Journey to an ESOP & Beyond
ESOPs are gaining traction. In the "Journey to an ESOP & Beyond” podcast, Doeren Mayhew's Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth explain the ESOP transaction process and address ESOPs from a business owner's perspective. They illuminate the simplicity of ESOPs and debunk common misconceptions that ESOPs are immensely costly and complicated.
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“Doeren Mayhew" is the brand name under which Doeren Mayhew Assurance and Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. Doeren Mayhew Assurance and Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC (and its subsidiary entities) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations and professional standards. Doeren Mayhew Assurance is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business consulting services to their clients. Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC, DM Payroll Solutions, Doeren Mayhew Capital Advisors and their subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.
Episodes
260 episodes
EP 24 - 10 Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Before Planning an Exit
Most business owners can name the exit they think they want, but far fewer can clearly explain the problem they are trying to solve. Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth dig into the 10 powerful questions every owner should ask themselves before cho...
EP23 - Foundations of Transition: Building Leadership Capacity
In this Journey to an ESOP and Beyond podcast episode, Jason and Makenzie continue the Foundations of Transition series by exploring the sixth foundation: capacity building. Framed through the lens of leadership transfer, this conversation exam...
EP22 - Interview with Art Smith of DB Engineering
In this podcast episode, Jason and Makenzie interview Art Smith, President of DB Engineering, about the company’s transition to 100% employee ownership. The conversation explores the decision-making process between a strategic sale, management ...
EP21 - What Happens After Closing?
In this episode of Journey to an ESOP and Beyond podcast, Jason and Mackenzie discuss the full lifecycle of an ESOP company. The conversation covers what changes in the first 90 days after an ESOP transaction, including new debt obl...
EP20 - The Negotiation Process in an ESOP Transaction
In this episode of Journey to an ESOP and Beyond, Makenzie breaks down the negotiation process behind an ESOP transaction. From purchase price and seller note terms to governance, SARs, board composition, and fiduciary requirements, this episod...
EP19 - Interview with A.W. Farrell
In this episode of the Journey to an ESOP podcast, Jason and Makenzie interview brothers Marc and John Farrell of to discuss their company’s transition to employee ownership and the multi-generational legacy behind it. The Farrell brothers shar...
EP18 - Foundations of Transition: Strategy into Execution
In this Journey to an ESOP podcast episode, Jason and Makenzie continue the Foundations of Transition series, focusing on the theme of turning strategy into execution, exploring how these elements play a critical role in preparing for a success...
EP17 - Interview with Steve Baker on Financial Literacy
In this episode, Jason Miller speaks with Steve Baker of The Great Game of Business about the critical role of financial literacy in building successful employee ownership and ESOP cultures. They explore why ownership alone does not automatical...
EP16 - Financial Literacy and Employee Ownership
In recognition of April as Financial Literacy Month, this episode explores a critical question in employee ownership—why financial literacy matters when employees are given ownership but do not fully understand its value. Jason Miller and&...
EP15 - The Right First Question
What’s the right first question when an owner starts exploring an ESOP? It may not be “Can my company do one?” In this episode, we unpack why technical possibility and strategic fit are not the same thing. Using the metaphor of the kitchen in a...
EP14 - Foundations of Transition- Communication, Culture & Trust
In this episode of the Foundations of Transition series, Jason and Makenzie focus on the theme of Communication, Culture & Trust, exploring how these elements shape the success of an ESOP transaction. Each workshop-style conversation in thi...
EP13 - What Could Go Wrong?
This week, Jason and Makenzie cover what could go wrong in an ESOP transaction. From concerns about overpaying for shares to the burden of debt service, unrealistic projections, and the momentum that can build during negotiations, this episode ...
EP12 - Step-by-Step Guide to an ESOP Transaction
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie walk listeners through the step-by-step process of an ESOP transaction, breaking down what can often feel like a complex and overwhelming journey into a clear, approachable roadmap. They cover common question...
EP11 - The Job That Gets Harder
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie explore what is often one of the most challenging roles in an ESOP transition: frontline management. Immediately after a transition to employee ownership, frontline managers often take on the greatest level o...
EP10 - Foundations of Transition- Strategic Direction
In this episode of the Foundations of Transition Series, Jason and Makenzie focus on the theme of Strategic Direction, asking the critical question: What direction are we moving in, and how are we getting there? Each workshop-style con...
EP9 - Interview with Steve Thornton and Eric Harris of Monte Sano Research Corporation
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie sit down with Steve Thornton and Eric Harris of Monte Sano Research Corporation (MSRC) to discuss the company’s evolution to employee ownership. They reflect on their company’s journey to an ESOP and how succ...
EP8 - How Every Employee Can Create Enterprise Value in an ESOP
In this episode, Makenzie Wirth and Jason Miller explore how any employee, regardless of title or department, can help create enterprise value in an employee-owned company. They break down practical strategies to drive growth, increase profitab...
EP7 - Understanding Equity Beyond Money: Business, ESOPs, and Ownership
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie discuss the true meaning of equity, beyond financial payouts. They break down equity in terms of fairness, company ownership, home equity, and long-term value, and explain the responsibilities, risks, and min...
EP6 - Foundations of Transition - Courageous Leadership
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie continue “The Foundations of Transition” series by highlighting the courage it takes to transition a company and its leadership. Each workshop-style episode builds on the last, offering practical guidance to ...
EP5 - The Class You Didn’t Know You were Taking: Navigating Business Transitions
In this episode, Jason Miller explores the unsettling feeling of being enrolled in a college class you never signed up for — and suddenly realizing you are expected to know the subject matter. The fear and overwhelm hit hard. For many business ...
EP4 - Interview with Pete Shuler of Blue Ridge Associates
What truly drives a successful ESOP transaction? In this episode, Jason Miller sits down with Pete Schuler, Senior Vice President and Head of Consulting at Blue Ridge, to share insights from more than 30 years of specialized ESOP advisory and c...
EP3 - Construction Industry Spotlight: Interview with Joe Jones, Audit Partner at Berman Hopkins
In this episode, Makenzie Wirth interviews Joe Jones, Audit Partner at Berman Hopkins. As lead of the firm’s Construction Advisory Services Team, Joe shares his perspective on the recent trend of construction companies transitioning ownership t...
EP2 - Foundations of Transition - Intent and Ownership Vision
In this episode of the Journey to an ESOP podcast, Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth kick off The Foundation...
EP1 - Continuity Through Change
Season 7 kicks off with a simple truth: change is inevitable, but being unprepared is a choice. In this
EP38 - Interview with Danny Massey of Expanding ESOP
In this episode of the Journey to an ESOP podcast, Jason sits down with Danny Massey, Head of Strategy and Communications for Expanding ESOPs--a national coalition working to dramatically broaden employee ownership across the United States. Dan...