Upcoming Webinar: How ESOPs Help Businesses Navigate Rising Costs, Market Uncertainty & Succession Planning
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how ESOPs can align your business goals with the needs of employees and stakeholders.
Read more
THE MENKE GROUP
AMERICA’S LARGEST & OLDEST ESOP ADVISOR
Celebrating 50+ Years of Excellence in...
ESOP Design Installation Administration Appraisals Legal Consulting
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.
Years in Business
0
ESOPs Designed and Installed
0
+
Administration Clients
0
+
Menke does a tremendous job for us. I am very pleased.
Bob W., President
Industry: Machinery
ESOP since 2001
Industry Leading Solutions
Single Source Provider for All ESOP Services
ESOP Design & Installation
Along with corporate management, we will design a plan for the acquisition of stock by the ESOP.
Learn More 
ESOP Administration
Menke provides full-service administration for nearly 1,000 ESOPs – more than any other firm.
Learn More 
Combined ESOP & 401(k) Administration
Each ESOP is custom drafted, based upon a 20 page checklist, to reflect your own personal desires and preferences.
Learn More 
ESOP Feasibility Studies
Menke prepares custom-designed feasibility studies for company owners, company management, bank lenders, and outside company advisors.
Learn More 
ESOP Repurchase Obligation Studies
Menke prepares custom-designed ESOP repurchase obligation studies for company management, ESOP trustees, bank lenders, and outside company advisors.
Learn More 
Employee Communications
We make sure company employees have a good understanding of the new Plan being presented to them.
Learn More 
Online ESOP Access
Along with corporate management, we will design a plan for the acquisition of stock by the ESOP.
Learn More 
ESOP Appraisals
30 years providing business valuation appraisals and fairness opinions for privately-held companies.
Learn More READY FOR AN ESOP NOW?
Interested in finding out how an ESOP could work for your company?
John D. Menke
Founder, President
“The Menke Group is committed to providing our clients with the highest level of expertise and service as it relates to the structuring and implementation of employee and management-led buyout transactions. We believe that by maintaining our position as recognized leaders in employee and management related transactions, we will continue to be able to bring unparalleled guidance, support and results to our clients nationwide and around the world.”
ESOP Industry News
Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s Keynote: A Bold New Era for ESOP Advocacy at the Department of Labor
In a rousing keynote address to The ESOP Association, newly confirmed Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer signaled a sea change in federal policy toward Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Her remarks marked the strongest pro-ESOP stance from a sitting Labor Secretary in recent memory—and possibly ever. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer at The ESOP Association’s…
The Employee Ownership Fairness Act of 2025: A Game-Changer for ESOP Companies and Their People
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…
M-Group Becomes Employee-Owned
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.…
Legacy Utility Group Transitions to Employee Ownership: A Win for Employees, Customers, and the 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…
Oliver’s Market Becomes 100% Employee-Owned: A Commitment to Independence and Community
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…
Corovan’s Transformation to Employee Ownership
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…
A Fireside Chat with Ringland-Johnson
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…
AEC Electric Works with The Menke Group to Adopt the Employee Ownership Model with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
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…
50th Anniversary Marks Change in Executive Leadership as Trevor Gilmore Assumes CEO Role
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…
Join Us for a Special Lunch & Learn: ESOP 101
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…
Menke: Celebrating 50 Years – A Timeline of ESOP Excellence
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…
Learn why an ESOP is better for You,
your Business, and your Employees
Upcoming Web Seminar
Free 90-Minute Webinar for Business Owners, CFOs & Advisors
📉 The Economic Reality
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).
🚀 What You’ll Learn
✅ 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
📌 Who Should Attend
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
💬 Hear From Past Attendees
“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."
🎯 Why 2025 is the Time for ESOPs
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.
✅ Reserve Your Spot Now
10:00AM – 11:30AM PT
11:00AM – 12:30PM MT
12:00PM – 1:30PM CT
1:00PM – 2:30PM ET