Since 1974, Menke has structured over 4,000 ESOPs, the most by any single organization.
We design and install ESOPs for companies with as few as 10 employees and as many as 10,000 employees.
We provide all the services needed to design and install an ESOP, including Structuring, Legal & Tax Compliance, Valuation, Documentation, Debt Capital Raising (if required), Employee Communication, and Administration.
John D. Menke
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how ESOPs can align your business goals with the needs of employees and stakeholders.
Big news is brewing in Washington that could reshape the landscape for ESOP-owned companies The Employee Ownership Fairness Act of 2025, recently introduced in Congress, proposes substantial increases in ESOP contribution limits and ESOP participant allocation limits—changes that would be wholly positive for companies, owners, and employee participants alike. The proposed Employee Ownership Fairness Act…
Campbell, CA – M-Group, a leading urban planning firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Model (ESOP) with the guidance of The Menke Group, America’s leading ESOP advisory firm. This transition secures the company’s future, rewards employees for their contributions, and ensures long-term stability for its customers and community.…
How Employee Ownership Secures the Future for Legacy Utility Group Legacy Utility Group, a premier infrastructure contractor based in Roseville, California, has made a transformational shift to employee ownership by establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This strategic move not only secures the company’s long-term future but also empowers its workforce, reinforcing a culture…
For CEOs exploring the transformative potential of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), the case of Oliver’s Market, a California-based grocery chain, offers an inspiring roadmap. Oliver’s has long been a staple in Sonoma County, known for its commitment to local sourcing, exceptional customer service, and strong community ties. Oliver’s began its ESOP journey in 2017…
The Historical Evolution of Corovan Corovan’s journey from a small moving service to the largest commercial mover in the Western United States is a testament to its adaptability and forward-thinking strategies. Founded in 1948 by Richard T. Schmitz, Corovan initially offered residential moving services. By 1955, it expanded its horizons by becoming an agent for…
As part of The Menke Group’s fiftieth anniversary celebration, our CEO, Trevor Gilmore, is holding a series of virtual ‘fireside chats’ with our clients to discuss their ESOP journeys. Brent Johnson, CEO of Ringland-Johnson, shared his insights recently. Ringland-Johnson is one of the top industrial and commercial construction firms in the Midwest with a history…
Burlingame, CA, September 24, 2024 – The Menke Group, the leading single-source Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provider in the United States, announced that AEC Electric, a commercial electrical contractor covering all of Arizona, has become 100 percent employee-owned with the help of The Menke Group. The ESOP plan extends ownership of the company to…
Burlingame, CA, August 28, 2024 – The Menke Group, the leading single-source Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provider in the United States, announced that 2024 marks its fiftieth anniversary of advising companies on designing and managing ESOPs. In addition, the company announced that Trevor Gilmore, former CFO and COO of The Menke Group, was promoted…
Lunch & Learn: ESOP 101 We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive Lunch & Learn event, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the benefits of selling your business to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This event, hosted by JPMorgan Chase and The Menke Group, is designed specifically for business owners who…
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, take a tour of the history of The Menke Group and ESOPs. 1974 The Menke Group, founded by John D. Menke, is incorporated in June. Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), including ESOP provisions drafted by John D. Menke, is signed into law on September 2. 1975-1985 1975 John…
IRS qualified stock bonus plans and profit-sharing plans have existed in this country since they were first authorized by the Revenue Act of 1921. However, during the ensuing years very few stock bonus plans existed, and most of them were used by publicly traded companies as an employee incentive plan. Instead, most public-traded companies offered…
Free 90-Minute Webinar for Business Owners, CFOs & Advisors
Inflation. Tariffs. Tight labor markets. Cost of capital on the rise.
2025 is shaping up to be a year where strategic moves—not reactive cuts—will define the companies that come out stronger. If you’re a private company leader facing rising costs and succession pressures, now is the time to consider the unique benefits of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
✅ ESOP 101: How it works, who qualifies, and why it’s more relevant than ever
✅ Countering Margin Pressure: Offset cost increases from tariffs and wages using ESOP tax incentives
✅ Tax Strategies for Owners & Companies: Capital gains deferral, corporate income tax reduction, and more
✅ Talent Retention: Keep your best employees with meaningful ownership—not just raises
✅ Valuation & Financing: Understand the 2025 deal landscape and flexible funding models
This session is ideal for:
Business Owners planning an exit or recap
CFOs evaluating corporate tax or capital strategy
Succession Planners seeking values-aligned ownership transitions
HR & ESOP Committee Members aiming to understand the full value of employee ownership
“I came in skeptical. I left with a clear understanding of how ESOPs could be our best path forward—even in an uncertain economy.”
"This webinar helped clarify both the exit plan and how we can support employees at the same time."
ESOPs can create a rare win-win:
Liquidity for founders without third-party control
Tax savings that protect cash and buffer costs
Employee ownership that attracts, retains, and motivates talent
In today’s economic climate, that edge is no longer optional—it’s essential.
10:00AM – 11:30AM PT
11:00AM – 12:30PM MT
12:00PM – 1:30PM CT
1:00PM – 2:30PM ET