How to Transition to Shared Ownership (with Jason Wiener)

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Transitioning to shared ownership is one of the most powerful ways a business can align its values with its structure. In this episode of Next Economy Now, Jason Wiener, founder of the law and consulting firm Jason Wiener P.C. and co-founder of Colorado Cooperative Developers, joins Ryan Honeyman to unpack the legal, cultural, and financial considerations behind alternative ownership models, from worker cooperatives to purpose trusts.

Jason explains why the early “pre-legal” work, like fostering financial literacy, engaging with employees, and developing clear governance, is often more important than selecting a specific ownership model. He outlines how founders can approach succession with intention, navigate financing constraints, and avoid extractive exits that undermine their mission.

This conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to structure businesses for long-term social impact. It is especially relevant for those exploring regenerative economics, broad-based ownership, and practical alternatives to conventional exit strategies. Tune in to learn how values-aligned transitions can shape a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Key Points From This Episode:

  • How Jason got into the world of cooperative law. [0:01:03]

  • Jason’s expert advice to business owners on how to approach alternative ownership structures at different stages of business. [0:03:25]

  • The value of “pre-legal” steps, like staff engagement, and how workplace culture impacts employee interest in ownership transitions. [0:08:29]

  • What to consider when assembling an aligned legal and advisory team. [0:13:25]

  • Why private equity exits often require more compromise, risk, and emotional strain than expected. [0:18:44]

  • Key differences between worker co-ops, employee ownership trusts (EOTs), Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), and purpose trusts, and advice for owners on how to navigate these options. [0:28:44]

  • Governance lessons from Namaste Solar on shared ownership. [0:58:22]

  • Final reflections on navigating shared ownership and why it’s worth it. [01:01:06]

  • Jason’s seven-step roadmap for planning a values-aligned ownership transition. [01:06:31]

Quotes:

“You really need to be gathering that input before you structure an employee ownership transaction, because all too often, owners have one idea about what that should look like, and then, when they finally sit down to talk to their workers, they realize very few of them are interested. They want better pay, and they want to go home and not stress about work, and the sooner one learns that, the better.” — @jasonwienerpc [0:10:28]

“The first thing is to go out and find consultants and advisors who are solution-oriented toward employee ownership, but are not necessarily selling a specific pathway.” — @jasonwienerpc [0:14:54]

“That's usually one of the most critical factors: ‘How substitutable are you as owner, leader, manager?’ And if the business cannot function without you, generally speaking, you're not ready to even begin the logistical process of an employee ownership exit.” — @jasonwienerpc [0:16:57]

“I want listeners to know that [shared ownership] is worth it. There's an opportunity to engage and create a microcosm of organizational democracy and a healthy democratic outlet outside of dysfunctional political democracy; and to leave a legacy; and reward the people [who] have helped build the business to what it is today.” — @jasonwienerpc [01:01:18]

“Engaging your stakeholders, your employees, earlier rather than later, can be really, really helpful and take a lot of the pressure off.” — @jasonwienerpc [01:03:10]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Jason Wiener P.C.: https://jrwiener.com/

Jason Wiener P.C. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jason-wiener-p-c/
Jason Wiener on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrwiener/

Jason Wiener on X: https://x.com/jasonwienerpc

Colorado Cooperative Developers: https://www.ccd.coop/
Namaste Solar: https://www.namastesolar.com/

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