Our featured guest in this episode is Leslie Lauer, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC Wealth Management. Leslie specializes in ESOPs, and shared some highlights of her years of experience as a trusted advisor. 

Leslie's background in banking and accounting was the foundation for her career path to advising on deal structure for ESOPs. She's also a former entrepreneur herself (a company owned by an ESOP) which takes her advice from a theoretical perspective to a practical one. Her Board positions with ESOP organizations like the National Center for Employee Ownership give her an edge that's rare in a space that can be misunderstood and therefore underutilized as an exit option. 

We unpacked some of the nuances of ESOPs and realized we'd need a Part 2, so look out for that soon. While she was on the show, Leslie took the time to explain what an ESOP actually is for our listeners who may not be as familiar:

1. A Transition Tool
2. A Retirement Plan
3. A Tool for Deferred Growth.

In addition, we talked about how ESOP is a Defined Contribution Plan, similar to a 401K Plan. ESOPs are governed by ARISA and follow compliance regulations set forth by the Department of Labor and the IRS.  That may sound complicated, but if you have someone like Leslie to help facilitate and bring the team together, it can be a fantastic way for all stakeholders to win. 

You can contact Leslie here to get your questions answered, whether you are an advisor or business owner.

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor