Phillip DeDominicis Discusses ESOPs in the Current Economy with Ohio Employee Ownership Center

Menke Managing Director Phillip DeDominicis recently participated in a conversation with Chris Cooper, Program Coordinator of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) at Kent State University, to discuss the state of the ESOP industry in the COVID economy.

In this discussion, Phil draws on his 30 years of investment banking experience to assess the realities of selling a business at this unique moment, and the benefits to owners of selling to an ESOP, even if you are not currently preparing to exit the business.

Topics covered include:

Trying to sell to an external buyer vs. selling internally to an ESOP
Facts about the M&A market in a down economy.
Partial ESOP transactions vs. 100% ESOP transactions
How an ESOP can provide security to business owners who intend to sell their business outright.

Watch the full video below:

Menke & Associates, Inc. has helped over 3,500 companies successfully transition to employee ownership. Our holistic ESOP approach enables a positive outcome for the company, its employees and its shareholders. We believe ownership is powerful.

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Upcoming Web Seminar

How ESOPs Help Businesses Navigate Rising Costs,
Market Uncertainty & Succession Planning

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.”

— Mark T., CFO, Manufacturing Company

"This webinar helped clarify both the exit plan and how we can support employees at the same time."

— 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
- 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.