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What Every Business Owner Should Know About Exit Planning

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:06:09 GMT

Most business owners pour years — sometimes decades — into building something they're proud of. But when it comes time to move on, many aren't prepared. Research shows that many business owners lack an exit plan, which puts them at risk of failing to meet their retirement goals or settling for less than their business is worth.

Exit planning is about finding an elegant and flexible solution — one that lets you leave what you've built in capable hands while still receiving full fair market value and significant tax savings. It's not just about selling; it's about protecting your legacy, your employees, and your financial future.

Roy Messing, Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership, has helped educate owners and their advisors on transition options — including employee ownership models that can keep businesses local, preserve jobs, and help owners achieve their retirement goals.

In this free webinar, Roy covers the essentials: what exit planning entails, when to start, and how to ensure you're not leaving money — or your life's work — on the table.

March 2026 Newsletter | 2nd Edition

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:38:55 GMT

FREE Exit Planning Webinar, Attn: Rural Business Owners in Upper Peninsula, What Business Sector is Most Suitable for an ESOP? and the latest EO news curated for you…

UPCOMING EVENTS

Are you thinking about what happens when it's time to move on from your business? Join Roy Messing, MICEO’s Executive Director, for a FREE webinar covering everything you need to know about Exit Planning — from smart transitions to protecting what you've built. Whether you’re just curious or ready to plan, this event’s packed with practical tips and insider info.

Date : Wednesday, April 15

Time : 1:00–2 PM EDT

Cost : FREE

Join us to start protecting your business's future. Can’t make it? Feel free to register, and we will send you the recording.

Register Here

MICEO UPDATE

ATTN: UPPER PENINSULA BUSINESS OWNERS

Many rural communities are facing economic challenges as aging business owners approach retirement without clear succession plans. To help rural Michigan businesses remain rooted in their communities, MICEO is supporting business owners in the Upper Peninsula as they explore employee ownership as a transition option.

This project, which is being conducted with support from a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, is focused on preserving jobs and stabilizing local economies. The goal is to identify challenges and opportunities, provide guidance on structuring an employee ownership plan, and support owners through the transition process.

If you are considering retirement or stepping back from your business, please complete this short form to let us know more about you and your business. We can help you evaluate employee ownership and chart a clear path toward a successful transition. Let’s start something! Apply Here

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP FAQS

WHAT BUSINESS SECTOR IS MOST SUITABLE FOR AN ESOP?

E SOPs are not limited to any particular sector and are widely distributed across many industries. The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) reports that ESOPs are found in all sectors of the economy, from Arts & Entertainment to Wholesale Trade. In private companies, ESOPs are mainly found in professional, scientific, and technical services (21%), manufacturing (19%), and construction (19%). These industries often consist of established mid-sized companies where owners are seeking succession options.

In public companies – which represent a much smaller portion of ESOP plans overall – manufacturing (38%) and finance/insurance (30%) are the most popular industries. NCEO's newly updated interactive infographic shows the percentages for private, public, and all companies – illustrating how employee ownership can work across many types of businesses.

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP RESOURCES

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

Black Employee Ownership: A Pathway to Wealth Building and Economic Opportunity – Employee ownership has incredible potential for wealth-building strategy. New research from Project Equity shows Black workers remain significantly underrepresented in employee ownership, even in industries where they make up a substantial share of the workforce.

A Holding Company Built for EO Outdoor Recreation Businesses – The Outdoor Rec Collective plans to bring together a diverse collection of employee-owned outdoor companies to help owners sustain their brands while delivering higher wages.

Unearthing the Future: A Love for the Land – This short video was produced for The Farmers Land Trust by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions and features Blue Rock Station and the Blue Rock Farmland Commons . Discover how the Farmer’s Land Trust is helping them protect the land and give long-term security to its next generation stewards.

