October is ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Month, a time to celebrate a unique business model that empowers employees, drives company success, and fosters an internal culture of shared commitment.
At McConnell & Associates (MAC), being 100% employee-owned isn’t just a business structure—it’s who we are. For many years, we’ve been the go-to partner for paving and sports construction in the Kansas City and St. Louis area.
We believe that our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) reflects our commitment to the people who make our success happen: our employees.
As we celebrate Employee Stock Ownership Month this October, we’re reflecting on what it truly means to be employee-owned. It goes beyond financial benefits—it’s about investing in people who deeply care about doing great work for the community.
Our ESOP connects us all, building trust, fostering stability, and ensuring our long-term success together.
Through this ownership model, we empower our team, and we’ll continue working to educate them on the full benefits of ESOP.
After all, employee ownership is at the heart of why our projects are crafted with care, quality, and precision. Without a doubt, it’s why we’re committed to our community’s future, from safety to sustainability.
Working Toward A Common Goal: Employee Ownership
Many companies today are focused on individual successes. At MAC, we prefer to foster a community-minded attitude, where one person’s success is everyone’s success. ESOP empowers individuals who are both teammates and business partners to work toward a common goal.
As Employee-Owners, the team is supported as a whole and as individuals. Each person has the opportunity to feel self-empowered to make a real difference not only in their career success but in the overall growth and success of the company.
This organically creates an environment where there is mutual trust and respect as everyone works toward a common goal and a shared purpose.
It’s evident in every project that’s undertaken, from the smallest task to the largest goals; that the highest standards are upheld by all. This internal culture has in the past and will continue to benefit everyone, including our employee-owners, our clients, and the external community in which we serve.
Educating Our Team About ESOP
For those unfamiliar with employee ownership, an ESOP can seem a bit confusing. That’s why we make educating our team—both new and current—a top priority. We are proud of our values and we want everyone to fully understand the benefits of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
From Day One
Education begins on day one during onboarding. New team members are introduced to the ESOP, what it means for their role at MAC, and how their daily efforts contribute to the success of the entire company. This sets the tone for their journey with us. They quickly learn they aren’t just employees—they’re employee-owners whose actions help shape the future of MAC.
Ongoing Education
Throughout the year, we hold group sessions to better explain our ESOP. These sessions are designed to be both informative and engaging.
We use interactive presentations, workshops, and one-on-one discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to ask questions and voice their thoughts. Without a doubt, it’s a great way to keep the team informed and connected.
Annual Statements
Every year, team members receive an annual ESOP statement that shows their personal ownership stake. This is a clear and transparent way for them to see how their hard work translates into real benefits, both for themselves and the company. It builds a genuine sense of personal investment in MAC’s success.
ESOP and Its Connection to MAC’s Success
We believe that our being an ESOP company has been integral to MAC’s success, as well as setting us apart in the business industry. Not many companies have yet learned the inherent value in sharing ownership with their employees; in empowering their employees to be more than employees; to raise them up in their career and in their financial stake by making them owners. We have seen firsthand that this ownership model not only motivates our team but also fosters a culture of excellence that drives every aspect of our business. Specifically, this is how we’ve seen ESOP correlate directly with our ongoing success:
1. Higher Levels of Engagement and Accountability
When every team member is an Employee-Owner, they feel a stronger connection between the work they perform and the company’s overall performance. They understand that the quality of their work directly impacts the success of their colleagues. This palpable sense of responsibility leads to higher levels of engagement and accountability.
Our team members take personal ownership of every project, whether it’s sealcoating a parking lot or installing a new running track. They focus on delivering exceptional results because they know that customer satisfaction contributes to the company’s growth and, in turn, their personal financial success. This collective accountability means our clients receive the highest standard of service, every time.
2. Commitment to Long-Term Quality and Innovation
As an employee-owned company, we aren’t just focused on short-term gains; our aim is on long-term growth and sustainability. As such, we prioritize quality in every aspect of our business, from the materials we use to the craftsmanship we deliver on every project.
Being an ESOP company gives us the flexibility to be innovative while adopting forward-thinking strategies and investing in new technologies that enhance our services. We bring extra value to our clients in this way.
Team members at MAC are encouraged to contribute ideas and improvements because they know that their voices will be heard and that any advancement made benefits everyone, including clients. This internal culture of continuous improvement has played a large part in putting us ahead of our competitors.
3. Stronger Team Morale and Retention
Employee ownership fosters a work environment where individuals are valued not just for their job functions, but as employee-owners working toward shared goals. This sense of ownership also contributes to higher employee retention, since our people know they’re working for their future and the future of their colleagues.
Reduced turnover means we retain skilled and experienced team members, which strengthens our capabilities and ensures consistency in the quality of our work.
4. Enhanced Client Relationships
When our clients choose MAC, they aren’t just hiring a contractor; they’re partnering with a team of owners. This positive dynamic is evident in every aspect of the job, from the finest detail to every discussion, to our overall approach. We are genuinely invested in every client’s success, and we’re proud to say that it translates into superior service and craftsmanship.
Clients often notice the difference when they work with an ESOP company like ours, and they’ve often remarked on the level of customer service, attention to detail, and professionalism that they receive.
Building Success Together Through ESOP
As we celebrate ESOP month this October, we see the many positive ways that employee ownership has shaped the culture and success of McConnell & Associates. Our ESOP is the engine that drives our shared dedication to quality, service, and innovation. As a direct result of our employee-owner’s hard work and commitment, we have enjoyed overwhelming success.
Our ESOP allows us to share that success with the very people who make it possible. As we continue to build and maintain asphalt and concrete surfaces throughout the Midwest, we remain dedicated to the values that define us as an employee-owned company. Together, we are paving the way for a future where every step forward is a shared victory.
Happy ESOP Month from all of us at McConnell & Associates! Here’s to building a future where employee ownership continues to drive our success, one project at a time. Click here to contact us with questions about services or career opportunities!
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