Owning It With Ashley Bryan

To kick off ESOP Month, we are hosting a special episode of the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership Podcast. Billy and Hali are joined by Ashley Bryan, CFO of Threaded Fasteners and the TFI "ESOP Guru," as they discuss all things ESOP. Ashley dives into the nitty-gritty of what an ESOP is and how it works at Threaded Fasteners. They explore the advantages of being employee-owned, from receiving real financial benefits to building a true ownership culture. Ashley breaks down the complexities of ESOPs and the steps they take to communicate these complex ideas to employee-owners. From understanding the difference between an ESOP and a 401(k) to grasping the financial impact of ownership, Ashley works to communicate the key concepts. Ashley shares Threaded Fasteners' strategy for ESOP communications, including their ESOP Advocate Program, ESOP Touchpoints, and ESOP Month activities. She also emphasizes the importance of connecting with employees at every level to help them fully understand ESOP's lasting impact. Billy and Ashley discuss how being an employee-owned company can help with both hiring and retention. They also talk about the benefits of selling a business to an ESOP, not just for the company owner but for their employees as well. It's ESOP Month, so stay tuned for more leaders who own it!