March 2026 Newsletter | 1st Edition

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:39:46 GMT

Attn: Rural Business Owners in Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Spotlight on McNaughton-McKay Electric Company, and the latest EO news curated for you...

Exciting developments from the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO)! A new pilot stipend program is launching to help more businesses explore employee ownership by offsetting feasibility study and valuation costs. By reducing financial barriers, this initiative expands access to ESOPs and cooperatives, strengthens succession planning, and supports resilient local economies and shared prosperity. For more insight, see Kevin Kuros' post .

MICEO UPDATE

ATTN: UPPER PENINSULA BUSINESS OWNERS

RURAL BUSINESS OWNERY SURVEY

If you own or operate a rural business in one of the 14 counties MICEO serves in the NE Lower Peninsula counties, we want to hear from YOU. MICEO is gathering direct input from rural entrepreneurs, small business owners, and family-owned businesses to better understand your needs, challenges, and long-term goals—especially around business sustainability, workforce retention, and succession planning.

Counties we are targeting include: Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Roscommon, Ogemaw, and Iosco; Northwest Lower Peninsula including Emmit, Antrim, and Charlevoix.

Your responses to our Rural Business Owners Survey will help shape future rural business support programs, funding opportunities, technical assistance, and ownership transition resources designed specifically for rural communities.

Strong rural economies start with informed action—and that starts with you. Fill out the Rural Business Owners Survey HERE .

FOCUS ON MICHIGAN

MCNAUGHTON-MCKAY ELECTRIC COMPANY

McNaughton-McKay Electric Company is a 100% employee owned wholesale electrical distributor based in Madison Heights, MI. McNaughton-McKay has been powering industry since 1910, including industrial, commercial, and institutional customers – from automation and control systems to power distribution and electrical components.

With a full line of products ranging from pipe and wire to complex automation control systems, McNaughton-McKay serves everyone from small electrical contractors to large-scale manufacturers. As an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in the company’s success — driving accountability, strengthening customer partnerships, and reinforcing a long-term commitment to Michigan’s manufacturing and industrial communities.

Learn more at: https://www.mc-mc.com/

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP RESOURCES

LEARN MORE ABOUT EO

How ESOPs Grow: Strategies to Build Value Through Each Maturity Stage – From early implementation to long-term optimization, successful ESOPs prioritize financial literacy, transparency, and proactive planning—ensuring employee-owners understand their role in building lasting business success.

The Great Ownership Transfer: A New Era of Business Ownership – The McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility’s new report examines an unprecedented wave of small-business ownership transitions that pose challenges for communities, especially rural areas, where small businesses account for more than half of total employment.

Cadbury built a city for workers—then gave it to them – In the late 1800s, chocolate makers George and Richard Cadbury built Bournville, a model village designed to give factory workers healthy housing, green space, and strong social supports. In 1900, they did something truly revolutionary – gifting ownership of the entire estate to a charitable trust, effectively transferring ownership of the village to the community itself.

February 2026 Newsletter | 2nd Edition

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:34:01 GMT

Attn: Rural Businesses in NE Lower Peninsula, FREE EO Webinar Mar. 12, What Happens When an ESOP Company is Sold? and the latest EO news curated for you...

Exciting developments from the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO)! A new pilot stipend program is launching to help more businesses explore employee ownership by offsetting the costs of feasibility studies and valuations. By reducing financial barriers, this initiative expands access to ESOPs and cooperatives, strengthens succession planning, and supports resilient local economies and shared prosperity.

For more insight, see Kevin Kuros’ post

MICEO UPDATE

If you own or operate a rural business in one of the 14 counties MICEO serves in the NE Lower Peninsula counties, we want to hear from you. MICEO is gathering direct input from rural entrepreneurs, small business owners, and family-owned businesses to better understand your needs, challenges, and long-term goals—especially in the areas of business sustainability, workforce retention, and succession planning.

Strong rural economies start with informed action—and that starts with you. Fill out the Rural Business Owners Survey HERE .

