Journey to an ESOP & Beyond
ESOPs are gaining traction. In the "Journey to an ESOP & Beyond” podcast, Phillip Hayes and Jason Miller explain the process of the ESOP transaction 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.
Episodes
232 episodes
EP34 - Feasibility is not Just a Math Exercise!
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into the real purpose of ESOP feasibility and why it’s far more than just another spreadsheet. They break down what “feasibility” truly means in an ESOP transaction and walk through the key factors compa...
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Season 6
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Episode 34
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35:11
EP33 - Common Myths Associated with ESOP Transactions
In this 15-minute episode, Jason and Makenzie take on some of the biggest misconceptions that keep companies from exploring an ESOP. They break down why ESOPs aren’t the overly complicated, out-of-reach structures many assume they are and why o...
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Season 6
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Episode 33
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18:42
EP32 - Strategic Planning for the New Year
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into the essentials of budgeting, forecasting, and planning for the year ahead. They break down what to focus on in preparation for the new year. The discussion explores the difference between budgeting ...
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Season 6
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Episode 32
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1:00:38
EP31 - Assurance in Action: What It Means for Your ESOP Journey
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie have a conversation around the meaning and relevance of assurance in the context of an M&A transaction and more specifically in an ESOP transaction. They discuss who needs assurance and why - whether it b...
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Season 6
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Episode 31
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47:46
EP30 - ESOPs as a Growth Strategy- Interview with Chris Fredericks
For the final episode of the Employee Ownership Month series, Jason interviews with Chris Fredericks, President and CEO of Empowered Ventures. Jason and Chris both discuss the power of employee ownership and how it can help expand a business, a...
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Season 6
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Episode 30
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40:21
EP29 - A View from the Inside: Interview with Kimberly McCourtney of the NCEO
In this episode we explore what life is really like for leadership after a company becomes employee owned. Guest Kimberly McCourtney, former HR Executive of an ESOP company and currently the Peer Networking Manager at NCEO, shares her firsthand...
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Season 6
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Episode 29
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42:51
EP28 - Owner’s Voices
In this episode. Makenzie interviews leaders from five diverse ESOP companies as they share their paths to employee ownership. Each organization offers a unique perspective on the transition process, the challenges and opportunities along the w...
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Season 6
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Episode 28
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24:57
EP27 - What is Employee Ownership: Interview with Corey Rosen of the NCEO
In this episode, Jason interviews Corey Rosen of the National Center for Employee Ownership. Corey tells Jason a story to unpack what employee ownership really looks like – the hopes, the doubts, and the decisions that define the first step of ...
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Season 6
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Episode 27
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55:59
EP26 - Employee Ownership Month Special Announcement
In this podcast episode, Jason announces a special release schedule for Employee Ownership Month. For the month of October, the podcast will feature special guests, educational resources, and ESOP insights. Be sure to return each Friday for the...
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Season 6
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Episode 26
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4:17
EP25 - The Language of ESOPs
In this episode, Jason tells a campfire story to illustrate the learning process of the ‘ESOP language’ and its importance on your Journey to an ESOP and Beyond. He discusses the importance of language in communication, highlighting its role in...
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Season 6
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Episode 25
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29:28
EP24 - Accounting for Leveraged ESOP Transactions
In this episode, Makenzie breaks down a leveraged ESOP transaction and the resulting impacts to a company's financial statements. This episode highlights the journal entries required for a simplified, leveraged ESOP transaction in accordance wi...
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Season 6
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Episode 24
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19:10
EP23 - Makenzie Wirth Interview-Journey to an ESOP Newest Team Member!
On this episode, Jason Miller interviews Makenzie Wirth, the newest member of our Journey to an ESOP team. From a career in public accounting to her current role in ESOP advisory, Makenzie discusses her journey in learning about employee owners...
