Empowered Owners

Very few topics impact both our personal and professional lives. Healthcare is one of the few. Yet, for so many, it feels like a burden rather than a benefit.In this episode, host Chris Fredericks is joined by Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at EV, and Kim Dinwiddie, VP of Human Resources at EV, to unpack the realities of healthcare today and how Empowered Ventures is tackling these challenges head-on. Chris, Emily, and Kim discuss the launch of “Healthcare for Us,” a collaborative initiative to transform how we approach healthcare benefits. They share how they navigate confusing insurance terms and created Healthcare Avatars that reflect their team's diverse needs. Emily and Kim also shared how listening to employees and fostering open conversations drive meaningful change.In this episode, you’ll learn:Reframing Healthcare Benefits as a Partnership: Emily and Kim share how Empowered Ventures redefines healthcare benefits through collaboration, making it a shared responsibility rather than an isolated decision.Understanding the Evolving Landscape of Insurance: Kim explains the shift from employer-covered benefits to employee-driven choices and how this impacts how people engage with healthcare.Simplifying the Complex World of Healthcare: Emily introduces “Healthcare for Us,” an initiative that demystifies insurance terms and creates tailored profiles to meet the diverse needs of employees.The Role of Employee Ownership in Shaping Culture: Emily and Kim highlight how the employee ownership model fosters open communication and empowers employees to take an active role in healthcare decisions.Building a Collaborative Future for Healthcare: The team discusses how leaning into healthcare challenges together can spark innovation, drive solutions, and create a culture of trust and support.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Emily Bopp and Kim Dinwiddie(02:20) Emily and Kim’s one-word reactions to health insurance(03:27) Kim’s reflection on the evolution of healthcare benefits and employee perceptions(06:33) Emily discusses the shift from healthcare as a benefit to a necessary challenge(09:32) The Healthcare for Us initiative: creating personas to meet diverse employee needs(12:21) How Empowered Ventures listens to employees to guide healthcare changes(17:21) The cultural shift: building a collective mindset to "lean into healthcare together"(18:53) Advice from Emily and Kim on transforming challenges into opportunities through collaboration

Purpose holds a unique meaning for each individual, and discovering it requires time for self-reflection and evaluating the alignment of your life.In this episode, Christine Webb and Casey Grisez share how they found purpose in unexpected places, leading them to Empowered Ventures. Host Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, sits down with Christine and Casey to explore their unique paths to Empowered Ventures and the purpose-driven work they bring to the company. Together, they discuss what it means to find meaning in your career, the challenges of balancing personal purpose with professional growth, and how Empowered Ventures aligns with their shared values. Tune in for an inspiring episode that celebrates the impact of employee ownership and the diverse perspectives that drive Empowered Ventures forward.In this episode, you’ll learn:Finding Purpose in Career Shifts: Christine and Casey discuss how their varied career paths—from social work and community activism to finance and family—have shaped their dedication to meaningful work and aligned with the mission of Empowered Ventures.Employee Ownership as a Force for Good: Casey shares his experience in business valuation and how employee ownership models, like the one at Empowered Ventures, create opportunities for employees to share in the company’s success.Creating Impact through Strategic Problem-Solving: Christine highlights her knack for navigating complex systems, sharing how her problem-solving skills drive her work in supporting Empowered Ventures’ mission and helping employee owners thrive.The Power of Reflection and Career Reassessment: Christine and Casey emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on what matters most in life, allowing them to pursue work that aligns with their personal values and family goals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Christine Webb and Casey Grisez(00:43) Christine’s early aspirations and career shift from social work to community impact(02:06) Casey’s journey from finance to employee ownership and his career influences(04:34) Christine discusses the emotional challenges and rewards of social work(06:15) Casey reflects on family, taking a career pause, and his perspective on meaningful work(09:02) Discovering the impact of employee ownership and what drew them to Empowered Ventures(12:18) Christine’s problem-solving approach and passion for system-level change(14:46) Casey on combining storytelling with finance to drive purpose-driven work(18:03) Advice from Christine and Casey for finding purpose and balance in your career

Have you ever wondered how employee ownership can drive a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a company?Yes? Good news. In this replay episode of Empowered Owners, Lori Atone, Learning and Development Director at TVF, shares about the importance of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and the impact of learning and development in an employee-owned organization.In this episode, you’ll learn: The impact of learning and development in an employee-owned company.How to harness the power of strengths and continuous learning to drive personal and company growth.Unconventional approaches, like utilizing AI in the workplace, and their potential for our teams.Jump into the conversation:[01:59] What a Learning and Development program entails[04:08] How Lori started TVF’s L&D program[07:06] The importance of L&D for an employee-owned organization[11:27] Trying new things & failures[16:10] Understanding employee personalities & learning styles

