Transition with Confidence

ECG is working with the two partners to design, develop and launch the legacy real estate portfolio management company. The company will work with families currently managing their own holdings to create and manage a legacy plan for future generations. We are in this one from the ground up setting up financial and operating processes as well as offering administrative support. Stay tuned for the announcement of an August launch!

On June 30, 2018, Couts Heating and Cooling Inc. became 100% owned by the COUTS Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). It was the successful culmination of a fantastic journey supporting a company through an exit.

After attending an exit presentation by ECG founder, John Ovrom, John Couts called looking for options. ECG met with John and learned that he wasn’t looking to walk away but he was ready for start letting go. His goal was to ensure a sustainable future for both himself and the company has. He wanted to put the company in good hands that would safeguard its continued commitment to quality products and a positive work environment. ECG walked John through several options, including an MBO (Management Buy Out), a third-party sale and an ESOP.

The answer for this owner was to empower his employees. ECG worked with John and his trusted advisors, teaming up with Paige Ryan of ESOP Services, Inc. (www.esopservices.com) to transition company ownership to an ESOP and coordinate the many diverse elements necessary to do so successfully (see Service Provider Spotlight elsewhere in this slider).

John Couts announced the ESOP program to his employees at an all company meeting, saying: “When I think of who should carry on the legacy of our company, I think of you, the employees of Couts. Because of the value each and every one of you brings in the front door each day, I am excited to announce that an opportunity has been created for you to participate in the future success of Couts Heating And Cooling Inc. as a stakeholder! "

With the company secure, the founder is excited about both his future and the future of Couts Heating and Cooling Inc., and ECG is thrilled to share his success!

After the death of the owner, ECG was brought in to work with the key management group to acquire the business from a trust. We met with key employees, valued the business, made the offer to the trust and are currently negotiating the sale.

When the owner died several years ago his widow hired a CEO to expand the business and run the company. ECG has been working with the owner over the past year and represents her in a 3rd party sale - currently in escrow.

Creating an ESOP is a lengthy and complex journey. Working with the right providers is crucial and we found a partner in Paige Ryan of ESOP Services, Inc. (www.esopservices.com). Our client was a sole owner ready to turn the reins over to his employees (see ESOP Success in this slider) and Paige coordinated the many diverse elements necessary to successfully establish an ESOP. Like ECG, ESOP Services has a unique approach that responds to the needs of business owners and we trust them to keep our owners best interests in mind. Paige is a consummate professional we can count on and we look forward to the next opportunity to work together!