Lerch Bates Celebrates ESOPtober with Fireside Chat, Group Activities

“It’s reason for (our #clients) to believe what we say when we tell them Lerch Bates is going to put in our best effort and provide the best level of service for them,” said Kevin Thompson, Vice President of Façade Access, during a virtual fireside chat celebrating #ESOPtober earlier this week. “LB’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (#ESOP) directly benefits clients by empowering every employee-owner to take personal pride in their work knowing they’re an equal part in the financial growth of this organization.”

Kevin was joined by fellow employee-owners Stefanie Schober, P.E.; Frank Krech, PE; and Matt Mittelstet, who shared what the LB ESOP means to them and how it shapes their daily work.

“At Lerch Bates, the wealth of the ESOP is evenly distributed across all employee-owners, regardless of title or tenure, and leadership opportunities aren’t tied to shareholder status,” said Stefanie. “That was a big distinguishing factor for me compared to previous employers, and it continues to motivate me in my work here at Lerch Bates. My work grows the ESOP, which grows my individual retirement account as well as that of my colleagues, without requiring an upfront investment cost from my own pocket – that’s my ownership mindset.

The fireside chat was one of many companywide events during the first two weeks of #ESOPtober, where #TeamLB celebrated our core values of respect and ownership through themed spirit days, heartfelt appreciation letters and more.

#ESOPtober — Employee Ownership Month — is a nationwide celebration led by The ESOP Association every October. It highlights the transformative power of employee ownership for individuals, companies, communities, and customers alike.

To learn more about what it means to be an Employee-Owner at Lerch Bates, click here.