Chamber of Commerce Presentation: The Power of ESOPs

Would your Chamber members be interested in learning about innovative strategies to sustain their business legacies, empower their employees, and ensure long-term growth in today's competitive landscape? Will Petter, co-founder of American Dream Home Services (ADHS) and American Dream Legacy Advisors, would love the opportunity to share his insights with your members on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and their potential to create a "millionaire middle class" right here in the West.

In his dynamic 30-45-minute presentation, Will Petter will address the challenges facing family-run businesses across many Colorado industries, particularly from private equity firms. These firms, flush with cash and hungry for acquisitions, often prioritize profits over people, potentially stripping companies of their unique character and community ties. Petter will explain how ESOPs offer a compelling alternative, allowing owners to transition their businesses on their own terms, while safeguarding their legacy and rewarding their dedicated employees.

Petter understands the unique challenges and opportunities present in our communities, where small businesses often serve as the economic backbone. With over 50% of privately held companies looking to transition within the next 5 years, it is especially important in these communities for owners to be prepared to transition and harvest the wealth from their companies. He knows that ESOPs can be particularly powerful tools for ensuring the continuity and stability of these businesses, which are critical to the livelihood of local communities.... By keeping businesses locally owned and operated, ESOPs help to preserve jobs, maintain community identity, and foster a sense of local pride

The talk will cover several key aspects of ESOPs:

• Strategic Advantages: Learn how ESOPs provide significant tax benefits at the corporate, employee, and shareholder levels, fostering financial security for all stakeholders. Petter will elaborate on how these tax incentives can boost your company's value and create a more engaged, motivated workforce.

• Legacy Preservation: Discover how an ESOP ensures the continuity of your company and its values for years to come, preserving the unique culture and community impact you've worked hard to build.

• Wealth Creation: Explore real-world success stories, demonstrating how employee ownership can lead to significant wealth creation for employees, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment.

• Navigating the Transition: Gain insights into how to navigate the ESOP transition process, ensuring a smooth and structured approach that minimizes disruption and maximizes value for all involved..

• Vision and Values: Understand the importance of aligning personal and financial goals with business strategy, while promoting the idea of using success to elevate others and impact the world positively.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how ESOPs can serve as a powerful tool for business owners seeking to create a lasting legacy, reward their employees, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Will Petter brings a unique blend of financial expertise and a passion for empowering employees to this discussion.. With over 15 years of experience in investment banking and private equity, Petter has worked closely with founders transitioning their businesses and private equity groups scaling those businesses. He witnessed firsthand the "human cost often associated with transitioning and growing a business," and this experience fueled his desire to create a better way8. Petter co-founded American Dream Home Services (ADHS) with the vision of helping homeowners retain access to high-quality home services while also creating a "millionaire middle class" of plumbers, electricians, roofers, and HVAC providers.