Discovering what you are passionate about and making it a career is an incredible accomplishment. Some people are lucky enough to experience that feeling a few times in their careers.In this replay episode of Empowered Owners, Curtis Elliott, President at Paramount Plastics, discusses his career path, from his initial goal of joining law enforcement to unexpected opportunities in manufacturing. Curtis's "what's next?" attitude led him on a journey of personal and professional growth that ultimately shaped the successful leader he is today.In this episode, you’ll learn: Valuable lessons from Curtis' experiences in law enforcement. Learn how crisis management, quick thinking, and on-the-spot decision-making have shaped his leadership style.How you can be a stronger advocate for your colleagues and customers in your own role. Learn ways to support and champion their needs and goals.How to reflect on your own values and how they align with your professional and personal life while identifying areas where you can prioritize what truly matters to you.Jump into the conversation:[04:06] How Curtis started his career in law enforcement[08:02] Transferable skills learned from serving as a police officer[12:41] The importance of passion in your work[15:01] Why Curtis went back to school[19:17] The benefits of employee ownership

Switching careers can be quite an adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before. And when it comes to taking on a new role, especially in management, the challenge doubles. Suddenly, you're not just responsible for your daily tasks but also for building and nurturing relationships with your team. It's no easy feat, but it's a vital part of becoming a successful manager.Join us for an exciting replay episode of Empowered Owners, where we sit down with Shannon Hayden, Customer Support Manager at TVF. With over two decades of management experience under her belt, Shannon understands the importance of getting to know her colleagues and fostering open communication to create strong working relationships. She shares some of her invaluable wisdom and personal insights gained from her journey as a manager.You'll gain valuable insights into leadership, team dynamics, and Shannon's experiences in her new role at TVF. And to top it off, we even sprinkle in some nostalgic 80s and 90s throwbacks at the end. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of building strong teams and how to foster an open dialogue.How to build rapport and strengthen relationships through proactive communication in a remote environment.The benefits of implementing an individualized management style.What we mean by “Stewarding Excellence” – supporting our companies for the long termTimestamps:[02:18] Shannon’s history in management[10:10] Tips on how to embrace learning in a new role[17:24] The importance of getting to know your colleagues[18:55] Iconic 80s and 90s trends draft[25:04] Takeaways from the conversation

Embarking on a career path is a universal experience, where even the most seasoned professionals were once beginners. It's crucial to recognize that expertise is not acquired overnight. However, by implementing a few strategies, you can pave the way to success while taking those lessons into the future to help you become your best self.In this replay episode of Empowered Owners, Jack West, Vice President at Firstar Precision Corp., discusses his diverse career journey, including two years in the military, his humble start at a gas station, working his way to a machine shop, and now, 22 years at Firstar.Throughout this inspiring episode, Jack generously shares the wisdom he has acquired over the course of his professional career. Furthermore, he sheds light on how some of these invaluable skills have extended into his personal life, allowing him to discover and pursue a fulfilling hobby: managing his very own farm. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of working together and building cordial relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers.How to build skills in the field and why continued learning is critical for success.Why it is important to be patient with younger employees who are learning a new field.What makes Empowered Ventures different as a business that buys businessesTimestamps:[03:03] Jack’s career journey[12:32] How working in a shop led to building projects for NASA[16:09] The importance of patience when training new hires[23:37] Why building relationships is important in the workplace[32:01] Takeaways from the conversation

Employee ownership holds the power to revolutionize workplace culture, but it's not a task for just one person.It requires a collective effort to establish and sustain a positive team culture.In this replay episode of Empowered Owners, Blake Theademan, a Customer Service Specialist at TVF, discusses the power of empathy, the value of understanding strengths, and his journey at an employee-owned organization.In this episode, you’ll learn: How embracing a positive mindset can be a powerful tool in shaping our experiences at work. Making a conscious choice to approach each day with an optimistic outlook creates an environment where productivity and collaboration thrive.How transitioning into new roles offers opportunities to expand your skills and leverage your existing knowledge. By embracing these transitions, you’ll learn new experiences and tap into the insights gained from previous roles to enhance your current responsibilities.How developing strong communication skills, including active listening and empathetic understanding, can strengthen relationships and build a supportive work culture. You can foster a more cohesive, caring, and empowering environment by honing your abilities to listen well and understand your colleagues' perspectives.Jump into the conversation:[01:44] How Blake stays positive[03:39] Blake’s journey at TVF[07:17] The impact of the Employee Ownership Committee[13:42] Communication and effective listening skills[21:35] Exciting times ahead for Blake

