ESOP Fables at the ASPPA Annual Conference

On October 23, retirement industry professionals will gather in Washington DC for the annual conference of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA). Menke Group’s CFO and COO, Trevor Gilmore, will address the meeting on the topic of “ESOP Fables: Succeeding with a Powerful Succession Option”.

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is an excellent option for owners of closely held businesses who wish to exit upon retirement. With an ESOP, owners effectively sell the business to the employees and take capital out of the company. ESOPs are a true win-win: employees enjoy better benefits and economic success while owners can transfer capital in a tax advantaged manner.

Trevor will illustrate the power of an ESOP by explaining the journey of a recent client, and how they used an ESOP for succession, growth, employee motivation, and tax efficiency. Ownership is powerful; no one washes a rental car; and the same goes for businesses – employees are not going to care as much as owners.

The talk will take place at 3:00pm on October 23, 2022 and is open to all retirement professionals who are in attendance at the conference. We are looking forward to the opportunity to join the retirement community in DC for great discussions and networking!

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How ESOPs Help Businesses Navigate Rising Costs,
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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).

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✅ ESOP 101: How it works, who qualifies, and why it’s more relevant than ever

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📌 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.”

— Mark T., CFO, Manufacturing Company

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— Susan D., Founder & CEO, B2B Services Firm

🎯 Why 2025 is the Time for ESOPs

ESOPs can create a rare win-win:

- Liquidity for founders without third-party control
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- In today’s economic climate, that edge is no longer optional—it’s essential.