ESOP Partners Sponsor and Speak at 2026 Wisconsin Chapter Member Showcase

Written by Aaron Juckett, CPA, CPC, QPA, QKA | Tue, Jul 28, 2026

ESOP Partners is a sponsor and is speaking at the 2026 Wisconsin Chapter Member Showcase, held August 21, 2026, at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill, WI.

ESOP Partners is proud to be a part of this event at Weinbrenner Shoe Company, a valued ESOP Partners client and a standout example of a thriving ESOP. The program will open with remarks from Jeff Burns, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company, setting the stage for a practical look at what employee ownership can achieve when it is supported intentionally and lived day to day.

As part of our participation, we will join Weinbrenner leaders to share their ESOP journey, from early challenges to meaningful wins. Teri Boers, VP of Finance at Weinbrenner, will share the company’s story alongside Kelly Jasen, Senior ESOP Administrator at ESOP Partners, offering perspective on the operational and ownership-building practices that help employee owners succeed.

We are also excited to highlight insights from another valued ESOP Partners client, Productive Living Systems. Amber Ritter, ECC Chair, will present with Beth Krieck, Ownership Culture Consultant at ESOP Partners, focusing on how engagement and culture efforts translate into stronger performance and deeper ownership understanding. Together, these two ESOP companies will deliver an honest, experience-based discussion that attendees can apply within their own organizations.

ESOP Partners Presentations

	*“Cultivating Leaders Within: Designing Internal Education for Growth and Culture"* Friday, August 21 2:00 p.m. Co-presented by Beth Krieck, MBA, CPTD, Ownership Culture Consultant with ESOP Partners and Amber Ritter, ECC Chair at Productive Living Systems.
Session Description: What if your next “conference” didn’t just inform your people—but transformed how they lead, connect, and show up as employee-owners? This session explores how to design an internal conference experience that does more than check the box—it ignites leadership, strengthens culture, and builds real capability across your ESOP. Learn how to bring your team together in a way that develops technical knowledge, deepens engagement, and uncovers the hidden strengths already within your organization. You'll walk away with practical ideas to turn your next gathering into a catalyst for team building, skill development, and lasting cultural impact.

	*“Weinbrenner's ESOP Journey: Pitfalls, Growth, and Culture"* Friday, August 21 2:00 p.m. Co-presented by Kelly Jansen, Senior ESOP Administrator with ESOP Partners and Teri Boers, Vice President of Finance at Weinbrenner Shoe Company.
Session Description: Weinbrenner Shoe’s ESOP story offers practical insights for companies at any stage of employee ownership. This session covers key lessons from early missteps, including repurchase liability challenges, recycle vs. releverage decisions, and evolving from limited communication to a strong ownership culture. Attendees will gain strategies to improve sustainability, manage financial obligations, and engage employees through effective communication—turning ESOP complexity into a foundation for long-term success. Weinbrenner Shoes is a valued client who has shared their story as part of our Ownership Series.

Additional ESOP Partners Team Members Attending


Jason Wellman Director of Client Advocacy		Kris Kaul Senior Business Consultant		Will Robinson Senior Business Consultant

For more conference information and registration, visit The ESOP Association website.

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