Phillip Hayes’ career launched in the early ’90s in commercial banking with SunTrust Bank – (Now “Truist”) and then Huntington Bank, managing all aspects of underwriting and commercial lending. Working in multiple industries, he gained a solid understanding of finance as he transitioned into Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates in 2000. After completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation, he merged his finance and succession work into the ESOP practice and has taken it to the national market. In 2020, he launched "The ESOP Guy" podcast (journeytoanesop.com), which explains the process of the ESOP transaction from a business owner’s perspective. The podcast aims to educate business owners and management team members expressing an interest in ESOPs as a growth strategy, succession strategy, and/or exit plan. Phillip illuminates the simplicity of ESOPs as he debunks common misconceptions.