an emphasis on employee ownership.Part one with Peter Newman is a general look at issues people in their forties and fifties should be considering as they approach retirement age. The second episode is the deepest dive we've ever had on The EsOp Podcast about the nuts and bolts of diversification and distributions. In the third episode, Peter talks about the importance of companies providing financial wellbeing information and even classes to their employees about personal finances. To introduce Peter Newman to our listeners, we're sharing his EO A-ha Moment, excerpted from the third episode of our upcoming series.Show notes and the full transcript of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-250-peter-newman-s-eo-a-ha-moment
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the EO Podcast Network. Bret Keisling reads "A Visit from St. Nicholas," popularly credited to Clement C. Moore.Learn more about how you can support employee ownership during the season of giving - and all year round - on our website at www.EsOpPodcast.com
Bret Keisling was joined by Adria Scharf, Director of Education & Collaborations, Beyster Fellow, and Director of the Curriculum Library for Employee Ownership (CLEO) at the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, to discuss CLEO and the online course Our Share: EO as a Wealth Sharing Tool.Adria was a 2022 keynote speaker at The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) Annual Conference and designed and was lead instructor (with Dr. Joseph Blasi) of Our Share, the first open online course devoted to employee ownership. She is also the director of CLEO, which is an amazing online library of resources featuring some of the best employee ownership research ever conducted.Adria discusses why employee ownership is so important to her, including how it addresses wage and wealth inequality, and shares her EO A-ha Moment.Further show notes, including a link to the course on Coursea, are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/262-icymi-adria-scharf-beyster-fellow-cleo-director-more
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler featuring a guest from employee-owned and B-Corporation ReVision Energy who discusses how the company's values align with his own, which could be a great way to engage with younger employees and potential hires.Watch the video, read the transcript, and get links to the full "Owner to Owner" episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-247-aligning-eo-with-personal-values
With the holiday season upon us, Bret Keisling discusses the importance of donating to EO organizations to help support, sustain, and grow employee ownership, build better local and national economies, and address critical issues such as wage and wealth inequality, In this episode, we highlight a few great organizations such as Project Equity, EOX, and the Fund for Employee Ownership of the Evergreen Cooperatives as particularly worthy of your charitable contributions. The show notes with the list of donation links, along with the transcript and video of this episode, can be found on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-247-the-importance-of-eo-giving
Bret Keisling notes that ESOPs and EO are going through a rebranding phase right now. Technically, at its core, ESOPs are a qualified retirement plan. Why? Because Congress defined it that way when they established them back in the 1970s. But we know that ESOPs are so much more. They are a great tool for wealth building and data shows that, among other things, ESOPs provide financial advantages today, including higher wages and job benefits, better company governance, and improved job security. So, please. Don't call them retirement plans.The full transcript of this episode and links to further resources are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-246-please-don-t-call-them-retirement-plans
On November 18, 2023, "Owner to Owner" podcast host Jesse Tyler and his colleagues at Hypertherm hosted a gathering of New Hampshire ESOPs. There were a series of events planned throughout the day, including a wonderful panel discussion that allowed participants to hear what employee ownership sounds like at other employee-owned companies and to share what their ESOPs do really well.The program was designed as a first step in building a local and statewide community of employee-owned companies. We're delighted to share the panel discussion with you in this episode, featuring employee owners from many companies in New Hampshire including Hypertherm, Admix, Palmer & Sicard, Systems Engineering, Polyonics, Normandeau Associates, Wallace Building Products, and Littleton Coin Co.This episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/261-growing-eo-in-new-hampshire
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast. How do you build company culture when your team is made up primarily of scientists and introverts? This question was posed at a gathering of employee owners from throughout New Hampshire as a first step towards organizing a state center there. Loren Rodgers, executive director of The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) provided a great answer, pointing out culture doesn't have to be fun and games. It can include events similar to shark tank or idea innovation processes.Links and the full transcript for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/
Part 2. Bret Keisling is joined by Keith Butcher, who discusses the interplay between private equity and ESOPs, including what opportunities private equity firms see in ESOP investments, returning the entrepreneurial and strategic spirit that sometimes get lost when company founders retire, and his view that it's better for ESOPs to maintain a minority position with private equity investment than risk going out of business without it. Keith Butcher is managing partner and co-founder of ButcherJoseph & Co., a national investment banking firm focused on middle market M&A and ESOP advisory.Watch the videocast of this episode or get links to Part 1 and further resources on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/260-keith-butcher-of-butcherjoseph-part-2
Bret Keisling discusses Independent Board Members for ESOP Companies, including a definition of "independent," why it's important for the company as a best practice and fiduciarily, the number of independent board members to consider, and what criteria to consider when choosing independent board members.You can get links to the resources referenced in this episode, watch the videocast, or read the full transcript all on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-244-esop-companies-independent-board-members
Part 1. Bret Keisling is joined by Keith Butcher, managing partner and co-founder of ButcherJoseph & Co., a national investment banking firm focused on middle market M&A and ESOP advisory. Keith shares his view that when mature ESOPs run into trouble, it is not because the ESOP structure is flawed, but that the company and leadership team has lost its entrepreneurial and strategic spirit. He discusses the positive interplay between private equity and employee ownership and why it's a good thing, and why companies should act like they're going to sell in 3 years, whether they intend to or not.Watch the videocast of this episode and get links to further resources on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/259-keith-butcher-of-butcherjoseph-part-1
Bret Keisling highlights two upcoming virtual events that are being held for no charge. On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. ET, the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program will host a panel discussion called "Unstable Schedules: Unwrapping the Challenges and Solutions for Service Workers." Experts will discuss the latest research on the experiences of workers grappling with schedule instability, how new technology is helping businesses adopt worker-friendly scheduling practices, what we are learning from states and cities with fair workweek laws, and other opportunities and strategies for change. On Friday, November 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET, the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing will host the "6th Annual Private Equity and Employee Share Ownership Symposium," which is billed as an event for private equity, family office, private credit, and mezzanine investors.Get links to register for the events, read the transcript, or watch this episode as a videocast all on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-243-upcoming-events-november-23
We continue our look at the ways The Kendeda Fund impacts employee ownership with a look back at this episode that originally aired in 2021. Bret Keisling was joined by Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund and Alison Lingane of Project Equity who discussed EO Equals, an exciting campaign targeting business owners to promote all forms of employee ownership. More information can be found at www.employeeownershipequals.org.Read the transcript, watch the videocast, or get links to further resources and the full series all on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/258-the-kendeda-fund-impact-part-4-eo-equals
Bret Keisling discusses a recent Internal Revenue Service press release and subsequent clarification that warned of potential IRS issues with ESOPs including valuation issues with employee stock, prohibited allocation of shares to disqualified persons, and failure to follow tax law requirements that would cause an ESOP loan to be a prohibited transaction, none of which are unusual issues for the IRS to highlight. Notably, the IRS highlighted ESOP Management companies (not holding companies) that seem designed to replace taxable income with loans as a way for high earners to avoid taxes.The links to blog posts on this topic and the videocast and full transcript of this episode are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-242-the-irs-and-esop-enforcement
We continue our look at the ways The Kendeda Fund impacts employee ownership. Bret Keisling is joined by Evan Edwards of Project Equity, who shares how critical The Kendeda Fund's support has been. Project Equity kicked off 2023 with an Employee Ownership Equity Summit which brought together leaders in economic development, policy, government, philanthropy, and the private sector to elevate employee ownership as a way to address problems important to all.Evan discusses the Black Employee Ownership Initiative which kicked off this year in partnership with Morehouse College, which is focused on ensuring that Black workers and Black-owned businesses can leverage the power of employee ownership in order to help address racial wage and wealth inequality.Evan also discusses the work Project Equity does in transitioning businesses to employee ownership through EO Equals as well as the The Employee Ownership Catalyst Fund, both of which were started with support from The Kendeda Fund.Watch the videocast of this episode and get links to further resources on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/257-the-kendeda-fund-impact-part-3-project-equity
Bret Keisling was recently asked at a meeting of employee owners how often ESOP professional advisors should make site visits to their clients' companies. Drawing on his seven years as an ESOP trustee, Bret shares his views on the importance of annual (or more frequent) site visits for trustees, third party administrators, valuation advisors, and even the ESOP lawyers.Site visits serve several purposes including giving insight to the professionals of how the ESOP is perceived by the owners. Perhaps more importantly, it reinforces to the employee owners that the advisors are real professionals who are working for the best interests of the employee owners and the company itself.Watch the video version, read the transcript, and get show notes for this episode on our website at www.EsOpPodcast.com.
We continue our look at the ways The Kendeda Fund impacts employee ownership. Bret Keisling is joined by Benjamin Tsai and Christina Nicholson of Nexus Community Partners which focuses, among other areas, on Community Wealth Building (CWB). which works to build just and equitable communities by promoting local and broad-based ownership; lifting up cooperative and culturally-based economic practices; developing the next generation of leaders; and influencing economic policy and investment decisions.CWB is guided by a set of values and principles rooted in equity, culture, mutuality and stewardship. It is driven by the belief that economic systems must shift away from extractive models towards strategies that build regenerative local economies. Benjamin and Christina share how Nexus works to create new worker cooperatives, how employee ownership changes and enhances communities, and why it is particularly critical to increase ownership among people and communities of color. The guests also share how The Kendeda Fund has allowed their work to flourish.Links to the case studies and supporting documents mentioned in this podcast and the video version of this episode are all available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/256-the-kendeda-fund-impact-part-2-nexus-community-partners
Bret Keisling spoke by Zoom to an ESOP company's employee owners meeting and was asked for advice on how to talk to young workers about employee ownership. He shares his answer here. Don't focus on the ESOP as a "qualified retirement plan." Instead focus on the fact that employee owners build wealth and equity over time. He suggests having young owners talk to their non-employee-owner peers who don’t get annual statements showing an increase in wealth and equity. Finally, EO often addresses many of the issues young people want in jobs: fair compensation, meaningful work, and the opportunity to participate in the workplace.Watch the videocast or get the full transcript of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-240-talking-to-young-workers-about-employee-ownership
Over the next few weeks, Bret Keisling will bring you a multi-part series featuring some amazing organizations whose work has been supported and influenced by The Kendeda Fund in order to celebrate its impact during its 30-year existence. We start with an episode that originally aired in 2021, featuring Diane Ives who was The Kendeda Fund Advisor of People, Place, and Planet. Special thanks to Michael Palmieri of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center for suggesting this series and helping coordinate with the participating organizations.Read the transcript of this episode, watch the video interview, and get links to further resources on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/255-the-kendeda-fund-impact-part-1-introduction
Bret Keisling takes a brief look at how to start building an employee ownership culture. It doesn't happen overnight, and success has a lot to do with where the company's culture is starting from. The first step is to organize an ESOP culture or communications committee and to have the correct mix of employee-owners on the committee. The committee should plan for regular interactions with the employee owners and Bret discusses newsletters and content ideas for them, arranging ESOP-related speakers to the company, and other company events as well.Head to our website to read the transcript of this episode and get links to further resources: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-239-starting-to-build-an-eo-culture
Bret Keisling shares an episode of the "Owner to Owner" podcast in which host Jesse Tyler welcomes Thomas Dudley, co-founder and CEO of Certified EO for a great discussion. The primary focus is Certified EO’s "Employee Owned Jobs", a jobs board that recently launched and currently features 8500 jobs at employee-owned companies.In addition, Thomas discusses Certified EO’s background, celebrates the milestone of reaching 600 members in six years, as well as the many different ways Certified EO assists its members with internal training and sharing the message of their EO successes.Like all of Jesse's guests, Thomas also talks about what employee ownership means to him, how he talks about employee ownership when the listener has no knowledge of EO, and the areas that still need attention as we all work to grow employee ownership.
Bret Keisling shares great ideas for celebrating Employee Ownership Month (EOM), including: company-wide parties that highlight company and employee owner milestones (don't forget the pie!); inviting elected officials and journalists to visit the company and its owners; arrange presentations by ESOP and co-op service providers to educate owners; and sponsoring contests to design posters, t-shirts, or even holiday and New Year's greeting cards with an employee ownership theme.Also, Bret shares highlights from EOM's origin. The former head of The ESOP Association (TEA), Michael Keeling, credits The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) founder Corey Rosen with the idea and promoting it and turning it into the great celebration we have today.Is your company celebrating Employee Ownership Month? Let us know what you're doing. We'd love to share your events and successes on future episodes of the Podcast.Head to our website to read the transcript of this episode and get links to further resources: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-238-ideas-for-employee-ownership-month
Bret Keisling kicks off Season 7 with a great conversation with Maureen Conway, vice president of the Aspen Institute and executive director of its Economic Opportunities Program [https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/economic-opportunities-program/], for a deep dive on employee ownership, quality jobs, and the critical interplay between job opportunities and strong communities, young people and the workforce.Maureen shares the Aspen Institute's background and focus and gives an overview on the first annual EO Ideas Forum, co-sponsored by the Rutgers SMLR Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing. Held in the summer of 2023, Bret called it the most powerful program on employee ownership he's seen in fifteen years in the field.Show notes and links to the topics mentioned in the podcast are available on our website at www.EsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling celebrates David Fitz-Gerald's ESOP-themed novel "If It's the Last Thing I Do," which was published this week following a successful Kickstarter campaign. It tells the story of Misty Menard, who unexpectedly inherits her father's manufacturing business in Lake Placid, New York, in 1975. Misty decides to convert the business to an ESOP, stunning its employees. She deals with a hostile management team and concerns from the company board of directors, as well as a myriad of customer challenges, environmental issues, and many of the trials and tribulations that businesses face.Author Dave Fitz-Gerald is well known and respected for his roles as CFO of ESOP Carris Reels, past chair of The ESOP Association's Board of Directors, and current chair of the Employee Ownership Foundation, allowing him to write authoritatively about business in general and employee ownership specifically. He does a wonderful job of story and character development, and his writing shows his love of history. Find more information about the book in the show notes on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-237-if-it-s-the-last-thing-i-do-published
We're not quite done with summer, so we're continuing our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning September 29, 2023. In this episode, Bret Keisling shared EO A-ha Moments from five team members at Andesa Services, an amazing ESOP. You'll hear from CEO Ron Scheese; Kerianne Geist, Marketing Director; Sarah Engelbrecht, Project Manager; Becky Olds, Business Analyst; and Greg Lansberry, Systems Development Manager.The five experts show the importance that culture and communication have in becoming a quality EO company, and how that mindset resonates throughout the organization through their A-ha Moments.Bret Keisling and Jesse Tyler have been collecting EO A-ha Moments from all of their guests on The EsOp Podcast and Owner to Owner podcast. It's not the first time they heard about employee ownership or thought they liked it, but rather the moment they realized that EO could be transformative to their jobs, lives, families, and companies.Show notes with links to the full episodes highlighted in the EO A-ha moments in this volume are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-39-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-vi
We're not quite done with summer, so we're continuing our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning September 29, 2023. In this episode, Bret Keisling shared an excerpt from Episode 26 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, featuring Jon Sweigart of Praxis Consulting Group and Kim Gage of Hypertherm discussing how companies can start a Continuous Improvement program.Read the transcript or watch the video of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-38-continuous-improvement-from-o2oThe full "Owner to Owner" episode can be found here: www.ownertoownerpodcast.com/post/o2o-ep…improvement.
We're not quite done with summer, so we're continuing our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning September 29, 2023. In this episode, Bret Keisling shared a collection of EO A-ha Moments from previous podcast guests, featuring Ron Scheese of Andesa Services, Samantha O'Neill of Cirtronics, Doug Shukar and Vince Kruse from USA Mortgage, Jenny Levy of Hypertherm, and Kerry Siggins of StoneAge.The EO A-ha Moment isn't the first time someone heard about employee ownership, but rather that moment when they realized that Employee Stock Ownership Plans, worker co-ops, and Employee Ownership Trusts could be transformative.Show notes with links to the full episodes featuring each of the highlighted EO A-ha moments are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-37-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-v
We're not quite done with summer, so we're continuing our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in late September 2023. In this episode, Bret Keisling shares an exciting announcement made at The National Center for Employee Ownership's Annual Spring Conference by Loren Rodgers (NCEO) and Steve Storkan (EOX) about the formation of the NCEOX Initiative. This collaboration will combine the excellent messaging of the NCEO with the amazing messengers at Employee Ownership Expansion Network and their state employee ownership centers, which currently cover 70% of the US. At a time when EO is ascending in the US (and around the world), the NCEOX Initiative could drive a dramatic increase in ESOPs, worker co-ops, and employee ownership trusts (EOTs).
We're not quite done with summer, so we're continuing our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in late September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling shared a collection of EO A-ha Moments from the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, collected from his five-part "Women in Manufacturing" series which dropped in March 2022. Jesse guests are all colleagues at Hypertherm, a 100% employee-owned company with international operations.
The EO A-ha Moment isn't the first time someone heard about employee ownership, but rather that moment when they realized that ESOPs, worker co-ops, and EOTs could be transformative.
Show notes with links to the full episodes featuring each of the highlighted EO A-ha moments are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-35-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-iv
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in late September 2023.In this episode, Bret Keisling shares his thoughts about how being an ESOP contributes to the greater good of the community they operate in. The answer starts with job security and maintaining a strong tax base. We also know that employee owners are less likely to face layoffs and pay cuts, thus preserving safety net resources. He also highlights EO volunteerism that strengthens the relationship between the owners, the companies, and their communities.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the past episodes mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-34-employee-owners-and-their-communities
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in late September 2023.In this episode, Bret Keisling shared a collection of EO A-ha Moments from EOX and many state centers. Featuring Steve Storkan (EOX), Matt Cropp (VEOC), Michael Palmieri (OEOC), John Burgess (FLCEO), Anne-Claire Broughton (NCEOC), Sue Crockett (MNCEO), Andy Spears (TNCEO) and Keith Davenport (MOCEO & KSCEO).The EO A-ha Moment isn't the first time they heard about EO, but rather that moment when they realized that ESOPs, worker co-ops, and EOTs could be transformative. Featuring excerpts from full episodes of "The EsOp Podcast" and the "Owner to Owner" podcast.Show notes with links to the full episodes featuring each of the highlighted EO A-ha moments are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-33-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-iii
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.In this episode, Bret Keisling spread the word about an exciting new online course, "Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool," presented by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing and taught by Adria Scharf and Joseph Blasi. The curriculum was developed by Dr. Scharf with support from Mary Ann Beyster and the Beyster Foundation for Enterprise Development.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to the course preview and more, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-32-rutgers-institute-launches-online-eo-course
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Patty Civalleri [pattycivalleri.com/], co-author of "Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys," a great book about Joe Coulombe and the growth of Trader Joe's, which was the first grocer in the US to sell extra-large eggs, brie, and numerous wines and spirits among his many innovations.
Patty shares his four pillars of differentiation: pricing, packaging, ingredients, and uniqueness. She describes how Coulombe believed in his employees by offering profit sharing and an early form of employee ownership. They also discuss Trader Joe's brush with becoming an ESOP in the late 1970s.
Patty then talks about her travel books on Rome, Florence, and Venice. Her guides are the ultimate resource to escape the crowds and deep dive into the land that birthed stunning art, history and legends. The guides are jam-packed with backstories, vignettes, anecdotes, and bite-sized nuggets of history. They are skillfully organized (even color-coded!) to connect the dots giving readers hundreds of exciting 'Aha' moments every day. Readers will be privy to all the best ancient and underground sites, while getting the backstories of the most interesting influencers in history that connect you directly to the sites you're visiting.
Further show notes, including links to Patty Civalleri's books and resources, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-31-patty-civalleri-co-author-of-becoming-trader-joe
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling shares the story of how Trader Joe's almost became an ESOP as told by company founder Joe Coulombe in his business memoir "Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys," co-written by Patty Civalleri [https://pattycivalleri.com/]. Many of the factors that led to the company's success are hallmarks of successful ESOPs: great salaries, high retention, open book management, and employee communication.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes a link where you can purchase the book at employee-owned Raven Bookstore, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-30-trader-joe-s-almost-an-esop
To celebrate this week's release of David Fitz-Gerald's new ESOP-themed book, we're featuring it as part of our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by author Dave Fitz-Gerald to discuss his Kickstarter campaign for "If It's the Last Thing I Do," which is the very first fiction novel to feature an ESOP. We encourage everyone to check out this book to help bring ESOPs into popular culture.
"If It's the Last Thing I Do" tells the story of a retired receptionist who unexpectedly inherits her father's business and converts it into an ESOP in the late 1970s. The story includes many twists and turns that will be familiar to anyone involved in ESOP transitions and business succession.
Further show notes and a link to the Kickstarter campaign are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-29-dave-fitz-gerald-s-esop-themed-novel-is-out-now
To celebrate this week's release of David Fitz-Gerald's new ESOP-themed book, we're featuring it as part of our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series.
We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling highlighted the Kickstarter campaign for "If It's the Last Thing I Do" by ESOP champion David Fitz-Gerald, which tells the story of a retired receptionist who unexpectedly inherits her father's business and converts it into an ESOP in the late 1970s. The story includes many twists and turns that will be familiar to anyone involved in ESOP transitions and business succession.
David is a past board chairman of The ESOP Association, and long-time CFO of Carris Reels, a legendary ESOP based in Vermont.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes a link to the Kickstarter and book preview, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-28-if-it-s-the-last-thing-i-do-an-esop-themed-novel
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Jeff Buettner of ButcherJoseph & Co [www.butcherjoseph.com], who discusses challenges faced by mature ESOPs that go beyond repurchase obligations to funding organic and inorganic growth, achieving company goals, and assuring sustainability.
ButcherJoseph advises both the ESOP sell and trustee sides, which gives them valuable insights that lead to successful transactions and ongoing relationships. Jeff takes us through the lifecycle of an ESOP and discusses when and how expert advisors can be used. Often, focus on the mature ESOP translates to "how do we finance a repurchase obligation." Jeff goes beyond with an overview of various strategies including, changes to corporate structure, and even the ESOP partnering with minority owners, be it the management team or private equity.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-27-challenges-for-mature-esops-with-jeff-buettner
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling shares his thoughts about how being an ESOP contributes to the greater good of the community they operate in. The answer starts with job security and maintaining a strong tax base. We also know that employee owners are less likely to face layoffs and pay cuts, thus preserving safety net resources. He also highlights EO volunteerism that strengthens the relationship between the owners, the companies, and their communities.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the past episodes mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-26-employee-owners-and-their-communities
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by worker-owners Alex Fischer and Andrew Stachiw who discuss USFWC's (US Federation of Worker Cooperatives) efforts to network and grow worker co-ops in Vermont to further societal goals including economic, racial, and social justice, and working in business as anti-capitalists.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-25-growing-worker-co-ops-in-vermont
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast where host Jesse Tyler shares insights on the benefits and challenges of employee ownership culture, including: the positive power of peer pressure, why "my voice matters" are the most powerful words in EO, and challenges such as saying no in a culture that values saying yes.
Jesse has 15+ years of experience at 100% ESOP Hypertherm [www.hypertherm.com], where he has facilitated several thousand conversations about ownership through onboarding and at numerous NCEO and The ESOP Association conferences as well as the "Owner to Owner" podcast.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes a link to the full version of the "Owner to Owner" podcast, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-24-benefits-and-challenges-to-eo-culture
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Samantha "Sam" O'Neill, Chief Culture Officer at Cirtronics Corp. [www.cirtronics.com], who discusses how employee ownership impacts human resources and management decisions, how Cirtronics engages and motivates, and how EO builds camaraderie, job satisfaction, and wealth.
Sam also oversees the Human Resources Department and The Learning Center at Cirtronics, which is responsible for onboarding, continuing education, and tracking employees' success during the first several years in a position. She shares the company's approach to succession planning, which extends beyond the C-suite to key positions throughout the company.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-23-esops-through-the-hr-lens
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
In this Mini-cast, Bret Keisling addresses ESOP myths that came up in an episode with business owner/consultant Craig Leary [https://craiglearyconsultinggroup.com/], including whether transactions are more complicated than non-EO M&A transactions and whether ESOPs are less profitable than non-ESOP deals. Bret also addresses the source of many damaging myths: ESOP professionals who did a great job of scaring away potential sellers.
The show notes and full transcript for this episode are available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-mini-cast-22-esop-myths-addressed
Welcome to our annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year for your enjoyment while we spend the rest of our summer catching our breath and working on launching our exciting Season 7, beginning in September 2023.
First up, Bret Keisling is joined by Corey Rosen, founder of The National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org) and coauthor (with John Case) of "Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What. " Corey discusses his new book, federal/state EO legislation, collaborations, and why this may be employee ownership's moment.
Further show notes are available on our website at www.EsOpPodcast.com
Bret Keisling is joined by Jack Moriarty, founder and CEO of Ownership America [ownershipamerica.org/], for a deep look at the recently proposed Employee Equity Investment Act. This bi-partisan, bi-cameral legislation is the product of years of coordination between Ownership America, The ESOP Association, their staffs, and employee ownership supporters.
The bill provides for many EO enhancements including creating opportunities for investment funds to include EO in their portfolios, creating more liquidity at closing for selling shareholders, streamlining rules for SBA 7(A) loans, and utilizing Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) to help in create new ESOPs and worker co-ops.
The video of this episode and further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/252-jack-moriarty-of-ownership-america-part-2
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from next week’s EsOp Podcast with Jack Moriarty of Ownership America [https://ownershipamerica.org/], who discusses the thinking and analysis that led to the recent introduction of the Employee Equity Investment Act (EEIA).
If enacted, the EEIA will empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to license Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC’s) to make equity investments in ESOPS and worker co-ops, sharply reducing cost of — and access to — capital.
Links to more information as well as the full transcript and video of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-236-sneak-peak-jack-moriarty-and-the-eeia
Bret Keisling is joined by Jack Moriarty, founder and CEO of Ownership America, for a great discussion about employee ownership trends including the recently held Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, which brought together elected leaders, EO activists, and employee owners for two days of robust discussion. Then Jack shares an overview of Washington state's new employee ownership law which is perhaps the most ambitious statewide EO law in the United States.
The video of this episode and further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/251-jack-moriarty-of-ownership-america-part-1
Bret Keisling shares a clip from Episode 45 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler spoke with three owners at 100% ESOP DVL Group [https://www.dvlnet.com/]. Here, marketing manager Jodi Holland explains what DVL Group does right to promote ownership culture and communications, including DVL's "Annual Statement Day," quarterly and annual owner and safety awards, and a quarterly newsletter that is mailed to owners' homes to encourage better family awareness of employee ownership. She also discusses the importance of regularly updating ESOP brochures, graphs, etc, to keep learning interesting and more effective.
Episode 45 was the Season 2 finale of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. You can find all of Jesse's past episodes at www.ownertoownerpodcast.com. In each episode, guests share personal insights on what ownership means to them; how they describe ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; the three words they use to describe ownership; their EO A-ha moments; and why anyone seeking work should consider a career at their employee-owned company.
Further show notes and the full transcript of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-235-eo-culture-communication-what-dvl-group-does-right
Our 250th Episode!
Bret Keisling is joined by Loren Rodgers (NCEO) and Steve Storkan (EOX) who discuss the newly formed NCEOX Initiative, combining the great messaging of NCEO with the wonderful messengers of EOX. They share plans to bring employee ownership to states and communities with a focus on businesses considering EO and local/state leaders.
The National Center for Employee Ownership's unparalleled research is a perfect fit for the focus of Employee Ownership Expansion Network and its state centers, and the NCEOX Initiative formalizes an informal relationship that has gone on for several years. They discuss the importance of all forms of employee ownership: worker cooperatives, ESOPs, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). They also discuss changing how we talk about EO, and Steve shares how two people influenced how he talks about EO. Spoiler: one came from a previous episode of our podcast.
Finally, Loren and Steve help Bret celebrate this 250th episode!
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/250-the-nceox-initiative-with-loren-rodgers-and-steve-storkan
Bret Keisling shares clips from Steve Storkan of the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) and Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures. Steve credits a previous episode of the Mini-cast for changing the way he talks about ESOPs. We share a clip of the 2021 episode where Bret gives his take on what would happen if ESOP-world ran the airlines, inspired by what Bret calls the "Gleeman Method" of ESOP communicating, developed by Darren.
For too long, the ESOP community has focused on the potential downsides to a transaction, creating a general reputation that ESOP transactions are overly difficult and prone to serious problems. In essence, the Gleeman Method recognizes that ESOP experts are well-qualified to handle transaction, but de-emphasizes "doom and gloom" of what might possibly go wrong to focus on the benefits of transitioning to an ESOP.
The video and full transcript of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-234-changing-the-way-we-talk-about-esops
Bret Keisling celebrates the first annual Employee Ownership Ideas Forum held this week in Washington D.C. and virtually. Co-sponsored by the Aspen Institute and the Rutgers SMLR Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, the goal was to bring together policy makers, practitioners, experts, the media, and representatives from employee-owned companies for a robust discussion on how we can all grow employee ownership for the shared benefit of American workers and businesses, as well as the communities and states that the businesses are located in.
Maureen Conway of the Aspen Institute and Joseph Blasi of the Rutgers Institute were active throughout the forum, and both did an amazing job, and we say thanks and congratulations to them and all of the panelists, presenters, moderators, and attendees who made the EO Ideas Forum a tremendous success.
A link to the EO Ideas Forum website along with a full transcript of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-233-first-annual-employment-ownership-ideas-forum
Bret Keisling is joined by Thomas Lewin, an Australia-based EO professional advisor and advocate, and founder of ESOP Pal [esoppal.com] which provides ESOP administration and advisory services. They discuss similarities and differences between Australia and US employee ownership platforms and how growing EO internationally strengthens EO everywhere.
Tom and ESOP Pal are very prolific on LinkedIn, where they've gained a following for incisive and interesting posts that are creating a lot of buzz about how we look at and talk about employee ownership.
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/249-eo-down-under-with-thomas-lewin
Bret Keisling is joined by Jennifer Krieger of Weaver [weaver.com] who shares about Weaver's acquisition of Columbia Financial Advisors, Inc., splitting her time between Oklahoma and Texas, and welcoming (with husband Sean) a baby girl on New Year's Day.
Weaver's transaction with Columbia Financial Advisors, Inc. (CFAI), effective February 1, 2023, expands Weaver’s presence along the West Coast and continues the emergence of Valuation Services as a national practice. This deal also adds two partners, one managing director and seven other professionals to Weaver’s team.
Founded in 1992 in Portland, Oregon, CFAI is a nationally recognized business valuation firm with a significant focus on Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)-owned companies.
A link to the Weaver-CFAI press release along with a full transcript of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-232-jenn-krieger-an-acquisition-a-transition-and-a-baby
Bret Keisling turns the podcast over to Jenn Krieger, Director of Valuation Services at Weaver [https://weaver.com/], for her conversation with Will Rosell, CFO of ESOP Pieper-Houston Electric who discuss why the company's owner transitioned to an ESOP; his goals in addressing construction industry issues with the ESOP; how selling shareholders may continue their role with the company post-transaction; and factors to consider when determining whether an ESOP is appropriate for a company and what decision-makers wish they knew beforehand.