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Season 6
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Episode 23
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29:36
EP22 - Astrophysics & ESOPs: A Natural Fit
In this episode Jason flies a little too close to the sun when discussing the impact of a company’s structure on its ability to harness the power of employee engagement. The discussion covered how employee engagement impacts business success, w...
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Season 6
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Episode 22
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31:13
EP21 - Industry Spotlight: Creative Agencies – The Fraction Collective
In this episode, Jason Miller interviews Miriam Agrell and Kavita Vora from The Fraction Collective. Throughout the conversation, they highlight different ways that creative agencies and ESOPs intersect. The group discusses the reality of succe...
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Season 6
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Episode 21
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52:37
EP20 - Where Do I Begin?
In this podcast episode, Jason discusses the best ways to approach succession planning. He focuses on tackling succession with intention and covers common obstacles that stand in the way of owners achieving their vision for a successful ownersh...
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Season 6
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Episode 20
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17:14
EP19 – Great Game of Business Interview-Steve Baker
In this episode, the podcast interviews Steve Baker, Vice President of Great Game of Business, Inc. Steve gives insight into the importance of financial literacy in building a company’s value through a culture of accountability, the dignity of ...
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Season 6
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Episode 19
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46:10
EP18 - Indiana Jones - Will the ESOP Make A Difference For Your Employees
This episode uses the classic film, Indiana Jones, as our feature film. The podcast utilizes this retro film as an example of something that never goes out of style-just like business owners helping their employees! The question the podcast dis...
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Season 6
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Episode 18
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43:02
EP17 Interview with John Burgess What Owners Can Expect After Forming an ESOP
In this podcast episode, ESOP attorney John Burgess returns to share what business owners should anticipate in the months following an ESOP transaction. From governance changes to employee communication and administrative next steps, Burgess of...
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Season 6
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Episode 17
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48:52
EP16 - Kon Tiki - IRS Subsidy for ESOPs
On this podcast episode we reference the movie Kon Tiki, which documents the journey of a Norwegian scientist on a raft built with natural materials and proves the ancient peoples sailed to the Polynesia islands. The trip took 43...
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Season 6
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Episode 16
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38:24
EP15 - Hines Pool & Spa - ESOP Experience with Andy Hines
On this podcast episode, we interview Andy Hines - founder of Hines Pool and Spa from Austin, TX. Hines Pool and Spa is an excellent example of a successful approach to an ESOP transaction. Andy shares his experience with researching ESOP...
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Season 6
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Episode 15
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42:59
EP14 - Behind Enemy Lines - Dealing with the Buy-Side on an ESOP Transaction
On this episode, we dig into a better understanding of the buy side team for an ESOP transaction. This would include the Trustee, Evaluation Firm, and their legal counsel. As you invite them into the ESOP deal, they are in a sense the ene...
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41:08
EP13 - Third Party Administration for ESOPs - with Tom Roback at Blue Ridge
As the podcast discussed at the beginning of the new season- we wanted to give a strong overview of the Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) role in the ESOP. On this episode, the podcast interviews Tom Roback with Blue Ridge. The episode looks at...
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Season 6
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Episode 13
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43:10
EP12 - Power Rangers - Roll Up Strategy for ESOPs
Power Rangers are an excellent example of strength in combining multiple superheroes on one team. On this episode we consider: What is your company worth? What happens when we combine it with another then another? The value could signific...
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Season 6
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Episode 12
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36:32
EP11 - Sustainability for Contractor ESOPs - Interview With Kevin Birch Regional Manager with CNA Surety
In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Birch, Regional Manager at CNA Surety, to explore best practices for contractor ESOPs. A key theme throughout our conversation is communication—and lots of it. One of the biggest mistakes a contr...
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Season 6
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Episode 11
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55:56
EP10 - Band of Brothers - Employee Centric Cultures For ESOPs
The show “Band of Brothers” offers a perfect example of leadership from the character of Captain Sobel and provides examples of overcoming obstacles to establish a strong culture. Specifically, the show provides an example of an employee-centri...
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Season 6
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Episode 10
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40:22