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Operationalizing Critical Success Factors of Employee Ownership Using Principles of Learning Management

Frank Shipper, Valerie J. Whitcomb | October, 2024

The importance of employee-owned (EO) organizations around the world is increasing. Countries, communities and organizations are realizing that passing profits to workers increases wealth at all levels of society. The benefits, widely known, include personal prosperity, organizational profitability and stability, and a host of economic benefits for communities in which EO companies operate. Selling a … Read More

What are the Critical Success Factors of Employee Ownership?

Frank Shipper, Valerie J. Whitcomb | January, 2025

Questions: What are the critical success factors (CSFs) for employee ownership and why are they important? The focus of this research is to identify factors that must receive top priority during a high-stakes implementation. Summary: This research identifies the essential CSFs of employee ownership as discovered in 100 carefully curated articles, cases, and books dedicated … Read More

The “Avery Hall Way”: Capitalizing on the Mutuality of Employee Ownership and Franchise-Like Operations

Frank Shipper, Richard C. Hoffman, Valerie J. Whitcomb | August, 2024

Avery Hall Insurance Agency in Salisbury, Maryland, was founded on principles that included service to customers and communities. The term “Avery Hall Way,” is used to describe the model that Avery Hall used to integrate employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with franchise-like structures to enhance organizational performance. This case study of … Read More

MyPath: Exploring the Intersection of DEI and Employee Ownership

Valerie J. Whitcomb | January, 2023

MyPath grew steadily since its inception in 1984 in an industry rife with regulations and oversight. Navigating the healthcare landscape and advocating for its disabled patients became a hallmark of the organization. Through the years, a strong culture emerged thanks in part to employee ownership which contributed to a ‘can-do’ attitude found at all levels … Read More

Acadian Companies – The Next 50 Years

Valerie J. Whitcomb | January, 2023

With fifty successful years behind Acadian Ambulance Service, now known as Acadian Companies, the focus was clearly on the future. The company had a history of steady organic growth and external growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions. The company now was comprised of six successful and profitable divisions, all synergistic but unique in their management … Read More