XPX Maryland - Beyond the Traditional Sale: Exploring ESOPs as an Exit Strategy

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can offer business owners a unique path to liquidity, succession, and long-term continuity—while giving employees a meaningful stake in the company’s future.

Join our panel of experienced professionals for an engaging discussion on how ESOPs work and why more business owners are considering employee ownership as part of their exit strategy. The panel will break down the opportunities, challenges, and key decisions involved in an ESOP transaction, including valuation, financing, tax considerations, transaction structure, and the transition to employee ownership.

You’ll also hear practical perspectives on what makes a company a strong ESOP candidate, how an ESOP compares with other sale and succession options, and what business owners should know before beginning the process.

Moderator:


Tom Roback
Chief Revenue Officer
Blue Ridge ESOP

Tom Roback has over 34 years of experience in accounting, investments, and ESOPs, positioning him as a trusted advisor within the ESOP industry.

Our Panel:


Josh Stonko
Director
Lazear

Josh Stonko partners with middle-market business owners to explore ESOP transactions as a path for ownership transition. He works with owners to structure and finance transactions that maximize liquidity, preserve independence, and align long-term incentives while helping them navigate complex decisions.



Patrick Guthrie
Director, Business Valuation
Evergreen Advisors

Patrick Guthrie has more than two decades of experience in business valuation, financial forecasting, and business consulting. His expertise spans valuations for ESOPs, tax planning, financial reporting, business planning, and estate planning.

Agenda:

8:00AM to 9:00AM (Networking & Breakfast)
9:00AM to 10:00AM (Presentation)

Event Pricing:

XPX MD Members Early Bird (through 10/2) $45.00
XPX MD Members Regular Fee $55.00  
XPX MD Members Same Day Fee $65.00

XPX MD Sponsors (Annual & Event) $0.00

XPX Chapter Network Members Early Bird (through 10/2) $60.00
XPX Chapter Network Members Regular Fee $75.00  
XPX Chapter Network Members Same Day Fee $85.00

Non-Members Early Bird (through 10/2) $70.00
Non-Members Regular Fee $85.00  
Non-Members Same Day Fee $95.00

Breakfast and drinks are covered.

Event Registration Cancellation Policy: You may request a full refund for your event registration up to 72 hours before the scheduled date and time. After that deadline, the sale is final and no refunds or credits will be issued. The registration fee is non-transferable, non-substitutable and no replacements are offered.