Further show notes, including links to Weaver's podcast site, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/248-weaver-s-beyond-the-numbers-case-study-of-an-esop-construction-transaction
From March 2023: Bret Keisling shares the story of how Trader Joe's almost became an ESOP as told by company founder Joe Coulombe in his business memoir "Becoming Trader Joe," co-written by Patty Civalleri [https://pattycivalleri.com/]. Many of the factors that led to the company's success are hallmarks of successful ESOPs: great salaries, high retention, open book management, and employee communication.Co-author Patty Civalleri recently joined Bret on Episode 247 of The EsOp Podcast for a great discussion about the book, Trader Joe's, Joe Coulombe, and much more.If you're looking for a great business book that shares the entrepreneur's journey, from struggle to great success, and the many challenges along the way, we highly recommend "Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys."A link where you can purchase the book at employee-owned Raven Book Store and the full transcript of this episode are available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-231-icymi-trader-joe-s-almost-an-esop
Bret Keisling is joined by Patty Civalleri [https://pattycivalleri.com/], co-author of "Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys," a great book about Joe Coulombe and the growth of Trader Joe's, which was the first grocer in the US to sell extra-large eggs, brie, and numerous wines and spirits among his many innovations. Patty shares his four pillars of differentiation: pricing, packaging, ingredients, and uniqueness. She describes how Coulombe believed in his employees by offering profit sharing and an early form of employee ownership. They also discuss Trader Joe's brush with becoming an ESOP in the late 1970s.Patty then talks about her travel books on Rome, Florence, and Venice. Her guides are the ultimate resource to escape the crowds and deep dive into the land that birthed stunning art, history and legends. The guides are jam-packed with backstories, vignettes, anecdotes, and bite-sized nuggets of history. They are skillfully organized (even color-coded!) to connect the dots giving readers hundreds of exciting 'Aha' moments every day. Readers will be privy to all the best ancient and underground sites, while getting the backstories of the most interesting influencers in history that connect you directly to the sites you're visiting.Further show notes, including links to Patty Civalleri's books and resources, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/247-patty-civalleri-co-author-of-becoming-trader-joe
Bret Keisling shares a clip from the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler speaks with Matt Cropp, Executive Director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (https://veoc.org/), about the 2023 Annual VEOC Conference on June 1, 2023. VEOC23 is a great chance to learn about worker co-ops, ESOPs, EOTs, and employee ownership in general, in a beautiful setting that has a much more intimate feel than national and most regional conferences. This year's keynote speaker is Derek Peebles, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, Inclusive Economy of the American Sustainable Business Network. Derek's work situates employee ownership within the context of strengthening place-based finance and promoting restorative investments in local economies.O2O host Jesse Tyler will be co-presenting at two sessions: "Trials and Tribulations of Returning to Working In Person & Impact on Employee Ownership Culture," and "What is Working in Recruiting, Onboarding, Learning and Development as the Workforce Evolves."Links to the conference page along with a full transcript of this episode are available on our website at http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.wav/soundcloud.com/theesoppodcast/mini-cast-230-the-2023-veoc-annual-conference
Bret Keisling is joined by Lori Atone, Learning & Development Director at TVF [www.tvfinc.com], an Empowered Ventures company. Lori discusses practical tips for educating employee owners, including onboarding, consistency, financial literacy, committees and subcommittees, and how these efforts add to profitability, retention, and job satisfaction. Part 2.Resource links and further show notes are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/246-lori-atone-of-esop-tvf-part-2
Bret Keisling discusses the Employee Equity Investment Act introduced in the US Senate by Sens. Van Hollen (D-MD) and Rubio and in the House by Reps. Phillips (D-MN) and Moore (R-UT), which directs the SBIC (of the SBA) to provide loan guarantees for investment funds that are devoted to expanding EO.The Employee Equity Investment Act supports private sector investors who proactively pitch selling business owners on employee ownership transactions and provides financing, so the seller does not need to do so themselves. This is expected to "flip the script" from the current transition process, which usually sees the selling shareholder take the initial steps towards a transaction.Links to the EEIA legislation, press release, fact sheet, and list of organizations who have endorsed the legislation including Ownership America and The ESOP Association are on our website, along with a full transcript of this episode: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-229-the-employee-equity-investment-act
Bret Keisling is joined by Lori Atone, Learning & Development Director at TVF [www.tvfinc.com], an Empowered Ventures company. Lori discusses ESOP education, the importance of collaboration (in-house and with other ESOPs), empowering employee owners by eliminating red tape, and the NCEO's Innovative Communication Coalition. Part 1.Resource links and further show notes are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/245-lori-atone-of-esop-tvf-part-1
Bret Keisling is joined by Lori Atone, Learning & Development Director at TVF [www.tvfinc.com] who shares an EO A-ha Moment about the forming of the NCEO's Innovative Communication Coalition. Open to National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) members, the purpose of the coalition is for participants to create and share communication initiatives, activities, and projects that make employee ownership stronger.The coalition focuses on ideas to build engagement and strengthen ownership culture, with topics such as celebrations, leveraging EO for recruiting and onboarding, maximizing the effectiveness of required communications, and determining the best way to explain how stock valuation works -- and more.Lori will be Bret's guest in an upcoming two-part episode of "The EsOp Podcast."A link to the NCEO's ICC page and the full transcript of this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-228-lori-atone-and-the-nceo-s-innovative-communication-coalition
Bret Keisling is joined by author Dave Fitz-Gerald to discuss a new Kickstarter campaign for If It's the Last Thing I Do, which is the very first fiction novel to feature an ESOP. We encourage everyone to support this effort and give what you can to help bring ESOPs into popular culture.The Kickstarter campaign features several goals. The first goal makes the book possible. The second goal funds a soundtrack to accompany the book, and the final "stretch" goal would fund an audiobook version of the novel. "If It's the Last Thing I Do" tells the story of a retired receptionist who unexpectedly inherits her father's business and converts it into an ESOP in the late 1970s. The story includes many twists and turns that will be familiar to anyone involved in ESOP transitions and business succession. The book is expected to be published this summer (2023).Further show notes and a link to the Kickstarter campaign are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/244-esop-novel-kickstarter-call-to-action
Bret Keisling is joined by Jesse Tyler, host of the "Owner to Owner" podcast, who shares some great tips and tricks he learned at The National Center for Employee Ownership's Annual Conference in Kansas City about the best ways to use short videos to educate and motivate employee owners.The secret, discussed in several conference sessions, is to "gamify," i.e., implement aspects of games that everyone likes in order to make training more fun, more interesting, and more effective. The latest trends are not fancy expensive video shoots, but rather short and fun video modules that can (and should) be shot on personal cell phones.Jesse Tyler's reflections are excerpted from an upcoming episode of the "Owner to Owner" podcast, which is produced by Bret Keisling for the EO Podcast Network.The full transcript of this episode, including links to the examples we mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-227-jesse-tyler-s-reflections-from-nceo23
Bret Keisling is joined by Adria Scharf, Director of Education & Collaborations, Beyster Fellow, and Director of the Curriculum Library for Employee Ownership (CLEO) at the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, to discuss CLEO and the online course "Our Share: EO as a Wealth Sharing Tool."Adria was a 2022 keynote speaker at The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) Annual Conference and designed and was lead instructor (with Dr. Joseph Blasi) of "Our Share," the first open online course devoted to employee ownership. She is also the director of CLEO, which is an amazing online library of resources featuring some of the best employee ownership research ever conducted.Adria discusses why employee ownership is so important to her, including how it addresses wage and wealth inequality, and shares her EO A-ha Moment.Further show notes, including a link to the course on Coursea, are on our website at https://www.theEsOpPodcast.com/post/243-adria-scharf-beyster-fellow-cleo-director-more
Bret Keisling shares an exciting announcement made at The National Center for Employee Ownership's Annual Conference this week by Loren Rodgers (NCEO) and Steve Storkan (EOX) about the formation of the NCEOX Initiative. This collaboration will combine the excellent messaging of the NCEO with the amazing messengers at Employee Ownership Expansion Network and their state employee ownership centers, which currently cover 70% of the US. At a time when EO is ascending in the US (and around the world), the NCEOX Initiative could drive a dramatic increase in ESOPs, worker co-ops, and employee ownership trusts (EOTs).The full transcript of this episode including a link to the NCEOX press release is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-226-the-nceox-initiative
Bret Keisling was joined by Steve Deis, managing director of Lazear Capital Partners [https://www.lazearcapital.com/], who describes the role of investment banking in ESOP transactions, and how Lazear can manage the process from the feasibility study to the completed transaction. This episode was recorded live at NCEO's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, Washington in April 2022.Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theEsOpPodcast.com/post/242-icymi-steve-deis-lazear-capital-partners
Bret Keisling highlights a new Kickstarter campaign for "If It's the Last Thing I Do" by ESOP champion David Fitz-Gerald, which tells the story of a retired receptionist who unexpectedly inherits her father's business and converts it into an ESOP in the late 1970s. The story includes many twists and turns that will be familiar to anyone involved in ESOP transitions and business succession.David is a past board chairman of The ESOP Association, and long-time CFO of Carris Reels, a legendary ESOP based in Vermont.The full transcript of this episode, which includes a link to the Kickstarter and book preview, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-225-if-it-s-the-last-thing-i-do-an-esop-themed-novel
From the "Owner to Owner" podcast: Host Jesse Tyler is joined by previous Owner to Owner guests Sarah Limoges from Admix, and Tyson Hendrickson from Pacific Steel & Recycling, both 100% ESOPs, to discuss Corey Rosen and John Case's book "Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What." What Jesse didn't share with Tyson and Sarah in advance is that they were joined by Corey Rosen himself for what turned out to be a fun and powerful discussion about employee ownership generally and Corey's and John's book specifically. Sarah, Tyson, and Corey also answered Jesse's two toughest questions: "what does ownership mean to you" and "what three words do you use to describe employee ownership." Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/241-o2o-s-ownership-reinventing-companies-capitalism-and-who-owns-what
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from Episode 40 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast. Host Jesse Tyler asked guest Sarah Limoges of Admix, “what does ownership mean to you?” Sarah's incredible answer covered security, stability, generational wealth and more.Watch the video interview, read the transcript, or get the link to the full episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-224-what-does-ownership-mean-to-you
Bret Keisling is joined by Dani Green, ESOP Business Development Manager for ProAct Pharmacy Benefit Management and primary host of the vlog "Sweet Chats and Salty Snacks: The ESOP Exploration." Dani and a colleague visit employee-owned companies, tour the facility, and talk about building and enhancing the employee-owned culture. Following the visit, Dani and team record a video blog that shares highlights of their visit to each company.Dani shares how the vlog came to be, what she's learned at each visit, the importance of building culture, and why employee-owned companies are a great fit for young people just entering the workforce.Vlog links and further show notes are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/240-proact-s-dani-green-esop-vlogger
Bret Keisling shares a clip from Episode 38 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler and three colleagues in international sales and distribution at 100% ESOP Hypertherm [https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/], Tim Sivewright, KC Srinivasan, and Costin Ionescu, who discuss what being employee owners means to them.The guests appeared in a three-part series on the "Owner to Owner" podcast called "EO on the Road" to discuss employee ownership when your job requires you to be out of the office and on the road most of the time. Tune into the whole series and more at www.OwnerToOwnerPodcast.com.Watch the video interview or read the transcript on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-223-eo-on-the-road-from-o2o
Bret Keisling is joined by Justin Van Etten, Executive Chairman of Stewart's Ambulance Service [www.stewartsambulance.com], which is on path to becoming an ESOP. They discussed the transition process, the right time to share information with team members, how to manage expectations of management and rank and file, and why ambulance services are an amazing fit for employee ownership.In early 2022, Stewart's announced plans to transition to an ESOP, making it one of the few ambulance companies in the country to become employee owned. They enacted the ESOP plan documents effective January 2023. The company has not yet determined a timeline for the ESOP transaction to take place.Stewart's Ambulance Service is a leader in the industry and has provided quality 911 and intra-facility medical transportation in the state of New Hampshire for over forty-one years. they're currently doing 50,000 transports a year, making them the largest ambulance service in New Hampshire and in Maine.Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/239-transitioning-to-an-esop-part-2
Bret Keisling will be recording with Dani Green, the host of the vlog "Sweet Chats + Salty Snacks: The ESOP Exploration," for an upcoming episode. So, we're flashing back to this EsOp Mini-cast excerpt that features the vlog. In Episode 27 of the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler, guests Hannah Denson and Dani Green of ProAct Pharmacy Benefit Management [https://secure.proactrx.com/], traveled to ESOPs Harpoon Brewery, Newport Restaurant Group, and Hypertherm and shared the great employee ownership ideas they took from each visit.The full video version and written transcript of this episode, along with links to the videos and topics mentioned, are all available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-222-icymi-proact-s-hannah-and-dani-s-esop-road-trip
Bret Keisling is joined by Justin Van Etten, Executive Chairman of Stewart's Ambulance Service [www.stewartsambulance.com], which is on path to becoming an ESOP. They discussed the transition process, the right time to share information with team members, how to manage expectations of management and rank and file, and why ambulance services are an amazing fit for employee ownership.In early 2022, Stewart's announced plans to transition to an ESOP, making it one of the few ambulance companies in the country to become employee owned. They enacted the ESOP plan documents effective January 2023. The company has not yet determined a timeline for the ESOP transaction to take place.Stewart's Ambulance Service is a leader in the industry and has provided quality 911 and intra-facility medical transportation in the state of New Hampshire for over forty-one years. they're currently doing 50,000 transports a year, making them the largest ambulance service in New Hampshire and in Maine.Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/238-transitioning-to-an-esop-part-1
Bret Keisling celebrates Fitzgerald Auto Mall's [https://www.fitzmall.com/] recent transition to a 100% ESOP, making it the latest US auto dealer group to become 100% employee owned. The company represents over twenty brands in twenty-six showrooms in three states, and their customer-driven approach and support of their communities make it a great addition to employee ownership.The full transcript of this episode, which includes a link to the press release, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-221-fitzgerald-auto-mall-goes-100-esop
Bret Keisling shares EO A-ha Moments from five team members at Andesa Services, an amazing ESOP. You'll hear from CEO Ron Scheese; Kerianne Geist, Marketing Director; Sarah Engelbrecht, Project Manager; Becky Olds, Business Analyst; and Greg Lansberry, Systems Development Manager.The five experts show the importance that culture and communication have in becoming a quality EO company, and how that mindset resonates throughout the organization through their A-ha Moments.Bret Keisling and Jesse Tyler have been collecting EO A-ha Moments from all of their guests on The EsOp Podcast and Owner to Owner podcast. It's not the first time they heard about employee ownership or thought they liked it, but rather the moment they realized that EO could be transformative to their jobs, lives, families, and companies.Show notes with links to the full episodes highlighted in the EO A-ha moments in this volume are on our website at https://www.theEsOpPodcast.com/post/237-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-vi
We're revisiting a topical episode originally aired in April, 2022. Bret Keisling highlighted a blog post in Employee Ownership News by Adria Scharf about how Central States Manufacturing finds the balance between short term needs and retirement security through the use of hardship and in-service withdrawals. Bret looked at positives and potential ramifications to early withdrawals, including the balance between access to funds for those in need and the risk of depleting retirement funds prior to retirement.The full transcript of this episode along with the links to the topics mentioned are available on our website at https://www.theEsOpPodcast.com/post/mini-cast-220-icymi-hardship-withdrawals-from-esop-accounts
Bret Keisling shares a collection of EO A-ha Moments from previous podcast guests, featuring Ron Scheese of Andesa Services, Samantha O'Neill of Cirtronics, Doug Shukar and Vince Kruse from USA Mortgage, Jenny Levy of Hypertherm, and Kerry Siggins of StoneAge.The EO A-ha Moment isn't the first time someone heard about employee ownership, but rather that moment when they realized that Employee Stock Ownership Plans, worker co-ops, and Employee Ownership Trusts could be transformative. Show notes with links to the full episodes featuring each of the highlighted EO A-ha moments are on our website at https://www.theEsOpPodcast.com/post/236-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-v
Bret Keisling shares the story of how Trader Joe's almost became an ESOP as told by company founder Joe Coulombe in his business memoir "Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys," co-written by Patty Civalleri. Many of the factors that led to the company's success are hallmarks of successful ESOPs: great salaries, high retention, open book management, and employee communication.The full transcript of this episode, which includes a link where you can purchase the book at employee-owned Raven Bookstore, is available on our website at https://www.TheEsOpPodcast.com/post/mini-cast-219-trader-joe-s-almost-an-esop
Bret Keisling shares a collection of EO A-ha Moments from the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, collected from his five-part "Women in Manufacturing" series which dropped in March 2022. Jesse guests are all colleagues at Hypertherm, a 100% employee-owned company with international operations.The EO A-ha Moment isn't the first time someone heard about employee ownership, but rather that moment when they realized that ESOPs, worker co-ops, and EOTs could be transformative. Show notes with links to the full episodes featuring each of the highlighted EO A-ha moments are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/235-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-iv
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast where host Jesse Tyler shares insights on the benefits and challenges of employee ownership culture, including: the positive power of peer pressure, why "my voice matters" are the most powerful words in EO, and challenges such as saying no in a culture that values saying yes.Jesse has 15+ years of experience at 100% ESOP Hypertherm, where he has facilitated several thousand conversations about ownership through onboarding and at numerous NCEO and The ESOP Association conferences as well as the "Owner to Owner" podcast.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to the full version of the "Owner to Owner" podcast, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-218-benefits-and-challenges-to-eo-culture
Bret Keisling shares a collection of EO A-ha Moments from EOX and many state centers. Featuring Steve Storkan (EOX), Matt Cropp (VEOC), Michael Palmieri (OEOC), John Burgess (FLCEO), Anne-Claire Broughton (NCEOC), Sue Crockett (MNCEO), Andy Spears (TNCEO) and Keith Davenport (MOCEO & KSCEO).The EO A-ha Moment isn't the first time they heard about EO, but rather that moment when they realized that ESOPs, worker co-ops, and EOTs could be transformative. Featuring excerpts from full episodes of "The EsOp Podcast" and the "Owner to Owner" podcast.Show notes with links to the full episodes featuring each of the highlighted EO A-ha moments are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/234-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-iii
Bret Keisling shares exciting news that Blue Ridge ESOP Associates [https://blueridgeesop.com/], the largest independent third party ESOP administration and recordkeeping firm, acquired a majority stake in Workplace Development, Inc. [https://workplacedevelopment.com/], a leader in ESOP culture and communications. This will create synergy between the two firms and set an exciting precedent for incorporating culture and communications in a firm well-known for its quality ESOP administration.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to the press release and more, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-217-blue-ridge-esop-associates-acquires-majority-stake-in-workplace-development
Since 2021, we've been collecting EO A-ha Moments from every guest of this podcast and the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler. The EO A-ha Moments usually represent the first time our guests knew that EO could be transformative, so we've decided to compile them and share them in early 2023.In Volume II, Bret Keisling shares EO A-ha Moments from previous guests including Marjorie Kelly of The Democracy Collaborative, Jon Shell, CEO of Social Capital Partners, Tim Garbinsky with the National Center for Employee Ownership, Pim Jager and Chad Duke of Scott Insurance, and Diana Ives of The Kendeda Fund.The full transcript of this episode, with links to all of the other episodes and companies mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/233-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-ii
Bret Keisling spreads the word about an exciting new online course, Our Share: Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool, presented by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing and taught by Adria Scharf and Joseph Blasi. The curriculum was developed by Dr. Scharf with support from Mary Ann Beyster and the Beyster Foundation for Enterprise Development.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to the course preview and more, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-216-rutgers-institute-launches-online-eo-course
Since 2021, we've been collecting EO A-ha Moments from every guest of this podcast and the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler. The EO A-ha Moments usually represent the first time our guests knew that EO could be transformative, so we've decided to compile them and share them in early 2023. Today we feature Chris Fredericks, Tracy Till, Doug Schukar, Vince Kruse, Ivette Torres, and Jennifer Briggs.The full transcript of this episode, with links to all the other episodes and companies mentioned, is available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/232-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-i
Bret Keisling addresses ESOP myths that came up in a recent episode with business owner/consultant Craig Leary, including whether transactions are more complicated than non-EO M&A transactions and whether ESOPs are less profitable than non-ESOP deals. Bret also addresses the source of many damaging myths: ESOP professionals who did a great job of scaring away potential sellers.The show notes and full transcript for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-215-esop-myths-addressed
In Part 2, Bret Keisling is again joined by consultant [craiglearyconsultinggroup.com/] and business owner [homeprosofcentralpa.com/] Craig Leary to discuss transitioning to employee ownership, including whether ESOPs are really that complicated, how EO trusts can simplify the process, and how giving employees "skin in the game" turbocharges operations and profitability. Bret re-shares his first EO A-ha Moment.Links to the previous episodes referenced in this podcast and further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/231-transitioning-to-eo-with-craig-leary-part-2
This week, the Owner to Owner podcast featured an episode on Hypertherm's Recovery Friendly Workplace, so we wanted to bring back this previous episode that gives an overview of what a recovery friendly workplace is and why it's so important.In this episode of the ESOP Mini-cast, we sat down with Matt McKenney, who at the time was Workforce Development Leader at (www.hypertherm.com), to talk about the "Early Learnings from the 'Recovery Friendly Workplace' Initiative" presentation he and Cameron Ford of Headrest (www.headrest.org), and Shannon Bresaw of Granite United Way (www.graniteuw.org) and the Recovery Friendly Workforce Initiative (www.recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com) shared on October 11, 2019 at The ESOP Association New England Chapter Fall Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts.You can download the slides for the presentation, read the full transcript of this episode, and get the link to the Owner to Owner Recover Friendly episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-214-icymi-eo-and-the-recovery-friendly-workplace-initiative
Bret Keisling is joined by entrepreneur and consultant Craig Leary, who explains the Entrepreneurial Operating System and how it can be used to grow business and dramatically improve its culture. Although not affiliated with EOS, Craig utilizes its techniques in his business [https://homeprosofcentralpa.com/] and consulting practice [https://craiglearyconsultinggroup.com/] and works with many clients who use it as well. They also discuss the many ways that EOS is compatible with employee ownership. Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/230-craig-leary-on-business-culture-and-eos-part-1
Host Bret Keisling gives a brief overview of important new federal legislation that should move employee ownership to new levels. Part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, passed in December 2022, the SECURE Act and WORK Act call for the Department of Labor to provide guidance on ESOP valuations and determining fair market value, allow for deferred capital gains tax on S-Corp ESOP transactions, provide funding for state and local governments and non-profit entities to encourage EO, as well as implement technical changes to mandatory disbursements and to self-correcting and reporting inadvertent errors in ESOP administration.The show notes and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-213-the-secure-and-work-acts-move-eo-forward
We're pleased to share this recent episode of the Owner to Owner podcast. Host Jesse Tyler is joined by three great co-owners at 100% ESOP Andesa Services [www.andesaservices.com], Sarah Engelbrecht, Project Manager; Becky Olds, Business Analyst; and Greg Lansberry, Systems Development ManagerEach guest shares personal insights on what ownership means to them; how they describe ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; the three words they use to describe ownership; their EO A-ha moments; and why anyone seeking work should consider a career at Andesa Services.Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/229-andesa-s-employee-owners-from-o2o
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this mini-cast, Bret Keisling celebrated Scot Forge [www.scotforge.com], a 100% ESOP, which participated in a Manufacturing Apprentice Signing Day and officially welcomed three new manufacturing apprentices (and employee owners.) The Signing Day was sponsored by JP Cullen, Blackhawk Technical College, and Stateline Manufacturing Alliance.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-ww010-scot-forge-s-signing-day
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Evan Rice, VP of 100% ESOP Guide Star [www.guide-star.com]. Cybersecurity is more critical than ever, and Guide Star’s expertise includes the special fiduciary risks that ESOPs face in keeping their IT departments as safe as possible. Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/winter-wonderland-009-guide-star-cybersecurity-for-esops
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this mini-cast, Bret Keisling shared a highlight from Episode 26 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, featuring Jon Sweigart of Praxis Consulting Group and Kim Gage of Hypertherm discussing how companies can start a Continuous Improvement program.Read the transcript or watch the video of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-ww008-continuous-improvement-from-o2o
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge, Inc. [www.stoneagetools.com], who shares her important leadership perspectives through speaking, blogging, podcast hosting, and in 2023, a book.Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/winter-wonderland-007-kerry-siggins-returnsYou can find more from Kerry Siggins at www.kerrysiggins.com.
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this episode, Bret Keisling celebrates Alison Lingane and Hilary Abell for being recipients of the prestigious Heinz Awards [www.heinzawards.org] which recognize outstanding individuals in the economy, arts, and environment. Co-founders of Project Equity [project-equity.org], they were honored for “their leadership in the movement to create better jobs and a fairer economy by advancing employee ownership."Get more information or read the full transcript of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-ww006-heinz-awards-honors-hilary-abell-and-alison-lingane
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.Bret Keisling was joined by Robert Tamaka, CFO of Meier Supply Co. Inc. [www.meiersupply.com], which is celebrating its 30th year as an ESOP. Bob discusses ESOP lifecycles, sustainability, repurchase obligations, maintaining culture with eighteen locations, and giving back to communities.Bob also shares his EO A-ha Moment, how Meier Supply encourages financial and time commitments to non-profits, and why he gives back to the EO community by presenting at NCEO and serving as chair of the NY/NJ Chapter of The ESOP Association.Further show notes are available on our website at http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.wav/soundcloud.com/theesoppodcast/episode-206-meier-supply-celebrates-30-years-in-eo
Welcome to The ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Jenny Levy, Executive Vice President, People, Community & Environment at Hypertherm, Inc., which is a recovery friendly workplace. Jenny describes what it means, how it works, and why it's an important aspect of Hypertherm's people-driven mission. Bret shares briefly about his personal perspective with 31+ years in recovery.The Recovery Friendly Workfplace Initiative gives business owners the resources and support they need to foster a supportive environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-ww004-hypertherm-the-recovery-friendly-workplace
Welcome to the ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes.In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Nelson Parrish, II of Praxis Consulting Group [praxiscg.com] who discusses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, what it means, why it's important, how it can be implemented, and the importance of aligning culture with the mission.Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/winter-wonderland-003-diversity-equity-inclusion
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the EO Podcast Network. We continue our yearly tradition of sharing Bret Keisling reading "A Visit from St. Nicholas," popularly credited to Clement C. Moore.The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-ww002-a-visit-from-st-nicholas
Welcome to the ESOP Podcast's Winter Wonderland, where we take the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite episodes. We're going to start off with Corey Rosen, founder of The National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org), who opened up season six for us talking about his book with coauthor John Case, "Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What."You can purchase the book now at employee-owned Raven Bookstore here: www.ravenbookstore.com/book/9781523000821Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/winter-wonderland-001-corey-rosen-the-nceo-founder-and-coauthor-of-ownership
Bret Keisling and Jesse Tyler (of the Owner to Owner podcast) were joined by Ron Scheese, CEO of 100% ESOP Andesa Services [andesaservices.com], author of "More Than a Company," and keynote speaker at The NCEO's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, Washington in April 2022, where this episode was recorded.Ron discusses Andesa's journey from an initial 8% ESOP to now 100%, how culture needs to be consistently nurtured, how the workplace has changed during the pandemic, the importance of financial literacy for employee owners, servant leadership, overcoming a disappointing employee satisfaction survey, how EO fits in with his core values, and he shares his "EO A-ha Moment."Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/228-icymi-ron-scheese-ceo-of-andesa-services
Bret Keisling is in Florida this week to deliver the keynote at an ESOP’s employee retreat so we’re bringing back Florida Center for Employee Ownership (FLCEO) board member M. John Burgess, Esq. of Shumaker [www.shumaker.com], a Tampa-based Equity Compensation, Employee Benefits, and ESOP Attorney. John discusses incorporating equity comp before and after ESOP transactions, and the formation and upcoming programs of the FLCEO, part of EOX. He also shares his EO A-ha Moment, and why EO is meaningful to him.Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/227-icymi-equity-compensation-and-the-florida-center-for-eo
Bret Keisling shares his thoughts about how being an ESOP contributes to the greater good of the community they operate in. The answer starts with job security and maintaining a strong tax base. We also know that employee owners are less likely to face layoffs and pay cuts, thus preserving safety net resources. He also highlights EO volunteerism that strengthens the relationship between the owners, the companies, and their communities.The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the past episodes mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-212-employee-owners-and-their-communities
Bret Keisling encourages donations to employee ownership organizations on #GivingTuesday and then is joined by Project Equity CEO Evan Edwards, who discusses its Employee Ownership Accelerator Campaign which focuses on educating professional advisors (financial planners & lawyers, etc.), municipalities, and legacy owners on the benefits of EO.
They also discuss EO, unions, private equity and the EO "gold standard" of equity, engagement, and governance, as well as the benefits of equity to workers, and how it begins to address disparities in wage and wealth to people of color.
Further show notes and a list of #GivingTuesday EO links can be found on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/226-icymi-project-equity-s-evan-edwards-and-giving-tuesday
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler. Guest Rae Ripple, a metal artist, fabricator, children's book author, and contestant on Netflix's "Metal Shop Masters" shares her thoughts on visiting employee owned Hypertherm and how the vibe is different from non-EO companies.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to the full "Owner to Owner" podcast and all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-211-metal-artist-rae-ripple-looks-at-eo
Bret Keisling shares an episode of the Owner to Owner podcast. O2O host Jesse Tyler is joined by Steve Storkan of EOX, Matt Cropp of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center, and Michael Palmieri of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center for a wide-ranging conversation about the work of state centers around the US. Each describes what their organization does, and what drives them personally to work to grow employee ownerships.
Further show notes are availble on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/225-o2o-and-the-eo-state-centers
They discuss what each organization has in common: outreach, education, and advocacy, and they all discuss what sets the groups apart. They discuss what it will take to grow employee ownership, and why it's so important to their societal views that EO thrives.
Bret Keisling discusses the importance of buying employee owned and celebrates The NCEO's 2022 Holiday Gift Guide featuring selected employee-owned businesses including King Arthur Baking Company, Bob's Red Mill, Paramount Coffee, Card Kingdom, Duckhorn Portfolio, Taylor Guitars, Moog Music, W. W. Norton, Yankee Publishing, and West Paw.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-210-the-nceo-s-holiday-gift-guide
Bret Keisling is joined by Jeff Buettner of ButcherJoseph & Co [www.butcherjoseph.com], who discusses challenges faced by mature ESOPs that go beyond repurchase obligations to funding organic and inorganic growth, achieving company goals, and assuring sustainability.
ButcherJoseph advises both the ESOP sell and trustee sides, which gives them valuable insights that lead to successful transactions and ongoing relationships. Jeff takes us through the lifecycle of an ESOP and discusses when and how expert advisors can be used. Often, focus on the mature ESOP translates to "how do we finance a repurchase obligation." Jeff goes beyond with an overview of various strategies including, changes to corporate structure, and even the ESOP partnering with minority owners, be it the management team or private equity.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/224-challenges-for-mature-esops-with-jeff-buettner
Bret Keisling celebrates a new Massachusetts law sponsored by Sen. Julian Cyr and Rep. Carmine Gentile, and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker, which provides permanent funding including staff and other resources for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership.
Bret also celebrates a bill introduced in Pennsylvania by Reps. Greg Rothman and Sara Innamorato which would create an Office for Employee Ownership and provide informational, technical, and financial assistance to new and existing employee-owned companies in PA, as well as provide incentives and support for those considering EO.
Special shout outs to Jack Moriarty of Ownership America and Kevin McPhillips of PaCEO for their work in supporting, with others, these important steps.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-209-eo-legislative-updates-in-massachusetts-and-pennsylvania
Bret Keisling is joined by Jennifer Krieger, financial advisory services director at Weaver [weaver.com], to discuss stock appreciation rights, including when and why they're issued, performance vs. retention SARs, questions of value dilution, and how SAR's differ from other forms of compensation.
In addition to SARs, Jenn gives a contrasting overview of warrants, options, and phantom stock, and considerations for the trustee and valuation advisory in accounting for the SARs both in transactional and ongoing annual valuations.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/223-stock-appreciation-rights-with-jenn-krieger
With the US elections upon us, we revisit an episode from the July 4th, 2022, holiday weekend where Bret Keisling reflects on what the holiday means to him and how employee ownership can address what he sees as our most vexing problem in the US, our inability to work together to benefit us all.
Shoutouts to NCEO co-founder Corey Rosen, the Employee Ownership News, and the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-208-from-independence-to-interdependence-icymi
The main body of this episode originally aired on July 1, 2022, as Mini-cast 190: From Independence to Interdependence.
Bret Keisling is joined by worker-owners Alex Fischer and Andrew Stachiw who discuss USFWC's (US Federation of Worker Cooperatives) efforts to network and grow worker co-ops in Vermont to further societal goals including economic, racial, and social justice, and working in business as anti-capitalists.
Alex and Andrew share their individual and combined passions for democratized workplaces and their beliefs that changing the very structures of jobs, equity and community will transcend society. Each guest also shares their EO A-ha Moment.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/222-growing-worker-co-ops-in-vermont
Bret Keisling wraps up Employee Ownership Month by celebrating Henderson Engineers [www.hendersonengineers.com] and Henderson Building Solutions [www.hendersonbuilding.com] and the "ESOP Rap", a really fun rap video performed by Chief Legal Officer Tiffany Arnold.
In addition to the ESOP Rap, Bret briefly describes the company's history and growth, which is currently at approximately 900 employee owners, licensed in all 50 states as well as other areas, and operating out of 11 offices.
For the ESOP Rap video and the full transcript of this episode, head to https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-207-henderson-engineers-and-the-esop-rap
Bret Keisling is joined by Samantha "Sam" O'Neill, Chief Culture Officer at Cirtronics Corp. [www.cirtronics.com], who discusses how employee ownership impacts human resources and management decisions, how Cirtronics engages and motivates, and how EO builds camaraderie, job satisfaction, and wealth.
Sam also oversees the Human Resources Department and The Learning Center at Cirtronics, which is responsible for onboarding, continuing education, and tracking employees' success during the first several years in a position. She shares the company's approach to succession planning, which extends beyond the C-suite to key positions throughout the company.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/221-esops-through-the-hr-lens
The US general election is upon us, so we’re re-playing this episode where Bret Keisling is joined by Keith Davenport [www.keithforkansas.com], passionate employee ownership advocate and candidate for Kansas State House District 43, who shares why he’s running, how his background as a conservative and pastor has prepared him, and how he’d promote EO to invigorate Kansas’ economy and communities.
Bret has endorsed Keith Davenport and personally donated to his campaign and encourages the EO community to do so because electing pro-EO candidates anywhere helps all of us everywhere.
The video and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-206-icymi-keith-davenport-for-kansas-house-district-43
Bret Keisling is joined by ButcherJoseph [butcherjoseph.com] VP Carter Smith who dives deep on starting succession planning. He demystifies ESOP transactions as simply a leveraged buyout transaction that just has a different buyer than most, and how properly structured ESOP transactions can be create more value over the long haul when tax and related factors are considered.
Jack Thurston, VP of Marketing at ButcherJoseph, joins at the end to briefly discuss ButcherJoseph's marketing efforts and how booking guests on The EsOp Podcast is very easy.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/220-succession-planning-starting-the-process
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from Episode 27 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler. His guests, Hannah Denson and Dani Green of ProAct Pharmacy Benefit Management [https://secure.proactrx.com/], traveled to ESOPs Harpoon Brewery, Newport Restaurant Group, and Hypertherm. They share the great employee ownership ideas they took from each visit.
Hannah and Dani have created a video blog based on their road trip called "Sweet Chats + Salty Snacks: The ESOP Exploration." They loved the idea wall and CEO Charlie Storey's team interactions at Harpoon Brewery, the people and the vast menu at the Newport Restaurant Group, and Hypertherm's innovation competition and onboarding process for new hires.
