In this episode, the Journey to an ESOP podcast speaks directly to founders who feel the weight of leadership and wonder how their team will successfully shift into an ESOP model. Through a blend of personal story and practical insight, Jason explores how identity, encouragement, and intentional leadership can help bridge that gap and prepare both leaders and teams for a confident, sustainable ESOP transition.

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into the real purpose of ESOP feasibility and why it’s far more than just another spreadsheet. They break down what “feasibility” truly means in an ESOP transaction and walk through the key factors companies should evaluate, from existing debt to entity structure (S-corp vs. C-corp) to long-term sustainability. They also dig into how feasibility helps determine whether an ESOP will genuinely benefit the company, the owners, and the employees.

In this 15-minute episode, Jason and Makenzie take on some of the biggest misconceptions that keep companies from exploring an ESOP. They break down why ESOPs aren’t the overly complicated, out-of-reach structures many assume they are and why owners don’t suddenly lose control the moment they sell. They also dig into the fear that employees won’t understand the benefits of an ESOPs hurt bonding capacity or borrowing power, and the belief that only large companies can afford them.

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into the essentials of budgeting, forecasting, and planning for the year ahead. They break down what to focus on in preparation for the new year. The discussion explores the difference between budgeting and forecasting, how to interpret historical performance, and how to use your numbers to set purposeful goals that drive growth. This episode provides practical insight on how to plan effectively and set your company up for a strong, successful year.

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie have a conversation around the meaning and relevance of assurance in the context of an M&A transaction and more specifically in an ESOP transaction. They discuss who needs assurance and why - whether it be in the form of a financial statement audit, surety bond, fairness opinion, or simply advice from your providers.

For the final episode of the Employee Ownership Month series, Jason interviews with Chris Fredericks, President and CEO of Empowered Ventures. Jason and Chris both discuss the power of employee ownership and how it can help expand a business, attract talent, and build more resilient companies. Their conversation highlights company growth, finding competitive advantage through a company's culture, and why employee ownership continues to matter in an AI world. This episode is the last part of the podcast's four-part series recognizing the importance of employee ownership.

In this episode we explore what life is really like for leadership after a company becomes employee owned. Guest Kimberly McCourtney, former HR Executive of an ESOP company and currently the Peer Networking Manager at NCEO, shares her firsthand experience navigating the cultural and organizational shifts that follow the transition. Together, we discuss how leadership roles evolve when everyone has a stake, what an “ownership mindset” looks like in day-to-day operations, and why transparency and trust become the foundation for long-term growth. This thoughtful conversation offers a genuine look at the human side of employee ownership and is a must-listen for leaders in newly or soon-to-be employee-owned companies.

In this episode. Makenzie interviews leaders from five diverse ESOP companies as they share their paths to employee ownership. Each organization offers a unique perspective on the transition process, the challenges and opportunities along the way, and the lasting impact ownership has had on their culture and performance.