Welcome back to Season 3 of Empowered Owners!In this episode, Chris Fredericks, host and CEO of Empowered Ventures, discusses key milestones and achievements from the past year. He highlights the acquisition of Benoure Plumbing while also celebrating the ESOP’s success in surpassing a long-term goal ahead of schedule.Looking forward, Chris outlines new multi-year goals and improved processes for future growth. He also introduces new team members, Christine Webb and Casey Grisez, who will be featured in upcoming episodes.You won’t want to miss it.In this episode, you’ll learn:Achieving Long-Term Goals Ahead of Schedule: Empowered Ventures reached a major milestone by growing its share price from $22 to $85 a year ahead of its 2025 target, showcasing its employee-owners collective efforts and dedication.Refining Acquisition Processes: Developing post-closing and due diligence playbooks has greatly improved the company’s acquisition approach, ensuring smoother transitions for newly acquired businesses like Benoure Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning.Sustainable Podcasting Approach: After initially releasing episodes weekly, Empowered Ventures is returning to a more sustainable bi-weekly schedule, ensuring each episode remains impactful and thoughtfully produced.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction and update on Empowered Ventures (00:43) Acquisition of Benoure Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning (01:22) Achieving the share price growth goal a year early (02:35) Development of post-closing playbook for smoother transitions (03:34) Creation of due diligence playbook for future acquisitions (04:36) Adding new team members: Christine Webb and Casey Grisez (05:15) Announcement of the podcast going back to a bi-weekly schedule (06:11) Gratitude for the progress and support from employee-owners

If part one left you wanting more, this one's for you!Have you wondered about business valuations? Or ever struggled to understand the mystery behind ESOP account values? Are you craving a clearer concept of what influences your account value and how to maximize it?In this episode, Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, and Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at Empowered Ventures, return with the second part of their discussion on the factors that affect ESOP account values.In this episode, you’ll learn: How factors like future revenue, profits, and cash flow estimation drive the valuation of a business.The importance of the rate of return on your share price and how it reflects how your investment is growing or changing.How your account values are determined can foster a deeper connection to the business, enabling you to feel more invested in your contribution to its success.Jump into the conversation:[01:29] Catch up with Chris and Emily[03:03] How do I know what’s in my account?[03:51] Valuation of a business[09:54] How is the value of my shares determined?[12:47] Want more information? Reach out!

Relationships and connections are important in your personal life and can have a positive impact on your professional life, too.In fact, nurturing meaningful connections often serves as the cornerstone for these successful ventures.In this episode of Empowered Owners, Robert Hinsch, Vice President at TVF, shares his journey of helping start the West Coast division of TVF, a story of humble beginnings, resourcefulness, and the power of strong relationships.In this episode, you’ll learn: How embracing curiosity allows us to deepen our understanding of products, customers' needs, and the company's operations.How focusing on relationships with customers, vendors, and colleagues is a testament to the impact of strong connections in business. Nurture these relationships by showing empathy and prioritizing open communication.How appreciating and supporting fellow Employee Owners and building a positive and supportive work culture, contributes to the success of the company.Jump into the conversation:[02:22] Robert’s journey at TVF[05:44] How the textile industry has evolved[07:43] TVF’s origin story[15:34] Relationships and curiosity[19:47] The secret to TVF’s success

Every business model has nuances, and employee ownership is no exception. Have you ever wondered how shares are allocated and what influences their value, or how to understand the value in your ESOP account?In this episode, Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, and Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at Empowered Ventures, discuss the details of how shares are allocated, determining their value, and what a “benefit level” truly is.We want you to walk away feeling empowered as an employee and equipped with an understanding of the “why” behind the world of ESOP.In this episode, you’ll learn: Understand how the number of shares in your ESOP account is decided and why it's distributed over time.Discover the concept of benefit level, which reflects the percentage of your compensation reflected in your ESOP account value.Learn about the annual addition of shares and how they accumulate over the years.Jump into the conversation:[01:29] What influences account value?[03:01] How shares are decided[04:15] Distribution of shares[06:47] What is a benefit level?[13:28] Part 2 sneak peek

