ESOPs and Succession Planning Options

January 28

11am

-

1pm

Small Giants Learning Lab

Taught by James Murphy, Willmeng Construction / George Thacker, CSG Partners / John Murdough, CPA and Consultant / Danielle Feroleto, Small Giants

Exploring ESOPs

Learn from speakers who specialize in, consult on and have participated in the ESOP process.

What is an ESOP?

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a retirement plan that gives employees an ownership interest in the company through shares of stock. With an ESOP, employees are not just working for the company – they are now working as owners of the company.

Key Benefits of an ESOP:

-Ownership Mentality

-Retirement Security

-Job Satisfaction

Interesting Facts:

-There are more than 100 ESOPs in Arizona.

-Arizona recently declared November 7 “Arizona ESOP Day”, because of the growing popularity this option for succession planning.

-ESOPs are tax-exempt retirement trusts, and account values are not taxed while an employee is earning.

-ESOPs are most prevalent in manufacturing, professional/scientific/technical services, construction, and finance/insurance/real estate.

-Companies with ESOPs and other broad-based employee ownership plans account for well over half of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” list year after year.

*A Zoom link will be sent to all attendees upon registration.

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George Thacker is a managing director at CSG Partners, where he’s built some of the nation’s largest ESOPs. With a background in law and finance, George brings his expertise to the succession planning process and specializes in helping business owners navigate the complexities of business transitions. He has been recognized with numerous accolades, including M&A Advisor of the Year and Deal of the Year.

John Murdough is a partner emeritus with Baker Tilly US, LLP. As a member of the firm’s construction practice, John specializes in audit and accounting, tax issues, business and management consulting, business problem solving, and transition and strategic planning. John has enriched the industry by teaching seminars for more than 25 years and teaching at Arizona State University’s graduate construction school for 10 years. John’s commitment to excellence and knowledge dissemination has empowered countless professionals, making him a respected figure in the field.

James Murphy is the CEO of Willmeng Construction, where he has spent more than 25 years advancing through the company, serving in roles from project manager to CEO. With a focus on leadership development and business sustainability, James has successfully guided Willmeng through significant growth and succession planning, as well as the transition to becoming an employee-owned firm. Recognized as one of Phoenix’s Most Admired Leaders and a five-time inductee into ASU’s Sun Devil 100, James is dedicated to mentorship through NAIOP Arizona and the Del E. Webb School of Construction. He is also committed to community service, serving on several boards and leadership programs.

Danielle Feroleto is the founder of Small Giants, a firm that helps AEC/CRE companies excel through strategic planning and business development. With nearly two decades of experience in commercial construction and marketing, Danielle has helped more than 300 clients improve their competitive positioning and achieve their long-term goals. She has provided strategic guidance on internal and external communication for major company changes, including succession, buy-outs, mergers, and internal ownership transitions. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders and has taught at Arizona State University’s Del E. Webb School of Construction. Named one of the “Most Influential Women in CRE,” Danielle’s expertise includes strategic planning, project pursuit coaching, and creating impactful business development strategies.

We look forward to seeing you in the classroom

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