ESOP Partners is a Gold Sponsor and speaking at the 2025 Midwest Regional Conference, being held September 16-18, 2025, at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center - Oak Brook, IL.
This annual conference is a key gathering for professionals and leaders in the employee ownership community, focusing on sharing expertise, insights, and strategies for creating and sustaining successful ESOP companies.
We are honored to have not just one, but three of our very own team members speaking at this year’s event:
ESOP Partners Presentations
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“Beyond Ownership: Unlocking the True Power of ESOPs Through Employee Engagement" |
Presentation Overview
What really makes an ESOP work? It’s not just the stock, it's the culture behind it. While giving employees ownership is a powerful step, it doesn’t automatically lead to a thriving ESOP. The real magic happens when companies create a culture that connects people to a bigger purpose—where employees feel invested, motivated, and part of something meaningful. Join Stacie Roberts, named the 2025 Employee-Owner of the Year by the Wisconsin TEA chapter, as she shares how Sentry Equipment in Oconomowoc, WI, has built a strong, people-first ownership culture through creative education and engagement strategies. Together with Beth Krieck of ESOP Partners, Stacie will lead a dynamic, hands-on session full of interactive exercises and candid conversations that will help you explore what truly motivates your employee-owners. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your culture to the next level, this session will give you practical tools and fresh ideas you can take back to your team. You’ll leave with more than just tips, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to bring your ESOP to life by connecting employee engagement with company performance in a meaningful, lasting way.
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“Effective ESOP Committees" |
Presentation Overview
In this roundtable, we’ll explore what makes committees work, share challenges and successes, and discuss practical ways to keep participants engaged and effective.
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“Off to a Strong Start: Tips for New ESOPs to Ensure Long-Term Success" |
Presentation Overview
Starting an ESOP is a milestone that requires clear communication and strong foundational strategies. This session provides new ESOP companies with the essential tips and tools to promote ownership thinking, communicate effectively, and create a strong foundation for lasting success.
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“From Concept to Close: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your ESOP" |
Presentation Overview
Thinking about transitioning to an ESOP but unsure what it takes to get started? This session walks you through a real-world example of an ESOP rollout—simplified and structured for clarity. We’ll cover key milestones from initial forecasting and document collection, to due diligence, plan drafting, negotiations, and final close. Whether you're just exploring the idea or preparing to take action, this session will demystify the process, provide practical insights, and help you understand the timeline, key players, and decision points involved in successfully launching your ESOP.
With years of collective experience and a deep commitment to the values of employee ownership, these accomplished speakers will contribute to the conversation on how ESOPs can drive business success, employee engagement, and long-term sustainability.
This conference provides an exceptional opportunity to connect with ESOP professionals, learn from industry-leading experts, and explore topics such as governance, operations, and culture in ESOP companies. Whether you're an ESOP company leader, a service provider, or simply interested in learning about employee ownership, this event offers valuable insights for all.
Visit ESOP Partners at Our Booth
If you're attending the 2025 TEA Midwest Regional Conference, we encourage you to stop by our booth. Our team will be on hand to answer questions, share resources, and discuss how ESOPs can make a transformative difference for your organization.
Additional ESOP Partners Team Members Attending
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| Ryan Kuchta Director of ESOP Administration |
Kris Kaul Senior Business Consultant |
We look forward to seeing you in Oak Brook, Illinois, and joining the conversation on how we can continue to strengthen the employee ownership movement together.
For more conference information and registration, visit the 2025 Midwest Regional Conference website.