A nearly 80-year old company, acquired from the founders many years ago by their General Manager at the time, is now 100% employee owned Thanks to an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). This structure made the most sense due to two philosophical concerns of the CEO and now-former owner: Ensure that the company and the jobs it provided would be protected for the rural community in which it operates and is a major employer. Secondly, allow the employees who have helped to build this successful business to reap the harvest of the fruits of their labor. Such outcomes are not easy and don't occur overnight, but when done thoughtfully and with the right motives; they can transform the lives and communities of those involved (as it has in this case). Two and a half years after the successful completion of this transaction, Mike continues to serve this wonderful company as an independent director on their Board of Directors.

A pioneer in the online marketing space, this client was ready to retire from their company of nearly 40 years. Helped them to navigate the process to identify the appropriate timing and structure of a transaction that would see it acquired by a longtime employee. Client's initial timing would have found them unable to capture value for significant process improvements, systemization, and cost reductions that were in ongoing implementation. Recommended new timing and action plan, and helped to navigate professional service provider selection and coordination. Upon receipt and analysis of appraisal, we recognized the incorrect use of EBITDA vs SDE and successfully got appraiser to correct. This resulted in an additional 60% improvement (to the positive) of appraised value/sales price.