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"The ownership transition is not just about percentages; it's about value and creating a legacy."
About the Guest:
John R. McAdams is the founder of McAdams, a leading engineering, planning, and design firm that has shaped communities for over 40 years. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation, John has led transformative projects in land development and infrastructure. In this episode, he shares his journey as an industry leader, offering valuable insights into business growth, leadership, and passing the torch to the next generation of design professionals.
Episode Summary:This episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast dives into the journey of founding the John R. McAdams Company in 1979 by John R. McAdams himself. He discusses the company's initial funding, the deliberate planning, and the establishment of a professional services firm rather than a solo practice. The episode focuses on the company's continuous ownership transition program, highlighting the importance of valuation, crafting a shareholder's agreement, and the procedures for transitioning ownership. McAdams elaborates on the criteria for inviting new owners and the benefits of a systematic ownership distribution to retain talent, ensure fairness, and promote growth without needing to sell the firm at retirement. Specific strategies, including leveraging Zweig Group's industry ratios and avoiding ESOPs to concentrate ownership among key contributors, are explained. The episode concludes with McAdams's personal story and plans for his shares as he approaches retirement.
Key Takeaways:All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Links referenced in this episode:McAdams Website
The Zweig Letter
Zweig Group
Flipping Book
Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.
This episode serves as a masterclass for firm leaders looking to navigate ownership transitions effectively while maintaining sustainable growth. McAdams’ story is a powerful reminder of the importance of deliberate planning, inclusive growth, and adaptability in professional services firms.
Don’t miss the opportunity to subscribe to The Zweig Letter Podcast for more insightful discussions on leadership, strategy, and growth in the AEC industry.
Other episodes you'll enjoy:Exploring Avail's Impact on AEC Content Management with Randall Steven
AI Transforming AEC: From Design to Recruitment and Beyond with KP ReddyReg Prentice on simplifying data management for design firmsConnect with Zweig Group:Connect with Zweig Group:Instagram: Zweig Group
Facebook: Zweig Group
Twitter: Zweig Group
LinkedIn: Zweig Group
Website: Zweig Group
5
1010 ratings
"The ownership transition is not just about percentages; it's about value and creating a legacy."
About the Guest:
John R. McAdams is the founder of McAdams, a leading engineering, planning, and design firm that has shaped communities for over 40 years. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation, John has led transformative projects in land development and infrastructure. In this episode, he shares his journey as an industry leader, offering valuable insights into business growth, leadership, and passing the torch to the next generation of design professionals.
Episode Summary:This episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast dives into the journey of founding the John R. McAdams Company in 1979 by John R. McAdams himself. He discusses the company's initial funding, the deliberate planning, and the establishment of a professional services firm rather than a solo practice. The episode focuses on the company's continuous ownership transition program, highlighting the importance of valuation, crafting a shareholder's agreement, and the procedures for transitioning ownership. McAdams elaborates on the criteria for inviting new owners and the benefits of a systematic ownership distribution to retain talent, ensure fairness, and promote growth without needing to sell the firm at retirement. Specific strategies, including leveraging Zweig Group's industry ratios and avoiding ESOPs to concentrate ownership among key contributors, are explained. The episode concludes with McAdams's personal story and plans for his shares as he approaches retirement.
Key Takeaways:All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Links referenced in this episode:McAdams Website
The Zweig Letter
Zweig Group
Flipping Book
Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.
This episode serves as a masterclass for firm leaders looking to navigate ownership transitions effectively while maintaining sustainable growth. McAdams’ story is a powerful reminder of the importance of deliberate planning, inclusive growth, and adaptability in professional services firms.
Don’t miss the opportunity to subscribe to The Zweig Letter Podcast for more insightful discussions on leadership, strategy, and growth in the AEC industry.
Other episodes you'll enjoy:Exploring Avail's Impact on AEC Content Management with Randall Steven
AI Transforming AEC: From Design to Recruitment and Beyond with KP ReddyReg Prentice on simplifying data management for design firmsConnect with Zweig Group:Connect with Zweig Group:Instagram: Zweig Group
Facebook: Zweig Group
Twitter: Zweig Group
LinkedIn: Zweig Group
Website: Zweig Group
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