In this episode of The Ownership Effect, we hear two deeply personal stories that show what employee ownership truly means at the individual level.

Amy Huot of Proponent and Christy Magee of DVL Group share how working at employee-owned companies transformed their financial security, career paths, and family futures. From rebuilding retirement savings after a major health crisis to realizing, for the first time, that retirement was actually possible, their stories highlight the human perspective of the promise of ESOPs.

Their experiences also reveal how employee ownership shapes company culture: greater trust and transparency, stronger retention, and a shared commitment to long-term success. This conversation is a powerful reminder that ESOPs aren’t just a business structure—they’re a life-changing force for employees and their families.

What happens when a company does everything right—and still ends up under federal investigation?

On this episode of The Ownership Effect, Jim Bonham speaks with Brian Bowers, CEO of Bowers + Kubota, about one of the most consequential ESOP cases in recent history. After becoming an ESOP, Bowers + Kubota became the target of a Department of Labor investigation that stretched on for years.

Brian discusses why the company chose employee ownership, why they refused to settle, and what it took to defend their ESOP. The result: a decisive victory that exposed serious flaws in how ESOP transactions were being scrutinized—and helped catalyze bipartisan legislation that could reshape the regulatory environment for employee ownership.

This is a story about conviction and resolve, and a must-listen for founders, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of employee ownership.

Jim Bonham continues his conversation with retirement policy expert Kendra Isaacson, examining why retirement security has become a top bipartisan priority in Congress and how ESOPs can play a critical role for both younger workers and retiring business owners. They discuss recent legislative developments, the long-awaited need for clear guidance on adequate consideration, and how smart policy can strengthen ESOP formation, protect fiduciaries, and expand employee ownership at a pivotal moment for the U.S. workforce.