The full video version and written transcript of this episode, along with links to the videos and topics mentioned, are all available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-205-proact-s-hannah-and-dani-s-esop-road-trip
Bret Keisling is joined again by Darren Gleeman, MBO Ventures [www.mboventures.com], who busts more ESOP myths including why ESOPs are NOT more complicated than other transactions, and why properly structured ESOP will generate more cash and benefits -- not less -- to the seller than most other transactions forms, and his view that ESOP terminations are great when the workers get huge payoffs.
They also discuss transaction structures, warrants, sustainability, and Elon Musk's proposed Twitter transaction and how the ESOP community can be its own worst enemy in making ESOPs more mainstream.
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/219-darren-gleeman-returns-to-bust-more-esop-myths
Bret Keisling celebrates Alison Lingane and Hilary Abell, recently announced recipients of the prestigious Heinz Awards [www.heinzawards.org] which recognizes outstanding individuals in the economy, arts, and environment. Co-founders of Project Equity [project-equity.org], they were honored for “their leadership in the movement to create better jobs and a fairer economy by advancing employee ownership."
The Heinz Awards were created in 1993 to honor the memory of Senator John Heinz (R. PA). The prestigious award includes a beautiful medallion and $250,000 monetary award. It is not a lifetime achievement award, but rather an honor for those who continue to make a difference in their fields.
Get more information or read the full transcript of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-204-heinz-awards-honors-hilary-abell-and-alison-lingane
Happy Employee Ownership Month from all of us that the EO/EsOp Podcast and EO Podcast Network. To celebrate, we're bringing back this episode that first aired in 2020, all about employee ownership in Colorado and the founding of the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (RMEOC).
In this episode, Bret Keisling interviewed Dick Peterson and Bill Kirton, co-founders of the RMEOC, and also spoke with Jennifer Briggs on Colorado Governor Jared Polis's efforts to build EO.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/218-colorado-eo-the-rmeoc-revisited
Bret Keisling is joined by Hypertherm's Jesse Tyler, host of the Owner to Owner podcast, who shares what he learned at The NCEO Fall Forum, including ESOP "quit rates," how staff levels affect ESOP acquisitions, US median retirement savings, and symbiotic leadership.
The annual NCEO Fall Forum [forum.nceo.org] was held in St. Louis from September 26-28, 2022. Jesse particularly highlighted keynote speaker Jack Stack, The National Center for Employee Ownership's Tim Garbinsky and Dallan Guzinski, as well as his own presentation with Jon Sweigart of Praxis Consulting Group on continuous improvement.
Get more information or read the full transcript of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-203-jesse-tyler-at-the-nceo-fall-forum.
Bret Keisling is joined by Sue Crockett, executive director of the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership [www.mnceo.org], who discusses the founding of MNCEO by the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX), its tri-fold approach to growing employee ownership through business owners, EO professionals, and economic developers, and all the ways they help spread the EO message.
Sue also shares her 30-year career in EO through MNCEO and before that, The ESOP Association, including her position as the first TEA Chapter administrator in history.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/217-sue-crockett-and-the-mnceo
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from Episode 26 of the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, featuring a Jon Sweigart of Praxis Consulting Group and Kim Gage of Hypertherm discussing how companies can start a Continuous Improvement program.
Read the transcript or watch the video of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-202-continuous-improvement-from-o2o
The full "Owner to Owner" episode can be found here: https://www.ownertoownerpodcast.com/post/o2o-ep-26-continuous-improvement.
Jon Sweigart also appeared on Episode 216 of The EsOp Podcast, released earlier this week.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jon Sweigart, principal at Praxis Consulting Group [praxiscg.com], who discusses continuous improvement in employee-owned companies, instilling leadership at all levels of a company, and his presentation with Jesse Tyler at The NCEO Fall Forum in September 2022.
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/216-continuous-improvement-eo-leadership-and-more
As we gear up for Employee Ownership Month, we're sharing an interview on the history of EOM. In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Michael Keeling, retired head of The ESOP Association, who shares how Employee Ownership month started with The NCEO and blossomed into the EOM we love today.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-201-michael-keeling-the-origins-of-eom-icymi
Bret Keisling is joined by Corey Rosen, founder of The National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org) and coauthor (with John Case) of "Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What. " Corey discusses his new book, federal/state EO legislation, collaborations, and why this may be employee ownership's moment.
Corey's latest book officially releases on September 13, 2022. The NCEO is holding a virtual book release party on September 20 which will feature Corey and Michael Quarry of Web Industries who wrote a moving afterword for the book. You can purchase the book now here https://www.ravenbookstore.com/book/9781523000821
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/215-corey-rosen-the-nceo-founder-and-coauthor-of-ownership
As we prepare for Season 6 to begin in September, we’re re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from this year.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Loren Rodgers, Jennifer Briggs, and Victor Aspengren. Each address why they believe that 2021 may be looked at as the year employee ownership began to coalesce into a movement. The reason: historic levels of collaboration.
You can read the full transcript on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-200-hope-for-an-eo-movement-revisited
This episode was originally released on October 29, 2021 as "Mini-cast 158: Hope for an EO Movement!"
As we prepare for Season 6 to begin in September, we’re re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from this year.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by Kerry Siggins, CEO of ESOP StoneAge, Inc., for a remarkable discussion on employee ownership, hackers, addiction, servant leadership, and why StoneAge is an incredible place to work.
Further show notes and all of our past episodes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/214-icymi-kerry-siggins-ceo-of-stoneage-inc
This episode was originally released on March 1, 2022, as "Episode 188: Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge, Inc."
As we prepare for Season 6 to begin in September, we’re re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from this year.
In this episode, Bret Keisling saw a meme posted on social media which suggests giving restaurant staff grief about their restaurant's vaccination policy. Bret reaffirms that anti-mask is anti-employee, and if you give an employee grief over any policy they don’t control, you’re being a jerk. With Victoria Huerta.
You can read the full transcript on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-199-cranky-bret-and-the-bad-customer-revisited
This episode was originally released on August 27, 2021, as "Mini-cast 149: Cranky Bret and the Bad Customer."
As we prepare for Season 6 to begin in September, we’re re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from this year.
In this episode, Bret Keisling guest was Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund [kendedafund.org/], a philanthropic fund that started by supporting the environment, which led to support for green jobs, and now employee ownership.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/213-icymi-diane-ives-of-the-kendeda-fund
This episode was originally released on September 28, 2021, as "Episode 168: Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund."
As we prepare for Season 6 to begin in September, we’re re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from this year.
Bret Keisling was joined by Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures on Episode 149 of The EsOp Podcast, which inspired this take on buying a plane ticket if the airlines were run by ESOP-world.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-198-icymi-if-esop-world-ran-the-airlines
This episode was originally released on June 18, 2021 as "Mini-cast 139: If ESOP-world Ran the Airlines."
As we prepare for Season 6 to begin in September, we’re re-sharing some of our favorite episodes from this year.
In this episode, Bret Keisling was joined by independent researcher Cecile Betit, who has studied 100% ESOP Carris Reels since its inception as an ESOP in 1996 to today. She shared her conclusions, including the importance of workplace participation, challenges in EO conversions, and her EO A-ha moment.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/212-icymi-cecile-betit-and-the-carris-reels-research
This episode was originally released on October 5, 2021 as Episode 169: Cecile Betit and the Carris Reels Research.
This week on The EsOp Podcast, we featured Andy Spears, market manager of the Tennessee Center for Employee Ownership (TNCEO), who shared his EO A-ha Moment about Tennessee State Representative Pat Marsh, who is also the founder of 100% ESOP Big G Express [www.biggexpress.com].
Here we revisit a previous Mini-cast, where Big G employee owner Stephen Richardson was honored in a Rose Garden ceremony.
The video of the ceremony and the full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-197-big-g-goes-to-washington-revisited
Bret Keisling is joined by Andy Spears, Market Manager for the Tennessee Center for Employee Ownership [tnceo.org], who discusses the development of the state center, growing employee ownership in Tennessee through education and legislation, and how EO addresses issues important to Tennessee and its communities.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/211-andy-spears-and-the-tnceo
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler with three employee owners from ESOP Web Industries [www.webindustries.com] who share how they talk about employee ownership with others including collaboration, financial awareness, access to upper management, building trust and more.
This excerpt is from Episode 25 of the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler [www.ownertoownerpodcast.com]. Jesse was joined by three great co-owners at Web Industries: Jeremy Goodwin, Production Supervisor (28 years); Stephen Holt, Manufacturing Operator II (28 years); Rodney Giguere, Lead Manufacturing Operator (2 years).
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-196-how-owners-talk-about-eo
Bret Keisling is joined by The National Center for Employee Ownership's Jaymie Oviedo and Danielle Clarke-Newell for an in-depth look at NCEO's Fall ESOP Forum [https://forum.nceo.org/], which will be held September 26-28, 2022, in St. Louis. The team describes the Fall Forum's sessions, networking opportunities, sky top luncheon, pre-Forum content, virtual and in-person events, and registration deadlines.
The Keynote Speaker is Jack Stack of the Great Game of Business. Among the many sessions, recent podcast guest Albert del Pilar of ButcherJoseph will be presenting the same topic he shared on the podcast, "Rising Interest Rates & ESOP Valuations." Jesse Tyler, host of the Owner to Owner podcast, and Jon Sweigert of Praxis Consulting Group will present "Continuous Improvement: Employee Ownership in Action."
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/210-nceo-s-fall-esop-forum-2022
Bret Keisling is joined by The National Center for Employee Ownership's Jaymie Oviedo and Danielle Clarke-Newell for a quick look at NCEO's Fall ESOP Forum, September 26-28, 2022 in St. Louis with lots of great sessions and panels and the Keynote Speaker is Jack Stack of the Great Game of Business. Early registration discount has been extended to August 9th.
Among the many sessions, recent podcast guest Albert del Pilar of ButcherJoseph will be presenting the same topic he shared on the podcast, "Rising Interest Rates & ESOP Valuations." Jesse Tyler, host of the Owner to Owner podcast, and Jon Sweigert of Praxis Consulting Group will present "Continuous Improvement: Employee Ownership in Action." Episode 210 of The EsOp Podcast will have a deeper look at the Fall ESOP Forum with Jaymie and Danielle.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-195-quick-look-nceo-s-fall-esop-forum
Bret Keisling is joined by Albert del Pilar, managing director at ButcherJoseph & Co. [www.butcherjoseph.com], who discusses how ESOPs can manage interest rate uncertainty including access to capital for operations and managing repurchase obligations, and the effect of ESOP valuations.
Albert will be presenting live on this same topic at The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) Fall Forum, being held September 26-28, 2022, in St. Louis, MO.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/209-rising-interest-rates-esop-valuations
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler, and guests Jessica Carlson of King Arthur Baking Company, Sarah Diaz of Switchback Brewing, and Kadie Brenes of PC Construction, who each share three words to describe employee ownership and what they mean to them. Recorded live at the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (VEOC) Annual Conference [www.veoc.org].
Listen, watch the video, or read the transcript (which includes links to all the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-194-3-words-to-describe-eo
Bret Keisling is joined by Anne-Claire Broughton of Broughton Consulting [www.broughton-consulting.com] and founder of the North Carolina Employee Ownership Center, who discusses small business transitions to employee ownership, open book management, and The Great Game of Business, B-corporations, and how employee ownership improves urban and rural areas and members of the BIPOC communities.
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/208-anne-claire-broughton-of-broughton-consulting
Bret Keisling is joined by Jesse Tyler to discuss Hypertherm Associates' [https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/] recent Internal Trade Show designed to educate team members and build camaraderie. Held on 2 days over 3 shifts, it allowed employee owners who don't normally attend trade shows to experience its products and meet in person with benefits and other admin groups.
They also discuss the "Owner to Owner" podcast [www.ownertoownerpodcast.com] hosted by Jesse, which begins season 2 in September 2022.
Listen, watch the video, or read the transcript (which includes links to all the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-193-hypertherm-s-internal-trade-show
Bret Keisling is joined by Evan Rice, VP of 100% ESOP Guide Star [www.guide-star.com]. Cybersecurity is more critical than ever, and Guide Star’s expertise includes the special fiduciary risks that ESOPs face in keeping their IT departments as safe as possible.
Guide Star is a division of CCI Systems, also 100% ESOP. Evan explains how they assess client risks and provide a blueprint for keeping companies current on critically important and vulnerable systems. Guide Star focuses on small- to mid-size ESOPs, and understands the particular needs of ESOP fiduciaries, including Department of Labor guidelines on cyber security for retirement plans, what insurers look for, and how a cyberattack can hurt value and put ESOP fiduciaries and trustees at risk.
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/207-guide-star-cybersecurity-for-esops
Bret Keisling shares EO A-ha Moments from four co-owners at Meier Supply Co., Inc [www.meiersupply.com]. It's not the first time they heard about employee ownership or ESOPs, but when they realized it could be transformative. Spoiler alert: it's about ESOP account balances and wealth creation.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-192-meier-supply-s-eo-a-ha-moments
Bret Keisling is joined by Robert Tamaka, CFO of Meier Supply Co. Inc. [www.meiersupply.com], which is celebrating its 30th year as an ESOP. Bob discusses ESOP lifecycles, sustainability, repurchase obligations, maintaining culture with eighteen locations, and giving back to communities.
Bob also shares his EO A-ha Moment, how Meier Supply encourages financial and time commitments to non-profits, and why he gives back to the EO community by presenting at NCEO and serving as chair of the NY/NJ Chapter of The ESOP Association.
Further show notes are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/206-meier-supply-celebrates-30-years-in-eo
Bret Keisling discusses the recently announced sale of CLIF Bar to Mondelēz International. Employee owners will split 20% of the $2.9 billion price, which will result in the termination of its ESOP. It's a bold strategic move to increase sales and market share, but also shows a potential downside of EO.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-191-clif-bar-announces-sale-to-mondel%C4%93z
Bret Keisling is joined by M. John Burgess, Esq. of Shumaker, an Equity Compensation, Employee Benefits, and ESOP Attorney, and Curtis Schehr, Executive VP and general counsel at DCS Corp., who discuss the importance of executive compensation plans, questions to ask when designing the plan, pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for ESOP companies.
This episode was recorded at The NCEO's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, Washington in April 2022.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
As the US begins to celebrate a long July 4th holiday weekend, Bret Keisling reflects on what the holiday means to him, and how employee ownership can address what he sees as our most vexing problem in the US, our inability to work together to benefit us all.
Shoutouts to NCEO co-founder Corey Rosen, the Employee Ownership News, and the Owner to Owner podcast with Jesse Tyler.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-190-from-independence-to-interdependence
Bret Keisling is joined by M. John Burgess, Esq. of Shumaker [www.shumaker.com], a Tampa-based Equity Compensation, Employee Benefits, and ESOP Attorney, and board member of the Florida Center for Employee Ownership [flceo.org]. John discusses incorporating equity comp before and after ESOP transactions, and the formation and upcoming programs of the FLCEO, part of EOX. He also shares his EO A-ha Moment, and why EO is meaningful to him.
This episode was recorded at The NCEO's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, Washington in April 2022.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Host Bret Keisling and Jesse Tyler, host of the Owner to Owner podcast, are joined by Kerianne Geist, Marketing Manager at Andesa Services, Inc. [www.andesaservices.com]
Kerianne shares personal insights on what ownership means to her; how she describes ownership when talking to family, friends, and strangers; the three words she uses to describe ownership; her EO A-ha moments; and why Andesa Services is a great place to work. There is also an emphasis on Andesa's BAFLE (Business Acumen, Finance Literacy and ESOPs) program as well as Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI.)
This is a companion episode to a conversation Bret and Jesse had with Ron Scheese, president and CEO of Andesa, and author of More Than A Company, which aired as Episode 203 on The EsOp Podcast.
Both episodes were recorded in April, 2022, live at The National Center for Employee Ownership's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, WA. We thank NCEO for making the recording space available.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling and Jesse Tyler (of the Owner to Owner podcast) are joined by Ron Scheese, CEO of 100% ESOP Andesa Services [https://andesaservices.com/], author of "More Than a Company," and keynote speaker at The NCEO's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, Washington in April 2022, where this episode was recorded.
Ron discusses Andesa's journey from an initial 8% ESOP to now 100%, how culture needs to be consistently nurtured, how the workplace has changed during the pandemic, the importance of financial literacy for employee owners, servant leadership, overcoming a disappointing employee satisfaction survey, how EO fits in with his core values, and he shares his "EO A-ha Moment."
We have signed copies of Ron's book, "More Than a Company: Leading in a Values-Based Ecosystem" to give away to the first ten listeners who request a copy by emailing bret@keisop.com.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Project Equity's Hilary Abell to discuss California's Expanding Employee Ownership Act, which will expand employee ownership by providing education, technical assistance, and other resources for enterprises considering ESOPs and co-ops.
The Act's primary sponsor is Senator Josh Becker. Co-sponsors include Project Equity, Ownership America, and The WORC Coalition. You can act now to add your voice of support; easy instructions are available at www.worccoalition.org.
The video full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-188-california-s-expanding-employee-ownership-act.
Bret Keisling is joined by Steve Deis, managing director of Lazear Capital Partners, who describes the role of investment banking in ESOP transactions, and how Lazear can manage the process from the feasibility study to the completed transaction.
This episode was recorded live at NCEO's Annual EO Conference in Seattle, Washington in April 2022.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling celebrates Scot Forge [www.scotforge.com], a 100% ESOP, which participated in a Manufacturing Apprentice Signing Day and officially welcomed three new manufacturing apprentices (and employee owners.) The Signing Day was sponsored by JP Cullen, Blackhawk Technical College, and Stateline Manufacturing Alliance.
Scot Forge exemplifies the best of EO, and the Signing Day is a great way to honor those entering the workforce. The apprenticeships are part of the "earn and learn" educational model, where companies pay both wages and for the apprentices to attend college.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-187-scot-forge-s-signing-day
Bret Keisling is joined by Project Equity [project-equity.org] CEO Evan Edwards, who discusses its Employee Ownership Accelerator Campaign which focuses on educating professional advisors (financial planners & lawyers, etc.), municipalities, and legacy owners on the benefits of EO.
They also discuss EO, unions, private equity and the EO "gold standard" of equity, engagement, and governance, as well as the benefits of equity to workers, and how it begins to address disparities in wage and wealth to people of color.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Project Equity's [project-equity.org] CEO Evan Edwards. They discuss EO, unions, private equity and the EO "gold standard" of equity, engagement, and governance, in this excerpt from an upcoming full episode.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-186-project-equity-ceo-evan-edwards
Bret Keisling is joined by Nelson Parrish, II of Praxis Consulting Group [praxiscg.com] who discusses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, what it means, why it's important, how it can be implemented, and the importance of aligning culture with the mission.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling and Nancy Mayne celebrate Landry's Bicycles [www.landrys.com], an eight-store retailer in Massachusetts. Started in 1922, Landry's became a partial ESOP in 2010, and recently became 100% employee owned.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website athttps://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-185-esop-landry-s-bicycles-celebrates-100-years
Bret Keisling is joined by Keith Davenport, executive director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership and Kansas Center for Employee Ownership, who discusses their origins, funding, and focus on growing employee ownership.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Keith Davenport, passionate employee ownership advocate and candidate for Kansas State House District 43 [www.keithforkansas.com], who shares why he’s running, how his background as a conservative and pastor has prepared him, and how he’d promote EO to invigorate Kansas’ economy and communities.
Bret has endorsed Keith Davenport and personally donated to his campaign and encourages the EO community to do so because electing pro-EO candidates anywhere helps all of us everywhere.
The video and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-184-keith-davenport-for-kansas-house-district-43
Bret Keisling is again joined by Alex Moss, president of Praxis Consulting, considered by many to be the dean of ESOP culture, communication, and organization and leadership development, who discusses how Praxis works to build better, stronger, and more profitable ESOP companies. Part 2.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by the NCEO's Danielle Clark-Newell who discusses a June 2022 two-day feasibility seminar "Is an ESOP Right for You?" co-sponsored by the NCEOC, as well as other great educational programs.
The video and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-183-is-an-esop-right-for-you
Bret Keisling is joined by Alex Moss, president of Praxis Consulting, considered by many to be the dean of ESOP culture, communication, and organization and leadership development, who shares his EO A-ha Moment, Praxis' origin story, and the inextricable links between culture and leadership with a company's ongoing success. Part 1.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jesse Tyler, host of the Owner to Owner podcast, live from the NCEO's Annual EO Conference [https://www.nceo.org/] in Seattle Washington. They share the excitement of returning live to national EO conferences, and give a preview of the session they'll present at the conference.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jack Moriarty, founder and executive director of Ownership America [ownershipamerica.org], who believes EO may be on the road to becoming a movement as it addresses many societal and community issues such as equitable wealth and income distribution, provided that the EO community can come together to work towards a movement.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-182-icymi-the-road-to-an-eo-movement
As we head into #NCEO2022 (April 25-28, 2022), it is a perfect time to revisit an episode we heard last summer about a very important captive insurance program sponsored by the NCEO in association with Scott Insurance.
Bret Keisling was joined by Chad Duke and Pim Jager of 100% employee-owned Scott Insurance (www.scottins.com) who discussed Scott’s 150+ year history and how EO drives its culture and success. Loren Rodgers at the National Center for Employee Ownership, (www.nceo.org) connected the dots between EO companies and the broader EO community, and the importance of collaborations such as NCEO’s new captive insurance programs.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website.
Bret Keisling highlights a blog post in Employee Ownership News by Adria Scharf about how Central States Manufacturing finds the balance between short term needs and retirement security through the use of hardship and in-service withdrawals.
Bret looks at positives and potential ramifications to early withdrawals, including the balance between access to funds for those in need and the risk of depleting retirement funds prior to retirement.
Show notes and the full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-181-hardship-withdrawals-from-esop-accounts
Bret Keisling is joined by Jaymie Oviedo, Dallan Guzinski, and Tim Garbinsky, who discuss the NCEO’s Annual EO Conference in Seattle WA from April 26-28 with a pre-conference on April 25.
More than 1.500 people are expected to gather at the Washington State Convention Center for the event. Keynote speakers are Adria Scharf of the Curriculum Library of Employee Ownership and Ron Scheese, president and CEO of Andesa, a 100% employee owned company.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jaymie Oviedo, interim conference director, who gives a quick look at The National Center for Employee Ownership's (NCEO's) 2022 Employee Ownership Conference [https://annualconference.nceo.org/] which will be held in Seattle, WA from April 26-28, 2022, with a pre-conference held April 25 in this excerpt from next Tuesday's full episode. Bret shares that he will be joined by Jesse Tyler of the Owner to Owner podcast to co-present Boosting Your EO Message Through Social Media and Podcasting.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-180-nceo-s-annual-eo-conference-quick-look
Bret Keisling is joined again by Jenny Levy, Executive Vice President, People, Community & Environment at Hypertherm, Inc. [www.hypertherm.com], who discusses women in manufacturing generally and at Hypertherm; how employee owners legacies build upon the company founders' legacy; the Hypertherm Hope Foundation; and the Recovery Friendly Workplace.
In 2010, Hypertherm created the HOPE (Hypertherm Owners’ Philanthropic Endeavors) Foundation [https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/hope-foundation/], which partners with nonprofit organizations and engages in activities that strengthen and create sustainable, positive change in our communities and the environment.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
As you are hopefully aware, we launched the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler in September 2021 as part of the EO Podcast Network.
March 2022 was Women's History Month. Jesse Tyler put together a five-part series on women in manufacturing featuring great conversations with twelve of his colleagues at Hypertherm. This is part five of that series.
We're really proud of the work Jesse's doing on these podcasts and wanted to share them with you on our ESOP Podcast feed. Go to www.ownertoownerpodcast.com to find all previous episodes and related information.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jenny Levy, Executive Vice President, People, Community & Environment at Hypertherm, Inc., which is a recovery friendly workplace. Jenny describes what it means, how it works, and why it's an important aspect of Hypertherm's people-driven mission. Bret shares briefly about his personal perspective with 31+ years in recovery.
The Recovery Friendly Workforce Initiative gives business owners the resources and support they need to foster a supportive environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jenny Levy, Executive Vice President, People, Community & Environment at Hypertherm, Inc. [www.hypertherm.com], who discusses how its core values guided it through the pandemic and how employee ownership aligns with its core values and mission.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
As you are hopefully aware, we launched the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler in September 2021 as part of the EO Podcast Network.
March 2022 is Women's History Month and Jesse Tyler has put together a five-part series on women in manufacturing featuring great conversations with twelve of his colleagues at Hypertherm. This is part four of that series.
We're really proud of the work Jesse's doing on these podcasts and wanted to share them with you on our ESOP Podcast feed. So, we'll drop each episode as it comes out in March. Go to www.ownertoownerpodcast.com to find all previous episodes and related information.
Bret Keisling is joined by Jesse Tyler who discusses the "Owner to Owner" podcast's "Women in Manufacturing" series and celebrates both Sarah Limoges of AdMix and Tech Etch on being honored by TEA's New England Chapter.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-178-jesse-tyler-on-o2o-and-more
Bret Keisling concludes his conversation with Jim Bado of Workplace Development, Inc. [www.workplacedevelopment.com], which includes how employee ownership has changed in the last 20 years, and the good and bad of ESOP terminations. Jim gives a preview of Mitchell's War [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitchell-s-war/], a comic book in development with EO themes.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
As you are hopefully aware, we launched the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler in September 2021 as part of the EO Podcast Network.
March 2022 is Women's History Month and Jesse Tyler has put together a five-part series on women in manufacturing featuring great conversations with twelve of his colleagues at Hypertherm. This is part two of that series.
We're really proud of the work Jesse's doing on these podcasts and wanted to share them with you on our ESOP Podcast feed. So, we'll drop each episode as it comes out in March. Go to www.ownertoownerpodcast.com to find all previous episodes and related information.
Bret Keisling gives a brief overview of the National Center for Employee Ownership's Annual Employee Ownership Conference [annualconference.nceo.org] to be held in Seattle, WA, April 26-28. 2022 with a pre-conference on April 25, including an early look at the session he'll be presenting "Boosting the EO Message through Social Media and Podcasting."
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-177-the-nceo-s-annual-eo-conference
Bret Keisling is joined by Jim Bado of Workplace Development [www.workplacedevelopment.com], who discusses the importance of culture and communication in new and existing ESOPs, why a healthy ESOP is a more profitable ESOP, and what separates his firm from others in the space.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
As you are hopefully aware, we launched the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler in September 2021 as part of the EO Podcast Network.
March 2022 is Women's History Month and Jesse Tyler has put together a five-part series on women in manufacturing featuring great conversations with twelve of his colleagues at Hypertherm. This is part two of that series.
We're really proud of the work Jesse's doing on these podcasts and wanted to share them with you on our ESOP Podcast feed. So, we'll drop each episode as it comes out in March. Go to www.ownertoownerpodcast.com to find all previous episodes and related information.
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, who asks three employee owners at Hypertherm [www.hypertherm.com] North America to share why women should consider manufacturing and why they love employee ownership.
OwnertoOwnerpodcast.com has a special five-part series, Women in Manufacturing, dropping each Wednesday in March 2022.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-176-women-considering-manufacturing
Bret Keisling is again joined by Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge, Inc. [www.stoneagetools.com], who shares her important leadership perspectives through speaking, blogging, podcast hosting, and in 2023, a book.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com. You can find more from Kerry Siggins at www.kerrysiggins.com.
As you are hopefully aware, we launched the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler in September 2021 as part of the EO Podcast Network.
March 2022 is Women's History Month and Jesse Tyler has put together a five-part series on women in manufacturing featuring great conversations with twelve of his colleagues at Hypertherm. This is part one of that series.
We're really proud of the work Jesse's doing on these podcasts and wanted to share them with you on our ESOP Podcast feed. So, we'll drop each episode as it comes out in March. Go to www.ownertoownerpodcast.com to find all previous episodes and related information.
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast with Jesse Tyler, who asks three employee owners at Hypertherm [www.hypertherm.com] to share why it's a great place for women to work. O2O has a special five-part series, Women in Manufacturing, dropping each Wednesday in March 2022.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-175-women-in-manufacturing-hypertherm
Bret Keisling is joined by Kerry Siggins, CEO of ESOP StoneAge, Inc. [www.stoneagetools.com], for a remarkable discussion on employee ownership, hackers, addiction, servant leadership, and why StoneAge is an incredible place to work.
All our episodes are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by StoneAge Inc. [www.stoneagetools.com] CEO Kerry Siggins, who shares her EO A-ha Moment which changed her life and paved the way for StoneAge's transition to an ESOP, in this excerpt from a full podcast conversation that drops soon.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-174-ceo-kerry-siggins-eo-a-ha-moment
Jesse Tyler of the Owner to Owner podcast takes over with his conversation with Tess Jacquez of ReVision Energy [www.revisionenergy.com] who talks about what EO means to her, continuous improvement, and her EO A-ha Moment.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from the "Owner to Owner" podcast where host Jesse Tyler gets EO A-ha Moments from employee owners at Cirtronics [www.cirtronics.com] and King Arthur Baking [www.kingarthurbaking.com].
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-173-more-eo-a-ha-moments-from-o2o
Bret Keisling shares an excerpt from Episode 011 of the Owner to Owner Podcast with Jesse Tyler featuring three employee owners at Moody’s Collision Centers and their EO A-ha Moments and why Moody’s is a great place to work.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-172-o2o-and-moody-s-collision-centers.
Bret Keisling is joined by Thomas Dudley who discusses Certified EO's various efforts to increase EO recognition in hiring, branding, B2B, and with consumers, and how research drives its mission.
Notes for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/186-certified-eo-s-thomas-dudley-returns
Bret Keisling celebrates and congratulates Certified EO on reaching 400 members and shares why that’s important for all of us in employee ownership.
Includes co-founder Thomas Dudley in a March 2021 clip from our archives.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-171-certified-eo-s-membership-milestone
From May 2021, Bret Keisling is joined by Chris Michael of EOT Advisors [eotadvisors.com] to discuss Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), their rising popularity in the US, and why EOTs are significantly easier and less expensive to implement than ESOPs.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/185-chris-michael-and-eo-trusts-revisited
Bret Keisling discusses the National Defense Authorization Act, a new law as of December 2021 that could suspend competitive bidding when a 100% S Corp ESOP's existing Department of Defense contract is up for a renewal.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-170-the-national-defense-authorization-act
Bret Keisling is joined by Hali Gibson who describes her path from law school applicant to passionate advocate for EO, how Threaded Fasteners, Inc.’s [www.threadedfasteners.com] culture relies on employee ownership and transcends it, and how she communicates EO at work and in her personal life.
This is a great companion to episodes 181 and 182, featuring Billy Duren, TFI’s C.M.O. And you can continue learning about employee ownership on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling celebrates Sow Tree Seed's [www.sowtrueseed.com] recent conversion to a worker cooperative including a brief look at its products and mission, and why Sow True had an EO vibe before it even transitioned.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-169-sow-true-seed-becomes-employee-owned
From February 2018: Bret Keisling is joined by talented musician and songwriter and employee ownership advocate Rob Zicaro, who discusses how his retirement from ESOP Web Industries financed his dream retirement.
Further show notes, and all of our past episodes, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/183-icymi-rob-zicaro-on-employee-ownership
Bret Keisling describes the Owner to Owner podcast hosted by Jesse Tyler and includes a clip of Jesse’s conversation with Adam Gibney, shift brewer for Mass Bay Brewing Co., a.k.a Harpoon Brewery.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-168-o2o-s-jesse-tyler-with-adam-gibney
Bret Keisling is again joined by Billy Duren, Chief Motivational Officer at Threaded Fasteners, Inc. [www.threadedfasteners.com], who speaks passionately of the power of “why,” mentoring and growing developing leaders, and the role EO plays in the company’s success.
Continue your learning about employee ownership on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling brings you an excerpt from our most downloaded long-form episode of 2021: "Cecil Betit and the Carris Reels Research." In this excerpt, Cecile Betit discusses the importance of EO being taught in schools of every level.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com//post/mini-cast-167-best-of-2021-cecil-betit
Bret Keisling is joined by Billy Duren, Chief Motivational Officer at Threaded Fasteners, Inc. at Threaded Fasteners, Inc. [www.threadedfasteners.com], who speaks passionately of servant leadership, elevating each person to their highest potential, and how his faith shapes every part of his life.
Continue your learning about employee ownership on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
As we head into 2022, we're revisiting our most played Mini-cast of 2021.
In this episode, Bret Keisling discusses a meme posted on social media which suggests giving restaurant staff grief about their restaurant's vaccination policy. Bret reaffirms that anti-mask is anti-employee, and if you give an employee grief over any policy they don’t control, you’re being a jerk. With Victoria Huerta.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-166-icymi-cranky-bret-and-the-bad-customer
Many have had an EO A-ha Moment, when they realized employee ownership could be transformative. Bret Keisling shares A-ha Moments from previous guests Marjorie Kelly, Jon Shell, Tim Garbinsky, Pim Jager, Chad Duke, and Diane Ives.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/180-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-ii
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at the EO Podcast Network. Bret Keisling reads A Visit from St. Nicholas, popularly credited to Clement C. Moore.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-165-a-visit-from-st-nicholas
As we count down to the New Year, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes of 2021.
In this roundtable interview, Bret Keisling was joined by Chad Duke and Pim Jager of 100% employee-owned Scott Insurance (www.scottins.com) who discussed Scott’s 150+ year history and how EO drives its culture and success. Loren Rodgers at the National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org) joined in to connect the dots between EO companies and the broader EO community, and the importance of collaborations such as NCEO’s new captive insurance programs.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/179-icymi-the-nceo-scott-insurance-the-eo-community
Bret Keisling takes a brief look at the decline in the number of ESOPs from 1996 until today, the good and bad behind the numbers, and why 2021 may see the end of annual declines in the number of ESOPs.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-164-esop-numbers-good-or-bad
As we reflect on EO in 2021, we are revisiting this episode with Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund [www.kendedafund.org], a philanthropic fund that started by supporting the environment, which led to support for green jobs, and now employee ownership.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/178-icymi-diane-ives-of-the-kendeda-fund
This episode originally aired on September 28, 2021 as "Episode 168: Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund."
