Learn why an ESOP is better for You,
your Business, and your Employees
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
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✅ ESOP 101: How it works, who qualifies, and why it’s more relevant than ever
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✅ Countering Margin Pressure: Offset cost increases from tariffs and wages using ESOP tax incentives
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✅ Tax Strategies for Owners & Companies: Capital gains deferral, corporate income tax reduction, and more
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✅ Talent Retention: Keep your best employees with meaningful ownership—not just raises
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✅ Valuation & Financing: Understand the 2025 deal landscape and flexible funding models
📌 Who Should Attend
This session is ideal for:
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Business Owners planning an exit or recap
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CFOs evaluating corporate tax or capital strategy
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Succession Planners seeking values-aligned ownership transitions
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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:
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Liquidity for founders without third-party control
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Tax savings that protect cash and buffer costs
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Employee ownership that attracts, retains, and motivates talent
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In today’s economic climate, that edge is no longer optional—it’s essential.
✅ Reserve Your Spot Now
Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
10:00AM - 11:30AM PDT
11:00AM - 12:30PM MDT
NOON - 1:30PM CDT
1:00PM - 2:30PM EDT
Liquidity + Control.
Over the past 35 years more than 40,000 U.S. company owners have taken advantage of this opportunity to create shareholder liquidity without having to sell the entire company, or lose control.
Menke: Celebrating 50+ Years of ESOP Excellence
Simple Succession Planning.
An ESOP offers a seamless transition for business owners looking to retire or exit while keeping the business intact. Unlike selling to a third party, an ESOP allows you to gradually transfer ownership without disrupting operations, ensuring continuity and preserving the company’s legacy.
SIX ESOP ADVANTAGES
PRODUCTIVITY
Studies show employee owners work harder.
PROFITABILITY
Productivity leads to Profitablity.
LIQUIDITY
An ESOP is a ready buyer of company shares.
SELL TAX-FREE
After-tax proceeds exceed sale to an outside buyer.
RETAIN CONTROL
No matter how large a share is ESOP-owned.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Repay debt with tax deductible or tax-free dollars.
Incentives Aligned.
An ESOP combines the financial interests of the employees with those of the original shareholders so that teamwork and a long-range investment perspective towards the business are in everyone's self-interest.
ESOP Pros and Cons
Free Ebook
This booklet has been developed for those owners of privately-held businesses who are interested in liquefying some portion of the equity which has accumulated in their companies.
If you are interested in accomplishing this objective without sacrificing the identity of your company, jeopardizing the jobs of valued employees, or relinquishing control of the company you own, an ESOP installation may provide the optimal solution for you hoping to achieve all of these goals.
Ready, Tax-Advantaged Buyer.
If the ESOP acquires 30% or more of the outstanding stock of a privately-held company, any capital gains tax on the transaction is deferred indefinitely. In the case of an S corporation that is 100% owned by its ESOP, the company's earnings will be entirely tax-exempt.
SIX MORE
ESOP Advantages
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Increase Employee Productivity and Company Profitability
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Retain Control of your Company
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Sell Your Stock in a Tax-Free-Sale
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Liquidity and Diversification for Seller
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Receive After-Tax Proceeds Greater than from a Sale to an Outside Buyer
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Repay the Debt with Tax Deductible of Tax-Free Dollars
Empower Your Workforce.
ESOPs create a sense of ownership among employees, leading to increased productivity and commitment. Studies show that employee-owned companies tend to have higher growth rates and profitability. By making employees stakeholders in the company’s success, you foster a motivated and invested workforce.
The Nation's Premier Full Service ESOP Firm
Single Source Provider for All ESOP Services
ESOP DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Each ESOP is custom drafted, based upon a 20 page checklist, to reflect your own personal desires and preferences.
ESOP ADMINISTRATION
Menke provides full-service administration for nearly 800 ESOPs - more than any other firm.
COMBINED ESOP & 401(k) ADMINISTRATION
Each ESOP is custom drafted, based upon a 20 page checklist, to reflect your own personal desires and preferences.
ESOP FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Menke prepares custom-designed feasibility studies for company owners, company management, bank lenders, and outside company advisors.
ESOP REPURCHASE OBLIGATION STUDIES
Menke prepares custom-designed ESOP repurchase obligation studies for company management, ESOP trustees, bank lenders, and outside company advisors.
M&A ADVISORY*
Our affiliate, Menke Capital Corporation, provides investment banking services for the structuring and financing of ESOP buyout transactions.
ONLINE ESOP ACCESS
Proprietary paperless tool that makes your ESOP administration easier to manage and quicker to complete.
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS
We make sure company employees have a good understanding of the new Plan being presented to them.
ESOP APPRAISALS
30 years providing business valuation appraisals and fairness opinions for privately-held companies.
Stability in Tough Times.
ESOP-owned companies have shown resilience during economic downturns, often outperforming non-ESOP companies. With employees vested in the company’s success, there is a collective effort to maintain stability, safeguard jobs, and navigate challenges effectively.
About Us
The Menke Group was founded in 1974 by John D. Menke, with the idea of using employee ownership as a powerful business succession tool. Having co-drafted the original employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) legislation, he has written countless articles on the topics of estate planning, ESOPs, leveraged buyouts, and management compensation strategies.
Retain Top Talent.
Offering an ESOP is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining key employees. With ownership as part of their compensation, employees are more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover and retaining valuable institutional knowledge.
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."
Tax Benefits for Growth.
Contributions to an ESOP are tax-deductible, allowing companies to reinvest in their growth. By leveraging the tax advantages of an ESOP, businesses can free up capital for expansion, new projects, or other strategic initiatives, all while providing employees with a valuable retirement benefit.
51
YEARS IN
BUSINESS
4,000+
ESOPs CREATED
800+
ADMIN
CLIENTS
READY FOR AN ESOP NOW ?
Interested in finding out how an ESOP could work for your company?
[email protected]
(800) 347-8357
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