From Launch to Legacy: A Two-Year Journey of Engagement and Education

What does it take to turn employee ownership from a concept into a culture? In this session, we’ll share Room & Board’s first two years as an ESOP, from the initial announcement to our first valuation, statement distribution, and celebration of Employee Ownership Month. We’ll walk through the communication and education strategies that helped us build understanding, spark engagement, and create year-round momentum across a diverse workforce.

Our journey has been one of intentional learning and leadership alignment. We’ll explore how we introduced ownership concepts in accessible ways, built trust through transparency, and created space for employees to ask questions and see themselves as owners. From storytelling and visual tools to leadership visibility and peer-led conversations, we’ll share what worked, what we learned, and how we’re planning for the future.

This session is designed as an interactive breakout experience. Participants will engage in small-group discussions to brainstorm practical ways to sustain ownership thinking beyond milestone moments. Topics will include launching your ESOP story with impact, communicating complex concepts like valuation and statements, and building leadership buy-in. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own experiences and challenges, creating a collaborative learning environment.

Whether you're in your first year of employee ownership or looking to reinvigorate your ESOP culture, this session will offer actionable ideas and inspiration. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to build momentum year-round and a toolkit of strategies to help their organizations live ownership every day.