Bret Keisling discusses Litehouse Foods' decision to rebrand with the Certified EO logo on its products, why this is huge for employee ownership, and why all of us who support EO should celebrate this program.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-163-litehouse-foods-rebrands-with-certified-eo
Bret Keisling is joined again by Jack Moriarty, co-founder and CEO of Ownership America [ownershipamerica.org]. In Part 2, Jack discusses the importance of state and community policy initiatives and bipartisan support, how employee ownership organizations can work together to help turn EO into a movement and he shares two EO A-ha Moments.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/177-ownership-america-with-jack-moriarty-part-2
Bret Keisling shines the EO Spotlight on Mud Bay, an ESOP and a top 20 US pet store chain and largest based in the Pacific Northwest and discusses the importance of shopping employee-owned businesses for holiday gift giving. Bret also gratuitously mentions his new dog Dayzi.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-162-shopping-eo-and-mud-bay-pet-stores
Bret Keisling is joined by Jack Moriarty, co-founder and CEO of Ownership America [ownershipamerica.org], an exciting new EO organization devoted to changing public policy to support ESOPs and employee ownership.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/176-ownership-america-with-jack-moriarty-part-1
Bret Keisling is joined by Cher Mollé, director of development for the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX), who discusses how donations of all sizes on #GivingTuesday (Nov. 30, 2021) will help build and support state centers and improve EO education nationwide.
The video and full transcript for this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-161-eox-and-giving-tuesday
We're preparing for #GivingTuesday by revisiting an episode on giving back to the EO community.
Bret Keisling was joined by Steve Storkan (EOX) and Jennifer Krieger (Weaver), who discussed how the Texas Center for Employee Ownership (www.txceo.org) was established; opportunities for employee owners, EO businesses and service providers; and why a successful center helps all of EO.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/175-txceo-building-a-state-center-revisited
The body of this episode originally aired on March 16th, 2021 as "Episode 143: TXCEO - Building a State Center."
Bret Keisling is joined by the EO Podcast Network’s Victoria Huerta to discuss why EO makes them grateful during these challenging times. In time for Thanksgiving, we spotlight 100% ESOP King Arthur Baking Company.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-160-thankful-for-eo
Bret Keisling is again joined by Loren Rodgers, Jennifer Briggs, and Victor Aspengren who discuss the National Center for Employee Ownership's Board Excellence Toolkit & Candidate Directory; ideal roles for independent board members; board, management, and staff interactions, and some pitfalls to avoid.
(Note: We recommend that you start by listening to Part 1 of this roundtable on The EsOp Podcast Episode 173.)
The video version of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/174-nceo-independent-board-directors-part-2
Bret Keisling is joined by Loren Rodgers, Jennifer Briggs, and Victor Aspengren who discuss the National Center for Employee Ownership's Board Excellence Toolkit & Candidate Directory, reasons why independent directors are so important, and criteria and processes for selecting independent board directors.
The video version of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/173-nceo-independent-board-directors-part-1
Bret Keisling is joined by Jack Moriarty, founder and executive director of Ownership America [https://ownershipamerica.org/], who believes EO may be on the road to becoming a movement as it addresses many societal and community issues such as equitable wealth and income distribution, provided that the EO community can come together to work towards a movement.
Listen, watch the video, or read the transcript (which includes links to all the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-159-the-road-to-an-eo-movement
For part two, Bret Keisling is again joined by Graeme Nuttall, OBE (listen to Episode 171 for Part 1 of the interview) who discusses the differences between employee ownership trusts (EOTs) and ESOPs, how Mahatma Gandhi’s views on ownership inspired Employee Ownership 3.0, and Graeme celebrates the legacy of the late EO advocate Nigel Mason.
Further show notes, as well as all our past episodes, are available on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling is joined by Loren Rodgers, Jennifer Briggs, and Victor Aspengren. Each address why they believe that 2021 may be looked at as the year employee ownership began to coalesce into a movement. The reason: historic levels of collaboration.
Listen, watch the video, or read the transcript (which includes links to all the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-157-new-in-the-eo-sandbox
Bret Keisling is joined by Graeme Nuttall, OBE, a leading proponent of employee ownership in the UK and internationally. He describes his lifelong work to grow EO, including writing the Nuttall Review and advising the British government on employee ownership. Chris Michael joins to discuss Graeme’s influence on employee ownership trusts (EOTs) in the United States. Also, Graeme shares his EO ”Wow” Moment.
Further show notes, as well as all our past episodes, are available on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling celebrates Employee Ownership Month by describing three new endeavors: Ownership America, dedicated to public policy and grassroots advocacy; EO Equals, which was featured in Episode 170 of The EsOp Podcast; and our very own EO Podcast Network.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-157-new-in-the-eo-sandbox
Bret Keisling is joined by Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund and Alison Lingane of Project Equity who discuss EO Equals, an exciting new campaign targeting business owners to promote all forms of employee ownership. More information can be found at www.employeeownershipequals.org.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/170-eo-equals
Bonus Episode: The "Why Worker Co-ops" podcast recently launched as part of the EO Podcast Network, hosted by Rodney North and produced by Bret Keisling. In this episode, Rodney is joined by Esteban Kelly, executive director of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC) [www.usworker.coop].
A transcript of the introduction to his bonus episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/bonus-episode-introducing-the-why-worker-co-ops-podcast
All the podcasts in the EO Podcast Network can be found at https://www.eopodcastnetwork.com/
Bret Keisling celebrated Employee Ownership Month with the employee owners at Urban Engineers [urbanengineers.com]. In this excerpt, you’ll hear how Urban handled COVID challenges, why several intend to spend their entire career there, and how Urban differs from non-ESOP firms.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-156-eom-urban-engineers-and-pie
Bret Keisling celebrates the life and legacy of Nigel Mason, one of the UK’s leading employee ownership advocates, who tragically passed away this year after a short illness. Graeme Nuttall, OBE shares a heartfelt and personal tribute.
As always, the full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-155-nigel-mason-celebrated
Bret Keisling is joined by independent researcher Cecile Betit, who has studied 100% ESOP Carris Reels since its inception as an ESOP in 1996 to today. She shares her conclusions, including the importance of workplace participation, challenges in EO conversions, and her EO A-ha moment.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/169-cecile-betit-and-the-carris-reels-research
Bret Keisling, Rodney North and Jesse Tyler discuss how the ESOP and Co-op Worlds can learn from each other and grow stronger, and how the "EO Podcast Network" and its four podcasts will help drive the discussion.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-154-why-an-eo-podcast-network
Bret Keisling’s guest is Diane Ives of The Kendeda Fund [https://kendedafund.org/], a philanthropic fund that started by supporting the environment, which led to support for green jobs, and now employee ownership.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/168-diane-ives-of-the-kendeda-fund
Bret Keisling is again joined by Jesse Tyler (Owner to Owner Podcast) and Rodney North (Why Worker Co-ops Podcast) who discuss their new podcasts, the messages they hope to send, and the people they hope to reach. The EO Podcast Network launches September 28.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-153-the-eo-podcast-network-is-coming
Bret Keisling is joined by Jamil Hassounah, Ph.D Business Administration to discuss his dissertation research and findings including his conclusion that it takes employee ownership along with a participatory workplace to truly unlock an ESOP’s potential.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/167-jamil-hassounah-the-esop-dissertation
Bret Keisling is joined by EO Podcast Network hosts Rodney North (Why Worker Co-ops) and Jesse Tyler (Owner to Owner) who discuss their new podcasts in this excerpt from the introductory episode of Why Worker Co-ops.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-152-the-podcast-are-coming
We are revisiting our episode with Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures [www.mboventures.com], who shared his exuberant views that ESOPs are not boring, and are, in fact, pretty sexy.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/166-darren-gleeman-revisited
This episode originally aired on May 4, 2021 as "Episode 149: Darren Gleeman - ESOPs are NOT Boring."
Bret Keisling discusses the importance of buying employee-owned when possible, but when it’s not supporting companies aligned with EO values, such as First Watch’s Project Sunrise. Victoria Huerta spotlights EsOp Tanimura & Antle [www.taproduce.com].
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-151-eo-values-and-our-food-supply
We are revisiting our episode with prominent EO advocate and expert Jennifer Briggs joins us for a broad discussion on community health, servant leadership, participative capitalism, and public policy. Also, Employee Ownership Month shout outs to Modern Times Beer [www.moderntimesbeer.com] and PFS Brands [www.pfsbrands.com].
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/165-jennifer-briggs-revisited
Bret Keisling is joined by fellow hosts Jesse Tyler (of the Owner to Owner podcast) and Rodney North (of the Why Worker Co-ops podcast) to discuss what Labor Day means in the context of employee ownership.
You can watch the video version of this episode or read the full transcript (which includes links to all of the topics mentioned) on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-150-happy-labor-day
Bret Keisling saw a meme posted on social media which suggests giving restaurant staff grief about their restaurant's vaccination policy. Bret reaffirms that anti-mask is anti-employee, and if you give an employee grief over any policy they don’t control, you’re being a jerk. With Victoria Huerta.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-149-cranky-bret-and-the-bad-customer
We are revisiting our episode with Tracy Till, co-founder of 100% ESOP Butler/Till and an independent board member, who discusses the importance of a good BoD for strategic growth and why she works with Certified EO and EOX. She also shares her EO “A-ha Moment.”
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/164-tracy-till-revisited
This episode originally aired on February 9, 2021 as Episode138: Tracy Till - EO Companies, Boards, & Orgs.
Bret Keisling talks about the two new podcasts, "Owner to Owner" and "Why Worker Co-ops" that will help launch the EO Podcast Network in September 2021, and tells the NCEO’s Tim Garbinsky why he’s excited for the Fall ESOP Forum. Also, Victoria Huerta spotlights ESOP Wood Stone Corporation [woodstone-corp.com].
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-148-the-eo-podcast-network
Bret Keisling is joined again by the National Center for Employee Ownership's Tim Garbinsky, who provides an update on the NCEO's Fall ESOP Forum’s [https://forum.nceo.org/] pivot to virtual only, including news about the keynote speaker, an EO craft beer tasting, some of the 40 amazing sessions, and an incredible series of events in the week before the Forum.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/163-tim-garbinsky-and-nceo-s-virtual-fall-forum
Bret Keisling is joined by Victoria Huerta [@EO_VictoriaH], new Communications Manager for the EO Podcast Network who shines our spotlight on Idea Chíc [www.ideachic.net], a cool company with a great vibe that aspires to join the EO sandbox.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-147-victoria-huerta-spotlights-idea-chic
In this episode, Bret Keisling and EO/Co-op Advocate Rodney North discuss the interplay between the shared tenets of democracy and employee ownership. Stay tuned for the Why Workers Co-ops? podcast hosted by Rodney North coming soon on the EO Podcast Network!
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/162-rodney-north-revisited
Bret Keisling discusses why October’s Employee Ownership Month (EOM) is his favorite time of year, an intriguing campaign tease by the Employee Ownership Foundation, the NCEO’s decision to make the Fall ESOP Forum virtual only, and why anti-mask is anti-employee.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-146-employee-ownership-month-is-coming
Bret Keisling is joined by Abraham French [abrahamfr.github.io], software developer and worker cooperative co-founder, who discusses how EO has transformed his views on business, community, and the power of ownership.
The video and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/161-the-power-of-employee-ownership
Bret Keisling discusses The Kendeda Fund [kendedafund.org], an amazing philanthropic fund with a 30-year mission to improve our communities and world that has provided tremendous support to employee ownership.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-145-the-kendeda-fund
Bret Keisling is joined by Tim Garbinsky, the National Center for Employee Ownership's communications director, who discusses the upcoming NCEO Fall ESOP Forum [forum.nceo.org], the importance of the EO/ESOP community, and shares two EO A-ha Moments.
The video and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/160-the-nceo-s-2021-fall-esop-forum
Bret Keisling is joined by Co-op Developer Rodney North who celebrates new co-ops White Electric Coffee Co-op [whiteelectriccoffee.com] and NYC’s The Drivers Cooperative [https://drivers.coop/]. They also discuss the upcoming "Why Worker Coops?" Podcast, launching September 2021!
The video and full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-144-celebrating-2-new-co-ops-a-podcast
Summer is in full swing and so we're taking a moment to focus on our health by revisiting one of our favorite fitness-related episodes.
In this episode, originally aired in January 2019, Bret Keisling sat down with William "Bill" Moore, owner of Personal Fitness in Camp Hill, PA, [www.personalfitnesspa.com] to talk about the business of personal training. Along the way, we talk about Bill's training philosophy, which looks beyond the "New Year, New You" hype and focuses on consistent improvement.
More details about this episode, and an archive of all past episodes, are available on our website at www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling celebrates recent employee ownership successes, including meeting Governor Jared Polis’s goal of 20 new employee owned companies and new tax credits for businesses considering EO which passed with bipartisan support.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-143-colorado-s-eo-successes
Bret Keisling is joined by Chad Duke and Pim Jager of 100% employee-owned Scott Insurance (www.scottins.com) who discuss Scott’s 150+ year history and how EO drives its culture and success. Loren Rodgers at the National Center for Employee Ownership, (www.nceo.org) connects the dots between EO companies and the broader EO community, and the importance of collaborations such as NCEO’s new captive insurance programs.
Register now for the NCEO's 2021 Fall Forum with discount code EOPod25 at https://forum.nceo.org/register.php
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/158-the-nceo-scott-insurance-the-eo-community
Bret Keisling is joined by Loren Rodgers at the National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org) and Chad Duke and Pim Jager at Scott Insurance (www.scottins.com) who discuss NCEO’s OWN Health and OWN Risk, two new captive insurance programs that are only available to employee-owned companies.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, will be available soon on our website www.theEsOpPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling loves employee ownership, his country and flag, and explains why it’s healthy and necessary to be critical of each at times in order to increase opportunities for all people.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-141-july-4th-country-flag-eo
Bret Keisling is asked introductory questions by someone with no EO knowledge. Topics include: forms of employee ownership, working across the political spectrums, and how employee ownership benefits owners, founders, and communities.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/157-a-newbie-s-guide-to-employee-ownership
Bret Keisling looks briefly at ESOPs "Leaky Bucket" problem. Despite seemingly robust ESOP creations, there has been an annual net decrease in ESOPs since 2014 and a loss of 8% of ESOPs since 1985, with significantly more terminations in 2021.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-140-esops-the-leaky-bucket-problem
Bret Keisling is joined by Marjorie Kelly of The Democracy Collaborative [democracycollaborative.org] for Part 2. Marjorie draws a link between employee ownership, communities, and happier people, and shares her EO A-ha Moment.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/156-marjorie-kelly-of-democracy-collaborative-part-2
Bret Keisling was joined by Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures [www.mboventures.com] on Episode 149 of The EsOp Podcast, which inspired this take on buying a plane ticket if the airlines were run by ESOP-world.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-139-if-esop-world-ran-the-airlines
Bret Keisling is joined by Marjorie Kelly, Senior Fellow and Executive Vice President of The Democracy Collaborative [democracycollaborative.org], whose tireless work to promote a more inclusive and equitable economy includes a passion for and focus on employee ownership.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/155-marjorie-kelly-of-democracy-collaborative-part-1
Bret Keisling is joined by co-op consultant Rodney North who shares his EO A-ha Moment, which happened two years after he started working for a workers’ cooperative.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-138-rodney-north-s-eo-a-ha-moment
Bret Keisling is joined by Jon Shell of Social Capital Partners [www.socialcapitalpartners.ca], who arranged the funding of the 100% ESOP conversion of Taylor Guitars and explains the importance of pension plan funding to grow employee ownership.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/154-jon-shell-of-social-capital-partners.
Bret Keisling identifies great opportunities to grow EO using Clubhouse by educating business founders, owners, professional advisors, and advocates in adjacent spaces to EO which in turn will generate EO/ESOP transactions.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-137-growing-eo-in-adjacent-spaces
We have great new episodes coming in June and July of 2021, but we thought we'd start the summer off highlighting the recent premiere of "Own It: A Colorado Story" on PBS 12 with a look back at our Colorado episode (originally aired in October, 2020.)
In this episode, Bret Keisling shines the EO spotlight on Colorado with Dick Peterson and Bill Kirton, co-founders of the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center - www.rmeoc.org. Also, Jennifer Briggs on Colorado Governor Jared Polis's efforts to build EO.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/153-icymi-colorado-eo-the-rmeoc
Bret Keisling congratulates Certified EO [https://www.certifiedeo.com/] on the launch of their podcast, talks about the importance of supporting each other’s work to help us all grow, and talks about the EO Podcast Network which will launch in September, 2021.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-136-more-podcasts-more-stories
Bret Keisling is joined by Dardan Isufi, COO of Eva [https://www.eva.coop/], a ride-sharing and delivery app serving Montreal and Quebec that is owned by its co-op members including its drivers, riders, and others. Hear how Eva treats all of its stakeholders more equitably than Uber, Lyft, Grubhub, etc.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/152-eva-coop-with-dardan-isufi
Bret Keisling is joined by Matt Cropp, executive director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center [http://www.veoc.org/], who describes the VEOC’s Virtual Annual Conference to be held June 3, 2021.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-135-vermont-eo-conference-with-matt-cropp
Bret Keisling is joined by Chris Michael of EOT Advisors [https://eotadvisors.com/] to discuss Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), their rising popularity in the US, and why EOTs are significantly easier and less expensive to implement than ESOPs.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/151-chris-michael-and-eo-trusts
Bret Keisling is joined by Chris Michael of EOT Advisors [https://eotadvisors.com/] who talks about NCEO’s upcoming webinar on Employee Ownership Trusts and previews his appearance on Episode 151 of The ESOP Podcast.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-134-nceo-s-virtual-learning-series-eots
Bret Keisling is joined by Matt Cropp of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center [http://www.veoc.org] and Leo Sammallahti of Mutual Interest Media [https://www.mutualinterest.coop/] who discuss whether EO will become a movement, comparisons to other movements, and how EO might interact with allied interest groups.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/150-matt-cropp-leo-sammallahti-and-an-eo-movement
Bret Keisling is joined by Jesse Tyler, who is responsible for the Associate Experience at 100% ESOP Hypertherm [www.hypertherm.com]. Jesse shares his EO A-ha Moments and why Hypertherm is a great company for its associate owners to work at.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website here https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-133-jesse-tyler-of-hypertherm
Bret Keisling is joined by Darren Gleeman of MBO Ventures [www.mboventures.com] who shares his exuberant views that ESOPs are not boring, and are, in fact, pretty sexy.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/149-darren-gleeman-esops-are-not-boring
Bret Keisling is joined by twenty year employee owner Jennifer Lennox, who shares her EO A-ha Moment and why The Davey Tree Expert Company [www.davey.com] is a tree-mendous company to work for.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-132-jennifer-lennox-of-davey-tree-experts
Bret Keisling looks at how EO is not yet a movement with a look at the state of ESOPs, and the need for cooperation from all stakeholders if we’re to become a movement.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/148-where-is-eo-revisited-pt-2-esops
Bret Keisling is joined by Tom Roback, president of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates [www.blueridgeesop.com], who discusses the recent acquisition of Costal Pension Services, the importance of supporting employee ownership, and the great potential for EO on Clubhouse.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-131-blue-ridge-acquires-coastal-pensions
Bret Keisling is joined by Davey Tree Experts’ [www.davey.com] Sandra Reid, who is also an NCEO board member. She shares Davey Tree Expert’s history, culture, and the multiple ways employees can become employee owners.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/147-sandra-reid-of-davey-tree-experts
Bret Keisling discusses Clubhouse, an exciting social media app where up to 5000 can participate in audio conversations, and how Clubhouse can bring together employee owners, advocates, and service providers in ways we haven’t seen before.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-130-an-eo-vision-for-clubhouse
Bret Keisling is joined by Jon Shell (Social Capital Partners - www.socialcapitalpartners.ca) and Marjorie Kelly (The Democracy Collaborative - www.democracycollaborative.org) to discuss a Canadian pension fund’s financing of Taylor Guitars’ [www.taylorguitars.com] ESOP and why it matters to all of us.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/146-social-capital-partners-taylor-guitars-financing
Bret Keisling is joined by Jon Shell of Social Capital Partners [www.socialcapitalpartners.ca] who was instrumental in arranging financing for Taylor Guitars' [www.taylorguitars.com] recent conversion to 100% ESOP. On this excerpt from an upcoming episode, Jon shares three EO A-ha Moments.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-129-jon-schell-of-social-capital-partners
Bret Keisling looks at how EO is essentially absent from the public debate, and shares differences between EO and actual movements, in the first of a multi-part series from Sept 2020.
The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/145-where-is-eo-revisited
Bret Keisling celebrates Bob’s Red Mill [https://www.bobsredmill.com/], a 100% ESOP that just marked 10 years employee owned, including its origin, products, and an amazing visit from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full transcript of this episode, along with all the links mentioned in the podcast, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-128-eo-spotlight-bob-s-red-mill
Many have had an EO A-ha Moment, when they realized EO could be transformative. Bret Keisling brings the A-ha Moments from previous guests Chris Fredericks, Tracy Till, Doug Schukar, Vince Kruse, Ivette Torres, and Jennifer Briggs.
The full transcript of this episode, with links to all the other episodes and companies mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/144-eo-a-ha-moments-volume-i
Bret Keisling celebrates 100% ESOP Penmac [https://www.penmac.com/], a staffing agency that started with an idea and a single client and grew to 32 offices with over 28,000 employee owners, making it the second largest EO company in the United States.
The full transcript of this episode, with links, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-127-eo-spotlight-penmac-staffing
Bret Keisling celebrates Davey Tree Expert Company’s [www.davey.com] 42nd year of employee ownership. Formed in 1880, Davey transitioned to EO in 1979. With 10,000+ employee owners, it’s now the 9th largest EO company in the US and largest in Ohio.
You can listen to the Davey Tree podcast, "Talking Trees with Davey Tree" here: https://talkingtreeswithdaveytree.buzzsprout.com/1591846/8129928-teaching-kids-the-importance-of-trees-treehouses-memorial-tree-plantings
A full transcript, including the links for this episode, is available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-126-celebrating-davey-tree-expert-company
Bret Keisling is joined by Steve Storkan (EOX) and Jennifer Krieger (Weaver) who discuss how the Texas Center for Employee Ownership (www.txceo.org)was established; opportunities for employee owners, EO businesses and service providers; and why a successful center helps all of EO.
The links mentioned in this episode are available in the full transcript, which is published on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/143-txceo-building-a-state-center
Bret Keisling is joined by Certified EO’s CEO and co-founder Thomas Dudley who describes how the Directory of Employee-Owned Companies came about, the work involved in maintaining it, and its value for B2B, EO consumers, and even those looking to work for an EO company. This is an excerpt from a previous full podcast.
You can find the directory at https://www.certifiedeo.com/companies.
The links mentioned in this episode and a full transcript are available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-125-certified-eo-s-eo-directory
Bret Keisling is joined by Certified EO ’s [https://www.certifiedeo.com/] co-founder and CEO Thomas Dudley, who shares its great member services including training and education, its important and exciting Directory of EO companies, his EO A-ha Moment, and more.
The links and transcript for this episode are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/142-certified-eo-charting-new-paths
Bret Keisling is joined by Certified EO [www.certifiedeo.com] co-founder and CEO Thomas Dudley. In this excerpt from an upcoming full podcast episode, Thomas shares the intentions behind the organization and how companies qualify as “certified.”
The links and transcript for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-124-certified-eo-with-thomas-dudley
Bret Keisling is again joined by Ivette Torres, NCEO's Conference Director, who shares the many ways the NCEO virtual annual conference will incorporate fun and community, virtual sponsor booths that benefit both attendees and sponsors, and how a virtual conference differs from a webinar.
The NCEO's mission is to help Employee Ownership thrive. They want to help you and your company succeed, and so they are offering EsOp Podcast listeners $25 off the registration price for their April 20-21, 2021 Annual Employee Ownership Conference with the code EOPODCAST25. Register today at: annualconference.nceo.org/register.php
The links and full transcript for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/141-going-virtual-with-nceo-part-2
Bret Keisling discusses an interesting new article published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review called "It’s Time to Put Employee Ownership on the Inclusiveness Agenda," by James Boomgard, president and CEO of DAI Global.
You can read the article mentioned in the podcast on SSIR here: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/its_time_to_put_employee_ownership_on_the_inclusiveness_agenda
The full linked transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-123-eo-inclusiveness-and-dai-global
Bret Keisling is joined by NCEO Conference Director Ivette Torres, who describes NCEO’s path to virtual conferences, including how to adapt technology, scheduling, content, and breakout sessions, all while creating fun and community in a virtual event. Ivette also shares her path to joining NCEO and her EO A-ha Moment.
The NCEO's mission is to help Employee Ownership thrive. They want to help you and your company succeed, and so they are offering EsOp Podcast listeners $25 off the registration price for their April 20-21, 2021 Annual Employee Ownership Conference with the code EOPODCAST25. Early bird registration closes March 1st, 2021 - so register today at: https://annualconference.nceo.org/register.php
The links and full transcript for this episode are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/140-going-virtual-with-nceo-part-1
Bret Keisling celebrates the formation of The Baker Center of Excellence for Employee Ownership and Business Transformation at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania, made possible by a $3 million dollar donation from Kenneth Baker, CEO of New Age Industries, [http://www.newageindustries.com/] a 100% ESOP.
The links and transcript for this episode are available on our website https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-122-baker-center-of-excellence-for-employee-ownership
Bret Keisling is joined by Chris Fredericks, CEO of TVF [https://tvfinc.com/] and Empowered Ventures [https://empowered.ventures/], who shares both companies' origin stories, the path from TVF to Empowered Ventures, how an EO holding company considers acquisitions, and his EO A-Ha Moment.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/139-from-tvf-to-empowered-ventures
Bret Keisling is joined by TVF [tvfinc.com] CEO Chris Fredericks, who shares its origins and path to becoming a highly successful 100% ESOP, and its culture of employee ownership.
The full linked transcript for this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-121-chris-fredericks-and-tvf
The NCEO's mission is to help Employee Ownership Thrive. They want to help you and your company succeed, and so they are offering The EsOp Podcast listeners $25 off the registration price for their upcoming Annual Employee Ownership Conference with the code EOPODCAST25 at https://annualconference.nceo.org/register.php
Bret Keisling is joined by Tracy Till, co-founder of 100% ESOP Butler/Till and an independent board member, to discuss the importance of a good BoD for strategic growth and why she works with Certified EO and EOX. She also shares her EO “A-ha Moment.”
The full transcript of this episode, with links to the organization's reference, is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/138-tracy-till-eo-companies-boards-orgs
Bret Keisling is joined by NCEO's Conference Director Ivette Torres, who gives a preview of NCEO's 2021 Annual Employee Ownership Conference to be held April 20-21, 2021, with a pre-conference on April 16. Ivette also announces the keynote speaker, Ashleigh Walters of Onex Inc., a 100% ESOP.
The NCEO's mission is to help Employee Ownership Thrive. They want to help you and your company succeed, and so they are offering The EsOp Podcast listeners $25 off the registration price for their upcoming Annual Employee Ownership Conference with the code EOPODCAST25. Register now athttps://annualconference.nceo.org/register.php
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-120-nceo-s-virtual-annual-eo-conference
Bret Keisling is joined by Dan Mickle [www.danmickle.com], Performance Psychology Consultant, who discusses individual and organizational coping strategies while in the midst of the pandemic.
Bret Keisling celebrates and congratulates the new employee owners at 100% ESOP Taylor Guitars, internationally recognized for their quality acoustic guitars.
The link to the "I Know What Love Is" MusiCares fundraiser is: https://ffm.to/iknowwhatloveis
The full, linked transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-119-taylor-guitars-joins-the-eo-sandbox
We're taking our winter break, which means it's time for our annual walk through #EsOpWonderland! This year we're touring the highlights of our 2020 interviews.
In this interview, Bret Keisling is joined by Project Equity [www.project-equity.org] co-founder Hilary Abell, who was an employee owner 30 years ago which started her path to EO advocacy. She describes Project Equity's work to mainstream EO as well as an important new white paper she authored, "The Case for Employee Ownership."
A link to this white paper along with the full, linked transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/136-eo-interviews-hilary-abell
Bret Keisling is joined by Tracy Till, co-founder of Butler/Till and proponent of independent board members, to discuss unity and EO in this short excerpt from an upcoming episode.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-118-eo-unity-with-tracy-till
We're taking our winter break, which means it's time for our annual walk through #EsOpWonderland! This year we're touring the highlights of our 2020 interviews.
In this interview, Bret Keisling is joined by Project Equity co-founder Alison Lingane. Project Equity [www.project-equity.org] is a California-based national non-profit organization devoted to growing all forms of EO. We discuss how Project Equity works with businesses and municipalities to maximize economic opportunities through employee ownership.
The links mentioned in this episode, along with the full transcript of the podcast, are available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/135-eo-interviews-alison-lingane
We are sharing a not-so-mini ESOP Mini-cast in order to continue our #EsOpWonderland tour of 2020 interviews.
In this episode prominent EO advocate and expert Jennifer Briggs joins us for a broad discussion on community health, servant leadership, participative capitalism, and public policy. Also, Employee Ownership Month shout outs to Modern Times Beer [www.moderntimesbeer.com/] and PFS Brands [pfsbrands.com/].
The full transcript of this episode with links to the companies and names we referenced is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-117-eo-interviews-jennifer-briggs
We're taking our winter break, which means it's time for our annual walk through #EsOpWonderland! This year we'll tour the highlights of our 2020 interviews.
Bret Keisling is joined by USA Mortgage founder and CEO Doug Schukar, who shares his path to an ESOP, what he’d do differently, and why he credits being an ESOP with a 600% increase in value in one year.
The linked transcript of this episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/134-eo-interviews-doug-schukar
We are sharing a not-so-mini ESOP Mini-cast in order to continue our #EsOpWonderland tour of 2020 interviews with Part 2 of our interview with David Hincapie. In Part 2, we share concrete examples of how EO practitioners and advocates can use the Small Business Administration to grow EO. (Really!)
The linked transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-116-eo-interviews-david-hincapie-part-2
We're taking our winter break, which means it's time for our annual walk through #EsOpWonderland! This year we'll tour the highlights of our 2020 interviews.
In this third interview of the series, Bret Keisling talks to David Hincapie of the Small Business Administration about SBA 7(a) & 504 loans, challenges to EO funding, and his EO A-ha Moment.
The full transcript of this episode with links and references is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/133-eo-interviews-david-hincapie-part-1
Despite all of 2020's challenges, Bret Keisling shares his optimism, including exciting developments such as Employee Ownership NYC (www.owner2owners.nyc) and Connecticut Center for Employee Ownership (www.CTCEO.org).
A full transcript with ;inks to all the resources mentioned in this episode in available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-115-2021-employee-ownership-nyc
We're taking our winter break, which means it's time for our annual walk through #EsOpWonderland! This year we'll tour the highlights of our 2020 interviews.
In this second interview of the series, Bret Keisling is joined by Michael Keeling [jmk-way.com/], former long-time head of The ESOP Association, who shares his EO “A-Ha Moment," the best way to influence elected officials, understanding EO legislation, and so much more.
The full transcript of this episode with links and references is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/132-eo-interviews-michael-keeling
Bret Keisling is joined by Performance Psychology Consultant Dan Mickle [www.danmickle.com] who shares the importance of modifying expectations and disengaging from ugly discourse to overcome pandemic weariness.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-114-dan-mickle-getting-through-the-pandemic
We're taking our winter break, which means it's time for our annual walk through #EsOpWonderland! This year we'll tour the highlights of our 2020 interviews.
In the first interview of the series, Bret Keisling is joined by EO/Co-op Advocate Rodney North to discuss the interplay between the shared tenets of democracy and employee ownership.
Bret Keisling looks at government-ordered shutdowns, and the role of the trustee and board of directors if a company violates them.
The transcript for this episode is available on our website, https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-113-shutdowns-trustees-the-bod
Bret Keisling talks about NCEO’s new 2020 Holiday Gift Guide featuring really cool products and services from amazing employee owned companies.
The link to the gift guide as well as the full transcript of this episode with links to all the companies we mentioned are available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/130-nceo-s-holiday-gift-guide
Bret Keisling describes two EsOp courses being offered in 2021 by the Beyster Institute at the University of California San Diego Rady School of Management, one for EsOp company management, and the other for emerging or new professionals.
The full transcript of this episode, with links to the courses and previous episodes mentioned in the podcast, is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-112-esop-courses-from-beyster-institute
From November 2019, Bret Keisling is joined by Steve Storkan of the Employee Ownership Expansion Network, EOX [www.eoxnetwork.org]. This ICYMI episode is a great companion prequel to last week's Episode 128.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website:https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/129-icymi-2019-steve-storkan-looks-to-2020
Supporting EO/ESOP organizations is often viewed as philanthropy. Bret Keisling explains why it is also excellent business development for EO practitioners.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-111-roi-and-eo-org-support
Bret Keisling is joined by Steve Storkan of EOX [www.eoxnetwork.org], who discusses the seven new state centers, plans for 2021, the importance and challenges of fundraising, and his EO A-ha Moment.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/128-steve-storkan-eox-looks-back-ahead
Bret Keisling gives thanks for robust EO organizations; the return of EO transactions; and owners creating wealth. Also: A look at the Evergreen Cooperatives (http://www.evgoh.com/) in Cleveland, OH which is doing amazing, innovative things.
