Journey to an ESOP & Beyond

Phillip Hayes and Jason Miller
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Sep 26, 2025 • 29min

EP25 - The Language of ESOPs

In this episode, Jason tells a campfire story to illustrate the learning process of the ‘ESOP language’ and its importance on your Journey to an ESOP and Beyond. He discusses the importance of language in communication, highlighting its role in conveying ideas and facilitating collaboration.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 19min

EP24 - Accounting for Leveraged ESOP Transactions

In this episode, Makenzie breaks down a leveraged ESOP transaction and the resulting impacts to a company's financial statements. This episode highlights the journal entries required for a simplified, leveraged ESOP transaction in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles including common mistakes to avoid. 
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Sep 12, 2025 • 30min

EP23 - Makenzie Wirth Interview-Journey to an ESOP Newest Team Member!

On this episode, Jason Miller interviews Makenzie Wirth, the newest member of our Journey to an ESOP team. From a career in public accounting to her current role in ESOP advisory, Makenzie discusses her journey in learning about employee ownership over the last several months. The podcast highlights her fresh perspective on ESOPs and employee ownership and includes a sneak peak of what she will bring to the podcast in future episodes. 
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Sep 5, 2025 • 31min

EP22 - Astrophysics & ESOPs: A Natural Fit

In this episode Jason flies a little too close to the sun when discussing the impact of a company’s structure on its ability to harness the power of employee engagement. The discussion covered how employee engagement impacts business success, with comparisons to different types of civilizations and their energy usage, including the idea of harnessing this energy effectively. Overall, this is episode provides recommendations for improving employee engagement levels within companies, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and the role of successful businesses in supporting local economies. 
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Aug 29, 2025 • 53min

EP21 - Industry Spotlight: Creative Agencies – The Fraction Collective

In this episode, Jason Miller interviews Miriam Agrell and Kavita Vora from The Fraction Collective. Throughout the conversation, they highlight different ways that creative agencies and ESOPs intersect. The group discusses the reality of succession planning and how ESOPs are an attractive option for business owners who are looking for an exit strategy.
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Aug 22, 2025 • 17min

EP20 - Where Do I Begin?

In this podcast episode, Jason discusses the best ways to approach succession planning. He focuses on tackling succession with intention and covers common obstacles that stand in the way of owners achieving their vision for a successful ownership transition. 
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Aug 8, 2025 • 46min

EP19 – Great Game of Business Interview-Steve Baker

In this episode, the podcast interviews Steve Baker, Vice President of Great Game of Business, Inc. Steve gives insight into the importance of financial literacy in building a company’s value through a culture of accountability, the dignity of equity ownership, and the hope of a financially successful future. To join us at the Great Game of Business Conference in September, please follow the link below!  Learn more about the Great Game of Business Conference: https://www.greatgame.com/conference-2025Learn more about Steve Baker: https://www.greatgame.com/about/our-team/steve-baker
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Aug 1, 2025 • 43min

EP18 - Indiana Jones - Will the ESOP Make A Difference For Your Employees

This episode uses the classic film, Indiana Jones, as our feature film. The podcast utilizes this retro film as an example of something that never goes out of style-just like business owners helping their employees! The question the podcast discusses is if an ESOP is the best option for your company and people? This is a common question on anyone’s journey to an ESOP. The podcast attempts to help listeners asses where they are in company development of employee engagement. 
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Jul 28, 2025 • 49min

EP17 Interview with John Burgess What Owners Can Expect After Forming an ESOP

In this podcast episode, ESOP attorney John Burgess returns to share what business owners should anticipate in the months following an ESOP transaction. From governance changes to employee communication and administrative next steps, Burgess offers practical insights to help new ESOP companies navigate the critical post-formation period with confidence.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 38min

EP16 - Kon Tiki - IRS Subsidy for ESOPs

On this podcast episode we reference the movie Kon Tiki, which documents the journey of a Norwegian scientist on a raft built with natural materials and proves the ancient peoples sailed to the Polynesia islands.  The trip took 4300 miles in ocean currents without a motor. The podcast uses the concept of “wind in the sails” to review the tax benefits that ESOP companies experience. Specifically, this episode dives into defining an S-Corporation ESOP, which means that either in part or in whole the ESOP-owned company has a permanent tax benefit given the income tax is exempt on both the state and federal level.  

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