"Today, we’re joined by Beth Spong with us, the CEO of Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, she has a career working in the non-profit space and is a respected leader in the field of employee ownership.
Beth has overseen the transition of this business from founder-led businesses to employee-owned models and has obtained a deep understanding of how these transitions can foster sustainability, equity, and engagement in the workplace.
As a prominent voice in the employee ownership community, she’s contributed to reshaping the narrative around worker empowerment and shared governance.
Beth, welcome to the Alternative Exit!
Interview Questions:
You’ve been instrumental in guiding businesses through the transition to employee ownership. What excited you about taking on this challenge at Deans Beans? (Encourages Beth to share her personal journey and motivations.) Office team, workflow, workflow, production Different options > didn’t want to be that guy. He wanted to preserve the mission, look after employees and the local community Could he sell to someone he trusted? He wasn’t the right fit A fear/concerns as to whether they can run Co-op development insitutte, CDI. 15 months for the transition the date moved multiple times. how did they define readiness. Valutaiton purchase price established, potential funders. A whole structure to support them. Guided through the entire process Rob Brown, explained what it means - challenges, space, information. Everyone raised their hand Steering committee, weekly Decision making, still a hierarchy CEO, operational, team, managers and board Board, strategy, planning & policy. Benefits. 6 members, 5 member owners + Dean. People can come and contribute. Test for significance > Co-op does it affect survivable who/how they hire and fire Test for extensiveness > Board periodic full team meetings chaired by CDI, an example of growth. What were some of the key challenges and successes in that process? (This allows Beth to delve into a specific case and share practical insights from this significant transition.) Engaging Employees and have them take a new role is key, many employees actually shun the opportunity to join a co-op or what were some of the challenges in having the employees transition to becoming (Focuses on key elements such as culture, governance, and leadership development.) Your work touches on both employee ownership and broader workplace democracy. How do you see these two concepts working together to create more equitable and sustainable businesses? (Explores the relationship between employee ownership structures and workplace democracy principles.) You’ve been part of discussions around new economic models that prioritize shared ownership and governance. What trends or innovations in this space are you most excited about? (Allows Beth to discuss emerging ideas and her vision for the future of worker ownership and cooperative models.) What advice would you give to business owners or founders who are considering transitioning to a cooperative or employee-owned model? What should they prioritize during this process? (Provides practical advice based on Beth’s extensive experience with ownership transitions.) Biggest challenge
Mindful of company culture, mentality of employee to ownership Communication, providing an invitation for people to step forward Strong stable team, a lot of passion and commitment from our staff people feel more comfortable asking questions and concerns Have power with people, stepping into the conversation
Fast round
Fast round of questions. I ask you a 3 questions and you offer a quick response. Does that sound ok?
Who is the leader you most admire in EO? John Abrams. My hero. What is your favourite resource on employee ownership? South Mountain Website, National Federation, CDI, co What would you say to an business owner sitting on the fence re: a transition to employee ownership. Here;s the deal, lots of business of owners wait with assumptions less than 20% of businesses who are marketed actually sell family transitions only happen 15% of the Business owners tend to overvalue their business. instagram
Thank you.
Thank you so much for your time and sharing your thoughts with us today.
Books -
Where can people follow you if they would like to learn more?
