

Journey to an ESOP & Beyond
Phillip Hayes and Jason Miller
ESOPs are gaining traction. In the "Journey to an ESOP & Beyond” podcast, Phillip Hayes and Jason Miller explain the process of the ESOP transaction and address ESOPs from a business owner's perspective. They illuminate the simplicity of ESOPs and debunk common misconceptions that ESOPs are immensely costly and complicated.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 25min
EP28 - Owner’s Voices
In this episode. Makenzie interviews leaders from five diverse ESOP companies as they share their paths to employee ownership. Each organization offers a unique perspective on the transition process, the challenges and opportunities along the way, and the lasting impact ownership has had on their culture and performance.

Oct 10, 2025 • 56min
EP27 - What is Employee Ownership: Interview with Corey Rosen of the NCEO
In this episode, Jason interviews Corey Rosen of the National Center for Employee Ownership. Corey tells Jason a story to unpack what employee ownership really looks like – the hopes, the doubts, and the decisions that define the first step of the journey. The episode is designed as an educational resource to make the concept of employee ownership approachable – simple, clear, and human. If you’ve ever wondered as an owner how to move from curiosity to confidence, this is a great place to start.

Oct 3, 2025 • 4min
EP26 - Employee Ownership Month Special Announcement
In this podcast episode, Jason announces a special release schedule for Employee Ownership Month. For the month of October, the podcast will feature special guests, educational resources, and ESOP insights. Be sure to return each Friday for the next installment!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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