You can make a #GivingTuesday donation to The Fund For Employee Ownership at http://www.evgoh.com/tfeo/
The transcript for this episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-110-on-giving-thanks-and-pie
Bret Keisling is joined by USA Mortgage [https://www.usa-mortgage.com/] founder and CEO Doug Schukar, who shares his path to an ESOP, what he’d do differently, and why he credits being an ESOP with a 600% increase in value in one year.
The full, linked transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/127-doug-schukar-usa-mortgage
Vince Kruse joins Bret Keisling to share his EO "A-ha Moment." When USA Mortgage [www.usa-mortgage.com] became an ESOP, Vince said “huh?” Before long, it turned to “a-ha!”
The full transcript of this episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-109-from-eo-huh-to-a-ha
Bret Keisling is joined by the Small Business Administration's David Hincapie to share concrete examples of how EO practitioners and advocates can use the SBA to grow EO. (Really!)
The full transcript of this episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/126-david-hincapie-pt-2-sba-and-growing-eo
Tune into Episode 125 for Part 1 of this series: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/125-david-hincapie-pt-1-sba-and-eo-funding
Bret Keisling shares a recent EO A-ha Moment, when he realized the amazing potential for EO practitioners and advocates to work with the Small Business Administration. Seriously.
The transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-108-another-eo-a-ha-moment-the-sba
Bret Keisling’s guest is David Hincapie of the Small Business Administration, discussing SBA 7(a) & 504 loans, challenges to EO funding, and his EO A-ha Moment.
The full transcript of this episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/125-david-hincapie-pt-1-sba-and-eo-funding
Be sure to tune in to Episode 126 for Part 2 of this conversation.
With the voting done and election results near, Bret Keisling looks at the connection between consumer confidence and interstate travel and argues for our economy to truly recover, we still need a national mask policy.
The transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-107-icymi-a-national-mask-policy
Bret Keisling is joined by Michael Keeling [https://jmk-way.com/], former long-time head of The ESOP Association, who shares his EO “A-Ha Moment," the best way to influence elected officials, understanding EO legislation, and so much more.
The full transcript of this episode with links and references is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/124-michael-keeling-eo-past-and-future
Bret Keisling is joined by Vince Kruse of USA Mortgage [www.usa-mortgage.com] to discuss Certified EO and spending our consumer dollars with EO companies. Employee Ownership Month shout outs to: Best Friends Pet Hotels, Once Again Nut Butter, Gardener's Supply, and USA Mortgage.
The full transcript of this episode, along with links to all of the websites mentioned, is available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-106-certified-eo-and-shopping-eo
Bret Keisling is joined by Jennifer Briggs, prominent EO advocate and expert, for a broad discussion on community health, servant leadership, participative capitalism, and public policy. Also, EOM shout outs to Modern Times Beer [http://www.moderntimesbeer.com/] and PFS Brands [https://pfsbrands.com/].
The full transcript of this episode with links to the companies and names we referenced is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/123-jennifer-briggs-the-importance-value-of-eo
Bret Keisling is joined by Michael Keeling [https://jmk-way.com/], retired head of The ESOP Association, who shares how Employee Ownership Month started with NCEO and blossomed into the EOM we love today.
The full transcript of today's episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-105-michael-keeling-the-origins-of-eom
Bret Keisling shines the EO spotlight on Colorado with Dick Peterson and Bill Kirton, co-founders of the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center - www.rmeoc.org.
Also, Jennifer Briggs on Colorado Governor Jared Polis's efforts to build EO.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/122-colorado-eo-the-rmeoc
Bret Keisling and Weaver's [weaver.com] Jennifer Krieger celebrate Employee Ownership Month (EOM), chat about the TX CEO [txceo.org], and give shout outs to ESOPs Air Tractor and Rosendin.
A fully linked transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-104-eom-with-jennifer-krieger.
Bret Keisling looks at EO's absence as consumers and as EO B2B in our continuing series "Where is EO?"
The transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/121-where-is-eo-pt-4-consumers-and-b2b
October is Employee Ownership Month and Bret Keisling celebrates four great EO companies: Weston & Sampson, Threaded Fasteners Inc., Urban Engineers, and DVL Group.
The full transcript of this episode, including links to the EOM campaigns mentioned in this mini-cast, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-103-celebrating-eom-2020
As the President recovers from COVID-19, Bret Keisling believes that the economy will not recover without consumer confidence. For now, that means masks.
The full transcript for this episode is on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/120-anti-mask-still-really
Bret Keisling envisions an EO movement that comes together to denounce White nationalists and their allies as contrary to the core tenets of employee ownership.
The transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-102-where-is-eo-white-nationalists-etc
Bret Keisling continues the discussion about how EO is missing from public discourse, how ESOPs are losing ground despite many positives, and why the NCEO, The ESOP Association, and ESCA should work together.
The linked transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/119-where-is-eo-pt-2-esops
Many people love EO. Bret Keisling shares his "A-Ha Moment," that moment where the true positivity, power, and potential of employee ownership became clear to him.
What's your "A-Ha Moment"?
To contact us, find us on Facebook at KEISOP, LLC and on Twitter @ESOPPodcast. To reach Bret, email Bret@KEISOP.com, on LinkedIn at Bret Keisling, and most actively on Twitter at @EO_Bret.
The full transcript of today's episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-101-what-s-your-eo-a-ha-moment
Bret Keisling looks at how EO is essentially absent from the public debate, and shares differences between EO and actual movements, in the first of a multi-part series.
The linked transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/118-where-is-eo-pt-1-the-problem
Bret Keisling discusses the newly relaunched CLEO [https://cleo.rutgers.edu/], from Rutgers' Institute for the Study of EO and Profit Sharing, which features a variety of great EO resources for the classroom, researchers, business leaders and the public.
The full, linked transcript for this episode is available on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-100-curriculum-library-for-employee-ownership
Bret Keisling is joined by EO/Co-op Advocate Rodney North to discuss the interplay between the shared tenets of democracy and employee ownership.
Read the full transcript of this episode is on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/117-rodney-north-eo-co-ops-democracy
Bret Keisling discusses the new "Own Your Job Job Board" [https://www.apisheritage.com/oyjjobboard] recently launched by Apis & Heritage Capital Partners (A&H) and the Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI). Also: an excerpt from our upcoming episode with EO/co-op advocate Rodney North.
The transcript and links for this episode are available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-99-new-eo-job-board-launches
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, we share our conversation at the March 2nd, 2018 ESOP Professionals' Forum in New Orleans, LA with Michael Keeling, then-President and Chief Staff Officer of The ESOP Association. We learn how many pieces of the bigger picture came together to bring Michael Keeling into the employee ownership community, and what makes ESOP organizations special. He has visited over 573 ESOP companies and has great stories to share from his visits.
You can connect with Michael Keeling on his website: https://jmk-way.com/, and of course you can connect with us on our website ate https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-20-michael-keeling-the-esop-association.
Bret Keisling discusses HR 6851, recently introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), which would require large public companies to award shares to employees as part of COVID-19 federal relief.
You can read the text of HR 6851 at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6851
The full, linked transcript for this episode is on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-98-hr-6851-expanding-eo
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, we talked to Project Equity [www.project-equity.org] co-founder Hilary Abell. She describes Project Equity's work to mainstream EO as well as an important new white paper she authored, The Case for Employee Ownership.
The links mentioned in this episode, along with the full transcript of the podcast, are available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-19-project-equity-s-hilary-abell
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, we talked to Project Equity co-founder Hilary Abell. She describes Project Equity's work to mainstream EO as well as an important new white paper she authored, The Case for Employee Ownership.
The links we mention in this this episode along with a full transcript of the podcast are available on our website.
Bret Keisling discusses current US Postal Service controversies from the perspective of what an ESOP Trustee would want to understand about recent operational decisions.
The transcript for this episode is on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-97-due-diligence-and-the-usps
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode we learn about Project Equity [www.project-equity.org], a California-based national non-profit organization devoted to growing all forms of EO. Co-founder Alison Lingane discusses how Project Equity works with businesses and municipalities to maximize economic opportunities through employee ownership.
The links we mentioned along with a full transcript of this episode are on our website here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-18-project-equity-s-alison-lingane
We visit the archives to learn about Recology (www.recology.com), a 100-year old company and 100% ESOP since 1986. Project Equity's (www.project-equity.org) co-founder, Alison Lingane, shares how Recology is standing with its employee owners during the pandemic.
The notes and transcript for this episode are available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-96-recology-revisited
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, Tom Roback, CEO of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates (www.blueridgeesop.com) joined host Bret Keisling for a look at Plan administration during the pandemic. Topics discussed include distributions and other plan changes under The CARES Act, distributions, repurchase obligations, interim valuations, partial plan termination, and Plan amendments.
The show notes for this episode are on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-17-plan-administration-covid-19
Bret Keisling looks at the connection between consumer confidence and interstate travel and argues for our economy to truly recover, we need a national mask policy for now.
The transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-95-we-need-masks-nationally
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, Mark Kossow, Esq. of Clark Hill [www.clarkhill.com] joined host Bret Keisling to discuss many ESOP legal issues including pausing ESOP transaction closings, layoffs and furloughs and the 409(p) test, and Plan changes to manage distributions.
Bret Keisling discusses a recent $26.1 million settlement of a class action suit between convenience store company Wawa and its ESOP and former employees and ESOP participants.
The transcript for this episode is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-94-the-wawa-esop-settlement
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
The full effect of the US national emergency and global crisis over the coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing. In this March 2020 episode from early in the pandemic, Bret Keisling was joined by Rob Hilton, A.S.A. of South Park Advisors for a broad discussion on how ESOP valuation advisors navigate financial uncertainties in both transactions and annual updates.
The show notes for this episode are on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-15-covid-19-the-valuation-process
Bret Keisling and Jennifer Krieger of Weaver [https://weaver.com] celebrate the proposed federal grant for ESOPs and discuss implications of some of the bill's language.
A link to the full text of the legislation along with a transcript of this episode are available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-93-jennifer-krieger-the-federal-esop-grant-act
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode Bret Keisling sat down with Greg Zimmerman, Vice President of the Premium Cigar Association (premiumcigars.org), President of the Pennsylvania Premium Cigar Retailers Association (PAPCRA) and co-owner of The Tobacco Company cigar stores (www.tobaccocompany.com) in Central Pennsylvania to discuss the regulatory, legislative, and judicial challenges to the premium cigar industry, and how EO faces the same challenges.
During the pandemic associations have suspended their in-person conferences but advocacy work is needed more than ever.
The transcript for this episode is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-14-eo-premium-cigars-and-advocacy
Bret Keisling discusses legislation proposed by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) that would provide grants to new or expanding ESOPs. Also, a heartfelt thanks to all of our guests and listeners as we celebrate surpassing 50,000 total listens to our podcast and mini-cast episodes.
The full transcript of this episode along with a link to the full text of the proposed legislation are available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-92-federal-esop-legislation-proposed
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
New Belgium Brewing made headlines when it announced its sale and ESOP termination. In this episode, regular contributor Jennifer Krieger of Weaver CPAs joined Bret Keisling to discuss ESOP terminations, how and why they happen, and how employee owners are protected.
The full transcript of today's podcast is on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-13-is-it-okay-to-celebrate-esop-terminations-explained
Bret Keisling looks at ESOP participants' annual statements including what information must be included, the different ways companies can share the information, and what annual statements mean and don't mean.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-91-esop-annual-statements
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, we looked at an exemplar of how to present the benefits of EO. Four passionate advocates for EO testified in February 2020, before a US House Small Business Committee hearing on the "Challenges and Benefits of Employee-owned Small Businesses."
We shared some of the testimony from the advocates, including Daniel Goldstein, President and CEO of employee-owned Folience; R. L. Condra, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Programs, National Cooperative Bank; John Abrams, CEO and Co-owner of worker-owned cooperative South Mountain Company; and Mark Gillming, Senior Vice President, Messer Construction Company, an employee owned company headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, as well as comments from the committee chair and several members.
The video of the testimony quoted in today's podcast is available on our website page for this episode: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-12-benefits-of-eo-the-us-house-small-business-committee
Savvy businesses have long relied on best practices to chart the path forward. CDC Covid-19 Guidelines, although not perfect, provide best practices for businesses to operate while protecting employees and stakeholders.
Show notes and a complete transcript of this episode are on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-90-best-practices-and-cdc-guidelines
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, we looked at Under Armour, Grubhub, and Casper Sleep. They faced significant challenges, including valuation/forecasting concerns and issues related to corporate culture, governance, and identity. Bret Keisling discussed how things might be different if they were employee-owned, and why it’s too late for them to be EO.
The full transcript of today's podcast is on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-11-eat-sleep-exercise-an-eo-look-at-non-eo-companies
Bret Keisling shares his view that there is no more blatant way to show disdain for employees than going into a place of business without wearing a mask.
The full transcript for this mini-cast is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-89-anti-mask-is-anti-employee
Welcome to our third annual EO/ESOP Podcast Summer School series. We've selected some of our favorite episodes over the past year to bring you all summer long. We're going to spend the summer catching our breath and recharging our batteries. We're also going to be wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In this episode, we looked at eight amazing employee-owned companies who came together in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with an innovative approach to promote employee ownership in their community.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/esop-summer-school-10-cedar-rapids-iowa-the-eo-eight
No one can predict how the pandemic will play out in the next few months or year or two. Historically, EO companies fare better during turbulent economic times. Bret Keisling looks at the interplay between culture and value.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-88-icymi-health-wellness-value
From October 2018, our archive presentation provides an overview of ESOPs and their advantages, and then takes a deeper-dive into some of the key elements of assessing whether an ESOP is feasible (e.g., valuation, financing, management succession, and operating with an ESOP).
This session was presented by Brian D. Bornino, CPA/ABV, CFA, CBA, Director of Valuation & Financial Opinion Services at GBQ Consulting LLC, Columbus, OH (Moderator); David L. Bosch, Primary Consultant Defined Contribution and Cash Balance Division at Watkins Ross, Grand Rapids, MI; and Andrew J. Manchir, ASA, CMA, CEPA, Director of Valuation and ESOP Services Groups at Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis, IN.
This presentation is for business owners considering a sale to their employees through an ESOP. It provides an overview of ESOPs and their advantages, and then takes a deeper-dive into some of the key elements of assessing whether an ESOP is feasible (e.g., valuation, financing, management succession, and operating with an ESOP). We also discuss case studies of successful transitions to employee ownership through an ESOP.
Bret Keisling looks at the pros and cons and of limiting coronavirus-related business liability through waiver requirements and legislation.
The transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-87-business-waivers-and-liability
The business world will change dramatically in the coming months and years. It's uncertain what if any role EO will play. From Oct. 2019, Bret Keisling discusses WeWork and how EO would have written a different story.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/115-reimagining-business-with-eo
Many of the critical issues facing our society can be addressed by employee ownership. Bret Keisling discusses data released by NCEO in 2018, and how candidates, officials, and advocates promote the concepts of EO, whether they realize it or not.
As businesses begin to re-open, returning employees may struggle with addiction, mental health, and other issues.
Matt McKenney of Hypertherm (www.hypertherm.com) discusses a Recovery Friendly Workplace (www.recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com) program that was shared last October at an ESOP Association conference.
You can download the slides for the presentation and read the full transcript of this episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/114-icymi-the-recovery-friendly-workplace-initiative
As the United States faces unprecedented challenges from coronavirus and nationwide protests, Bret Keisling addresses how EO and its focus on communities should play an important role moving forward.
The full linked transcript of today's podcast can be found on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-85-eo-and-communities
Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) spoke recently about the importance of empathy during the pandemic as well as advice on how businesses should and should not proceed.
The transcript of this episode along with links to the full video of the quoted press conference are published on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-84-empathy-and-employees
Project Equity co-founder Hilary Abell was an employee owner 30 years ago, which started her path to EO advocacy. She describes Project Equity's work to mainstream EO as well as an important new white paper she authored, "The Case for Employee Ownership," which you can sign up to receive here: https://www.project-equity.org/about-us/publications/
The full, linked transcript of today's episode is available on our website, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/113-project-equity-s-hilary-abell
Hilary Abell is a co-founder of Project Equity (www.project-equity.org), a national non-profit devoted to expanding employee ownership in all of its forms. Hilary joins Bret Keisling and shares how she came to be an EO advocate in this excerpt from an upcoming podcast.
You can read the full, linked transcript of this episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-83-sneak-peak-with-hilary-abell
Project Equity [www.project-equity.org] is a California-based national non-profit organization devoted to growing all forms of EO. Co-founder Alison Lingane discusses how Project Equity works to with businesses and municipalities to maximize economic opportunities through employee ownership.
At the 12:41 mark, we mention Project Equity's infographic on the upcoming "silver tsunami" and its potential effects on small businesses and communities. Here's the link to that information: https://www.project-equity.org/communities/small-business-closure-crisis/
The full linked transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/112-project-equity-s-alison-lingane
Employee-owned companies are stepping up in many different ways. Recology (www.recology.com) is a 100-year old company and 100% ESOP since 1986. Project Equity's (www.project-equity.org) co-founder, Alison Lingane, shares how Recology is standing with its employee owners during the pandemic.
You can read the full transcript of today's podcast on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-82-eo-spotlight-on-recology
October is Employee Ownership Month (#EOMESOP) and it will be here before we know it. A great way to celebrate is by joining with other EO companies for educational or social programs. Vince Kruse of employee-owned USA Mortgage [www.usa-mortgage.com] joins Bret Keisling to describes a great ESOP Lunch and Learn series in St. Louis.
The full transcript of today's episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/111-networking-with-other-eo-companies
The Department of Labor and Wilmington Trust settled three lawsuits and 18 investigations. While not admitting any wrongdoing, Wilmington Trust agreed to pay $88 million in restitution and costs. Bret Keisling discusses the lessons to be learned and the perils of breaching the fiduciary duty to ESOP participants.
Recently Harpoon Brewery (www.harpoonbrewery.com) worked with other New England craft brewers and distillers to convert beer into hand sanitizer. Bret Keisling celebrates both Harpoon Brewery and its COVID-19 efforts. There's also an archive excerpt of Harpoon Brewery’s Aaron Moberger discussing the importance of employee ownership at Harpoon.
The transcript of this episode is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/110-beer-sanitizer-covid-19
Wawa and Sheetz are PA-based convenience store chains. Both have small ESOPs, and both are stepping up during the pandemic. Bret Keisling discusses Wawa's commitment to food pantries and Sheetz' pandemic pay raise for employees.
The transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-80-sheetz-wawa-step-up
President Trump honored America's truckers in a recent White House ceremony. Honorees included Stephen Richardson, an employee-owner at Big G Express (www.biggexpress.com). Bret Keisling shares clips from the ceremony and explains why Big G's website is ESOP gold.
The video referenced in this podcast was streamed live on April 16th, 2020 in the public domain on the White House's official YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ff6XHUk_Qno?t=3052
The transcript and links for this podcast episode can be found our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-79-big-g-goes-to-washington
As the global pandemic continues to play out, we revisit the differences and similarities between internal and external trustees, explain inherent conflicts of interests faced by internal trustees, and why companies hesitate to retain external trustees. This excerpt is from Episode 26, which originally aired on March 19, 2018.
The full transcript for today's podcast is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/109-internal-external-trustees-revisited
NewAge Industries [www.newageindustries.com] is a PA-based 100% ESOP that specializes in fluid transfer, i.e., tubing and couplings etc. It provides essential COVID-19 components necessary for test kits, vaccine and therapeutics development, medical equipment such as ventilators and hospital beds, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). CEO Ken Baker appeared on Episode 16 of The ESOP Podcast. We include an except describing New Age's path from a single shareholder distributor to an employee-owned manufacturer.
The article referenced in this podcast, "Sales are booming for Bucks manufacturer aiding coronavirus response," was written by John George and published in the Philadelphia Business Journal on April 10, 2020: https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2020/04/10/sales-are-booming-for-bucks-manufacturer-aiding.html
The full linked transcript of this episode can be found on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-78-newage-industries-an-essential-esop
Martin Staubus was our guest on Episode 19 of The ESOP Podcast. In this excerpt from January 2018, Martin joins host Bret Keisling and shares how The Beyster Institute (https://rady.ucsd.edu/centers/beyster/) came to exist, his own path to passionate advocacy for employee ownership, and how the team approach to employee ownership makes for better business and lives.
The full, linked transcript of today's episode is available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/108-martin-staubus-and-why-eo-matters
When an ESOP company files for bankruptcy, ESOP participants are at risk of losing everything because they are, at most, unsecured creditors. Bret Keisling explains why ESOP participants should be treated like secured creditors, not shareholders, and why the solution lies with Congress.
You can read the full transcript of today's episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-77-bankruptcy-esop-participants
Tom Roback, CEO of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates (www.blueridgeesop.com), joins host Bret Keisling for a look at Plan administration during the pandemic. Topics discussed include distributions and other plan changes under The CARES Act, distributions, repurchase obligations, interim valuations, partial plan termination, and Plan amendments.
Show notes are available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/107-tom-roback-plan-administration-covid-19
Blue Ridge ESOP Associates (www.blueridgeesop.com) is a premiere ESOP Plan and 401(k) administration firm.
CEO Tom Roback joins host Bret Keisling to share exciting news about changes to Blue Ridge which positions it to remain a strong and independent ESOP TPA moving forward.
Read the full linked transcript of this episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-76-esop-spotlight-blue-ridge-esop-associates
Mark Kossow, Esq. of Clark Hill [www.clarkhill.com] joins host Bret Keisling to discuss many ESOP legal issues including pausing ESOP transaction closings, layoffs and furloughs and the 409(p) test, and Plan changes to manage distributions.
Learn more on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/
Bret Keisling is joined by Mark Kossow, Esq., of Clark Hill [www.clarkhill.com], to discuss some of the reasons why ESOP transactions need to be paused during the Coronavirus emergency.
Hints: Uncertainty is bad, running afoul of the DoL is worse.
You can read the transcript of today's episode on our website, https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-75-pausing-esop-deals-why-it-s-necessary
Bret Keisling takes a look at Metro Diner (metrodiner.com), a national chain founded in 1992. It's Central PA location is doing a tremendous job weathering the COVID-19 National Emergency by treating their team members like family, and going above and beyond in looking after their needs during this difficult time. (And Metro's food is amazing, too!)
More information about Metro Diner's Mechaniscburg location here: https://metrodiner.com/locations/pennsylvania/mechanicsburg/
You can read the full linked transcript of today's podcast on our website, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-74-company-culture-in-a-national-emergency
The effect of the US national emergency and global crisis over the coronavirus pandemic will not be known for some time. Bret Keisling is joined by Rob Hilton, A.S.A. of South Park Advisors (https://southparkval.com/) for a broad discussion on how ESOP valuation advisors will navigate financial uncertainties in both transactions and annual updates over the next few months.
You can reach Rob Hilton at rhilton@southparkval.com.
As the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc both medically and economically, many ESOP companies and advisors are working on December 31, 2019 valuations. Bret Keisling discusses why the coronavirus should not be reflected in December 2019 valuations, and related challenges to avoid with forecasting and repurchase obligations.
The full linked transcript of today's episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-73-coronavirus-and-the-12-31-19-valuation
How to present the benefits of EO? The same way four passionate advocates for EO testified in February 2020, before a US House Small Business Committee hearing on the "Challenges and Benefits of Employee-owned Small Businesses."
Today we share some of the testimony from the advocates, including Daniel Goldstein, President and CEO of employee-owned Folience (www.folience.com); R. L. Condra, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Programs, National Cooperative Bank (www.ncb.coop); John Abrams, CEO and Co-owner of worker-owned cooperative South Mountain Company (www.southmountain.com); and Mark Gillming, Senior Vice President, Messer Construction Company (www.messer.com), an employee owned company headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, as well as comments from the committee chair and several members.
The audio clips in this episode were quoted from the US House Committee on Small Business hearing held at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building, and are used per 17 U.S.C. § 107: Fair Use. The full original of the source we quoted can be viewed on the House Small Business Committee channel in the public domain, link provided on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/104-benefits-of-eo-the-us-house-small-business-committee
We spend a lot of time focused on culture and community benefits of ESOPs. Fundamentally, ESOPs are a qualified retirement plan. We turn to our archives for a deep look at design and admin with Jon Williams of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates (www.blueridgeesop.com), Mary McCooe of Maselan & Jones (www.maselanjones.com) and Bret Keisling (www.keisop.com).
Democratic candidates for president held another debate this week, this time in advance of the South Carolina primary. Unlike a previous debate, employee ownership was not explicitly mentioned. Bret Keisling looks at how some of the candidates are discussing EO, even if they don’t use the words or realize they’re doing it.
You can read the full linked transcript of this episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-72-an-eo-look-at-another-debate
The audio clips from the February 25, 2020 Democratic Party Debate were quoted from the CBS News coverage of the public debate per 17 U.S.C. § 107: Fair Use. We provide the link to the full original source material on our website.
We reach deep into our archives back to Ep 2 and bring you our first podcast interview with Matt Hancock. Matt Hancock, MBA, is a Principal at Praxis Consulting Group [www.praxiscg.com], where he assists clients in developing and implementing high-engagement workforce strategies. Matt brings fifteen years of domestic and global experience in education, employee ownership and change management to the team. His key competencies include leadership development, building high performance ownership cultures, process improvement, vision, strategy and governance.
You can read the full, linked transcript of today's episode at our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/102-icymi-matt-hancock-of-praxis-cg
History was made earlier this week when employee ownership was discussed at the Democratic presidential debate on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. In today's episode, Bret Keisling discusses this important milestone and asks whether 19+ million television viewers saw employee ownership at its best.
Read the full transcript of today's episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-71-eo-and-the-democratic-debate
The audio clips from the February 19, 2020 Democratic Party Debate were quoted from the NBC/MSNBC Coverage of the public debate, per 17 U.S.C. § 107: Fair Use. We provide the link to the full original source material on our website.
Bob “Crocodile” Lile of The Lile Art Gallery [http://lilegallery.com/] on Route 66 in Amarillo, TX is an amazing artist and businessman dedicated to keeping the historic Route 66 spirit alive. Originally run in two parts, on Episodes 44 & 45 of The ESOP Mini-cast, today’s episode combines both into one enjoyable conversation, about business, history, and passion with an amazing guest.
Links and more information about this and other episodes are available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/101-bob-crocodile-lile-the-business-culture-of-route-66
Earlier this week, Daniel Goldstein, CEO of employee-owned Folience [www.folience.com], testified on Challenges and Benefits of Employee-Owned Small Businesses before the US House Small Business Committee. In today's episode, we pay our respect to the work Daniel does growing the EO sandbox. In addition to representing The ESOP Association at the hearing, Daniel was the Keynote Speaker at the NCEO National Conference in Sept. 2019 and serves on the boards of EOF and EOX, among others.
The link to the video of Daniel Goldstein's February 12th testimony before the US House Committee on Small Business, along with a full transcript of today's podcast, can be found on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-70-daniel-goldstein-grows-the-eo-sandbox
Bret Keisling takes a quick look at our road to our 100th Podcast. Podcast contributor Jennifer Krieger of Weaver CPAs [https://weaver.com/] returns to share her thoughts on a recent meeting of ESOP professionals and insights on her first year of ESOP practice development.
Learn more at www.theesoppodcast.com.
ESOP companies must provide participants (including current and former employees) certain information including an annual account statement and Summary Plan Description. We visit our archives for a brief discussion with Bret Keisling, Rich Heeter, and Brian Keisling about participant disclosures, including why participants don’t receive the full valuation report.
For the transcript, links, and other information from today's episode, please visit our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/69-esop-participants-and-plan-information
Recent episodes have contrasted EO and non-EO companies. Today we look at whether it's appropriate to make capital expenditures (CapEx) that result in a drop in share price, whether it's okay for an ESOP (the trust or the company) to own real estate, and what constitutes a prohibited transaction for ESOPs.
For the transcript, links, and other information from today's episode, please visit our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/99-capex-real-estate-and-esop-share-price
Why should EO professionals support State Centers?
More EO means more business for the professionals. Bret Keisling shares his experiences as a founding member of PaCEO (https://ownershippennsylvania.org/), and how it was important to his former firm’s growth, even if there were no “direct” referrals. Also: Congrats to Rich Heeter and Capital Trustees on its new offices.
The full, linked transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/68-eo-professionals-and-state-centers
Under Armour, Grubhub, and Casper Sleep face significant challenges, including valuation/forecasting concerns, and issues related to corporate culture, governance, and identity. Bret Keisling discusses how things might be different if they were employee-owned, and why it’s too late for them to be EO.
The full transcript of this episode, with links to references, can be found on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/98-eat-sleep-exercise-an-eo-look-at-non-eo-companies
We turn to our archives for some great ideas from former producer Brian Keisling including Idea Boards, sharing information, and ways to make sure employee owners are appreciated and motivated.
You can read the full transcript of the podcast, with links to our archives, on our website, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-67-engaging-empowering-employee-owners
After the sale of New Belgium Brewing was announced, Fifty By Fifty published "Last Call", a collection of views on the impact of New Belgium’s sale on EO. In today’s episode, Bret Keisling discusses posts included in Last Call by Corey Rosen and Michael Keeling, as well as an interview with Christopher Mackin and Richard May.
Links to all the articles mentioned in this podcast, along with a full transcript of this episode, are available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/97-last-call-continued-a-further-discussion-on-eo-after-new-belgium
Project Equity (www.project-equity.org) promotes all forms of employee ownership. Among other efforts, they work to leverage the public sector (beginning with cities), recognizing that EO is important to workers AND their communities.
The full transcript for this episode, with links to all the articles and resources mentioned, is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-66-project-equity-a-community-based-focus-on-eo
Pennsylvania is poised to become a leader in EO-friendly states. Kevin McPhillips and the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (ownershippennsylvania.org) have worked for five years towards this goal.
Today we turn to our archives for a great conversation with Kevin about the PaCEO from March of 2019.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Greg Rothman (www.reprothman.com) is emerging as a champion of employee ownership. If you could suggest legislation to support employee ownership, what would it be? In today’s episode, you’ll hear how you can help Rep. Rothman and PA lead the way in creating an EO-friendly environment.
Contact info for Rep. Rothman appears in the show notes on our website, along with a full transcript of the mini-cast: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-65-help-pa-state-rep-greg-rothman-help-eo
Greg Zimmerman, Vice President of the Premium Cigar Association (premiumcigars.org), President of the Pennsylvania Premium Cigar Retailers Association (PAPCRA) and co-owner of The Tobacco Company cigar stores (www.tobaccocompany.com) in Central Pennsylvania, discusses the regulatory, legislative, and judicial challenges to the premium cigar industry, and how EO faces the same challenges.
The full, linked transcript of this episode is available on our website, here: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/95-greg-zimmerman-eo-premium-cigars-and-advocacy
This week, FiftybyFifty.org published “Last Call: A Forum on the End of Employee Ownership at New Belgium,” featuring 14 perspectives from across EO. As ESOP repurchase obligations figure prominently in the forum, we turn to our archives for an explanation of repurchase obligations from Joe Marx, Vice President, Consulting at the Principal Financial Group (www.principal.com).
You can read all the perspectives in the Fifty by Fifty forum here: https://www.fiftybyfifty.org/2019/12/last-call-a-forum-on-the-end-of-employee-ownership-at-new-belgium/
Links to past episodes with Joe Marx and a fully-linked transcript of today's episode are available on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-64-repurchase-obligations-a-quick-look-with-joe-marx-of-principal-financial
With the pending sale of New Belgium Brewery, we turn to our archives to highlight another great employee-owned company, Mass Bay Brewing Company, known for Harpoon Brewery [www.harpoonbrewery.com] , UFO Beer, and Clown Shoes Beer. Aaron Moberger, an amazing employee-owner and dedicated EO advocate is our guest.
You can hear the original October 30th, 2018 release of this episode in "Episode 49" of our archives. You can find the full linked transcript of today's episode on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/94-craft-beer-employee-ownership-with-aaron-moberger-of-harpoon-brewery
Vince Kruse, an employee owner at 100% ESOP USA Mortgage [https://www.usa-mortgage.com/], discusses the importance and benefits of interacting with other local employee-owned companies, including co-sponsored ESOP "Lunch and Learns".
The full transcript of this podcast is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-63-usa-mortgage-working-with-local-esops
BerryDunn’s Seth Webber discusses how and when to start the process of selling a business, the importance of seller due diligence, and how BerryDunn’s Value Acceleration program helps address these questions.
Read more about BerryDunn's Value Acceleration Program here: https://www.berrydunn.com/blog/value-accelerationthe-gas-pedal-for-the-value-of-your-business
You can read the full transcript of this podcast, plus see the photo of the coveted 5-timer jacket, on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/93-seth-webber-and-the-process-of-selling-your-business
With climate change and environmental issues making headlines this week, we look back to Episode 67 of the ESOP Podcast for a brief discussion about the effects of environmental issues on ESOP valuations and transactions.
You can view the full linked transcript of this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-62-environmental-issues-esop-valuations-and-transactions
We start by going to the archives for an excerpt of our conversation with Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks, Membership Director of the National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org).
We then shine our #EOSpotlight on Will Rodriguez of Vision Point Capital (www.visionpointcapital.com), who describes his efforts to raise ESOP awareness by educating CPAs, lawyers, and bankers about EO.
