Jepson Symposium Webinar on Employee Ownership

As thousands of small business owners approach retirement, the question of succession looms large. Employee ownership offers a powerful solution—one that preserves legacy, empowers workers, and strengthens local economies.

This dynamic panel featured leaders and innovators who have firsthand experience with employee ownership models, including ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee-owned trusts. Together, they shared stories, strategies, and lessons learned from the front lines of ownership transitions.

Panelists:

Leslie K. Wilson
Dean, David W. Wilson College of Business
A visionary leader in business education and regional economic development, Dr. Wilson champions employee ownership as a tool for retaining businesses and building wealth in rural communities. Her work highlights how ownership models can stabilize economies and reduce turnover.

Kevin Clegg
CEO & Founder, Clegg Auto, Utah
Founder of the first U.S. employee-owned trust holding company, Kevin is pioneering a new approach to business succession. His latest initiative—the Employee Ownership HoldCo Network—aims to simplify transitions for thousands of small businesses facing the “Silver Tsunami.”

Heather Cody
Director, Global Human Resources, ESP International
Heather brings deep experience from ESP International, a 100% employee-owned ESOP. She will share how employee ownership has shaped the company’s culture, enhanced engagement, and supported long-term growth.

Dr. Nadav Mer
Associate Professor of Practice, Virginia Tech
A serial entrepreneur and expert in cooperative conversions, Dr. Mer founded Iowa’s first worker cooperative and now advises businesses on ownership transitions. His insights bridge academia and practice, with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship.