Journey to an ESOP & Beyond

ESOPs are gaining traction. In the "Journey to an ESOP & Beyond” podcast, Doeren Mayhew's Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth explain the ESOP transaction process and address ESOPs from a business owner's perspective. They illuminate the simplicity of ESOPs and debunk common misconceptions that ESOPs are immensely costly and complicated. -- “Doeren Mayhew" is the brand name under which Doeren Mayhew Assurance and Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. Doeren Mayhew Assurance and Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC (and its subsidiary entities) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations and professional standards. Doeren Mayhew Assurance is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Doeren Mayhew Advisors, LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business consulting services to their clients.

Journey to an ESOP & Beyond is a business podcast hosted by Jason Miller & Makenzie Wirth, with 268 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jason Miller & Makenzie Wirth hosts Journey to an ESOP & Beyond, a business show with 268 episodes published.

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  Episode #32

  EP32 - Interview with NCEO's Corey Rosen: The Future of Employee Ownership

  Aug 14, 202651 minS7

  Washington is sending new signals about employee ownership, but the headlines don’t help much if you’re a business owner trying to decide whether an ESOP is actually doable. In this episode, Jason Miller and Makenzie Ragland welcome back Corey Rosen from the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) to discuss the latest developments shaping the future of employee ownership. Corey breaks down key legislative efforts, including the Retire Through Ownership Act, the American Ownership Resilience Act, and efforts to fund the WORK Act. He also shares how the regulatory environment surrounding ESOPs continues to evolve and addresses common perceptions surrounding ESOP litigation risk and transaction costs. Other topics they explore include the impact employee ownership can have on recruitment, retention, workplace culture, and long-term business continuity. Corey shares recent NCEO research on employee retention, explains why ownership and a strong culture work best together, and offers practical guidance for owners beginning to explore an ESOP. From educating yourself on the available options to learning from existing ESOP companies, this episode provides a timely look at the growing momentum behind employee ownership and what it could mean for business owners considering their next chapter.

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  Episode #31

  EP 31 - Foundations of Transition: Process Maturity & Operational Strength

  Aug 6, 202626 minS7

  Your processes can be documented, and your operations can still be fragile. In this episode of the Foundations of Transition series, Jason Miller and Makenzie Ragland explore the eighth foundation: Process Maturity and Operational Strength. They discuss why strong operations involve more than just having documented procedures and focus on building an organization that is curious enough to improve continuously. By examining how work actually flows through a business rather than relying on organizational charts or written processes, owners can uncover hidden bottlenecks, operational risks, and opportunities to create a more resilient organization. Additionally, they also explore the role of curiosity in developing a transferable business, explaining how "hero" employees, undocumented workarounds, and routine habits can quietly create dependencies that limit growth. They provide practical questions that owners can ask to gain a clearer understanding of how work is actually accomplished and explain why creating a culture of continuous improvement not only strengthens daily operations but also prepares a business for a successful ownership transition.

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  Episode #30

  S Corp vs. C Corp ESOPs: Which Structure is Right for You?

  Jul 29, 202640 minS7

  The most common question we hear may seem simple, but it can significantly change the outcome of a deal. Should you remain an S corporation or convert to a C corporation? In this episode, Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth break down the key differences between the two structures and how each one affects the company and its selling shareholders. They also discuss the unique tax advantages associated with each approach. From S corporation tax exemptions to Section 1042 capital gains deferral, this conversation highlights the various factors that influence your decision, including ownership goals, liquidity needs, future growth plans, financing strategy, and long-term succession objectives. Whether you are just starting to explore an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) or evaluating transaction structures, this episode provides a practical framework for understanding why there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right structure depends on your specific goals and circumstances.

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  Episode #29

  EP29 - The ESOP Mandela Effect

  Jul 22, 202613 minS7

  In this episode, Makenzie Wirth delves into the Mandela Effect and how our memories influence the stories we tell ourselves. Many business owners begin their exploration of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) with fragmented information they have gathered from the experiences of others—some of which may be accurate and some not. These stories can subtly influence significant decisions. Makenzie discusses the common misconceptions surrounding ESOPs, clarifies which elements are unique to each transaction, and highlights insights revealed during the ESOP process that can drastically alter how owners perceive employee ownership.

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  Episode #28

  EP28 - Your Algorithm is a Mirror

  Jul 10, 202622 minS7

  Your feed feels personal for a reason, and it’s not magic. Jason Miller and Makenzie Wirth dig into the idea that the “algorithm” isn’t a villain with a secret agenda. It’s an objective system built on subjective inputs, and the input it cares about most is your attention. We share real snapshots from our own algorithms and what they might mean beneath the surface: curiosity, problem-solving, preparation, anxiety, and the very human need to reduce uncertainty. Then we connect it directly with business owners, founders, and leaders considering exit planning, including ESOP conversations. Our takeaway is that the algorithm is a dashboard, not a destiny, and attention becomes intention, intention becomes habit, and habit becomes character.

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