May 25, 2011

WinSystems, an Employee-Owned Corporation on Youtube

Here is a video posted by one of The Menke Group’s Clients:

WinSystems, an embedded PC designer and manufacturer, provides a high level of quality and customer service through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This leads to employees holding a direct stake in maintaining a high level of customer service.

Here is the full press-release:

WinSystems Adopts Employee Stock Ownership Plan
September 19, 2007, Embedded Systems Conference, Boston, MA

Jerry Winfield, President of WinSystems, today announced that the company has instituted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and now joins a growing list of successful companies whose employees are stockholders. This corporate structure offers stability and longevity for the WinSystems Corporation insuring long-term availability of products for our customers. This is very important for industrial OEMs using embedded PC technology for their ongoing and future applications.

“Acquisitions happen during a market consolidation or when an owner seeks an exit strategy which can prove to be disruptive to both the company’s customers and employees,” said Mr. Winfield. “Too often we see that when a company is acquired by another firm that within a year their products disappear as they are integrated together with other product lines. WinSystems built its solid reputation over the last 25 years by providing quality products along with a high level of customer support and service. An ESOP benefits our customers by having a very talented and motivated workforce that is responsible for developing and supporting our products. The establishment of the ESOP lets employees expand upon that by allowing them to take true ownership of their positions. When a customer calls, they will speak with an owner.”

The Menke Group (www.menke.com) located in San Francisco, CA was the ESOP advisor and financing was provided by Texas Capital Bank located in Dallas, Texas.

Share this article:

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.