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Insights, guides, and trends in employee ownership and cooperative careers

Why Employee Ownership Matters More in the Age of AI

AI is projected to transform 40% of global jobs. History shows employee-owned companies protect workers during technological disruption — and research suggests they're the best model for ensuring AI's productivity gains don't just flow to shareholders.

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March 26, 2026 · Jack Pearson

The Risks of Employee Ownership: What Job Seekers Should Know

Employee ownership builds wealth — but it's not risk-free. Here's what to watch for before joining an ESOP company, from concentration risk to vesting schedules.

employee ownershipESOPcareer advice

March 23, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Employee Ownership vs. Stock Options: Which Builds More Wealth?

ESOPs, RSUs, stock options — they all promise ownership, but they work very differently. Here's how to compare them for long-term wealth building.

ESOPstock optionscompensationcareer advice

March 23, 2026 · Jack Pearson

How to Evaluate an ESOP Company's Valuation

Your ESOP shares are only as good as the valuation behind them. Here's how independent appraisals work, what to look for, and red flags to watch out for.

ESOPvaluationguide

March 23, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Employee Ownership in Tech: Why More Software Companies Are Choosing ESOPs

From Epic Systems to 37signals, a growing number of tech companies are choosing employee ownership over VC exits. Here's why the model works in software.

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March 23, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Selling Your Family Business to Employees: The Second-Generation Problem

10,000 baby boomers retire every day. For family business owners, selling to employees via ESOP preserves legacy, jobs, and community — with major tax advantages.

ESOPsuccession planningfamily business

March 23, 2026 · Jack Pearson

20 Companies Where Workers Actually Share the Profits

From steelmakers paying six-figure bonuses to tech companies splitting surplus with every employee, these 20 companies prove profit sharing works — for workers and the bottom line.

profit sharingemployee ownershipjobs

March 12, 2026 · Jack Pearson

5 Employee Ownership Success Stories That Changed Workers' Lives

Real stories of companies where employee ownership created life-changing wealth — from grocery clerks retiring as millionaires to factory workers earning $800,000 payouts.

employee ownershipESOPsuccess storieswealth building

March 11, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Best Employee-Owned Companies to Work For in 2026

The top employee-owned companies hiring in 2026, from grocery giants like Publix and WinCo to engineering firms and tech companies where workers share the wealth.

employee ownershipcareers

March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

How ESOPs Work: A Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about Employee Stock Ownership Plans: how shares are allocated, vesting schedules, tax advantages, valuations, and what happens when you leave.

ESOPguide

March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Employee Ownership and Retirement Benefits

How employee ownership through ESOPs builds retirement wealth, how it compares to 401(k) plans, and why employee-owners retire with significantly more savings.

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March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Starting a Worker Cooperative: A Step-by-Step Guide

A practical guide for business owners and entrepreneurs on how to start a worker cooperative, from feasibility studies and bylaws to capitalization and ongoing governance.

cooperativesguide

March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Employee-Owned Companies Hiring Now

Find open positions at employee-owned companies, worker cooperatives, and businesses with profit sharing. Updated regularly with the latest opportunities.

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March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

ESOP Tax Benefits Explained: What Employees and Employers Need to Know

A clear breakdown of the tax advantages of Employee Stock Ownership Plans for employees, companies, and selling shareholders — including Section 1042 rollovers and S-corp ESOP exemptions.

ESOPtaxesguide

March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Selling Your Business to Employees: ESOP vs. Co-op Conversion

A practical guide for business owners considering selling to their employees. Compare ESOP conversions and worker cooperative transitions — costs, timelines, tax implications, and which fits your situation.

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March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Profit Sharing vs. Employee Ownership: What's the Difference?

Profit sharing and employee ownership are often confused but work very differently. How each model distributes wealth, their tax implications, and which one actually builds long-term employee wealth.

profit sharingemployee ownershipguide

March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Employee-Owned Companies by State: A Complete Directory

Find employee-owned companies in your state. A comprehensive guide to ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee-owned businesses across all 50 states, with state-specific resources and support organizations.

employee ownershipdirectoryguide

March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

What Happens to Your ESOP When You Leave a Company?

Everything you need to know about ESOP distributions when you quit, retire, or get laid off — vesting rules, payout timelines, tax implications, and rollover options.

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March 10, 2026 · Jack Pearson

ESOP vs. Worker Cooperative: What's the Difference?

ESOPs and worker cooperatives both offer employee ownership, but they work very differently. The key structural, governance, and financial differences between these two models.

ESOPcooperativesguide

March 9, 2026 · Jack Pearson

How to Find Jobs at Employee-Owned Companies

A practical guide to finding and landing jobs at employee-owned companies: where to search, what to ask in interviews, and how to evaluate ownership benefits.

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March 7, 2026 · Jack Pearson

The Rise of Worker Cooperatives in America

Worker cooperatives are growing faster than ever in the United States. The trends, notable examples, and policy shifts driving this democratic ownership movement.

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March 5, 2026 · Jack Pearson

Why Work for an Employee-Owned Business?

The real advantages of working at employee-owned companies: better retirement savings, higher pay, stronger job security, and a workplace culture where your voice matters.

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March 3, 2026 · Jack Pearson

What Is an Employee-Owned Company?

How employee-owned companies work, from ESOPs and worker cooperatives to profit-sharing models — and why employee ownership matters for workers and communities.

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March 1, 2026 · Jack Pearson