Have you ever wondered how employee ownership can drive a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a company?Yes? Good news. In this episode of Empowered Owners, Lori Atone, Learning and Development Director at TVF, shares about the importance of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and the impact of learning and development in an employee-owned organization.In this episode, you’ll learn: The impact of learning and development in an employee-owned company.How to harness the power of strengths and continuous learning to drive personal and company growth.Unconventional approaches, like utilizing AI in the workplace, and their potential for our teams.Jump into the conversation:[01:59] What a Learning and Development program entails[04:08] How Lori started TVF’s L&D program[07:06] The importance of L&D for an employee-owned organization[11:27] Trying new things & failures[16:10] Understanding employee personalities & learning styles

Working at Empowered Ventures is more than an average job. In fact, because of EV being an ESOP, you are a part owner with a stake in the success of the organization you work for.In this episode of Empowered Owners, Kim Dinwiddie, Vice President of Human Resources at Empowered Ventures, shares her journey of transformation, growth, and the powerful narrative of employee ownership.Kim explains the delicate dance of balancing compliance with compassion and how tailoring the HR approach to each unique environment within Empowered Ventures isn't just policy—it's a passion.In this episode, you’ll learn: How strategic growth means knowing when to scale and adapt. As an Employee Owner, you play a significant role in this. Be proactive in identifying when it's time for your team to take new approaches or tackle different challenges.How the power of personalized, human-focused, HR practices demonstrates how integration and strategic thinking can enhance the employee experience.How enhancing your understanding of the business side of things can lead to a more empowered role within the company. Consider taking courses, reading up on industry news, or obtaining certifications that will help you speak the language of business more fluently.Jump into the conversation:[02:49] Kim’s HR journey[08:19] The misconceptions about HR[10:36] Why Kim chose consulting[21:45] How EV plans to handle future growth[30:34] The true power of ESOP

While you likely have a solid understanding of Empowered Ventures and its history, chances are you haven’t heard some of the exciting details that went into crafting the family of businesses we know and love.In this episode, Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, and Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at Empowered Ventures, take a trip down memory lane to discuss how Empowered Ventures came to be.Whether you're a long-standing Employee Owner or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of ESOP, tune in to learn about the impactful experiences and transformations that have shaped the culture and spirit of Empowered Ventures.In this episode, you’ll learn: How far Empowered Ventures has come in just a few years. Take a moment to reflect on our progress and the exciting potential that lies ahead. Remember, this is just the beginning.It's game-changing when you truly understand the impact of being an employee-owner. Think about how you've seen employee ownership create life-changing outcomes for yourself and your colleagues.The importance of the feedback loop. Your voice matters, and your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of Empowered Ventures. Let's keep the conversation going.Jump into the conversation:[02:11] How EV came to be[04:04] Employee Ownership at TVF[08:06] How ESOP is different[12:40] Building Empowered Ventures[23:32] What’s next for Empowered Ventures

Employee ownership holds the power to revolutionize workplace culture, but it's not a task for just one person. It requires a collective effort to establish and sustain a positive team culture.And in this episode of Empowered Owners, Blake Theademan, Customer Service Specialist at TVF, shares about the power of empathy, the value of understanding strengths, and his journey at an employee-owned organization.In this episode, you’ll learn: How embracing a positive mindset can be a powerful tool in shaping our experiences at work. Making a conscious choice to approach each day with an optimistic outlook creates an environment where productivity and collaboration thrive.How transitioning into new roles offers opportunities to expand your skills and leverage your existing knowledge. By embracing these transitions, you’ll learn new experiences and tap into the insights gained from previous roles to enhance your current responsibilities.How developing strong communication skills, including active listening and empathetic understanding, can strengthen relationships and build a supportive work culture. You can foster a more cohesive, caring, and empowering environment by honing your abilities to listen well and understand your colleagues' perspectives.Jump into the conversation:[01:44] How Blake stays positive[03:39] Blake’s journey at TVF[07:17] The impact of the Employee Ownership Committee[13:42] Communication and effective listening skills[21:35] Exciting times ahead for Blake

Creating a thriving employee ownership culture cannot be done alone.In fact, it takes an entire team to create a workplace environment that truly embraces the power of employee ownership.In this episode of Empowered Owners, Dawn Dilts, Customer Support Specialist at TVF, Sarah Neff, Accounts Receivable Clerk at Paramount Plastics, and Diane Bokar, Secretary/Treasurer at Firstar Precision, share their experience working together at the Employee Ownership Summit.In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of fostering an environment where all ideas are heard and considered, even if they may not all work out. Trying something and moving on is okay if it doesn't succeed.How successful engagement activities such as team-building exercises, lunch and learns, and family day events have had a positive impact on employee morale and engagement.The impact of exploring new topics within employee ownership, and never hesitating to ask “why” when coming up with new solutions.Jump into the conversation:[02:33] How the EV Employee Ownership Summit went[03:18] The purpose of the summit[08:42] Expectations vs reality of employee ownership[11:34] How to be a culture champion[14:47] Future questions for the Employee Ownership Summit

