Titans of the Trades | Straight-Talk for Scaling Your Construction Business

From Employee to Owner: The ESOP Journey With Mat Gates


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Summary

In this conversation, Mat Gates, President of Erickson-Hall Construction, shares insights into the company's journey towards becoming a 100% employee-owned organization through an ESOP. He discusses the importance of effective communication during the transition, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to engage employees. 

Mat emphasizes the significance of investing in people, addressing the labor crisis in the construction industry, and leveraging technology to enhance training and operations. The conversation highlights the company's commitment to fostering a culture of ownership and retention among its workforce.

Takeaways

  • Erickson-Hall transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company through an ESOP.
  • Effective communication is crucial during the ESOP transition.
  • Employee engagement is enhanced through education and transparency.
  • Celebrating retirements helps illustrate the benefits of employee ownership.
  • Hiring for traits and culture fit is essential for retention.
  • Investing in technology can bridge the labor gap in construction.
  • The construction industry faces a significant labor crisis.
  • Recognition and performance management contribute to employee retention.
  • Creating a supportive environment fosters long-term employee relationships.
  • Erickson-Hall is committed to continuous improvement in employee benefits.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erickson-Hall Construction

02:49 The Journey to Employee Ownership

06:00 Communicating the ESOP Experience

08:46 Building a Culture of Engagement and Retention

12:02 Addressing the Labor Crisis in Construction

15:11 Investing in People and Technology

18:13 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Connect With Mat Gates:

Website: https://ericksonhall.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mat-gates-112009244/

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Titans of the Trades | Straight-Talk for Scaling Your Construction BusinessBy Ryan Englin