UPCOMING EVENTS

FREE WEBINAR: BEYOND RETIREMENT - THE REAL STORY OF ESOP PAYOUTS

Join Steve Storkan of Employee Ownership Expansion Network for a FREE webinar titled, “Beyond Retirement: The Real Story of ESOP Payouts” on March 12 at noon CST. This webinar, featuring Aaron Dean of Deanalytics , will focus on new research analyzing ESOP distributions from 2009–2024 and how job transitions and terminated ESOPs shape when and how wealth reaches workers. Learn more and register HERE .

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP FAQS

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN ESOP COMPANY IS SOLD?

Generally, when an ESOP is created, the expectation is that the ESOP will remain in place indefinitely and the employee-owners will continue to benefit over time as their ESOP accounts accumulate company shares. But there are cases when ESOP-owned companies are sold. Typically, if an ESOP-owned company is contemplating a sale of the business, it is because the company has received an unsolicited purchase offer from a private equity firm or a competitor in the same or a similar industry.

Click HERE to learn more about what happens when an ESOP company is sold.

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP RESOURCES

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

From Highways to Ownership: Why ESOPs Matter for Trucking Businesses – Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) are emerging as a strategic succession and stability option for trucking companies facing tight margins, workforce challenges, and aging ownership.

Worker co-ops rising in the USA – Coop News reports that Worker co-ops and democratic workplaces have grown 34% since 2020 while more than doubling their workforce.

Brad’s Service Center’s Story of Succession –This story from Ratchet+Wrench highlights how Brad’s Service Center transitioned ownership to the very employees who helped build its success, ensuring continuity, preserving legacy, and rewarding team commitment.

February 2026 Newsletter | 1st Edition

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:34:00 GMT

Attn: Rural Businesses in NE Lower Peninsula, Ventura Trust becomes ESOP, and the latest EO news curated for you

MICEO UPDATE

If you own or operate a rural business in one of the 14 counties MICEO serves in the North East Lower Peninsula counties, we want to hear from you. MICEO is gathering direct input from rural entrepreneurs, small business owners, and family-owned businesses to better understand your needs, challenges, and long-term goals—especially in the areas of business sustainability, workforce retention, and succession planning.

Strong rural economies start with informed action—and that starts with you. Fill out the Rural Business Owners Survey HERE .

FOCUS ON MICHIGAN

VENTURA TRUST BECOMES AN ESOP

Ventura Trust , a service provider that specializes in ESOP trustee and fiduciary services for employee-owned companies, recently transitioned to an employee-owned company itself! With clients in more than 30 states, Ventura Trust specializes in large and complex clients and serves over 175 ESOP plans each year.

Ventura Managing Partner (and new employee-owner) Alex Perry serves on MICEO's Board, and Ventura’s President, Neil Brozen, is on the board of MICEO's parent organization, the Employee Ownership Expansion Network. Congratulations to the entire Ventura team on this exciting next chapter!

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP RESOURCES

LEARN MORE ABOUT EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

Fast Company: Closing the Wealth Gap – the Solution Hiding in Plain Sight – This Fast Company article argues that employee ownership is a proven, market-tested way to expand wealth beyond a few and into the hands of the people who build our companies.

Italy's Radical Solution to Extreme Inequality – This video explores how Italy’s cooperative system empowers workers with shared ownership, stronger job security, and more equitable wealth creation. A compelling case for rethinking how businesses are owned and how value is distributed.

Generation ESOP: 10.8 Million And Growing – Explore Forbes’ perspective on the continued rise of ESOPs and why this model is becoming an essential tool for sustainable growth.

January 2026 Newsletter | 2nd Edition

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:33:59 GMT

Wolverine Crane Transitions to ESOP, Tax Incentives for Selling Business Owners, NCEO Annual Conference, and the latest EO news curated for you.

