A new trend is emerging — and it’s not limited to one region.

In this episode of ESOP Radio, Trevor Gilmore and Ben Spade discuss the growing demand for employee ownership, highlighted by recent activity in California’s Central Valley.

Employees are no longer satisfied with traditional compensation. Increasingly, they expect “skin in the game” — and companies are responding by implementing ESOPs as both a growth and retention strategy.

In this episode:

• Why employees are prioritizing equity over traditional benefits
• How ESOPs are being used to attract and retain talent
• The rise of Gen X owners proactively planning succession
• Partial vs. full ESOP structures (flexibility matters)
• The financial impact of employee ownership, including tax advantages
• Why ESOP companies often outperform over the long term

The takeaway: employee ownership is shifting from optional to expected.

Considering an ESOP? Request a confidential preliminary feasibility review at Menke.com.

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• ESOP Radio: https://www.menke.com/esop-radio/
• ESOP Boot Camp: https://www.menke.com/esop-boot-camp/
• Confidential feasibility review: https://www.menke.com