A full transcript of this episode, with links to references, is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/92-eo-spotlights-will-rodriguez-at-vision-point-capital-ramona-rodriguez-brooks-at-nceo
New Belgium Brewing made headlines when it announced its sale and ESOP termination. Regular contributor Jennifer Krieger of Weaver CPAs [weaver.com] joins Bret Keisling to discuss ESOP terminations, how and why they happen, and how employee owners are protected.
Articles referenced in this podcast:
Jennifer Briggs: "When An ESOP is Sold" www.alifeinmosaic.com/when-an-esop-is-sold/
The Good Beer Hunting podcast and website: "Examining the Pros and Cons of Employee Ownership Beyond the Headlines" https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/sightlines/2018/10/25/the-dl-on-esop-pt-2-examining-the-pros-and-cons-of-employee-ownership-beyond-the-headlines
Further links, and the full transcript for this podcast, can be found on our website at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-61-is-it-ok-to-celebrate-esop-terminations-explained
Steve Storkan, executive director of the Employee Ownership Expansion Network, EOX (www.eoxnetwork.org), describes a state by state approach to growing EO. With PaCEO (www.ownershippennsylvania.org) as one of its models. EOX has opened State Centers in North Carolina (www.nceoc.org) and Georgia.
You can read the full transcript of this podcast on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/91-steve-storkan-and-the-eox-the-states-of-eo
Vince Kruse, a great employee owner at USA Mortgage [www.usa-mortgage.com], joins us to share his thoughts about attending conferences, and #ESOP2019 and the inspiration of Sekou Andrews [sekouandrews.com].
You can read the full transcript for this episode and see the photo of Flat Dougie, the traveling USA Mortgage Mascot, at our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-60-an-esop-week-in-las-vegas
Bret Keisling and employee owner Amy Huot discuss why it’s important for EO companies and organizations to promote programs that will allow more people to thrive in the workplace. Huot, who speaks only for herself in this episode, is a fully-vested employee owner at Proponent [www.proponent.com] and is president of the New England Chapter of The ESOP Association [www.esopassociation.org/chapters/new-england].
Read the full transcript, which includes links to the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, at our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-59-amy-huot-and-the-importance-of-inclusion
In today’s episode, we visit the Capital Trustees archives with this conversation with Seth Webber of BerryDunn (www.berrydunn.com).
Inaccurate or non-existent forecasts continue to dominate DoL and civil ESOP cases. Webber explains not just how to forecast, but why managers should embrace it as an important tool.
The full transcript of this episode, along with a visual example of "accuracy versus precision", is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/90-seth-webber-robust-forecasting
[The original version of this podcast was released on January 12, 2019 as Ep. 58.]
We continue our discussion about what it means to act like an owner — with a twist.
Kevin Sensenig, PhD, President and Senior Coach at Interaction Dynamics Group (www.interactiondynamicsgroup.com) returns to address the question: If an employee owner is happy, satisfied, and good at their job, do they need to become managers to have a fulfilling career?
We give a shoutout and congratulations to ESOP Partners (www.esoppartners.com) on their recent conversion to an employee owned company.
Plus... we want to meet with you. Are you going to be in Las Vegas in November, 2019 for a national ESOP conference? The KEISOP Group would like to meet you in Las Vegas!
-- We want to listen and learn: The KEISOP Group invites a dozen rank-and-file employee owners to join us for dinner and discussion on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00 PM. RSVP online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keisop-dinner-for-employee-owners-tickets-79606460065 --- We want to grow the sandbox: There will be an open lunch for a dozen emerging advisers on Friday, November 15th at 12:30 PM. We’ll discuss how to grow your ESOP practice, including how The KEISOP Group can help. RSVP online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-esop-professional-advisors-gaining-traction-w-bret-keisling-tickets-79612409861
For all the links in this weeks episodes, and for the full transcript, head to this episode our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-58-do-great-employee-owners-have-to-be-managers
We turn our EO Spotlight to ESOP professional and podcast contributor Jennifer Krieger of Weaver CPA (www.weaver.com); Rob Snowden of South Park Advisors (www.southparkval.com) shares how appearing on our podcast led to a client engagement; and we invite advisors and employee owners to meet us in Las Vegas (RSVP Bret@KEISOP.com).
The full transcript of this podcast, with links and references, is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/89-esop-professionals-spotlight-growing-your-practice
Are you going to be in Las Vegas in November, 2019 for a national ESOP conference? The KEISOP Group [www.keisop.com] would like to meet you in Las Vegas!
- We want to listen and learn: The KEISOP Group invites a dozen rank-and-file employee owners to join us for dinner and open discussion on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00 PM. RSVP Bret@KEISOP.com.
- We want to grow the sandbox: There will be an open lunch for a dozen emerging advisers on Friday, November 15th at 12:30 PM. We’ll discuss how to grow your ESOP practice, including how The KEISOP Group can help. Again, RSVP Bret@KEISOP.com.
- We want to amplify: From November 11th – 16th, 2019 we’ll have a suite at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas where we’ll be recording episodes of the podcast and the Professional Spotlight series. Reach out via email or social to reserve a time slot.
Shoutouts, thanks, and congratulations to: - HDR [www.hdrinc.com] on their compelling #EOMESOP video featuring a day in the life of employee owner Neil Richards. And thank you to Leo Sammallahti of the Coop Exchange [www.coop.exchange] for amplifying it with us! - Todd & Deanne at the DVL Group's [www.dvlnet.com] Harrisburg offices for spending time with chatting with us over the always-growing EO pie! - The Aspen Institute [www.aspeninstitute.org] and their "Opportunity in America: What Does It Mean?" event in Washington DC on October 25, 2019. We'll have more on what it means to #TalkOpportunity on a future podcast.
On today's EO Professional Spotlight series: Kevin Sensenig, PhD, President and Senior Coach at Interaction Dynamics Group (www.interactiondynamicsgroup.com).
The full transcript of this podcast, with links and references, is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-57-let-s-meet-in-vegas-literally
We continue with Part 2 of our interview with Pennsylvania State Representative Greg Rothman (www.reprothman.com). In this episode, Rep. Rothman (R) shares why employee ownership is important to him, and how he plans to work across the aisle to make Pennsylvania a beacon for employee ownership.
(You can listen to Part 1 of our interview with Rep. Rothman in Mini-cast 56, and you can more the details of the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations “Building the Assets of Low and Moderate Income Workers and their Families: The Role of Employee Ownership” report, which we reference in the introduction to this podcast, in Mini-cast 48.)
We encourage you to write your representative and express your support for employee ownership and CC: PA State Rep. Greg Rothman (R, 87th District)and PA State Rep. Sara Innamorato (D, 21st District). Contact links are included in the show notes for Episode 88 on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/88-across-the-aisle-a-bipartisan-approach-to-employee-ownership)
Shoutout, thanks, and congratulations to Mike Shuey on joining ESOP Avail Technologies (www.availtec.com).
Rep. Greg Rothman (www.reprothman.com, R-PA) joins us to give a shoutout to a great Pennsylvania company, and he discusses why EO is bipartisan and what he’s planning to do to support it. Plus, Jennifer Krieger discusses EO in Texas.
Shoutouts, thanks, and congratulations to the following employee owners and employee owned companies: • Devin Gallagher of Fred C. Church Insurance Company (www.fredcchurch.com/profiles/devin-gallagher/); • Meier Supply Company, Inc. (www.meiersupply.com); and • D&H Distributing (www.dandh.com).
You can read the full, linked transcript for this episode on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-56-growing-eo-in-pennsylvania-and-texas
We look at eight amazing employee-owned companies who came together in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with an innovative approach to promote employee ownership in their community.
Shoutouts, thanks, and congratulations to these Iowan employee-owners featured in The Gazette (www.thegazette.com), which is itself an employee-owned publication:
• Rayser Holdings (www.rayserholdings.com), which includes CarePro and Keltek Inc.; • ESCO Group (www.escogroup.org); • Folience (www.folience.com) which includes Cimarron Trailers, Life Line Emergency Vehicles, The Gazette, CWP Color Web Printers, Fusionfarm, hoopla, CorridorCareers.com, Iowa Ideas, The Fairfield Ledger, The Washington Evening Journal, Mt. Pleasant News, and The Southeast Iowa Union ; • Nelson Electric Co. (www.nelsonelectric.com); • Palmer Group (thepalmergroup.com); • Rinderknecht Associates (www.rinderknecht.com); • Timberline Manufacturing (www.timberlinemfg.com); and • Van Meter ( www.vanmeterinc.com).
And a final shoutout to Daniel Goldstein, CEO of Folience, who would be happy to chat with other employee owners who would like to grow their community in this way. You can reach him at Daniel@Folience.com.
The full transcript of this episode, with links, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/87-cedar-rapids-iowa-and-the-eo-eight
We sit down with Matt McKenney, Workforce Development Leader at Hypertherm (www.hypertherm.com), to talk about the "Early Learnings from the 'Recovery Friendly Workplace' Initiative" presentation he and Cameron Ford of Headrest (www.headrest.org), and Shannon Bresaw of Granite United Way (www.graniteuw.org) and the Recovery Friendly Workforce Initiative (www.recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com) shared on October 11, 2019 at The ESOP Association New England Chapter Fall Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative gives business owners the resources and support they need to foster a supportive environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery. We talk about the early learnings from the program, and why sessions like this should be held at every ESOP/EO conference.
You can download the slides for the presentation and read the full transcript of this episode on our website, https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-55-eo-and-the-recovery-friendly-workplace-initiative
Bret Keisling looks at how WeWork’s IPO got cancelled, why its founder and CEO resigned, and how EO might have made the company completely different.
Shoutouts, thanks, and congratulations to: - Fifty by Fifty, an initiative of The Democracy Collaborative (www.fiftybyfifty.org); - Matt Cropp at the Vermont Employee Ownership Center, VEOC (veoc.org); - Dr. Nathan Schneider, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at U.C. Boulder and author of “Everything for Everyone” (www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everything-for-everyone-nathan-schneider/1128061642?ean=9781568589596); and - Jennifer Briggs, corporate (re)constructionist, inclusive capitalist, culture chemist, and HR/OD architect (www.alifeinmosaic.com).
The full transcript of Ep. 86, with references and links, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/86-if-wework-was-weowork-how-eo-changes-business
We celebrate Employee Ownership Month and four great ESOP companies; we explain how a trustee ensures a company pays fair rent; and we continue our look at what it means to #ActLikeAnOwner.
Shoutouts and congratulations to the following employee owned companies: - Cemen Tech, Inc. (www.cementech.com) with a hat tip to Joe DeJong of Bankers Trust (www.bankerstrust.com), - The Davey Tree Expert Company (www.davey.com), - Bollman Hat Company (www.bollmanhats.com), and - Scott Insurance (www.scottins.com)!
Bonus thanks to ButcherJoseph & Co. for "13 Resources for Employee Ownership Month": https://www.butcherjoseph.com/blog/esop/10-resources-for-employee-ownership-month/5190
The full transcript of this podcast, with links and images, is available at: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-54-examining-leases-and-esop-valuations-and-what-does-it-mean-to-act-like-an-owner
In this episode, we celebrate Employee Ownership Month, offer practice development tips to emerging professionals, and look at what we mean by “act like an owner.” Then, we continue from EO Podcast Episode 84 with part two of our two-part interview with Jim Bonham, President and CEO of The ESOP Association, with a focus on the 29th Annual Las Vegas Conference & Tradeshow, #EO2019, which will be held at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas November 13-15th, 2019 (https://www.esopassociation.org/meetings/employee-owned).
Shoutouts to: - #EOMESOP at Sebago Technics (https://www.sebagotechnics.com/), - Beth Dumas at Gardener’s Supply Company (https://www.gardeners.com/) - Kat Mayerovitch at King Arthur Flour (https://www.kingarthurflour.com/about/mission-impact) - Mike Shuey at Restek (https://www.restek.com/), - Aaron Moberger at Harpoon Brewery (https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/), - Amy Huot at Proponent (https://www.proponent.com/) - ButcherJoseph & Company (https://www.butcherjoseph.com/) - Caity Armstrong at Office Evolution Greenwood Village (https://www.officeevolution.com/locations/greenwood-village).
All links and images reference in the podcast will be available on the show notes for this episode at www.theesoppodcast.com.
In today’s episode, Bret Keisling shares ideas for celebrating your employee owners and their accomplishments during Employee Ownership Month. He discusses David Fitz-Gerald’s “Wanders Far - An Unlikely Hero's Journey” (https://www.amazon.com/Wanders-Far-Unlikely-Heros-Journey/dp/1977211372), and growing the #EO sandbox in Texas.
Also, Jennifer Krieger of Weaver (www.weaver.com) reports from NCEO’s Fall Forum 2019 in Salt Lake City.
The full transcript of this podcast, with links and images, is available at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-53-celebrate-your-employee-owners-accomplishments-for-eom.
In this episode, we share part one of a two-part conversation with Jim Bonham, President and CEO of The ESOP Association, with a focus on their 29th Annual Las Vegas Conference & Tradeshow, #EO2019, which will be held at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas November 13-15th, 2019. Jim Bonham highlights the new line-up of featured keynote speakers we are looking forward to this year: Poet Sekou Andrews, Connectional Intelligence Expert Erica Dhawan, and Expert on Personal and Institutional Transformation Seth Mattison.
Also, Bret Keisling shares his view on why conference attendance is critical for emerging ESOP professionals, and how they can gain traction in their practice development.
We give shoutouts to Karen Kahn (Twitter @KarenaKahn) and Melanie Metulonis (Twitter @OldfashionedMel, www.esoppartners.com), and we tag back Airplus of California (Twitter @AirplusESOP, www.callairplus.com)
Finally, check out The KEISOP Group's new website at www.keisop.com released today.
Bret Keisling discusses Employee Ownership Month including ideas to celebrate, advocate, and serve the community, and why it's so important to share your EOM activities with the world.
We give shoutouts, congrats, and thanks to: - 100% ESOP Scot Forge (www.scotforge.com), - International EO Advocate Antony McMullen ("That's Cooperation" https://paper.li/antonymcmullen/1340797081#/), - The Employee Ownership Podcast of Scotland (http://cdsblog.co.uk/employee-ownership-podcasts), and - Exit Coach Radio (www.exitcoachradio.com).
A full transcript with links to all the organizations mentioned is available on our website, www.theesoppodcast.com.
Bret Keisling touches upon The ESOP Association’s Multi-State Conference for the Pennsylvania and Delaware and the New York and New Jersey Chapters held this week, and he discusses the NCEO national Fall ESOP Forum conference that also took place this week.
Shoutouts to: - Dan Marcue of The ESOP Association (Twitter: @Dan_ESOP); - Gary Dennis, Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter Administrator for The ESOP Association (https://www.esopassociation.org/chapters/pa-de/officers); - Shelly Dennis, New York/New Jersey Chapter Administrator, Mid-Atlantic Chapter Administrator, the New South Chapter Executive, and New England Chapter Administrator for The ESOP Association(https://www.esopassociation.org/chapters/NYNJ/officers); -Mark Kossow, Esq. of Clark Hill (https://www.clarkhill.com/people/mark-r-kossow); - and Jennifer Krieger of Weaver (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermcnicoll).
The full transcript of this podcast, with additional links, photos, and show notes, is available at www.TheESOPPodcast.com.
Bret Keisling discusses why an EO company’s shareholder value should mean more than just account balance. The employees’ health, wellness, and happiness are additional measures of value and EO conferences can help increase that value.
Also: Rob Zicaro's Podcast Food for Thought and we say hello to some new EO friends: New Age Industries [www.newageindustries.com], NCEOC [www.nceoc.org], EOX [eoxnetwork.org], and Eagle Manufacturing Group [eaglegroupmanufacturers.com].
A full transcript of Mini-cast 51, including links to all the items mentioned, is available at www.theesoppodcast.com.
In this first episode of Season 3 of The EO Podcast, Bret Keisling presents a simple — but not easy — proposal to grow the employee ownership sandbox: create an ESOP professionals mentor program.
You'll also hear a highlight of Rob Zicaro's Podcast Food for Thought from the ESOP Mini-cast Episode 50.
In Episode 50 of The ESOP Mini-cast we introduce Rob Zicaro's ESOP Mini-cast Food for Thought. Bret Keisling highlights an online resource for EO news [employeeownedamerica.com] and discusses state centers for employee ownership including the PaCEO [ownershippennsylvania.org], InCEO [inceo.org], and RMEOC [www.rmeoc.org].
Plus, we’re looking for podcast correspondents. Email Bret@KEISOP.com.
In this episode, Bret Keisling discusses control of an ESOP company from the perspective of the employee owner, with simple practical examples. We explain why every court decision and settlement agreement is important to employee owners, and the difference between “controlling” a board of directors, and having its support.
As we prepare for next week’s launch of The EO Podcast, Bret Keisling looks back at the most listened to episodes, shares some statistics from our first two seasons, and mentions just a few of the people who’ve helped make The ESOP Podcast a success.
Next week when we return, our name will be The EO Podcast. This reflects our focus on the broader employee ownership community. For those of you who subscribed to the podcast, you won't have to do a thing, it'll automatically download. For those of you who searched for "The ESOP Podcast," remember to look for "The EO Podcast" or go ahead and SUBSCRIBE right now.
In this episode, Bret Keisling discusses challenges to growing the EO sandbox, including identifying how vast employee ownership is currently, how “we” can work, and shares some ideas for bringing employee ownership to the forefront of national dialogue.
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series is wrapping up this week. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners, and we’ve been re-releasing them all summer long, so if you like this episode be sure to also check out the rest in the series. (Note that these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes at www.KEISOP.com to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Robert "Bob" Whalen, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HB Global, LLC [hb-global.com]. HB Global is the employee-owned holding (parent) company that provides support to four operating divisions located along the East Coast, two in Pennsylvania, one in Florida, and one in Massachusetts.
Bob Whalen describes how their ESOP creates both a positive current working environment today and a retirement vehicle for the future. An ESOP won't turn a bad company into a good company -- but an ESOP can make a good company into a great company. Focusing on employees first helps HB Global outperform the marketplace.
You can hear the original May 22, 2018 release of this episode in full in "Episode 34" of The ESOP Podcast.
In this episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, Bret Keisling discusses his support for all forms of employee ownership, his belief that EO can and will address societal issues such as gender, race, and pay/income discrepancies, and why he’ll work with everyone including socialists, Marxists, and capitalists to support ESOPs, CoOps, collectives and more.
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series continues. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes at www.KEISOP.com to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Rob Zicaro, an ESOP advocate, speaker, and consultant, and a singer-songwriter. He spent 26 years as an employee-owner at Web Industries, and he shares his insider's perspective from his years as an active employee-owner, as well as his current experience enjoying this unique benefit and continuing his career in music (at RobZMusic.com).
Rob offers a lot of food for thought for both current and prospective employee owners, with an emphasis on the importance of developing a culture of communication and mutual respect.
You can hear the original February 20th, 2018 release of this episode in "Episode 22" of The ESOP Podcast.
On this special episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, Bret Keisling discusses the key elements in making a podcast; explains how and why the ESOP podcast is going from one title to five or six by year-end; and why we'll support and encourage anyone who wants to do an EO podcast (hint: we all need to build the sandbox.)
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series continues. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes at www.KEISOP.com to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Ken Baker, CEO of NewAge Industries [www.newageindustries.com] in Southampton, PA, and co-founder with Dan Adley of the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO). In this informative interview, we learn how NewAge Industries grew from the dream of founder Raymond Baker into a 45 million dollar operation and a 49% employee-owned company. He then describes why his succession plan is for the employees to ultimately assume 100% ownership to continue the firm's success and Raymond Baker's legacy.
Ken Baker educates others about ESOPs, through the training he conducts in his own company, and by sharing best practices with other companies in the state of Pennsylvania via the PaCEO [www.ownershippennsylvania.org]. He feels that ESOPs address a range of issues – the wealth gap, retirement savings, retention, and employee engagement. ESOPs also raise the wealth of the American worker. When employees have financial stability, they perform better in the workplace. A strong ESOP community benefits all ESOP companies, not just one, as well as society as a whole.
You can hear the original January 9th, 2018 release of this episode in full in "Episode 16" of The ESOP Podcast.
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series continues. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Mike Shuey of Restek Corporation [https://www.restek.com/], who is an officer with the ESOP Association's PA/DE Chapter. Mike talks with Bret about advocating for ESOPs at the state and federal level.
Restek Pure Chromatography is based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and is proud to be a company of owners. Mike Shuey is Restek’s International Customer Service Supervisor. He received the 2016 ESOP Outstanding Chapter Officer Award.
[You can hear the original September 29th, 2017 release of this episode in full in "Episode 3" of The ESOP Podcast.]
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series continues. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Aaron Moberger of employee-owned Mass. Bay Brewing Company, known for Harpoon Brewery [https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/who-we-are/employee-ownership/], UFO Beer, and Clown Shoes Beer, and discuss why he volunteers to be a New England Chapter officer at The ESOP Association, and what employee ownership means for an Independent Craft Brewer like Harpoon Brewery.
[You can hear the original October 30th, 2018 release of this episode in full in "Episode 49" of The ESOP Podcast.]
In this not-so-mini episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, Bret Keisling continues his conversation with business owner Bob "Crocodile" Lile at the Lile Art Gallery on Historic Route 66 in Amarillo TX.
You'll want listen to Part 1 of this converstion in Mni-cast Episode 44, if you haven't already, to be introduced to Bob Lile and his fellow Route 66 businesses and to get some great Route 66 tour tips.
In this episode, we continue the conversation and take a deeper dive into the business focus and passion behind Bob's drive to keep this slice of Route 66 Americana alive.
You can follow Lile Art Gallery on Facebook at /www.facebook.com/Cadilite/, or join Gilligans Route 66 Tour at www.gilligansroute66.com to personally experience the tapestry of heartland USA for yourself!
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series continues. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Cindy Turcot, Chief Operating Officer of Gardener’s Supply Company [https://www.gardeners.com/] located in Burlington, Vermont, and former Chair of The ESOP Association [https://www.esopassociation.org/].
Cindy Turcot sat down with Bret Keisling at The ESOP Association's record-setting November 2017 Las Vegas ESOP Conference and Trade Show held at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their discussion covers shared capitalism, employee ownership and company culture, employee ownership month, the ESOP movement... and loving your ESOP so much that you get #iLoveMyESOP <3 suits!
[You can hear the original November 10th, 2017 release of this episode in full in "Episode 10" of The ESOP Podcast.]
In this not-so-mini episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, Bret Keisling speaks with business owner Bob "Crocodile" Lile at the Lile Art Gallery (http://lilegallery.com/) on Historic Route 66 in Amarillo TX.
We learn about the family of "Mom and Pop" small businesses that work together to preserve Route 66, and along the way we get some great Route 66 history and tour tips!
Our “ESOP Podcast Summer School” series continues. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Nickolas N. Sypniewski, ASA, of Comstock Advisors (www.comstockadvisors.com), we sat down with Nick at #NCEO19 for a deep dive on ESOP valuation.
Nick Sypniewski is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers and is Managing Director in ComStock Advisors’ Cincinnati office. He has 25 years of experience in valuation, finance, and banking. has completed valuations for ESOPs, estate taxes, estate planning, gifting, mergers, acquisitions, sales, lending, litigation support, and marital dissolution. In addition to appraising businesses, he has appraised intellectual property including patents and trademarks. His consulting experience on behalf of ESOPs includes feasibility studies, implementation of ESOPs, purchases of large blocks of stock, annual updates, sales of ESOP companies, and acquisitions of companies by ESOP companies.
[You can hear the original release of this episode in full in "Episode 73" of The ESOP Podcast.]
Welcome to “The ESOP Podcast Summer School” series. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
Our featured guest is Jeff Gelburd, Vice President, ESOP Program Manager at Murray Securus and then-President of the Pennsylvania Delaware Chapter of the ESOP Association. Jeff sat down with Bret Keisling during the September 2017 ESOP Association Multi-State Conference – PA/DE and NY/NJ Chapter Meeting in Scranton, PA for a discussion of ESOPs, fiduciary insurance, and cyber insurance.
Murray Securus [www.murrayins.com] is a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, insurance broker serving the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern States Regions of the U.S. They have partnered with The ESOP Association to provide a special insurance program specifically for employee-owned companies. This program offers effective protection for the ERISA liability exposures ESOP companies and their executives face, as well as the other exposures in their capacity as directors and/or officers.
[You can hear the original release of this episode in full in "Episode 5" of The ESOP Podcast.]
On this week’s ESOP Mini-cast, Bret Keisling calls in from the road to highlight the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations report “Building the Assets of Low and Moderate Income Workers and their Families: The Role of Employee Ownership,” and how it inspires the “why” behind expanding our work.
We also continue our regular Employee Ownership Calendar feature, with updates from The ESOP Association and NCEO on events that are taking place around the country in the coming months.
The full transcript with links to the report and sites mentioned in this podcast is available under Mini-cast Episode 43 on www.theesoppodcast.com.
Welcome to “The ESOP Podcast Summer School” series. We’ve selected highlights from our archives featuring employee-owners that we’ll re-release all summer. (Because these episodes are from the archives, please remember that the links and email addresses mentioned in the podcast may no longer be valid.) As you enjoy summer school, we are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring you new content and services that are better than ever, starting in the fall of ‘19!
We kick off summer with our talk with Larry Filipski, CFO of the 100% ESOP Once Again Nut Butter (onceagainnutbutter.com) and then-president of The ESOP Association's NY/NJ State Chapter. (Steve Blowers, Plant Manager of the Once Again Nut Butter Collective, is 2019 NY/NJ Chapter President.)
We spoke with Larry directly from the conference floor at The ESOP Association's 2018 PA/DE & NY/NJ Chapters Multi-State Conference, in Hershey, PA. As you'll hear, the employee-owners of OANB are committed to producing superior products for their customers. They spread more than nut butters... they "spread integrity!"
[You can hear the original release of this episode in full in "Episode 43" of The ESOP Podcast.]
On this week’s ESOP Mini-cast, Bret Keisling calls in from the road to update us on his plans for the summer. We have a lot of exciting things in the works that we are looking forward to sharing with our listeners in the upcoming weeks!
Brian also provides updates on The ESOP Association calendar for events that are taking place around the country this summer.
The full transcript with links to the sites mentioned in this podcast is available under Mini-cast Episode 42 on www.theesoppodcast.com.
Season 2 of The ESOP Podcast concludes with a special episode. Capital Trustees (www.captrustees.com) has announced that Rich Heeter will acquire Bret Keisling's interest in the firm.
Listen as Bret and Rich look back at their time as partners, and Bret looks to his new venture in employee ownership including continuing to host and expand The ESOP Podcast.
We'll be kicking off Season 3 on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019. Until then, be sure to stay tuned right here or on www.theesoppodcast.com for our summer series highlighting past episodes.
The ESOP Mini-cast welcomes back Matt Cropp, Co-Executive Director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center [www.veoc.org]. We sat down with him at the end of a very successful #VEOC19 -- the 17th Annual Vermont Employee Ownership Conference in Burlington, Vermont. We share some conference highlights and discuss the year-round work at the VEOC.
If you'd like to hear more, check out The ESOP Podcast Episode 37 - "ESOPs, Co-ops, and Bernie Sanders at the Vermont Employee Ownership Conference."
After our introduction to Joe Marx at the Principal Financial Group (www.principal.com) in our last mini-cast (Mini-cast 40), Bret Keisling continues the conversation with Joe at #ESOPDC. We discuss Principal's "soup to nuts" ESOP TPA practice: ESOP feasibility and design, implementation, repurchase liability planning, administration and recordkeeping and ongoing consulting for ESOP companies
In this Mini-cast, we talk with Joe Marx, Vice President, Consulting at the Principal Financial Group (www.principal.com) in the Buffalo/Niagara, New York area. In this introduction, we learn about his background and how he entered the world of employee ownership.
In our next full episode of the podcast, we'll be back with Joe Marx to discuss his work on ESOP feasibility and design, implementation, repurchase liability planning, administration and recordkeeping and ongoing consulting for ESOP companies
We have a special double-header episode for you!
First, nationally recognized ESOP leader Tom Roback, CEP, QKA, of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates (www.blueridgeesop.com) rejoins us for his second time on the podcast. We met at The ESOP Association’s National Conference in DC and discuss ESOP Third Party Administration and Recordkeeping.
Then, we have an interview with David Fitzgerald about his second book, “Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey.” You’ll recognize this author’s name from ESOP world; David Fitzgerald is CFO of employee-owned Carris Reels (www. carris.com) and in his volunteer role just completed two years as chair of The ESOP Association.
More about today’s topics:
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Blue Ridge ESOP Associates is the largest independent ESOP and 401(k) Third Party Administration and Recordkeeping firm, with over 30 years of experience providing quality third party administration services. Tom Roback has worked in the accounting, investment and ESOP industry for over 26 years. He is an expert in ESOP, 401(k) and equity compensation administration. He is a Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA), Certified Equity Professional (CEP) and was the Chair on the Board of Directors for the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO). You can hear more on this topic on The ESOP Podcast Episode 6, “Tom Roback on ESOP Plan Administration and ESOP Recordkeeping Services”
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“Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey” is available as an ebook and paperback on Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wanders-far…2940161239469), Amazon, and Kobo. This book is the first installment in the Adirondack Spirit Series. If you like historical novels, westerns, supernatural thrillers, or books featuring distance hikers you might like this book. If you like all of those, hopefully this book will be one of your favorites.
In this Mini-cast, we come back from The ESOP Association’s 42nd National Conference in Washington, DC filled with ideas and energy from the presenters and our fellow participants.
Capital Trustee’s Client Engagement Officer Brian Keisling shares his impression of ESOPDC, and then updates listeners on some new items they can expect coming up on the podcast and mini-cast, which will include more expert content from The ESOP Association.
In “ESOP 101” Robert C. Hilton Jr., ASA, at South Park Advisors [southparkval.com], Tabitha Croscut at Devine Millimet and Branch, Attorneys at Law [devinemillimet.com], and Richard A. Heeter at Captial Trustees [captrustees.com] present you with a 360-degree view of the what, why, and how of ESOPs.
You will learn about what an ESOP is and why an employee stock ownership plan may be the right succession planning option for your business, the tax advantages of selling a company to an ESOP for both the buyers and the sellers, and how these transactions are valued and financed. Along the way we bust some common ESOP myths, and we cap off our conversation with an up-to-date look at the ESOP marketplace today.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this presentation and the presentation materials are not intended to be used as legal or valuation advice. Please consult with counsel as necessary.
On this special episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, we interview Jim Bonham, President and CEO of The ESOP Association and President of the Employee Ownership Foundation, earlier today (Friday, May 24th, 2019) at #ESOPDC - The 42nd National Conference of the ESOP Association in Washington, DC. Listen and you'll understand why, when we all work together, #ESOPsRock!
Jim Bonham offers a great perspective on both the conference and the state of the ESOP movement. We look forward to having him back for a deeper dive on a full ESOP Podcast episode in the future.
In today’s episode, we share a recording of Rich Heeter of Capital Trustees, Robert Hilton of South Park Advisors, and Kathleen Weber of ESOP Plus presenting “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Warrants” on April 10th, 2019 at the sold-out National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) conference in Pittsburgh, PA.
The presentation gives an overview of non-qualified deferred compensation, including warrants, SARS, and phantom stock followed by real world examples with discussion from the perspective of trustee, attorney, and valuation advisor.
In this Mini-cast, we look forward to attending The ESOP Association’s 42nd Annual National Conference & 28th Annual Awards Ceremony to be held May 22 - 24, 2019 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. Brian Keisling shares several of the highlights on the conference schedule. We’ll be welcoming incoming Board Chair Gary Shorman and new ESOP Association President and CEO Jim Bonham, and paying tribute to outgoing ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling. You can read more at: https://www.esopassociation.org/meetings/national-conference
The ESOP Podcast will be recording new episodes of the podcast from DC. If you are a listener, be sure to introduce yourself and let us know your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you there!
In this episode we talk with Rob Snowden, ASA, ABV, of South Park Advisors [southparkval.com]. We sat down with Rob in April at the National Center for Employee Ownership conference (#NCEO19) to learn about South Park Advisors, and about his passion for working with business owners on situational problem-solving, succession planning, and business valuation.
Robert Snowden is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers. He also holds the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants(AICPA) as a non-CPA finance professional. Robert has more than 20 years of experience providing valuation services in connection with estate & gift tax reporting, business succession planning, mediation, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), equity sales, buy/sell agreements, recapitalizations, stock option plans, charitable foundation reporting and lending purposes.
You can hear more about South Park Advisors and ESOP Business Valuation in our interview with Rob Hilton in Mini-cast Episode 6.
In this #FiduciaryFlashback Mini-cast, we take a quick dip into The ESOP Podcast Episode 43 with Larry Filipski, CFO of the 100% ESOP Once Again Nut Butter (onceagainnutbutter.com) and President of The ESOP Association's NY/NJ State Chapter. We spoke with him directly from the conference floor in Hershey, PA at The ESOP Association's PA/DE & NY/NJ Chapters Multi-State Conference in September 2018.
In this clip, Larry Filipski highlights how employee ownership has helped Once Again Nut Butter maintain its values, independence, and vision in a time of tightening margins and industry consolidation. He credits this commitment as being the reason why when the SPINS agency ranked the top-ten nut butters in the country, five of those top ten were from Once Again!
In this episode, we talk with Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks and Tim Garbinksy about the National Center for Employee Ownership. This episode was recorded on April 10th, 2019 at the record-setting NCEO 2019 Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks is Outreach and Membership Coordinator at The National Center for Employee Ownership. She focuses on spreading the word about the benefits of employee ownership to companies, community groups, business leaders, and the public. She also works to ensure that the NCEO's membership is supported and growing.