January 2026 Newsletter, Part 2

January 2026 Newsletter | 1st Edition

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:33:57 GMT

Celebrating a year of impact, FREE ESOP Conference in FL Feb. 2-3, EO FAQs, and the latest EO news curated for you

January Updates for MICEO, Part 1

December 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:08:34 GMT

How YOU can help keep businesses rooted in MI, Discounts for Grand Rapids-area EO companies, FREE ESOP Conference in FL on Feb. 2-3, and more…

December Updates for MICEO

November 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:53:52 GMT

Who will own your business after you? Is selling an ESOP really complex and expensive? Check out our November Newsletter for the answer to these questions. Link below!

November Updates for MICEO

October 2025 Newsletter

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 03:04:59 GMT

November 20th, MICEO is hosting a FREE CE Credit Webinar! Register at the link found in our October 2025 Newsletter.

October Updates for MICEO

September 2025 Newsletter

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 02:51:15 GMT

Stay up-to-date on our current webinar series, check out the John Abrams interview, and so much more!

September Updates for MICEO

Building a Business That Belongs to Everyone: John Abrams' Story

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:11:02 GMT

"I am committed to using business as a force for good."

That vision has guided John Abrams for more than four decades. As the founder of South Mountain Company – a 40-person worker cooperative that specializes in architecture, building, and solar on Martha’s Vineyard – Abrams built not just a company, but a community. Today, South Mountain is recognized as one of the highest-scoring B Corps in the world and continues to thrive long after Abrams has passed leadership on to the next generation.

Not only did he help his company thrive well beyond his tenure, but in his book From Founder to Future , Abrams explores the rise of employee ownership and offers insider expertise and practical advice.

The Power of Letting Go

MICEO interviewed John about his transition to employee ownership and then, decades later, to second-generation leadership. Abrams knew early on that succession wasn’t a one-time event, but a process. He tested distributed management by taking a six-month sabbatical. When he returned, moral had tanked and the system needed re-design. The team worked through that, and he did it again. The second time, it got traction, and the system has worked, with adjustments to this day- 20 years later.

After working with the leadership team for years to build requisite capacities, when he returned at the end of 2022 it was seamless.

“It was like I slipped right out of the leadership team and they just kept going,” Abrams recalls. “Since I left, they have thrived and evolved – even taking the company to places I may not have been able to.”

Why Employee Ownership Works

Abrams made the shift to employee ownership mid-career, a choice he calls the key to South Mountain’s long-term success. Transitioning while he was still active gave future leaders time to grow into their roles and align on vision.

Too often, he says, business owners sell to private equity and later regret it: “Fat wallets and broken hearts,” he calls it, watching companies get sliced apart for profit. Employee ownership, by contrast, allows founders to honor the people who helped build the business while ensuring its mission continues.

“It’s a way for owners, at once, to recoup their investment and share with employees who helped build it." Abrams says.

Meet the team behind South Mountain Company – a family-like cooperative of architects, designers, solar installers, and carpenters working side by side. As a certified B Corp since 2008, South Mountain Company consistently ranks among the top five of 10,000 companies worldwide, outperforming global icons like Patagonia and TOMS. Their success proves that when a business runs as a true worker cooperative, the results earn recognition on a global stage.

From Owner to Ownership

At South Mountain, the team rooted their success in long-term planning: creating five- and ten-year visions, then distilling them into annual goals. They built a clear decision making matrix and a strong leadership culture. Abrams is quick to dispel a common myth about worker cooperatives: “A lot of people think they’re leaderless entities. On the contrary, you need tremendous leadership and a strong plan in place.”

You can hear John dispel more of these myths, on one of his featured podcasts on 21 Hats.

The Bigger Picture

Abrams’ new book, From Founder to Future , places South Mountain’s story within the broader employee ownership movement. He explores the three major models – and beyond – which in John's terms are:

Worker cooperatives (WCs): Democracy baked in — one shareholder, one vote.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): More complex, but effective. The key? “Operate like a coop but finance as an ESOP.”
Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs): The new kid on the block. Popular in Britain, where a trust holds shares for employees’ benefit.

