The family-owned Davey Tree Expert Company transitioned in 1979 following a hybrid model of employee ownership: first, via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); and second, through a direct purchase of an employee group. Background In 1880, John Davey founded The Davey Tree Expert Company on the basis of his research and practical applications of […]

Family-owned Taylor Guitars announced in 2021 the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In business since 1974, and with 1,200 employees, Taylor Guitars is now 100% employee owned. Background Headquartered in El Cajon, California, Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. The two first met while working at […]

Richer Sounds opened in 1978 when Julian Richer, at the age of only 19, opened his first electronics shop near London Bridge. Growing into a chain of 50 retail stores, Richer announced in 2019 that he would sell 60% of the business to his employees in the form of an Employee Ownership Trust. Background Richer […]

Family-owned EllisDon construction company announced in 2020 the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). In business since 1951, and with 4,000 employees worldwide, EllisDon is now 100% employee owned. Background In 1951, EllisDon was launched by brother Don and Davis Ellis as a contractor service in London, Ontario. Eventually EllisDon would construct many hundreds […]