Timothy Garbinsky will be familiar to regular ESOP Podcast listeners, as he has reached out to us in the past to help our listeners learn about NCEO's conference offerings (e.g., check out Mini-cast 31). He is Outreach Coordinator at The National Center for Employee Ownership. and works with volunteers, allied organizations, and the press to creatively and effectively disseminate information about employee ownership and advance the NCEO's mission.
Learn more and register for the NCEO's 2019 Fall ESOP Forum (Salt Lake City, Sept. 17–18) at www.nceo.org.
Bonus: Our weekly wellness tip from Sara Sullivan, Certified Nutritionist (sarasullivan.com).
In this #FiduciaryFlashback Mini-cast episode, we are throwing it farther back than we ever have before!
In 1993 Rob Zicaro, who appeared on Episode 22 of The ESOP Podcast, was an employee owner at Web Industries [www.webindustries.com]. His experience there made him a strong advocate for employee ownership. In fact, it's because of his successful participation in an ESOP that Rob was able to retire from Web and shift his focus to writing and recording his own music [robzmusic.com/]! Even to this day, Rob remains an incredibly strong ESOP advocate; you can follow him on Twitter at @RobZicaro for regular employee ownership food for thought.
In today's flashback, we head way back to "The Future of the American Workplace Conference" on July 26th, 1993, when Rob Zicaro put on his Web employee-owner T-shirt and shared his valuable insights on employee ownership with the other participants -- including President Bill Clinton. [For the video of this conference, head to The ESOP Association's YouTube channel here: youtu.be/cUVWz54u5ro]
In this episode, we sit down at #NCEO19 with Nickolas N. Sypniewski, ASA, of Comstock Advisors (www.comstockadvisors.com) for a deep dive on ESOP valuation.
Nick Sypniewski, an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers, is Managing Director in ComStock Advisors’ Cincinnati office. He has 25 years of experience in valuation, finance, and banking. has completed valuations for ESOPs, estate taxes, estate planning, gifting, mergers, acquisitions, sales, lending, litigation support, and marital dissolution. In addition to appraising businesses, he has appraised intellectual property including patents and trademarks. His consulting experience on behalf of ESOPs includes feasibility studies, implementation of ESOPs, purchases of large blocks of stock, annual updates, sales of ESOP companies, and acquisitions of companies by ESOP companies.
This mini-cast is a #FiduciaryFlashback excerpt from The ESOP Podcast Episode 49. Aaron Moberger of employee-owned Mass. Bay Brewing Company, known for Harpoon Brewery, UFO Beer, and Clown Shoes Beer, talks with us about how employee ownership can further strengthen the culture at an Independent Craft Brewer and lead to continual process improvements. An ESOP increases employee engagement, which can make a good work environment even better!
Aaron Moberger is also an active member of the leadership of the New England Chapter of The ESOP Association. This episode was recorded on Friday, October 12th, 2018 a The ESOP Association 's New England Chapter's Annual Fall Conference in Mystic, Connecticut.
At #NCEO19, we sat down with Bruce Bickley, CPA, of 1042 Consulting. He takes a fiduciary approach to assist a company in selling to an ESOP in a tax-free transaction, and describes how this transaction takes place, as well as sharing some of the history of the reasoning behind the 1042 tax code.
Now that we're back from NCEO2019 -- the National Center for Employee Ownership's conference in Pittsburgh, PA -- where do we go from here? On this week's mini-cast we share some quick tips on bringing ESOP conference knowledge back to your employee-owned company. Share with your fellow owners to make sure that the education and collaboration momentum keeps going!
On March 25, 2019, at The ESOP Association New England Chapter Spring Conference, Jon Williams of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates (www.blueridgeesop.com), Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees (www.captrustees.com), and Mary McCooe of Maselan & Jones (http://www.maselanjones.com/) presented on ESOP Basics: Focus on Plan Design and Administration (originally listed in the program as “ESOP 101”.)
From the conference program: “Are you new to this whole ESOP thing? Are you a first-time conference attendee? Could you use a refresher course to learn more about the basics? If you answered yes to any of these, then this is the session for you!! You will leave this session with a better understanding of how an ESOP works, why ESOP companies are so great, and what you can do to make yours better! No question is too basic!”
Capital Trustees, LLC was proud to be the trustee Gold Sponsor of The ESOP Association New England Chapter’s record-breaking 2019 Annual Spring Conference at the Marriott Burlington in Burlington, Massachusetts. If you enjoyed this presentation, we encourage you to attend your local ESOP Chapter conference and start a conversation with your fellow owners; learn more at www.esopassociation.org/chapters.
In this episode of the mini-cast, we have two quick interviews right from the floor of the 2019 National Center for Employee Ownership Conference in Pittsburgh, PA: We speak with the very busy NCEO Conference Director Ivette Torres and equally busy NCEO Outreach Coordinator Timothy Garbinsky! We thank them both for graciously sharing their time as they wrapped up a jam-packed conference, and we congratulate them on the record-breaking success of #NCEO2019!
We will be sharing more interviews and presentations from the NCEO conference in the coming weeks, including an interview with NCEO Outreach and Membership Coordinator Ramona Rodriguez-Brooks on the many reasons you should become an NCEO member. But... you certainly don't need to wait until that episode to join -- you can check out NCEO membership at https://www.nceo.org/secure/join.php today!
On March 25, 2019 Capital Trustees, LLC was the trustee Gold Sponsor of The ESOP Association New England Chapter’s record-breaking Annual Spring Conference at the Marriott Burlington in Burlington, Massachusetts.
In this episode we talk with Amy Huot of Proponent (www.proponent.com), President of the New England Chapter, and hear about the passion that led her to volunteer to take the lead to support employee-ownership.
We then talk to Sandra Smith of BerryDunn (www.berrydunn.com) Vice President of Programming for the New England Chapter, and learn about how the great chapter content is selected and developed.
Learn all about The ESOP New England Chapter (or find your own chapter) here: www.esopassociation.org/chapters/new-england/chapter-officers
From April 9–11, 2019 the entire Capital Trustees team will be going to this year's record-setting, sold-out National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, PA. (You can hear all about #NCEO19 on The ESOP Mini-cast Episode 27).
On Tuesday, April 9th, in the 10:30–11:45 AM NCEO Concurrent Session, Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees, Michael D. Gore of Penn United Technologies, Inc., and Edward A. Wilusz of Value Management Inc. will present “Can ESOPs Do That? When Business Decisions Affect Value.” “Management may need to consider value in situations where it may not have come to mind such as capital expenditures, compensation, and strategy.”
On Wednesday, April 10th, in the 3:45–5:00 PM NCEO Concurrent Session, Rich Heeter of Capital Trustees, Robert Hilton of South Park Advisors, LLC, and Kathleen Weber of ESOP Plus: Schatz Brown Glassman LLP will present on “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Warrants.” “An overview of non-qualified deferred compensation, including warrants, SARS, and phantom stock followed by real world examples with discussion from the perspective of trustee, attorney, and valuation.”
We look forward to seeing many of our listeners at the conference! We always appreciate it when listeners of the podcast come up and introduce themselves; we love to hear your feedback face-to-face, or email us at podcast@captrustees.com.
In this episode we share a recording of the "Valuation Checklist for the ESOP Company" presentation, led by Kaitlin Wilusz, Manager at Value Management Inc. (VMI) at The ESOP Association Pennsylvania / Delaware Chapter’s Annual Spring Conference in State College, Pennsylvania. (The link to the Valuation Checklist presentation slide deck that accompanied this audio in included with Episode 69 our website, www.theesoppodcast.com.)
VMI is a financial consulting firm specializing in valuing businesses, corporate securities, and professional practices. Katie Wilusz is responsible for providing research and performing financial and economic analyses for the valuation of closely held enterprises, professional practices and publicly traded securities. Prior to VMI, Kaitlin was a senior financial analyst at Ernst & Young where she worked within the Valuation & Modeling group, specializing in financial services.
Brian Keisling, Capital Trustee's Client Engagement Officer, recorded today's mini-cast from The ESOP Association Pennsylvania / Delaware Chapter’s Annual Spring Conference at the Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, Pennsylvania.
Brian shares his perspective of the value participants got out of this year's sessions. We'll be sharing a presentation from this conference, as well one from the New England Chapter Spring Conference we attended earlier this week, on upcoming podcasts, but it is no substitute for being there! We all make ESOPs better when we work together. Plan to attend your own chapter meeting; you can get all the details at www.esopassociation.org/chapters.
In this episode, Bret Keisling, Rich Heeter, and Brian Keisling of Capital Trustees continue from Episode 67 and answer more of your ESOP questions.
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. Please, keep them coming to podcast@captrustee.com! If you want to hear even more, listen to the first part of this month's grab bag in Episode 67 and also check out Episode 40: "Your ESOP Questions Answered."
Spring has truly sprung, and with it, spring ESOP Conference season! On today's ESOP Mini-cast we highlight upcoming ESOP Conference presentations:
-- First up, on March 25, 2019 Rich Heeter and Bret Keisling will be at The ESOP Association New England Chapter’s Annual Spring Conference at the Marriott Burlington in Burlington, Massachusetts.
On March 25, 2019 in the 9:30 – 10:30 AM concurrent session, Jon Williams of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates, Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees, and Mary McCooe of Maselan & Jones will present ESOP 101. “Are you new to this whole ESOP thing? Are you a first-time conference attendee? Could you use a refresher course to learn more about the basics? If you answered yes to any of these, then this is the session for you!! You will leave this session with a better understanding of how an ESOP works, why ESOP companies are so great, and what you can do to make yours better!! No question is too basic!”
-- Next up, from March 27-28, 2019 Brian Keisling and Rich Heeter will be at The ESOP Association Pennsylvania / Delaware Chapter’s Annual Spring Conference at the Toftrees Golf Resort State College, Pennsylvania, which will include a company tour with Restek Pure Chromatography.
On Wednesday, March 27, 2019 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM Ed Wilusz and Sue Wilusz of Value Management, Inc., Rich Heeter of Capital Trustees, Sean-Tamba Matthew of SES ESOP Strategies, and Matt Hancock of Praxis Consulting Group will be on stage for “ESOP Jeopardy!” in the Silver Maple Ballroom, to be followed by the Networking Cocktail Reception in the Aspen Room.
-- And then from April 9–11, 2019 the entire Capital Trustees team will be going to this year's record-setting National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, PA. (You can hear all about #NCEO19 on The ESOP Mini-cast Episode 27).
On Tuesday, April 9th, in the 10:30–11:45 AM NCEO Concurrent Session, Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees, Michael D. Gore of Penn United Technologies, Inc., and Edward A. Wilusz of Value Management Inc. will present “Can ESOPs Do That? When Business Decisions Affect Value.” “Management may need to consider value in situations where it may not have come to mind such as capital expenditures, compensation, and strategy.”
On Wednesday, April 10th, in the 3:45–5:00 PM NCEO Concurrent Session, Rich Heeter of Capital Trustees, Robert Hilton of South Park Advisors, LLC, and Kathleen Weber of ESOP Plus: Schatz Brown Glassman LLP will present on “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation and Warrants.” “An overview of non-qualified deferred compensation, including warrants, SARS, and phantom stock followed by real world examples with discussion from the perspective of trustee, attorney, and valuation.”
We look forward to seeing many of our listeners. We always appreciate it when listeners of the podcast come up and introduce themselves; we love to hear your feedback face-to-face, or email us at podcast@captrustees.com.
As our regular listeners know, at the end of every episode of The ESOP Podcast, we invite you to submit topics for discussion. In this episode, Bret Keisling, Rich Heeter, and Brian Keisling of Capital Trustees go through that 'grab bag' and answer your ESOP questions.
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. Please, keep them coming to podcast@captrustee.com! And if you want to hear even more, check out our first ESOP Q&A Grab Bag in Episode 40: "Your ESOP Questions Answered."
On today's podcast we welcome back Kevin McPhillips, Executive Director/CEO of the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO - ownershippennsylvania.org.)
Kevin McPhillips describes the mission of PaCEO and shares what it is like to work with local and state government on an issue that has such broad, bipartisan support. We then get an overview of what we know so far about the 2018 Main Street Employee Ownership Act (MSEOA), which makes SBA ESOP financing easier.
We then talk about this year's record-setting National Center for Employee Ownership conference in Pittsburgh, PA, #NCEO19, to be held April 9–11, 2019 (preconference on April 8). There are many great new features to be experienced at the conference -- not the least of which will be the PaCEO pierogi station!
Our goal on The ESOP Podcast is to keep you up-to-date on all things ESOP, and to support the growth of all aspects of employee ownership. Some of our upcoming work towards that end:
- Many of you have questions on Benefit Corporations, also known as B-Corps, and so we are preparing an explainer episode on this topic.
- We'd like to extend a warm welcome to James J. Bonham, the new President and CEO of The ESOP Association. All of us in ESOP world can look forward to meeting him at upcoming ESOP Association chapter conferences this spring, and of course at the 42nd Annual Conference held May 22-24 in Washington, DC. We encourage you to join us by registering at esopassociation.org.
- In related news, we'll soon be sharing an additional episode with outgoing ESOP Association President Michael Keeling (you can hear his first visit with us on Episode 24). Michael Keeling has served the association since 1991, and this is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for his service and share the great progress employee ownership has made during his tenure.
- Don't forget, registration is open at nceo.org for the April 9–11, 2019 National Center for Employee Ownership conference in Pittsburgh, PA, #NCEO19.
- And last, but not least, a BIG thank you all of you for the +15K listens since we started broadcasting a year and a half ago. Let's all keep spreading the word about ESOPs!
On this bonus episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, we talk with Tim Garbinski, outreach coordinator for the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) about the big plans for this year's national employee ownership conference in Pittsburgh, PA, #NCEO19, to be held April 9–11, 2019 (preconference on April 8).
Registration is open now at www.nceo.org, and if you register before March 12th you'll get the early-bird discount. We look forward to seeing you there!
Capital Trustees has had the good fortune to be involved with many excellent ESOP organizations over the years, and in this quick mini-cast, we share some of their ideas for fully engaging their employee-owners.
And speaking of best practices: Employee ownership conferences are one of the best places to exchange ESOP ideas, and the early registration deadline for this year's NCEO national conference, #NCEO19 in Pittsburgh, PA, is March 12th, 2019. Head to www.nceo.org and register today.
At the 2019 #ESOPPros Conference, The ESOP Podcast sat down with Kjersti Cory, Senior Vice President at 100% employee owned GreatBanc Trust Company (www.greatbanctrust.com) for a collegial discussion about the importance of external trustees for employee-owned companies.
Regular listeners will remember Kjersti Cory from our Lian Shalala Gravelle Fundraiser at #ESOPLV, (listen to Mini-cast 16 for details; donations continue to be accepted at www.gofundme.com/lian-shalala-gravelle-fundraiser).
On this #FiduciaryFriday flashback mini-cast, we share an excerpt from Episode 13 with Scott Stitt, an ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) Attorney at Tucker Ellis LLP's Columbus Ohio office. He has a national litigation practice, focusing on ERISA and related employment and business disputes. Scott Stitt sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC at #ESOPLV -- The ESOP Association's record-setting November 2017 Las Vegas ESOP Conference and Trade Show.
In this excerpt, they discuss how the employee-owned community developed more robust best practices as it matured, which led to clearer regulatory compliance discussions between ESOPs and the Department of Labor.
In this ESOP Mini-cast, we talk about the importance of employee ownership as a collaborative effort.
In our interviews with employee-owned companies we frequently touch upon the culture of collaboration within an individual employee-owned company, and that culture is key, but in this episode we talk about collaboration with the broader employee-owned community, which includes Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Cooperatives (Co-ops).
More resources are available at The ESOP Association (www.esopassociation.org), the National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org), the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (veoc.org) and the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (ownershippennsylvania.org/).
The ESOP Podcast sat down with Anne Meltzer of Tucker & Meltzer Valuation Advisors [www.tuckerandmeltzer.com] at the #ESOPPros Conference in Louisiana.
We hear the history of this growing firm, and then delve into the ESOP valuation side of their practice.
Today's podcast was recorded as we head into the last month of the first quarter, which is a pretty busy time in the world of employee-ownership, since it is when many ESOP companies with a December 31st year-end start their valuation process. We are joined by Capital Trustees' Managing Director Rich Heeter who explains the role of the ESOP trustee in that process.
We are also heading full swing into spring conference season. We just recently returned from the #ESOPPros ESOP Professionals Conference in New Orleans (as you can hear in Mini-cast 22). Coming up is many of The ESOP Association's chapter meetings: The Indiana Chapter meeting is in Carmel, IN on March 6th, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter meeting is in Charlottesville, NC from March 7th-8th, the New England Chapter meeting is Burlington, MA on March 25th, the Pennsylvania/ Delaware Chapter meeting is in State College, PA from March 27th-28th, and the New York/ New Jersey Chapter is in Rochester, NY on April 3rd. Then we all head to Pittsburgh from April 8th-11th for the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) for their annual national conference, #NCEO19 (which you can hear all about in ESOP Podcast Episode 63.)
A busy time of year, but one that we really enjoy.
Now is the time to register for the annual National Center for Employee Ownership Conference (www.nceo.org/conference/). This year's conference will be held from April 9–11, with a preconference day on April 8, in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.
In this episode we talk with one of our favorite (and busiest!) guests, Mike Shuey, who is on the NCEO Conference Host Committee this year, to hear all about how the conference has grown, and what we can look forward to at this year’s conference. There is something for everyone! Consider all the employee-owner roles in your organization when planning your team’s attendance.
The ESOP Podcast team looks forward to seeing many of our listeners at #NCEO19 and sharing their voices on future episodes. Don’t be shy – if you see Bret Keisling, Rich Heeter, or Brian Keisling, just walk right up and introduce yourself. We always love to hear from everyone in the ESOP world!
In this mini-cast, we learn about the 'why' behind the many travels of the #TravelingTrustee -- namely, when are ESOP trustees called upon to interact with the board of directors of an employee-owned company?
As mentioned at the 5:22 mark, for those of you who would like to take a deeper dive into the roles of ESOP trustees and the boards of directors, you can refer to Episode 20 on “Directed versus Discretionary ESOP Trustees,” Episode 26 on “Internal versus External ESOP Trustees,” Episode 38 on “What Happens After You Engage an External ESOP Trustee” and Episode 47 on “Benefits of External Independent Board Members and Building Your ESOP Board.”
Today we have the good fortune to have Jason Wellman, Senior Relationship Consultant with ESOP Partners [www.esoppartners.com], back on The ESOP Podcast. He was one of our very first guests back when we were just starting out, and we were very pleased to have a chance to sit down with him again after a long day at The ESOP Professionals' Forum in New Orleans.
Jason Wellman is a Senior Relationship Consultant with ESOP Partners. Headquartered in northeastern Wisconsin since 2006, ESOP Partners is made up of a full range of ESOP experts which, as you’ll hear, really covers ‘soup to nuts’ of the support of ESOPs. Jason’s role is to help ESOP companies by developing a comprehensive Ownership Culture through proactive educational resources for all participants to improve their understanding of ESOPs' unique benefits.
Jason also speaks about his role as the Chair of the ESOP Association Advisory Committee on Ownership Culture and Communications, and the Vice-President of the Wisconsin ESOP Chapter. Jason is also a contributing author for The ESOP Association’s ESOP Report on Ownership Advantage topics to improve ESOP culture and communications for the Association’s members.
As Jason mentions, be sure to register now for The ESOP Association’s annual #ESOPDC conference May 22-24 2019 (https://www.esopassociation.org/meetings/annual-conference), and submit your company for the Annual Award for Communications Excellence (AACE) (https://www.esopassociation.org/awards/aace-program).
In this week's mini-cast, we report live from #ESOPPros -- The ESOP Association's 2019 ESOP Professionals' Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The ESOP Professionals' Forum, held this year from February 7-8, 2019, is the only event of its kind: a meeting designed exclusively for high-level professionals who provide technical and legal assistance to ESOP companies.
We are very pleased to have Mike Shuey back on The ESOP Podcast with the latest information. Mike is International Customer Service Supervisor at 100% employee-owned Restek Pure Chromatography Corporation based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania [www.restek.com], and President of The ESOP Association's PA/DE Chapter [www.esopassociation.org/chapters/pa-de].
Mike sat down with Capital Trustee's Client Engagement Brian Keisling in our Harrisburg offices to talk about working for an employee-owned company, advocating for ESOPs at the state and federal level, and how a new ESOP can become a member of a local chapter and get involved as a chapter volunteer.
We then take a moment to review the high points of Pennsylvania/Delaware’s 2018 ESOP meetings and look forward to lots of new faces and new activities for 2019. Mark your calendars for the Pennsylvania / Delaware Chapter's Spring ESOP Conference to be held March 27-28, 2019 in State College, PA, which will include a host company tour at Restek, and the Multi-State Conference (PA/DE and NY/NJ Chapter Meeting) held September 18-20 in Pocono Manor, PA.
In this week's episode, Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees sits down with William "Bill" Moore, owner of Personal Fitness (http://personalfitnesspa.com/) in Camp Hill, PA to talk about the business of personal training. Along the way, we talk about Bill's training philosophy, which looks beyond the "New Year, New You" hype and focuses on consistent improvement.
In that same vein, we are pleased to continue with our regular "Sara's Spot" with Sara Sullivan, Certified Nutritionist, who bring us her weekly wellness tip.
In this short mini-cast, we look at some of the employee-ownership conferences we'll be attending to start off 2019 right!
- Capital Trustees will be at The ESOP Association's 2019 ESOP Professionals' Forum from February 7th - 8th in New Orleans, LA. As the name implies, this forum is for ESOP professionals only, and is a great opportunity to discuss issues specific to our field in detail.
- We'll be at #NCEO19, the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) Conference to be held April 9th – 11th in Pittsburgh, PA. Last year's conference was sold out, so register now so that we can see you there!
On this episode we talk about funny business... or, rather, the serious business that goes on behind the fun you have at professional comedy shows!
We speak with comedian and business owner Matt Bridgestone of AC Jokes [www.acjokes.com] at the Blue Martini Lounge at Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ.
Mark R. Kossow has joined national law firm Clark Hill [www.clarkhill.com] as a member at their Princeton, New Jersey office. In today's mini-cast he joins us with an update on the 'why and where' of his new location.
Mark Kossow supports clients from banks and trustees to directors, shareholders and corporations on ESOP-related issues, encompassing both transactional and non-transactional matters. Mark also represents private and public ESOP companies. His transactional background includes representing clients in leveraged and non-leveraged ESOP transactions, consisting of stock purchases, mergers, leveraged buyouts, acquisitions and corporate reorganizations. Mark’s ESOP experience also expands to non-transactional issues in which Mark advises companies with regard to corporate governance issues, ESOP plan design and compliance, succession planning, and ERISA fiduciary issues. He is actively involved in representing ESOP clients in IRS and Department of Labor audits, and correction programs offered through these agencies (EPCRS and VFCP).
We are excited to hear Mark's updates and look forward to speaking with him again. In the meantime, you can listen to him on our most popular episode, "Episode 21 - ESOP 101: What, Why, and How."
The number one issue that the Department of Labor has been emphasizing to ESOP trustees recently is the importance of robust forecasting. Above and beyond any regulatory concerns, when done right, forecasting is part of good planning -- and better business planning ultimately leads to a better business.
All of this adds up to why we are so pleased to have Seth Webber from BerryDunn [www.berrydunn.com] back on the podcast today. Seth is passionate about forecasting, and in this podcast he translates the forecasting process into plain English for our listeners.
In this quick episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, we give a BIG thank you for the 12K listens we've had so far. We then give a few updates on some of our most useful past episodes, and we share some of our plans for 2019.
We'd like all of you to be part of those 2019 plans! Would you like to be part of an ESOP roundtable, or a guest on the podcast? Do you have a ESOP topic that you'd like to hear more about? Contact Brian@CapTrustees.com and be a part of the employee ownership conversation!
We've received so much positive feedback on our ESOP Roundtable, that we've decided to make it a regular feature of The ESOP Podcast.
This episode's roundtable was hosted by Devine Millimet [www.devinemillimet.com] at their offices in Manchester, New Hampshire. Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees sat down with ESOP attorney Tabitha Croscut, of Devine Milimet, and Seth Webber (Principal, CFA, ASA, CBA, CVA, CBEC) and Sandra Smith (Senior Manager, CPA) from BerryDunn [www.berrydunn.com] from Portland, Maine. From their diverse perspectives in the ESOP world, they take a look at the year ahead with a wide-ranging discussion about the annual process and the interplay between the CPA side, the company financials, and the valuation of ESOPs.
This episode also debuts another regular new feature of The ESOP Podcast for the New Year: Take a quick wellness break with "Sara's Spot", with tips from Certified Nutritionist Sara Sullivan[sarasullivan.com] to help you boost your corporate and personal well-being every week.
In this special episode, we meet again with Katy Whitehead of BerryDunn and are joined by Certified Nutritionist Sara Sullivan [www.sarasullivan.com] to discuss nutrition and corporate wellness, and how we can improve both our professional and personal lives through a more mindful approach to eating and daily movement.
You can hear more about BerryDunn [www.berrydunn.com] and employee ownership in Episodes 50 and 53 of The ESOP Podcast. And you'll be hearing more from Sara Sullivan in 2019 with our special "Sara's Spot" on the podcast!
In Episode 13 of The ESOP Mini-cast, Trevor Bare of Conrad Siegel [www.conradsiegel.com] joined us with a preview of the November 2018 Employee Ownership Exchange in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
We're pleased to report the conference was a success. In this episode we share Capital Trustees' Managing Director Rich Heeter's presentation at that conference on "The Roles and Responsibilities of ESOP Trustees." Rich had just returned from the national ESOP conference in Las Vegas, and shares the most up-to-date guidance on the liabilities for which trustees are responsible.
In this #FiduciaryFlashback episode, we share an excerpt from our interview with Martin Staubus, Executive Director of The Beyster Institute at The Rady School of Management, University of California San Diego (rady.ucsd.edu/centers/beyster/). In this clip you'll hear the engaging story of how the employees at SRC Holdings bought their company, and along the way created "The Great Game of Business." SRC Holdings is now the oldest employee-owned remanufacturer to original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) in North America.
To hear more of this great discussion of the history and the future of employee-ownership, tune into Episode 19 of The ESOP Podcast.
In this episode we speak with Richard Van Doel, PhD, President and CEO of Performance Validation (www.perfval.com), and President/CEO of the Indiana Center for Employee Ownership (www.INCEO.org).
Rick Van Doel was awarded a Louis O. Kelso Fellowship by Rutgers University, School of Management and Labor Relations. We discuss his dissertation topic, "Exploring Stewardship Characteristics in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Employee-Owned Companies," which examined the influence of stewardship on employee owned governance and firm productivity. Rick also give us an overview of the results of research funded by the Kellogg Foundation. We then get his perspective as the CEO of a 100% Employee-Owned Company.
In early November, we reached out to the ESOP community to help us raise money for Lian Shalala Gravelle's 6 month old twin boys, Charlie and Enzo Gravelle. We wanted to take a moment to give you an update on that fundraiser, and express our gratitude to all the donors and members of the ESOP community who shared their support.
Very special thanks to Kjiersti Cory of the GreatBanc Trust Company for putting a fun spin on a serious cause; you can watch Bret Keisling and Kjiersti Cory following through on their fundraising 'bet' in Las Vegas on Capital Trustee's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CapTrustees/
If you are interested in donating, the GoFundMe is still open here: https://www.gofundme.com/lian-shalala-gravelle-fundraiser?fbclid=IwAR1-MW30qG5cyzu7ixmuCJuCcQeVaV-g_f-_U8eqWzAVPR5bA6D1yyPd3A0
In this episode, Seth Webber (Principal, CFA, ASA, CBA, CVA, CBEC) of BerryDunn, headquartered in Portland, Maine, shares his extensive expertise on ESOP feasibility studies and plan design. This is the ideal podcast to listen to if you are considering a transition to employee ownership, or exploring your succession plan options.
In this quick Thanksgiving break episode, we share our gratitude for employee ownership conferences and talk about how the face-to-face interaction at these conferences strengthens the ESOP community.
Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees sat down with John Murphy, President of Atlantic Management Company (www.atlantic-mgmt.com) at ESOPLV for a discussion about ownership transition, valuation, and employee ownership.
Atlantic Management Company is a leading valuation and financial advisory firm headquartered in Portsmouth, NH. Their Ownership Transition Group specializes in ESOPs, Mergers & Acquisitions, and succession strategies for privately owned companies. The ESOP Podcast congratulates Atlantic Management Company on their new New Orleans office!
In this quick mini-cast, we share some of Capital Trustees recent activities, and then look forward to our podcast plans for the coming weeks. Finally, we give a big shoutout to our listeners -- we hit 10K listens this week! We're pleased to get more ESOP information out there in the world. Thank you to the employee ownership community -- here's to 10K more!
In this episode we have a wide-ranging discussion on ESOPs and ownership culture with Linshuang Lu, MSOD, Principal at Praxis Consulting Group (praxiscg.com). This episode was recorded at The ESOP Association's 2018 National Conference in Las Vegas.
Linshuang Lu provides organization development, strategic planning, leadership development and culture change services to nonprofits and employee-owned companies. She is passionate about helping organizations develop their leaders and foster deeper staff engagement in order to create better workplaces and achieve greater impact. She plays an active role in the employee ownership community, regularly speaking at regional and national conferences, and writing on leadership development and culture topics.
She has served on the board of The ESOP Association and the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and is currently a member of the Ownership Culture Committee of The ESOP Association.
Note: You can listen to the "Improving the Bottom Line: A Technical Look at Culture & Value" presentation that Bret referenced in this podcast in Episode 30: https://soundcloud.com/theesoppodcast/episode-30-improving-the-bottom-line-a-technical-look-at-employee-ownership-culture-and-value
Bret Keisling and Patrice Radogna of Capital Trustees visited BerryDunn [BerryDunn.com] in Portland, Maine. In this episode, we share their roundtable discussion with BerryDunn's Seth Webber (Principal, CFA, ASA, CBA, CVA, CBEC) and Katy Whitehead (Manager, CVA, MBA).
Be sure to subscribe to receive updates about our future episode with Seth Webber, as well as our 2019 webinar series where we will go into more depth on several of the key points covered in this roundtable.
Kjiersti Cory of the Great Banc Trust Company has a secret talent: Dressage style horse tail braiding! Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees has a not-so-secret talent: Growing a beard!
Since employee ownership is all about putting your talents together to build something greater, they decided to join forces! At #ESOPLV, The ESOP Association's 2018 Las Vegas Conference, Kjiersti will braid Bret's beard dressage style to raise money for the "Lian Shalala Gravelle Fundraiser." As you'll hear, we're willing to get pretty silly in the service of a serious cause, especially if we meet our most ambitious goal of raising $20K.
And yes, we are serious about this! And to get even more serious for a second: For those who didn't have the pleasure of knowing Lian Shalala Gravelle, Esq., her passing has been a tremendous loss to the ESOP community. She worked at ESOP Plus: Schatz Brown Glassman LLP and Krieg DeVault and was Vice President of The ESOP Association’s New York/New Jersey Chapter.
Donate NOW at our special ESOP Community donation page is at https://www.gofundme.com/lian-shalala-gravelle-fundraiser?member=1039604
Do you have an Employee Stock Ownership Plan? Are you considering one? Are you in the Central Pennsylvania area? Then this episode is for you!
In this episode we talk with Trevor Bare of Conrad Siegel [www.conradsiegel.com]. They are hosting an Employee Ownership Exchange on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Spooky Nook in Manheim, PA. This event is open to the public and is an excellent opportunity to explore employee ownership plans, discuss recent developments, and answer ESOP plan sponsor questions.
Conrad Siegel is an employee benefit and investment advisory firm headquartered in Harrisburg, PA that provides customized retirement, healthcare benefit and investment planning solutions for businesses and individuals.
If you are interested in attending the Exchange, you can sign up for free on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/employee-ownership-exchange-tickets-49446886970
In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Moberger of employee-owned Mass. Bay Brewing Company, known for Harpoon Brewery, UFO Beer, and Clown Shoes Beer, and discuss why he volunteers to be a New England Chapter officer at The ESOP Association, and what employee ownership means for an Independent Craft Brewer like Harpoon Brewery.
This episode was recorded on Friday, October 12th, 2018 a The ESOP Association 's New England Chapter's Annual Fall Conference in Mystic, Connecticut.
On today's special episode of The #ESOP Mini-cast, we're not horsin' around!
Kjiersti Cory of the Great Banc Trust Company has a secret talent: Dressage style horse tail braiding! Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees has a not-so-secret talent: Growing a beard!
Since employee ownership is all about putting your talents together to build something greater, they decided to join forces! On November 8th at #ESOPLV, The ESOP Association's 2018 Las Vegas Conference, Kjiersti will braid Bret's beard dressage style to raise money for the "Lian Shalala Gravelle Fundraiser." If we meet our goal of $20K, Bret will wear a My Little Pony Costume and Kjiersti will dress as Rainbow Brite.
And yes, we are serious about this! And to get even more serious for a second: For those who didn't have the pleasure of knowing Lian Shalala Gravelle, Esq., her passing has been a tremendous loss to the ESOP community. She worked at ESOP Plus: Schatz Brown Glassman LLP and Krieg DeVault and was Vice President of The ESOP Association’s New York/New Jersey Chapter.