The ecosystem supporting these models is growing fast. “We are so fortunate to have the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) and 26 state centers, where five years ago there were only a few,” Abrams notes. “If you have a State EO center, that is the place to start. The EO community is just packed full of collaboration.”

Beyond the Bottom Line

South Mountain’s mission has always stretched beyond profit. The company has tackled affordable housing challenges on Martha’s Vineyard while simultaneously pioneering sustainable building practices. For Abrams, business is simply a platform for solving community problems.

And he admits he thrives on uncertainty : “I love doing things I have no idea what I'm doing— it keeps it fresh.”

Looking Ahead

Abrams’ journey shows what’s possible when vision, structure, and trust in people align. South Mountain not only survived his departure — it flourished. His story underscores the potential of employee ownership as both a business strategy and a force for good.

“When people get a clear picture of what this means, their outlook changes,” Abrams says. His own career is proof: with the right steps, businesses can outlast their founders, stay true to their values, and continue creating shared prosperity for generations to come.

To watch the full interview, head to our YouTube Channel here:

Aaron Dean: The Game-Changer in ESOP Data

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:39:22 GMT

Through Deanalytics, Aaron Dean is transforming the way employee-owned companies use data - turning numbers into clarity, culture, and long-term value.

Through Deanalytics , Aaron Dean is redefining how employee-owned companies use data by helping them use data as a common language.

If you haven’t heard of Deanalytics yet, you will soon. Deanalytics blends advanced analytics and AI-driven tools with human-centered coaching, built specifically for ESOP's. Think of it as the next generation of ownership tools: one clear dashboard for financial and operational data, including the interactive “owner’s game” where every employee can see their contribution, KPI strategy sessions, and data-driven forecasting. Deanalytics makes it simple, turning scattered numbers into a shared story that every employee-owner can understand and act on.

This simple and clean dashboard is the new wave of ESOP sophistication. By combining technical expertise with education and coaching, Deanalytics empowers employee-owners to turn data into daily ownership practice.

Turning Numbers Into Ownership Power

With over a decade of experience both as an ESOP insider and a seasoned data strategist, Aaron Dean is uniquely positioned to lead in this industry. You may have seen him speak at conferences like the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and share his partnerships with State Centers through the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX). Deanalytics is thinking leaps and bounds ahead of what an employee owned company needs to succeed.

Deanalytics pairs dashboards like the Owner’s Game with literacy workshops and strategy sessions — blending technology with human-centered guidance so every employee-owner can understand and act on the numbers.

Employee Ownership Platform

Aaron’s mission is simple: make data a shared language. From the shop floor to the boardroom, shared understanding turns numbers into action in a simple platform for everyone to be on the same page. When every employee can see how their daily work links to company performance, engagement rises, waste falls, and long-term value grows.

DeanAnalytics offers software product services at every stage: from literacy workshops that help teams build confidence, to the Value Driver Dashboard and Owner’s Platform designed specifically for ESOPs. Whether a company is just starting to measure or already swimming in data, the goal is the same: turning information into shared ownership value.

“Data literacy isn’t a one-time training—it’s a path. We help teams move from first questions to confident decisions, linking daily work to share value so employee-owners can act with clarity.” CEO Aaron Dean, Deanalytics.

Leading the Way in ESOP Data

No one else in the world focuses exclusively on employee-owned data the way Aaron does. He bridges technical expertise with human-centered coaching. The result? Companies that engage employees, eliminate waste, and grow faster.

Want to take the first step? Download the free Data Literacy White Paper to help your ESOP on its data journey. Learn more at Deanalytics.

Get to know Aaron here: Empowered by Data: How Domo Transforms Careers | Domopalooza 202 5
Watch Aaron’s conference talk for a taste of his energy.
Download the free white paper to start your company’s data journey.
Learn more about Deanalytics .

