Employee-Owned Companies (ESOP)

Let's Talk

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer a thoughtful path to ownership transition — one that preserves your legacy, rewards employees, and keeps your business operating smoothly. ESOPs allow for a gradual, flexible exit timeline and can provide significant tax advantages for both owners and the company.

Employee ownership also strengthens engagement and retention. When employees become stakeholders, they gain long-term wealth-building opportunities and a meaningful role in the company’s success.

At Eide Bailly, we help you evaluate, structure, and support ESOPs with clarity and confidence. Whether you're exploring an ESOP for the first time or ready to move forward, our team is here to guide you.

What Sets Eide Bailly Apart

With more than 25 years of ESOP experience, Eide Bailly supports employee-owned companies of all sizes, from closely held businesses to Fortune 500 organizations.

person_check

Accredited Expertise

Seasoned professionals (ASA, CFA, CVA, CM&AA) who understand both methodology and market reality.

bar_chart_4_bars

Proven Results

Clear, defensible conclusions of value supported by proven models, comparables, and cash-flow analysis.

connect_without_contact

Connected Advisors

Integrated tax, audit, transaction, and advisory teams from pre-planning to post-transaction support and compliance

Discover how you can navigate business transitions with confidence in our upcoming webinar.

ESOP Services You Can Trust

As a Top 20 CPA firm, we bring practical expertise in tax, audit, and advisory services to improve performance, reduce risk, and support long-term growth.

Let's Talk

Case Study: ECKROTH MUSIC

Turning a Passion for Music Education into a Thriving Family Business

Bill and Mary Ann Eckroth opened a music store in 1972 in Mandan, North Dakota. Over the last 50 years, the business has passed to the next generation, expanded to over nine locations, and extended ownership to its employees.

View Case Study

Clients We’ve Impacted with Our ESOP Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an ESOP right for my business?
How does an ESOP work?
What are the tax advantages of ESOPs?
How do ESOPs preserve company culture?
Can an ESOP be structured so the owner sells only part of the company and keeps control?

Our Latest Thinking

Stay up to date on Employee-Owned Companies (ESOP) contentSubscribe

View More Related Insights

We're committed to helping employee-owned companies thrive.

Our ESOP team has guided organizations through transitions, compliance, and long-term plan management for more than 25 years.

ESOP Leadership

Kirk R. LindemannCPA

Partner/National ESOP Services Leader

Kirk specializes in employee-owned companies, focusing on ESOP formation and feasibility consulting along with corporate audit compliance services across several industries, including manufacturing, professional services, construction and dealerships. A firmwide resource on employee-owned companies, Kirk has spoken at several conferences including MidWest ESOP Association, National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and several local chapter events regarding feasibility studies, accounting issues and mergers and acquisitions.

More Leadership

Travis R LanceASA

Principal

Travis provides business valuation and transaction advisory services to a wide variety of industries. He specializes in employee-owned companies and acts as an adviser in ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) transactions and related compliance consulting. He also provides litigation support through business valuation and other financial and economic analyses. Key industries served by Travis include agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.