Journey to an ESOP & Beyond

Journey to an ESOP & Beyond

Phillip Hayes, Jason Miller & Makenzie Wirth

Episodes 245
Avg. Duration 36m
Activity Highly Active
Since Feb 2020
Latest Episode Feb 2026

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Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
86%
Hosting
feeds.buzzsprout.com

About This Podcast

ESOPs are gaining traction. In the "Journey to an ESOP & Beyond” podcast, Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth explain the process of the ESOP transaction and address ESOPs from a business owner's perspective. They illuminate the simplicity of ESOPs and debunk common misconceptions that ESOPs are immensely costly and complicated.

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Recent Episodes

S7E9 EP9 - Interview with Steve Thornton and Eric Harris of Monte Sano Research Corporation

Feb 28, 2026 44m Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie sit down with Steve Thornton and Eric Harris of Monte Sano Research Corporation (MSRC) to discuss the company’s evolution to employee ownership. They reflect on…

S7E8 EP8 - Creating Enterprise Value from any Seat

Feb 20, 2026 35m Transcript

In this episode, Makenzie and Jason explore how anyone, regardless of title or department, can create enterprise value from their seat in the company. In an employee-owned environment, revenue…

S7E7 EP7 - Understanding Equity Beyond Money

Feb 13, 2026 30m Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into everyone’s favorite word — equity — and examine what it really means beyond payouts and financial rewards. They explore how equity extends far beyond…

S7E6 EP6 - Foundations of Transition- Courageous Leadership

Feb 05, 2026 58m Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie continue “The Foundations of Transition” series by highlighting the courage it takes to transition a company and its leadership. Each workshop-style episode builds…

S7E5 EP5 - The Class You Didn’t Know You were Taking: Navigating Business Transitions

Jan 30, 2026 20m Transcript

In this episode, Jason Miller explores the unsettling feeling of being enrolled in a college class you never signed up for — and suddenly realizing you are expected to know the subject matter. The…

S7E4 EP4 - Interview with Pete Shuler of Blue Ridge Associates

Jan 26, 2026 54m Transcript

What truly drives a successful ESOP transaction? In this episode, Jason Miller sits down with Pete Schuler, Senior Vice President and Head of Consulting at Blue Ridge, to share insights from more…

S7E3 EP3 - Construction Industry Spotlight: Interview with Joe Jones, Audit Partner at Berman Hopkins

Jan 16, 2026 29m Transcript

In this episode, Makenzie Wirth interviews Joe Jones, Audit Partner at Berman Hopkins. As lead of the firm’s Construction Advisory Services Team, Joe shares his perspective on the recent trend of…

S7E2 EP2 - Foundations of Transition - Intent and Ownership Vision

Jan 09, 2026 37m Transcript

In this episode of the Journey to an ESOP podcast, Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth kick off The Foundations of Transition, a monthly series focused on owner readiness. Each workshop-style episode…

S7E1 EP1 - Continuity Through Change

Jan 05, 2026 6m Transcript

Season 7 kicks off with a simple truth: change is inevitable, but being unprepared is a choice. In this premiere episode, Jason Miller sets the stage with Continuity Through Change, diving into what…

S6E38 EP38 - Interview with Danny Massey of Expanding ESOP

Dec 29, 2025 38m Transcript

In this episode of the Journey to an ESOP podcast, Jason sits down with Danny Massey, Head of Strategy and Communications for Expanding ESOPs--a national coalition working to dramatically broaden…

S6E37 EP37 - The Gift of an ESOP

Dec 19, 2025 36m Transcript

In this holiday episode, Jason and Makenzie explore the ESOP as a meaningful gift to a company’s employees. They break down how ESOP benefits work for both owners and employees and unpack the…

S6E36 EP36 - Ghosts of ESOPs Past, Present, and Future

Dec 12, 2025 40m Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie let three “ESOP ghosts” guide us through the employee-ownership journey. They revisit the origins of your ESOP, take a candid look at how things stand today, and…

S6E35 EP35 - Speaking into the Gap. Ownership Identity, Capability, and the Leader’s Voice

Dec 05, 2025 19m Transcript

In this episode, the Journey to an ESOP podcast speaks directly to founders who feel the weight of leadership and wonder how their team will successfully shift into an ESOP model. Through a blend of…

S6E34 EP34 - Feasibility is not Just a Math Exercise!

Nov 28, 2025 35m Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into the real purpose of ESOP feasibility and why it’s far more than just another spreadsheet. They break down what “feasibility” truly means in an ESOP…

S6E33 EP33 - Common Myths Associated with ESOP Transactions

Nov 21, 2025 18m Transcript

In this 15-minute episode, Jason and Makenzie take on some of the biggest misconceptions that keep companies from exploring an ESOP. They break down why ESOPs aren’t the overly complicated,…

S6E32 EP32 - Strategic Planning for the New Year

Nov 14, 2025 1h Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie dive into the essentials of budgeting, forecasting, and planning for the year ahead. They break down what to focus on in preparation for the new year. The…

S6E31 EP31 - Assurance in Action: What It Means for Your ESOP Journey

Nov 07, 2025 47m Transcript

In this episode, Jason and Makenzie have a conversation around the meaning and relevance of assurance in the context of an M&A transaction and more specifically in an ESOP transaction. They…

S6E30 EP30 - ESOPs as a Growth Strategy- Interview with Chris Fredericks

Oct 31, 2025 40m Transcript

For the final episode of the Employee Ownership Month series, Jason interviews with Chris Fredericks, President and CEO of Empowered Ventures. Jason and Chris both discuss the power of employee…

S6E29 EP29 - A View from the Inside: Interview with Kimberly McCourtney of the NCEO

Oct 24, 2025 42m Transcript

In this episode we explore what life is really like for leadership after a company becomes employee owned. Guest Kimberly McCourtney, former HR Executive of an ESOP company and currently the Peer…

S6E28 EP28 - Owner’s Voices

Oct 17, 2025 24m Transcript

In this episode. Makenzie interviews leaders from five diverse ESOP companies as they share their paths to employee ownership. Each organization offers a unique perspective on the transition process,…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Journey to an ESOP & Beyond have?

Journey to an ESOP & Beyond has published 245 episodes since February 2020, covering topics in Business, Entrepreneurship.

Is Journey to an ESOP & Beyond still active?

Journey to an ESOP & Beyond is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 36m.

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