Author John Abrams Interview

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:57:42 GMT

Listen to MICEO Executive Director Roy Messing’s interview with John Abrams, author of “From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership.”

This recorded conversation explores how mission-driven business owners can:

✅ Transition leadership with confidence

✅ Build shared ownership models

✅ Preserve values for long-term success

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into building a business that thrives for generations.

Watch and listen to the recording HERE : Check out our Youtube Page - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjVDUQcRuYU

July 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:18:42 GMT

New LEO-Funded Pilot funds EO transitions, MICEO Team grows, and so much more!

MICEO July 2025 Updates

August 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:03:35 GMT

How does an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transaction work? Check out the link below to find out.

August Updates for MICEO

Employee Ownership in Action

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:56:53 GMT

Emprise - Nice-Pak Deal puts Employee Ownership First across city lines.

In a major move for both global growth and local economic impact, Emprise Group Inc. , a 100% employee-owned company with operations in Grand Rapids, Michigan announced that its portfolio company Vivos Holdings will merge with Nice-Pak Products , a global leader in personal care and hygiene wipes.

While Emprise is based in St. Louis , its presence in Grand Rapids is a key part of the story. Grand Rapids ranks 12th in the country for the number of employee-owned companies , and this deal reinforces its role as a rising hub for shared-ownership success.

The combined organization will become one of the world's largest private-label and co-manufacturing providers of healthful living products—offering a powerful example of what employee ownership can achieve at scale.

"Being employee-owned means we invest in people first," said Richard Koulouris , CEO of Emprise. "This combination strengthens our ability to create long-term value for both our customers and our employee-owners."

This transaction brings together over 2,700 employees globally , including the 1,200+ employee-owners already part of the Emprise network. Nice-Pak—known for products like the original

Wet-Nap® and resealable baby wipe packs—adds manufacturing strength and global reach.

At the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO) , we see this as a milestone moment that aligns with our mission: helping business owners and communities across the state explore and adopt employee ownership. As Michigan invests in this model, through programs like the $500,000 state pilot launched in 2025 .

Why It Matters:

Local leadership: Emprise's Grand Rapids facility is part of a growing network of Michigan-based employee-owned companies.
Broad-based benefit: Employee ownership drives wealth-building, retention, and stronger communities.
Real-world validation: This deal is among the largest ESOP-led acquisitions ever—proof that the model works, even at a global scale.

This is more than a merger. It's a celebration of what happens when two communities, built on the foundation of employee ownership, come together to grow something greater across city lines. Thanks to Alice Clark, CHRO, Emprise Group Inc., for their partnership with the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership.

Richard Koulouris, CEO of Emprise

Free in person CE credit brunch and learn

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:05:07 GMT

Hosted by MICEO and Moore & Kerbawy

Summer 2025 Webinar: 7/9/25

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:31:14 GMT

Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts

Watch the second installment of our Summer Webinar series HERE! Download and enjoy.

New 500k pilot to expand employee ownership opportunities

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:11:13 GMT

New 500k pilot to expand employee ownership opportuniti

The Michigan Center for Employee ownership is partnering with the State of Michigan's Labor & Economic Opportunity to launch an employee ownership pilot program. Read the full press release here:

LEO - New 500k pilot to expand employee ownership opportunities

June 2025 Newsletter

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:03:28 GMT

MICEO turns 3, our Summer Webinar Series is in full swing, and so much more!

June Updates for MICEO

Summer 2025 Webinar: 6/25/25

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:15:02 GMT

Introduction to Employee Ownership

Watch the first installment of our Summer Webinar series HERE! Download and enjoy.

May 2025 Newsletter

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:13:20 GMT

How do employees "buy in" to an ESOP? Click the link below to find out the answer.