We'll share details about the Las Vegas location for this event in the coming days. The special ESOP Community donation page is: https://www.gofundme.com/lian-shalala-gravelle-fundraiser?sharetype=teams&member=1039604&rcid=r01-154119066002-b35b0399d174431b&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w
In this episode we continue our coverage of The ESOP Association's 4th Annual Great Lakes Regional Conference [www.esopassociation.org/chapters] held October 18th - 19th, 2018 at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, by sharing a session on "Assessing the Feasibility of an ESOP."
This session was presented by Brian D. Bornino, CPA/ABV, CFA, CBA, Director of Valuation & Financial Opinion Services at GBQ Consulting LLC, Columbus, OH (Moderator); David L. Bosch, Primary Consultant Defined Contribution and Cash Balance Division at Watkins Ross, Grand Rapids, MI; and Andrew J. Manchir, ASA, CMA, CEPA, Director of Valuation and ESOP Services Groups at Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis, IN.
This session is for business owners considering a sale to their employees through an ESOP. It provides an overview of ESOPs and their advantages, and then takes a deeper-dive into some of the key elements of assessing whether an ESOP is feasible (e.g., valuation, financing, management succession, and operating with an ESOP). We also discuss case studies of successful transitions to employee ownership through an ESOP.
This Mini-cast was recorded right from the show floor at The ESOP Association's 4th Annual Great Lakes Regional ESOP Conference held October 18th to 19th 2018 in Sandusky, Ohio at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center.
We were fortunate enough to capture the perspectives of all three of the ESOP Chapter Presidents represented at this conference: Michelle Steltz, Indiana Chapter President and Director of Business Operations at Opportunities for Positive Growth [www.opgrowth.com]; Nickolas N. Sypniewski, ASA, Ohio/Kentucky Chapter President and Managing Director at the Cincinnati Office of ComStock Advisors [www.comstockadvisors.com]; and David Bosch, Michigan Chapter President and Consultant at Watkins Ross [www.watkinsross.com].
In this episode we share Jeannine Pendergast of Spinnaker Trust Company, Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees, Nannu Nobis of Nobis Engineering, and Cindy Turcot of Gardener’s Supply Company presenting a group panel about the "Benefits of External Independent Board Members and Building Your ESOP Board" on October 12th, 2018 in the "Engaging Employees" track at the New England Chapter of The ESOP Association 's Annual Fall Conference in Mystic, Connecticut.
Boards in ESOP companies serve shareholders, as they do in all companies. But who should be a part of your ESOP board? Oftentimes, ESOP companies will look internally to build their board. This session discusses the need for the Board to be independent, why that is important, what to think about when looking for external board members and how to leverage his/her strengths to help the Company. You will hear thoughts from the perspective of an independent trustee, as well as a company who utilizes external board members and how doing so has strengthened its board. Capital Trustees wants to thank Janine, Nannu, and Cindy for their flexibility as Bret was a late addition to the panel and we really appreciate all the hard work that they put into this presentation. You can download the slide deck that accompanies this episode at www.theesoppodcast.com.
This Mini-cast was recorded right from the show floor at The ESOP Association's New England Chapter's Annual Fall Conference, held October 11th-12th in Mystic, Connecticut. We speak with New England Chapter President Amy Huot from Proponent (www.proponent.com) about the success of the conference and what employee-owners have been learning from the sessions and company tours.
We spend a lot of time talking about Employee Stock Ownership Plan conferences, why we think it's important that people go to them, and what attendees can get out of them. (For example, check out our first ESOP Mini-cast "Fall Employee Stock Ownership Conferences"). In this podcast, we flip the script and share our perspective from the other side of the dais: Why we love going to and presenting at these conferences, and what we get out of them.
We really look forward to seeing you at upcoming conferences and interacting face-to-face; if you've listened to the podcast, be sure to come up and introduce yourself! We also always welcome your input at podcast@captrustees.com.
In this ESOP Mini-cast, we share some highlights from our conversation with Tabitha Croscut, a nationally-known ESOP attorney at Devine Millimet (https://www.devinemillimet.com/tcroscut.)
Learn more from Tabitha Croscut and other top industry professionals on October 11th and 12th, 2018, at The ESOP Association's New England Chapter conference in Mystic, Connecticut. You can also listen to our full interview on The ESOP Podcast Episode 25 - "Tabitha Croscut of Devine Millimet on Transactional Law for ESOPs."
We are preempting our regularly scheduled podcast to acknowledge a very great loss to our ESOP community: the passing of our friend Lian Shalala Gravelle, Esq., at ESOP Plus and Krieg DeVault and Vice President of The ESOP Association’s New York/New Jersey Chapter.
Lian leaves behind her husband Brian and twin sons Charlie and Enzo. Please join us in paying tribute at her family’s GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/lian039s-legacy
In this episode, we share "Can ESOPs Do That? When Business Decisions Affect Value Level " presented at The ESOP Association PA/DE Chapter & NY/NJ Chapter Multi-State 2018 Conference in Hershey, PA on September 13th, 2018 by Ed Wilusz of Value Management, Inc., Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees, and Michael Gore of Penn United Technologies Inc. We discuss the interplay between management decisions and value, and highlight misconceptions regarding employee-owned companies. For example: Should management be concerned with value when considering capital expenditures? Can ESOPs own real estate?
For more information on this topic, check out The ESOP Podcast Episode 40: Your ESOP Questions Answered.
Brownie for your thoughts? In this episode of The ESOP Mini-cast, we give you several quick 'bites of insight' into how Gardener's Supply Company has built such a strong and successful ownership culture.
To take a deeper dive into this topic, listen to The ESOP Podcast Episode 10: "Cindy Turcot, COO of 100% Employee-Owned Gardener’s Supply Company."
Or even better, look into attending an ESOP Chapter conference happening in your area. On October 11th and 12th, 2018, Cindy Turcot will be presenting on "Engaging Employees: Benefits of External Independent Board Members and Building Your ESOP Board" at The ESOP Association's New England Chapter conference in Mystic, Connecticut, along with Capital Trustees' own Bret Keisling, Jeannine Pendergast from Spinnaker Trust Company, and Nannu Nobis of Nobis Engineering.
In this episode, we share "Best Practices to Help Trustees Sleep at Night" presented at The ESOP Association PA/DE Chapter & NY/NJ Chapter Multi-State 2018 Conference in Hershey, PA on September 13th, 2018.
We start with a brief introduction and some background from presenter Gregory Kniesel, Managing Director at Value Management Inc. VMI is a financial consulting firm specializing in valuing businesses, corporate securities, and professional practices.
At the presentation, Greg is joined by: - Drake Nicholas, partner at Barley Snyder. Drake manages the firm’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) practice. - Rich Heeter, Managing Director at Capital Trustees. (You can learn more about Rich in The ESOP Podcast Episode 42: About Capital Trustees)
We then share the audio from the interdisciplinary panel. The panel addressed considerations and issues faced by the trustee, including industry and regulatory guidance and a discussion of how ESOP company financial projections are developed and used. The session also includes a discussion of the fiduciary duties.
This week on The ESOP Mini-cast we share news from a frequent guest of the podcast, Rob Hilton. He is pleased to announce that he is joining South Park Advisors, an independent business valuation firm with offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Rochester, New York. He is joining as Managing Director and co-owner of the firm, alongside partner Robert Snowden. His substantial expertise in the implementation and administration of ESOPs will extend the firm’s service capabilities to trustees and business owners in both the Northeastern and Southeastern states.
Rob is an accredited senior appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers and a member of the National Center of Employee Ownership (NCEO). He currently serves as Executive Vice President of the New York/New Jersey Chapter of The ESOP Association.
To hear more from Rob Hilton and his perspective on valuation, tune in to The ESOP Podcast Episodes 29, 23, and 21.
We talk with Larry Filipski, CFO of the 100% ESOP Once Again Nut Butter and President of The ESOP Association's NY/NJ State Chapter. We speak with him directly from the conference floor at The ESOP Association's excellent PA/DE & NY/NJ Chapters Multi-State Conference, held 11 – 13 September, 2018, right in Capital Trustee's own backyard at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA; on the floor we are also joined by Mike Shuey from Restek, Inc., President of PA/DE State Chapter and get to hear about the value of the state conferences.
This week we are presenting directly from The ESOP Association's excellent PA/DE & NY/NJ Chapters Multi-State Conference held 11 – 13 September, 2018, right in Capital Trustee's own backyard at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA.
First we chat about the success of the conference with Larry Filipski, CFO of the 100% ESOP Once Again Nut Butter and President of The ESOP Association's NY/NJ State Chapter. Then we talk about the benefits of the state conferences with Mike Shuey of Restek Inc. and President of The ESOP Association's PA/DE State Chapter. Stay tuned for future in-depth episodes featuring conference participants.
This week Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees speaks with Janel Leymeister, Partner and Retirement Plan Consultant at Conrad Siegel. After a brief introduction of her background and her firm's founder Connie Siegel, she discusses the development of Conrad Siegel's investment advisory services and the specifics of their ESOP practice.
(Note at 12:18: Clearly, we need to get an underwater microphones for a future episode where we take a "deep dive' into ESOP SCUBA!)
As our regular listeners know, at the end of every recent episode of The ESOP Podcast, we invite you to submit topics for discussion. In this episode, Bret Keisling, Rich Heeter, and Brian Keisling of Capital Trustees go through that 'grab bag' and answer some of your ESOP questions.
The questions we cover in this episode: * Are there rules for the minimum amount of information that management has to share with employee owners? * What is the tangible difference is for employee owners at a 100 percent employee owned company versus, say, a 30 percent employee owned company ? And, as a follow-on, which ownership scenario is more common? * How long can a company that just became employee owned expect to wait before seeing the results of becoming an ESOP? * What is diversification and why is it used? * A hypothetical question: My company wants to make a $3,000,000 capital expenditure that we think will result in a lot of new business. But if we take on debt to finance the plans, the share price will decrease. Can management make certain decisions even though they know it will result in a decreased value? * I've heard at conferences that ESOPs can't own real estate. Is this true? And if so, why would there be such a rule? What are prohibited transactions in relation to ESOPs?
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. Please, keep them coming. We plan to do another Q&A session in the future.
The full transcript of this episode is available on our website: https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/40-your-esop-questions-answered
In this ESOP Mini-cast, we highlight the importance of good record keeping.
To take a deeper dive into this topic, tune into "The ESOP Podcast Episode 13 – Scott Stitt, ERISA Attorney at Tucker Ellis, LLP, on representing ESOPs."
Employee Ownership Month is in October, and so it is time to start planning! Of course we need to support our company's ownership culture all year long, but Employee Ownership Month - #EOMESOP18 - is the perfect time for heightened awareness of your ESOP, as well as chance to spread to word to your community and your local officials. In this episode we discuss some of the creative ways to celebrate employee ownership month, with some great examples from ESOP companies we know.
The ESOP Press Kit referenced in this podcast is available to Employee Ownership Association members here: https://www.esopassociation.org/advocacy/employee-ownership-month.
On this week's "#ESOP Mini-cast", we share quick tips and highlights from ESOP advocate Rob Zicaro on the importance of creating a strong employee-ownership culture.
To take a deeper dive into this topic, tune into "The ESOP Podcast Episode 22 – Rob Zicaro on Employee Ownership."
Capital Trustees’ Co-Managing Director Bret Keisling and Client Relations Associate Brian Keisling take a deep dive into what happens after a company engages an external trustee. Topics include: * The due diligence document request process, and some background on why we request the documents that we do; * What we do with those due diligence documents after being engaged; * The formal valuation advisor engagement process and agreement; * What happens on one of our personal favorite parts of the process - a site visit; * How the external trustee, per their responsibility under law, sets the share price for a company; * The preparation of the draft and final annual update report; * The changes to signatories on the trust accounts when shifting from an internal to external trustees; and * What external trustees do and how they are engaged on an annual basis.
Welcome to our first "ESOP Mini-cast", a short, topical podcast that is a great way to wrap up the week!
Summer is winding down, which means the fall ESOP conference circuit is starting up, and so we're highlighting some upcoming employee stock ownership events.
Our Client Engagement Officer Brian Keisling and Co-managing Director Bret Keisling kick things off with the conferences coming up on Capital Trustees’ calendar. We then dial in Jason Wellman with ESOP Partners and George Raftopoulos of ROI-Cubed and hear more about why these conferences are so valuable, and get their conference schedule highlights.
We hope to see all of you on the conference circuit!
In this week's episode, we feature highlights from the Vermont Employee Ownership Conference, #VEOC18, held this year on Friday, June 8th, 2018 at the UVM Davis Center in Burlington, Vermont. First, we are reminded that world of employee ownership is more than just ESOPs! Matt Cropp, Associate Director of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center, joins us to provide an excellent explanation of the concepts of Workers Cooperatives and their distinctive features from ESOPs. Second, we have a Q&A on Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's (D, NY) Pro-ESOP Bill, S. 2786, and its companion bill in in the House of Representatives, and discuss some of the issues these bills are designed to address. Employee ownership enjoys bi-partisan support. Finally, Cindy Turcot, COO of a 100% ESOP company, Gardener’s Supply, introduces Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) to the lunchtime conference attendees at #VEOC18. We are pleased to be able to share Senator Sanders' speech in full. [Thank you to Tabitha Croscut, Esq. of Devine Millimet (Twitter: @ESOPDiva) for this audio.]
To access the other podcasts mentioned in this episode, and to learn more, head to www.captrustees.com and click Episode 37.
This week we speak with Susan Wilusz, Marketing Director at Value Management, Inc. (VMI) Investment Banking and Advisory Services. After a brief introduction of herself and her firm, Susan Wilusz spoke with Capital Trustee's Client Engagement officer Brian Keisling about her work coordinating the successful "Women in ESOP Workshop" held on April 18th, 2018 at the Atlanta #NCEO18 Conference, and on growing the network of women in ESOPs.
You can listen to the previous episodes referenced in this podcast (Episode 4: Edward A. Wilusz, Managing Director of VMI, Episode 33: Women in ESOPs with Kimberly Jones, President of Butler/Till,) and read the full transcript of this episode on our website: www.captrustees.com.
In this week's episode of the ESOP podcast, Capital Trustee's Managing Directors Bret Keisling and Rich Heeter and Client Engagement officer Brian Keisling kick off the 2018 summer season-- which in the world of ESOPs is also known as Annual Update season!
We step through the work ESOP trustees do in partnership with an independent qualified valuation advisor to determine the value of a (non-publically-traded) company for the annual update, which then feeds into the plan participant statements. This is a key document for employee-owners, as this is that statement that updates them on Ithier share of their company's value.
Our guest is Robert "Bob" Whalen, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HB Global, LLC. HB Global employs approximately 750 people across three divisions of employee-owned mechanical service companies: HB McClure Company, IT Landes Company, and Nash Plumbing and Mechanical, with locations in Harrisburg, York, and Harleysville, Pennsylvania, and Wildwood, Florida.
Bob Whalen describes how their ESOP creates both a positive current working environment today and a retirement vehicle for the future. An ESOP won't turn a bad company into a good company -- but an ESOP can make a good company into a great company. Focusing on employees first helps HB Global outperform the marketplace.
In this week's episode, we are excited to share an #NCEO18 session that was, to our knowledge, a first of its kind at any national ESOP conference; we're sharing the audio from the April 18th, 2018, NCEO "Workshop for Women in ESOPs" led by Kimberly Jones, who is the president of Butler/Till, an employee-owned media and communications agency based in Rochester, New York. In this session, women in the ESOP community candidly discussed the challenges they face due to their gender in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The workshop was light-hearted and productive and is hopefully only the beginning of an ongoing conversation that will help keep the ESOP community dynamic and inclusive.
Tune into The ESOP Podcast Episodes 30-32 for further coverage of presentations at #NCEO18, the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2018 Annual Conference, held April 18-20, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.
We kick off this episode of The ESOP Podcast with a conversation with Peter Alifaris of Pendo Advisors, LLC. He shares our goals in stepping through the "Anatomy of a LIVE ESOP Transaction" in today's presentation; listeners will come away with a real understanding of the process that goes into negotiating an ESOP transaction.
We then share Peter Alifaris (Managing Director / ESOP Advisory Practice Leader at Pendo Advisors), Ed Renenger (co-chair of Stevens & Lee's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group), and Rich Heeter, (Principal and Managing Director at Captial Trustees) presenting "Anatomy of a LIVE ESOP Transaction" at the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2018 Annual Conference, #NCEO18, in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. Head to this episode on our website, www.captrustees.com, to download the accompanying slideshow presentation and follow along.
This episode of The ESOP Podcast begins with an introduction to George Raftopoulos, principal at ROI Cubed a boutique consulting firm that helps business owners with succession planning and implementation.
We then share George Raftopoulos and Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees presenting "Making Financial Statements Fun / Fun with Numbers" at the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2018 Annual Conference, #NCEO18, in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. Head to this episode on our website, www.captrustees.com, to download the accompanying slideshow presentation and follow along.
This episode of The ESOP Podcast is a recording of the "Improving the Bottom Line: A Technical Look at Culture & Value" presentation given at the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2018 Annual Conference, #NCEO18, in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, April 18th from 3:00 PM-4:15 PM. The presenters are Ed Wilusz of Value Management, Inc, Matt Hancock of Praxis Consulting Group, and our own Bret Keisling of Capital Trustees.
Head to this episode our website, www.captrustees.com, to download the accompanying slideshow presentation and follow along. To learn more about our this episode's presenters, listen to ESOP Podcast Episode 4: ESOP Valuation with Ed Wilusz of Value Managment, Inc. and ESOP Podcast Episode 2: Interview with Matt Hancock of Praxis CG.
This episode of The ESOP Podcast is a recording of the "Communicating Value to Participants" presentation given at the New Jersey/New York Chapter of The ESOP Association's 2018 Spring Conference held in Syracuse, New York on April 5th, 2018.
The presenters are Rob Hilton, Director of Valuation and ESOP Services at Katz Sapper & Miller, Andy O’Neill, Director at Prairie Capital Advisors, and Bret Keisling, Managing Director at Capital Trustees. During the second half of the podcast there is an excellent give and take with the diverse group of ESOP companies in the audience, which makes this presentation even more valuable for ESOPs looking to continuously improve their communication and engagement.
Our guest is Patrice Radogna, ASA, CBA, CPA of Valuation Research Corporation (VRC). Patrice Radogna sat down with Bret Keisling at the 2018 Spring Conference of the New England Chapter of The ESOP Association on Friday, March 23rd in Burlington, Massachusets to discuss ESOP valuation. She steps us through the approaches to the valuation of a company transitioning to employee ownership.
You can read the article discussed in the second half of the podcast, "Employee Stock Ownership Plans and the Tax Act", in the March 2018 issue of Practical Tax Strategies,
Today's episode has two parts, both recorded at the 2018 Spring Conference of the New England Chapter of The ESOP Association on Friday, March 23rd in Burlington, Massachusets.
We start with an interview with Laurie Calvert, Chief Operating Officer of Meridian Associates, Inc., a civil engineering and land surveying firm that transitioned to 100% employee ownership in 2016. She shares her perspective as both a leader and a participant in the early years of an ESOP, including a great analogy to the early years of home ownership.
The second half of this podcast is a recording of an interactive presentation given at the conference: "If I’d Only Known Then What I Know Now: Transitioning to and Embracing an ESOP." The goal of this session is to give companies who are thinking about becoming an ESOP, or are new to ESOPs, information and ideas to help with the success of the transition to employee ownership. The presentation slide deck and contact information are available on our website, www.captrustees.com.
[The first section of the podcast has some background noise from the conference, which subsides as the recording progresses. Listeners with auditory issues that make it difficult to process background interference should skip ahead to the 18:05 mark to jump to the lead-in to the presentation.]
In this week's episode of the ESOP podcast, Bret Keisling is joined by Capital Trustees’ Client Relations Associate, Brian Keisling, to discuss the ins and outs of internal vs. external trustees and the engagement process for switching to an external trustee. Topics include the risks faced by all trustees, the early stages of a new relationship between company and trustee, and how making the switch may or may not affect the valuation process.
Our guest is Tabitha Croscut an ESOP attorney with Devine Millimet, Attorneys at Law. Tabitha Croscut discusses the history and current practice of transactional law for employee stock ownership companies. She walks the listener through the process owners interested in employee-ownership would go through when they consult an ESOP attorney to investigate whether an ESOP is right for their company.
Our guest is Michael Keeling, President and Chief Staff Officer of The ESOP Association, recorded at the March 2nd, 2018 ESOP Professionals' Forum in New Orleans, LA.
In this podcast, we learn how many pieces of the bigger picture came together to bring Michael Keeling into the employee ownership community, and what makes ESOP organizations special. He has visited over 573 ESOP companies and has great stories to share from his visits.
Michael Keeling invites all ESOP companies to join the national association and their local chapter. He also invites listeners to learn more about the Employee Ownership Foundation, whose mission is to fund research and educational programs to increase the level of awareness and appreciation of the benefits of employee ownership in order to educate the thought leaders of the future.
This special ESOP Podcast is a companion episode to our well-received "ESOP 101" podcast (Episode 21), which presented a 360-degree overview of the "What, Why, and How" of employee stock ownership plans. In this episode we'll learn more about the perspective and background of each of those "ESOP 101" presenters: Robert C. Hilton Jr., ASA, Director of Valuation and ESOP Services at Katz, Sapper & Miller, Mark R. Kossow, Esq., a partner at Archer & Greiner P.C., and Richard A. Heeter, Managing Director at Captial Trustees, LLC.
Our guest is Rob Zicaro, an ESOP advocate, speaker, and consultant, and a singer-songwriter. He spent 26 years as an employee-owner at Web Industries, and he shares his insider's perspective from his years as an active employee-owner, as well as his current experience enjoying this unique benefit and continuing his career in music (at RobZMusic.com).
Rob offers a lot of food for thought for both current and prospective employee owners, with an emphasis on the importance of developing a culture of communication and mutual respect.
In this updated version of our popular “ESOP 101” presentation, Robert C. Hilton Jr., ASA, at South Park Advisors [southparkval.com], Tabitha Croscut at Devine Millimet and Branch, Attorneys at Law [devinemillimet.com], and Richard A. Heeter at Captial Trustees [captrustees.com] present you with a 360-degree view of the what, why, and how of ESOPs.
The slideshow presentation that accompanies this podcast will be available for download soon at www.theesoppodcast.com.
You will learn about what an ESOP is and why an employee stock ownership plan may be the right succession planning option for your business, the tax advantages of selling a company to an ESOP for both the buyers and the sellers, and how these transactions are valued and financed. Along the way we bust some common ESOP myths, and we cap off our conversation with an up-to-date look at the ESOP marketplace today.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this presentation and the presentation materials are not intended to be used as legal or valuation advice. Please consult with counsel as necessary.
In this week's episode of the ESOP podcast, recorded on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2018, Capital Trustee's partners Bret Keisling and Rich Heeter outdo fellow Pennsylvania native Punxsutawney Phil and Rich predicts the winner of Super Bowl LII. Also, as predicted on previous podcasts, they discuss the differences between directed and discretionary ESOP trustees. Other topics include how to qualify an independent valuation advisor, hiring an external trustee, and how the valuation process and other matters are handled by an external trustee.
Key takeaway: A trustee’s responsibilities and processes should be identical regardless of whether you are internal or external. A fiduciary is a fiduciary is a fiduciary!
Our guest is Martin Staubus, Executive Director of The Beyster Institute at The Rady School of Management, University of California San Diego. We learn about some of the history of the ESOP movement, how the benefits of employee ownership are even more relevant today, and take a peek into our crystal ball on the future of ESOPs.
Along the way, we discuss transparency, open-book management, and The Great Game of Business. We also give an overview of the training and certification programs offered by the Beyster Institute's Governance Curriculum for Employee Ownership Companies.
Martin Staubus has advised hundreds of business leaders on the design and creation of employee stock ownership programs, including ESOPs, stock options plans, SAR plans, restricted stock plans and more.
Our guest is Pete Jones of ESOP Plus, Schatz Brown Glassman LLP, an industry-leading boutique law firm solely focused on employee ownership. He represents ESOP companies from their genesis as an ESOP to maturity as an ESOP company and beyond.
This episode is a free-flowing, philosophical discussion in which Pete and Bret push each other's thinking on issues in the ESOP world. In that spirit, take this conversation with a grain of salt; we aren't giving advice or drawing conclusions, we are just two friends and colleagues pondering the state of our industry.
In this week's episode of the ESOP podcast, recorded on January 15th, 2018, Capital Trustee's partners Bret Keisling and Rich Heeter discuss the efficacy of flu shots, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the business environment in light of reduced regulations and lower taxes.
Some of our planned upcoming podcasts topics: - Directed versus discretionary trustees. - An authoritative look at the impact of tax changes by a valuation advisor. - Expert advice on repurchase obligations relative to the tax rate. - "ESOP101" with a valuator and an ESOP lawyer. - We will be attending and recording at a number of ESOP conferences, like the ESOP Professionals' Forum and NCEO18. See our calendar at www.captrustees.com/news.
Our guest is Ken Baker, CEO of NewAge Industries [www.newageindustries.com] in Southampton, PA, and co-founder with Dan Adley of the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO). In this informative interview, we learn how NewAge Industries grew from the dream of founder Raymond Baker into a 45 million dollar operation and a 49% employee-owned company. He then describes why his succession plan is for the employees to ultimately assume 100% ownership to continue the firm's success and Raymond Baker's legacy.
Ken Baker educates others about ESOPs, through the training he conducts in his own company, and by sharing best practices with other companies in the state of Pennsylvania via the PaCEO [www.ownershippennsylvania.org]. He feels that ESOPs address a range of issues – the wealth gap, retirement savings, retention, and employee engagement. ESOPs also raise the wealth of the American worker. When employees have financial stability, they perform better in the workplace. A strong ESOP community benefits all ESOP companies, not just one, as well as society as a whole.
Our guest is Kathy Speaker MacNett, an attorney specializing in labor relations and employment law, with SkarlatosZonarich LLC in Harrisburg, PA. Kathy Speaker MacNett sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC in December 2017 to address the very topical issue of creating a healthy work environment. Content note: While this podcast is not explicit, it does address in general terms the existence of rape and sexual assault and the existence of LGBTQ+ and racial discrimination in the workplace.
Sexual harassment and assault in the workplace have been at the top of headlines recently, with several prominent cases highlighted by the #MeToo movement. Kathy Speaker MacNett encourages you to look at your employment policies and ensure you are addressing all forms of discrimination. While the desire to create a discrimination-free environment is not unique to ESOP companies, the importance of a healthy workplace culture is such a key component to the success of an employee-owned company that ESOPs are particularly well-positioned to face this issue directly. Prevention is the best policy. If an ESOP company does not have an anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy, they should stop listening to this podcast and talk to someone about writing a policy for them now.
Go to www.captrustees.com for more information on this podcast.
Our guest is Howard Kaplan of Kaplan Fiduciary Group; he has over 30 years in the trust and financial services industry and currently serves as a fiduciary consultant and board advisor to ESOP companies. Howard Kaplan sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC at #ESOPLV - The ESOP Association's record-setting November 2017 Las Vegas ESOP Conference and Trade Show held at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. They discuss the role of ESOP trustees and educating and advising ESOPs on improving fiduciary processes and performance.
Our guest is Scott Stitt, an ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) Attorney at Tucker Ellis LLP's Columbus Ohio office. He has a national litigation practice, focusing on ERISA and related employment and business disputes. Scott Stitt sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC at #ESOPLV -- The ESOP Association's record-setting November 2017 Las Vegas ESOP Conference and Trade Show.
This is a wide-ranging discussion of general trends in ERISA litigation, the recent history of interactions of ESOPs with the Department of Labor, and the implications of the GreatBanc DOL Settlement ESOP Fiduciary Process Agreement, First Bankers Trust DOL Settlement, and the BAT Masonry Agreement. They discuss how ESOPs should treat DOL audits like a deposition, in order to keep statements from being taken out of context. They also emphasize the importance of real independence and arms-length negotiations during the ESOP creation process, and the criticality of clear and detailed documentation.
Our guest is Jason Wellman, Senior ESOP Relationship Consultant with ESOP Partners. Jason Wellman sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC during the 3rd Annual Great Lakes Regional ESOP Association Conference held October 19-20, 2017 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Sandusky, OH.
Jason Wellman specializes in communicating, educating, teaching, training, and presenting about ESOPs so that employees understand this unique, non-traditional benefit. Companies will reap a great return on investment by deploying a correct and consistent communication plan and culture in the first thirty-six months to five years of a new ESOP.
ESOP Partners is based in northeastern Wisconsin and serves companies across the United States. They offer comprehensive ESOP services including ESOP administration, compliance, planning, and consulting.
Our guest is Jerry Friends, Production Manager at Thomson-Shore, a 100 percent employee-owned full-service book manufacturing, printing, publishing, production, and distribution company. Jerry Friends spoke with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC about Booktoberfest, a celebration of authors, books, art, and bratwurst during October in Dexter, Michigan. They discuss why the personal investment by the employee-owners in Thomson-Shore is part of the reason why Booktoberfest is such a success.
Booktoberfest features industry experts from around the country, offering advice and insight for authors, as well as fun and educational activities for the whole family. Authors even pitch their books to a panel of experts for a chance to win a publishing package from Thomson-Shore! Participants enjoy a day of music, food, and fun, while learning about the ever-changing world of publishing and bookmaking. A portion of proceeds benefits 826 Michigan, a non-profit writing program for school-aged students.
Go to www.seattlebookcompany.com to order/pre-order the books mentioned in this podcast.
Our guest is Cindy Turcot, Chief Operating Officer of Gardener’s Supply Company located in Burlington, Vermont, and former Chair of The ESOP Association. Cindy Turcot sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC at The ESOP Association's record-setting November 2017 Las Vegas ESOP Conference and Trade Show held at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their discussion covers shared capitalism, employee ownership and company culture, employee ownership month, the ESOP movement... and loving your ESOP so much that you get #iLoveMyESOP <3 suits!
Our guest is Kevin Spall, CEO of Thomson-Shore, a 100 percent employee-owned full-service book manufacturing, printing, publishing, production, and distribution company. Kevin Spall sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC during Employee Ownership Month (October 2017) at The ESOP Association Great Lakes Conference, at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Sandusky, OH. Their open and wide-ranging discussion covers many of the unique aspects of the culture at an employee-owned company.
Our guest is Kevin McPhillips, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO). Kevin McPhillips sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC to discuss exit planning, promoting ESOP awareness, and how ESOPs benefit employees and businesses in Pennsylvania and beyond.
The Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO) promotes a better understanding of the values of employee ownership among business leaders, public officials, employees, members of the media, students, teachers, nonprofit leaders, consumers, and other persons and organizations in Pennsylvania. Capital Trustees is proud to be one of the founding sponsors of this organization.
In this special edition of the ESOP Podcast, Captial Trustees partners Bret Keisling and Rich Heeter, and Client Relations Associate Brian Keisling discuss the 3rd Annual Great Lakes Regional ESOP Conference held October 19-20, 2017 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Sandusky, OH.
Our guest is Tom Roback of Blue Ridge ESOP Associates. Tom sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC during the September 2017 ESOP Association Multi-State Conference in Scranton, PA for a discussion of ESOP plan administration and ESOP and 401(k) recordkeeping services.
The experts at Blue Ridge ESOP Associates handle comprehensive recordkeeping and reporting requirements to S- and C-corporations with employee stock ownership plans.
Our guest is Jeff Gelburd, Vice President, ESOP Program Manager at Murray Securus and President of the Pennsylvania Delaware Chapter of the ESOP Association. Jeff sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees, LLC during the September 2017 ESOP Association Multi-State Conference – PA/DE and NY/NJ Chapter Meeting in Scranton, PA for a discussion of ESOPs, fiduciary insurance, and cyber insurance.
Murray Securus partners with The ESOP Association to provide a special insurance program specifically for employee-owned companies. This program offers effective protection for the ERISA liability exposures ESOP companies and their executives face, as well as the other exposures in their capacity as directors and/or officers.
Our guest is Edward A. Wilusz, Managing Director of Value Management, Inc. (VMI). Ed sat down with Bret Keisling of Captial Trustees during the September 2017 ESOP Association Multi-State Conference – PA/DE and NY/NJ Chapter Meeting in Scranton, PA for a wide-ranging discussion of the ESOP valuation process.
For over 25 years, Value Management Inc. has acted as a financial advisor to both newly-formed and existing Employee Stock Ownership Plans (“ESOP”s) to assist the ESOP in transactions to acquire stock of the sponsor company. With over 125 years of combined valuation experience, Value Management Inc.’s team has prepared fairness opinions for dozens of ESOP transactions involving large, medium and small-sized companies.
Our guest today is Mike Shuey of Restek Corporation, who is an officer with the ESOP Association's PA/DE Chapter. Mike talks with Bret about advocating for ESOPs at state and federal level.
Restek Pure Chromatography is based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and is proud to be a company of owners. Mike Shuey is Restek’s International Customer Service Supervisor. He received the 2016 ESOP Outstanding Chapter Officer Award.
Bret Keisling sits down with Matt Hancock of Praxis Consulting Group to talk about ESOPs and company culture.
Matt Hancock is a Consultant at Praxis, where he assists clients in developing and implementing high-engagement workforce strategies. Matt brings 12 years of domestic and global experience in education, employee ownership and change management to the team. His key competencies include leadership development, building high-performance ownership cultures, process improvement, vision, strategy, and governance.
Our introductory episode of The ESOP Podcast recorded in September, 2017 is a conversation between Capital Trustees partners Bret Keisling and Rich Heeter about Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). An ESOP is a type of trust, and all trusts need a trustee. Bret and Rich describe what it means to be a trustee for an ESOP, and why that role is important.