Alternative Exit Overview

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Episode Management

251024 | Rob Brown

"Today, we’re joined by Rob Brown, the Director of Business Ownership Solutions (BOS) at the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI)

Rob nationally recognized expert in employee ownership transitions. Rob has guided dozens of businesses through the process of transitioning to worker-owned cooperatives, and his work has been instrumental in expanding cooperative ownership across the Northeast.

In this episode, we’ll explore his journey, the impact of employee ownership on local communities, and the innovative solutions CDI is driving to build sustainable businesses."

Rob, Welcome to the alternative exit

Interview Questions:

You’ve been a strong advocate for cooperative business models for many years. What first inspired your interest in employee ownership, and how did it shape your career path?

(Allows Rob to share his journey into the field, starting from his role at CDI in 2012 and his experience in rural economic development.)

Small Mill town, rural remote

Culture that they are a part of

Owning assets

Employees didn’t have the mindset

Ownership of productive assets

research on academic assets

They don’t have the support mechanisms

Paycheck

Less risk.

Bring in the

How do you educate people across the hump

Separated the

Forming and storming

Typically

Help you preserve the legacy, reputation,

Exit planning education - Introductory and basic

Fewer and people

#1 issue, they haven’t built a team. They have

EE haven’t been taught about the money

Process

Exit planning

Educating EOs - 8-12 months

Secure financing

Post transaction support

Systems & processes

Corporation of board of directors

Mgmt training

That creates the ownership culture. it is more likely that

Culture, basket of things,

Voice

Respected, heard and matter

Systems of Engagement

Trust is a currency that is hard to earn and easy to blow

Systems that solicit feedback > considered >

Catch people doing things right, Creates striving

As the Director of Business Ownership Solutions at CDI, what are some of the most memorable or impactful employee ownership transitions you’ve been a part of?

(Encourages Rob to discuss specific cases that illustrate the transformative potential of employee ownership.)

One of the biggest challenges in employee ownership transitions is ensuring cultural alignment. How do you work with business owners and employees to create a strong ownership culture?

(Focuses on CDI’s efforts to prepare businesses for ownership transitions and build a participatory management culture.)

Seeing take ownership, they trust each other

Direct ownership is real

Small moments

electrical contractor

People can hold 2 conflicting interests

You’ve worked with both rural and urban communities. What unique challenges and opportunities do these different settings present for cooperative development?

(Gives Rob the chance to explore how employee ownership can bridge gaps between different communities.)

Looking forward, what trends do you see shaping the future of cooperative business ownership, and what role do you think CDI will play in that evolution?

(Allows Rob to share his vision for the future of cooperative development and CDI’s strategic direction.)

For business owners considering a transition to a cooperative or employee-owned model, what are the key factors they should consider early in the process?

(Provides practical advice for business owners, drawing on Rob’s extensive experience and best practices.)

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? Loren Rodgers,

What is your favourite resource on employee ownership? Open Book Mgmt, great game of business.

Melissa Hoover, Democracy of Work

What would you say to an business owner sitting on the fence re: employee ownership. Be clear about your goals for themselves and their business

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? CDI.coop, business ownership solutions

ownership transition.org

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