May Updates for MICEO

April 2025 Newsletter

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:09:59 GMT

Learn more about our Employee Ownership Resources

April Updates for MICEO

MICEO Summer 2025 Webinar series

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:24:46 GMT

Join us for our summer webinar series, register below!

So want to form an ESOP? What you need to know from an insider's view. Tickets, Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

Introduction to Donor Advised Funds Tickets, Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

How Worker Cooperatives and EOTs Facilitate A Business Owner’s Exit Tickets, Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

March 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:28:30 GMT

MICEO receives the Rural Readiness Grant from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's (LEO) Office of Rural Prosperity.

March Updates from MICEO

From Rural Roots to Global Reach: Besser's Employee-Owned Success Story

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:49:52 GMT

MICEO Takes a Closer Look at Besser Company

The Michigan Center for Employee Ownership had the privilege of exploring the remarkable success story of Besser Company. From its humble beginnings in Alpena, MI, Besser has grown into a global powerhouse, with operations and influence reaching across the world. At the heart of their impressive expansion is a deep commitment to employee ownership, (a value they proudly live by every day) driving their culture and success at every level. Take a look inside Besser Company and learn more about their story. Take a Look at Besser Company

The Power of Employee Ownership

Besser Company and the communities they serve in have undergone an extraordinary transformation since transitioning to employee ownership through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). What began as a small company in a rural area has grown into a globally recognized leader in the concrete products industry, shipping products worldwide. This remarkable growth is a direct result of the cultural shift brought about by employee ownership, which has instilled a shared sense of purpose and accountability among the companies over 450 employees worldwide. Every team member now has a personal stake in Besser’s success. This collaboration has fueled innovation, team building and an unwavering commitment to excellence since becoming an ESOP in 2004.

Preserving Legacy Through Employee Ownership

The decision to transition to an ESOP came when the Besser/Park family decided to retire. Wanting to preserve the company's legacy, family-owned atmosphere, and unique culture, they established the ESOP to ensure that employees could shape the future of the company while honoring its roots. Read more on their transition to becoming Employee Owned .

Empowering Employees, Expanding Worldwide

Today, Besser is a 100% employee-owned company and has several key locations across North America. Besser’s growth and employee ownership have fostered a culture of collaboration, empowering employees to engage deeply with company operations and pursue long-term objectives with enthusiasm. As a result, Besser continues to deliver exceptional products and services, expanding its reach beyond the U.S. and growing its influence on the global stage.

Celebrating 120 Years: Besser’s Success for Employees and the Alpena Community

" As the company expands, employees are more involved in community initiatives like food drives and charity work, while Besser’s increased success allows for larger donations to local organizations. Additionally, the company’s growth has created more job opportunities, contributing to the local economy and offering stability for residents. Through these efforts, Besser has become a key partner in the ongoing development and well-being of Alpena."

As Besser thrives, it has made a significant positive impact on the communities they serve. Creating job opportunities, providing economic stability, and encouraging employees to actively participate in local events and charitable causes. Besser has become a cornerstone of Alpena's continued development, demonstrating that a company’s success can have far-reaching benefits both locally and globally. Besser Manufacturing carries employee ownership as a core value, watch as they celebrate 120 years.

A special thanks to Amanda Oliver as Besser's Communication's Specialist for this collaboration! If you want to hear more about the interview with Besser, please contact Katie at katie@miceo.org to learn more!

More information on Besser:

Besser Manufacturing Employee Owned

801 Johnson Street

Alpena, Michigan 49707

+1.989.354.4111 or 1.800.968.0444

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Empowering Business with Technology & Strategy

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:07:18 GMT

A Capital Readiness Initiative

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February 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:54:05 GMT

MICEO launches a FREE webinar series on Employee Ownership

February Updates from MICEO

MICEO Breaking Business Barriers Webinar series

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:17:22 GMT

Ready to take your business to the next level? Join us for a 4-part webinar series kicking off with the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership. We’ll dive into critical topics like securing capital funding, getting your business prepared for growth, and leveraging employee ownership. Each session will offer expert guidance and practical takeaways to empower your business. Look out for upcoming sessions from Peoples First Economy, the Center for Community-Based Enterprise, and the Detroit Common Wealth Fund for continued learning and growth.

