ESOPs: Preserving Culture, Valuation and Empowering Employees

Oct 23, 2025

In this episode, host Alex Partin and guests Serena Morones, David Harkins, and Kyle Wolf each bring their unique perspectives on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and their critical role in succession planning for privately held businesses. 

The conversation explores how ESOPs offer a compelling alternative to traditional exit strategies.  The panel brings together perspectives from business valuation experts and those with firsthand experience in ESOP-owned firms, offering practical insights for business owners considering this path.
Key Takeaways:

• ESOPs as a Succession Tool: ESOPs provide a way for business owners to transition ownership to employees, maintaining company culture and values while offering liquidity and a gradual exit strategy.
• Business Valuation for ESOPs: The success of an ESOP partly depends on accurate, third-party business valuation, which determines fair market value for the transaction and ensures sustainability for both sellers and employee owners.
• Transparency and Engagement Drive Success: Companies that openly communicate ESOP benefits and valuation processes to employees foster a sense of ownership, improve retention, and create a more engaged workplace culture.

Guests:  

• David Harkins, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFA, Mercer Capital
• Serena Morones, CPA/ABV, Morones Analytics
• Kyle Wolf, CPA/ABV, Stern Brothers Business Valuation Advisors

Host:  Alex Partin, CPA/ABV, Mueller & Partin, PS

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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION
If you’re using a podcast app that does not hyperlink to the resources, please visit our podcast platform to access the show notes with direct links. 

• AICPA Forensic & Valuation Services Conference, Oct 27-29, Aurora, CO, attend virtually for 1,2,or 3 days 
• Business Valuation School - Dec 1-5, Live online

NEW RESOURCE Welcome to a career in forensic and valuation services - early-career guidance, built for you

AICPA Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) resource center

Journal of Accountancy articles :

• Employee ownership and taxes:  Why firms are choosing ESOPs
• What to know when you client is considering employee ownership

 

Exclusive content available with AICPA FVS Section membership: Click here to join this active community of your FVS peers. You will get 16 credits of complimentary CPE and access to rich technical content

• Valuations performed for employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and FAQs 
• What every valuation analyst should know about employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) 

The FVS Valuation Podcast archives

• From Analysis to Testimony: Key Skills for a Career in Forensic and Valuation Services
• The Business Valuation Profession
• Enhancing Professional Growth through AICPA FVS Section Resources and Participation

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOLLOWING AICPA CREDENTIALS:

Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV®) – Visit the home page and check out the ABV infographic

Certified in the Valuation of Financial Instruments (CVFI®) – Visit the home page and check out the CVFI infographic

Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF®) - Visit the home page and check out the CFF infographic

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