Because of the strong ties that Keen Wealth has established with metro Kansas City’s thriving engineering community, we’ve gained real appreciation for the power of employee stock ownership plans, or ESOPs. The Harvard Business Review study shows that companies that implement this unique structure dramatically improve their performance by empowering their workers to think and act like owners. ESOPs can also improve workforce retention, which is a boon for both young workers seeking career stability and companies that are battling for talent in a tight labor market. 

On today’s show, I talk to three top executives from Henderson Engineers in Lenexa, KS about how they established their ESOP just over a year ago. No matter what industry you’re in, I think our conversation will help you understand how an ESOP works, some of the challenges around setting up an ESOP, and also the myriad of benefits for not only the employee owners but the client of these firms. 

Joining me are: Kevin Lewis, CEO & President Dana Kettle, CFO and Kansas City Business Journal 2022 CFO of the Year Honoree Robin Broder, Chief Marketing Officer