Upcoming Seminar: Practicing the Great Game and Transitioning Ownership

From The Great Game of Business

Friday, September 6

Now that The Game has transformed your organization and everyone is working toward common goals, how do you as the owner or management team ensure a successful ownership transition without disrupting your success?

We will discuss the pros and cons of the ownership transition options available to a business owner/management team and how they align with your key principles within the Great Game. The attendee of this session will also understand the characteristics of the businesses and objectives of the business owner/management team that typically select the different types of ownership transition options.

Business owners and management teams will have an opportunity to discuss the options they’re considering and receive feedback on how to navigate the ownership transition process from the speaker and the audience.

Learning Objectives: How an ESOP complements open-book management as they share a mutual desire to enhance the Company’s profitability and sustainability, and how an ESOP offers an attractive exit strategy for business owners

Takeaways: A handout detailing the 10 steps to a successful ESOP, A list of free, online resources to gather more information on ESOPs

Target Audiences: small and medium sized companies, beginner experience level, all industries

This session is sponsored by Menke & Associates, and is free to attend.

The speaker will be Managing Director of Menke & Associates, Matthew Nels.

For more information, visit the following link:

http://www.cvent.com/events/the-27th-annual-gathering-of-games/agenda-90e77790ec914d74aed1f9e79fdf3663.aspx

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Learn why an ESOP is better for You,
your Business, and your Employees

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.