Five Ways an ESOP Gives Companies an Edge

Employee ownership through an ESOP provides a distinct competitive advantage by aligning employee incentives with client success. Amanda DeVito of Butler/Till explains how their 100% employee-owned model drives accountability and innovation. When every staff member acts as an owner, they treat client projects with personal care. This mindset leads to significantly higher client retention. Butler/Till reports an average client tenure of 8.9 years, nearly triple the advertising industry average. The model also decentralizes decision-making. Employees have the power to react quickly to client needs without navigating a rigid corporate hierarchy. This empowerment extends to professional development and financial stewardship. Efficiency is another core benefit. The company uses a Level Up! program to track process improvements, saving over 4,600 hours in 2014 alone. Employee-owners are more aware of waste and more likely to adopt time-saving technologies. Cultural benefits include lower turnover and higher engagement. Butler/Till's 11% turnover rate is less than half the industry standard. Regular companywide meetings keep staff informed about industry trends and client challenges. This transparency ensures everyone is invested in the long-term growth of both the agency and its clients. The result is a high net promoter score of 69.23, rivaling major consumer brands. Ownership creates a relentless focus on collaboration and brand protection that rental-model employment cannot match.