How an Owner's Unconventional Exit Strategy Boosted Agency Success

<p>Do you want your eventual exit to benefit many instead of a few? Want to motivate and empower the team by making them personally invested in the agency’s success? Have you thought about employee shares or stock options? Learn what you should do and what to avoid in this situation from the CEO of an employee-owned agency. It was an unconventional exit strategy by its owner. However, it the new ownership structure offers many benefits for all involved and is a very interesting way to positively ensure that everyone at the agency has skin in the game.</p> <p><strong>Leeann Leahy</strong> is the CEO of <a href= "https://theviaagency.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VIA</a>, a full-service advertising and marketing agency based in Portland, Maine. They are an award-winning team and one of the largest independent agencies in the business. How did they do it? Many years after its creation, the last remaining original partner decided to build a very interesting ownership structure that would benefit all employees instead of a select executive team. Leeann discusses the process of putting such a structure together, the challenges, and the many benefits it creates for the business culture and overall employee commitment.</p> <p>In this interview, we’ll discuss:</p> <ul> <li>How to set up an employee-owned agency and mistakes to avoid.</li> <li>Finding the right agency employee ownership option.</li> <li>Why successful ESOPs start with a foundation of good culture.</li> </ul> <h2>Subscribe</h2> <p><a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-agency-masterclass-jason-swenk-podcast-for-digital/id870206013" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple</a> | <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/0FiKuRTpkJ7OraCJBUIlr9" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a> | <a href= "https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-smart-agency-master-28334260/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iHeart Radio</a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-smart-agency-masterclass-marketing-business-strategist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St