While the notion that 'bigger and faster' may seem superior, that isn’t always the case.In this episode, Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, and Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at Empowered Ventures, discuss the growth strategy of Empowered Ventures. They share insights on how these strategies tie into the long-term goals when creating value and stability for the ESOP.Tune in to better understand Empowered Ventures' strategic vision and thoughtful approach to growth.In this episode, you’ll learn: How Empowered Ventures is taking a deliberate and cautious approach to adding companies to the portfolio, focusing on creating meaningful diversification for the ESOP. How recognizing the pitfalls of rapid expansion, Empowered Ventures is pacing growth and understanding that slow and steady can lead to a more enduring and robust enterprise.The Empowered Ventures approach is flexible, considering the changing dynamics of the market, the performance of existing companies, and the opportunities that may arise. By maintaining a patient and adaptable mindset, we can make informed decisions about the future of Empowered Ventures.Jump into the conversation:[01:36] Chris and Emily review “Same as Ever” by Morgan Housel[02:16] The downside of too much, too soon, too fast[04:48] How many companies are we going to add?[09:02] Meaningful diversification[11:16] Slow and thoughtful growth

Are you curious about the impact of employee ownership and the power of transparency in driving a company's culture and success? Want to learn more about how these factors influence leadership and organizational dynamics?In this episode of Empowered Owners, Ben Haviland, Vice President at Paramount Plastics, discusses the transformative effects of employee ownership, the importance of transparency in leadership, and the inspiring initiatives that are shaping the future of the organization.In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of engaging in the decision-making process and being transparent with your colleagues! Taking the initiative to express your opinions and ideas matters more than you think. By embracing this transparency, you'll become an even more integral part of the company's success.Getting involved with local initiatives, contributing to charity events, or participating in volunteer activities can make a real impact outside of work. By getting involved, you will feel a greater sense of fulfillment and connection, both within the company and in your community.The benefits of employee ownership can positively impact your life. Learn how employee ownership at Paramount Plastics has influenced workplace culture, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility among all employees.Jump into the conversation:[01:57] Making an impact at work[04:41] Career changes and life-changing events[10:09] Ben’s experience with Employee Ownership[14:19] The positive culture change at Paramount Plastics[20:57] Transparency in leadership

Can employee ownership be the secret ingredient for weathering the storms of business challenges?Let’s find out.In this episode, Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, and Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at Empowered Ventures, dive into questions about what happens if a company in the Empowered Ventures family is underperforming.The candid conversations about leadership, accountability, and industry changes are designed to leave you inspired and assured that your role is pivotal to our collective success.In this episode, you’ll learn: There is strength in employee ownership. We leverage employee ownership to excel in navigating storms like recessions or industry upheavals with greater stability.Real-world examples and strategies to tackle both short-term and long-term business challenges.How do we respond to underperformance? We're all about accountability, strategic pivots, and keeping an eagle eye on long-term success without compromising our culture.Jump into the conversation:[01:36] The most interesting person to Emily[06:22] External short term issues[11:26] External long term event[15:39] Underperforming businesses[17:30] How EV supports leaders

By diving into new experiences, you’ll discover your strengths.Especially when they open the door to personal growth. Sure, it might feel a bit daunting, but more often than not, it's a chance to uncover hidden facets of yourself.In this episode of Empowered Owners, Luke Orszag, President at Firstar Precision, shares his inspiring journey of personal growth and how dedication to trying new things and helping others has made a significant impact, not only on his career but also within the company.In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of trying new things and helping people. Embracing change and being open to new ideas can lead to exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth.How to embrace autonomy and trust. As employee-owners, this nurtures a sense of responsibility and fosters an environment where contributions are valued. The impact of employee ownership. The unique value proposition of employee ownership extends beyond traditional benefits, offering a direct impact on the success of the company.Jump into the conversation:[01:40] The impact of studying abroad[07:21] How Luke’s love for learning evolved[09:59] The importance of work ethic[13:10] Examples of perseverance and a “can-do attitude”[16:39] Autonomy and employee ownership