Follow the link below to our Eventbrite page to register for this webinar series!

Breaking Business Barriers: Business-Ready for Capital: Key Factors Tickets, Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

January 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:17:20 GMT

Why Besser Company transitioned to an ESOP

January Updates from MICEO

December 2024 Newsletter

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:42:25 GMT

Who will own your business after you? Check out our Business Succession Planning resources.

December Updates from MICEO

November 2024 Newsletter

katie@miceo.org (Katie .) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:13:34 GMT

Newsletter Launch! Thank you for joining us on this journey as we expand into monthly email updates. Check out our first edition at the link below!

November Updates from MICEO

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 01:53:12 GMT

The Employee Ownership Expansion Network Receives W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant to Increase Employee Ownership in Michigan

Grand Rapids, MI – The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding employee ownership across the U.S. through the creation of state centers – has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand the work of the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO).

The three-year grant from Kellogg Foundation will focus on identifying businesses in the Grand Rapids/Kent County area with soon-to-be-retiring owners that employ a high level of BIPOC individuals, and educating them on the benefits of employee ownership as an exit planning option. Our goal is to increase the number of BIPOC employee owners under this project.

Time is of the essence for this work. A study completed for the MICEO by Project Equity (https://miceo.org/the-silver-tsunami/) found that approximately 50% of privately owned businesses in Kent County are owned by individuals who will retire in the next 10 to 15 years. These 5,619 businesses employ over 100,000 people, generate $21 billion in revenue, and have annual payrolls of $4 billion.

Roy Messing, Executive Director of the MICEO, notes that the dramatic increase in retirements is concerning because, “Only half of business owners typically have succession plans in place, and more often than not, the plan is to sell the business. When the time comes to sell, however, only one in three businesses finds a buyer, forcing some companies to close their doors. The potential loss of jobs will greatly impact communities in Michigan and working families,” Messing says.

“With Kellogg Foundation’s support, MICEO will encourage businesses owners to consider converting their businesses to an employee ownership model rather than selling the business to a third party or closing it,” said Steve Storkan, Executive Director of EOX. “Most business owners aren’t aware that this is an option.”

Numerous research studies show that workers who are part of an employee-owned company tend to have higher incomes and higher net worth than their conventionally employed counterparts. A study from the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit-Sharing shows that among lower-income workers, those at employee-owned firms are more financially secure than their peers.

“Selling a business to its employees keeps jobs in the community, and creates a legacy that owners can feel good about. It is also a strategy to address the issue of rising wealth and income disparity in this country,” said Storkan. “We are eager to get started on the outreach and education to as many business owners as possible in Grand Rapids and Kent County and we are honored that the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has chosen to support the work that we are doing.”

About the Employee Ownership Expansion Network

The Employee Ownership Expansion Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in Philadelphia, PA in 2018 and headquartered in Arlington, VA. Its mission is to significantly expand employee ownership in the United States by establishing and supporting a network of independent, nonprofit Centers for Employee Ownership. To date, EOX has provided funding and technical assistance to support the opening of eleven State Centers. EOX’s goal is to create one million new employee owners by 2025. To learn more, visit www.eoxnetwork.org.

About the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership

The Michigan Center for Employee Ownership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2022 that serves as the central hub for information and resources around employee ownership in Michigan.

The MICEO’s mission is to educate business owners and their advisors (lawyers, bankers, accountants, wealth advisors) on the benefits of employee ownership via Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). MICEO provides resources, case studies and articles, and a list of service providers who can assist with employee ownership transitions. MICEO serves the entire state of Michigan. To learn more, visit https://miceo.org .

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.

The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special attention is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org .

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