Events

Explore new models for business continuity, ownership, and growth.

As more business owners plan for the future, traditional succession paths aren’t always the best fit. This seminar brings together experts in law, finance, and ownership models to discuss alternative structures that can preserve your company’s legacy, engage your workforce, and create long-term stability.

Join us for a dynamic program that will help you understand the range of ownership and management options available—whether you’re preparing for retirement, seeking ways to reward your team, or exploring new partnerships.

Program Overview

• David Jean, CPA, CCIFP, CExP | Principal, Albin, Randall & Bennett – Building the Foundation for a Smooth Transition
  David will outline the foundational steps business owners should take when preparing for an eventual transition. He’ll cover essential considerations, including valuation, potential exit pathways, and aligning personal and financial goals, and share practical guidance on how early, thoughtful planning can maximize value and support a smooth transition for owners, employees, and successors.
• Ben Lord, CPA, CCIFP | Principal, Albin, Randall & Bennett – Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
  Ben will provide an introduction to ESOPs, explaining the different types, who makes a good candidate, and the key advantages and disadvantages. He’ll also discuss how an ESOP impacts a company’s financial structure and workplace culture.
• Rob Brown | Director, Business Ownership Solutions, Cooperative Development Institute – Cooperative Buyouts
  Taking a parallel path to Ben, Rob will outline how cooperative buyouts work, what kinds of businesses are good fits, and what the transition to employee ownership looks like in practice.
• Steve Gerlach | Shareholder, Bernstein Shur – Hybrid Ownership Models
  Steve will explore a hybrid approach to structured business ownership based on the management services organization (MSO) model—highlighting ways businesses can team up with co-ops, nonprofits, or ESOPs, and showcasing real-world examples of how these partnerships are succeeding today.

Why Attend

• Learn from experts with hands-on experience across multiple ownership structures
• Compare the pros and cons of ESOPs, co-ops, and hybrid models
• Gain practical insights into financial readiness, cultural impact, and governance
• Identify which pathway aligns best with your long-term goals

Whether you’re a business owner planning for succession, an advisor guiding clients, or a leader thinking ahead, this session will equip you with the knowledge to plan strategically for tomorrow.