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 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.
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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
249 episodes
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 ...
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Season 7
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Episode 13
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51:09
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 12
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45:14
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 11
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44:36
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 10
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38:08
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 9
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44:52
EP8 - Creating Enterprise Value from any Seat
In this episode, Makenzie and Jason explore how anyone, regardless of title or department, can create enterprise value from their seat in the company. In an employee-owned environment, revenue generation isn’t limited to sales roles; it’s a min...
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Season 7
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Episode 8
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35:49
EP7 - Understanding Equity Beyond Money
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into everyone’s favorite word — equity — and examine what it really means beyond payouts and financial rewards. They explore how equity extends far beyond cash, defining it instead through fairness, owne...
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Season 7
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Episode 7
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30:37
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 ...
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Season 7
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Episode 6
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58:34
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 ...
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Season 7
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Episode 5
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20:32
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 4
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54:32
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 3
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29:41
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...
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Season 7
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Episode 2
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37:12
EP1 - Continuity Through Change
Season 7 kicks off with a simple truth: change is inevitable, but being unprepared is a choice. In this
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Season 7
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Episode 1
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6:57
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...
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Season 6
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Episode 38
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38:59
EP37 - The Gift of an ESOP
In this holiday episode, Jason and Makenzie explore the ESOP as a meaningful gift to a company’s employees. They break down how ESOP benefits work for both owners and employees and unpack the mechanics behind inside notes versus outside notes. ...
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Season 6
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Episode 37
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36:14
EP36 - Ghosts of ESOPs Past, Present, and Future
In this episode, Jason and Makenzie let three “ESOP ghosts” guide us through the employee-ownership journey. They revisit the origins of your ESOP, take a candid look at how things stand today, and discuss how to intentionally choose its future...
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Season 6
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Episode 36
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40:48
EP35 - Speaking into the Gap. Ownership Identity, Capability, and the Leader’s Voice
In this episode, the Journey to an ESOP podcast speaks directly to founders who feel the weight of leadership and wonder how their team will successfully shift into an ESOP model. Through a blend of personal story and practical insight...
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Season 6
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Episode 35
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19:18
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