#United States #Indianapolis #Architecture Firm #Guidon #Employee Ownership Trust

Guidon Leads the Way in Indiana with Employee Ownership Trust

In a groundbreaking move, Guidon, a prominent architecture and engineering firm based in Indianapolis, has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). As the first company in Indiana to adopt this progressive ownership model, Guidon aims to strengthen its legacy while empowering employees through shared accountability. This transition not only marks a significant milestone for the firm but also sets a precedent within the architecture and engineering industry across the United States.

Founded in 2011 by Luke Leising, who has a clear vision for the company, Guidon has built a reputation as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. With a dedicated team of over 90 professionals, the firm's mission focuses on improving lives and empowering people through sustainable and collaborative design. The establishment of the EOT is a strategic move to preserve Guidon’s foundational strengths while reinforcing a culture of collaboration and independence.

What is an Employee Ownership Trust?

An Employee Ownership Trust is a legal structure designed to hold ownership of a company for the collective benefit of its employees rather than for individual shareholders. This model significantly differs from traditional ownership arrangements, as employees do not own direct shares; instead, the trust ensures that profits are shared among employees based on a set purpose statement aligned with the company’s core values. This means, at Guidon, profit sharing becomes a requirement rather than an option, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and cooperative spirit.

Tim King, Guidon’s Vice President and Principal, emphasizes the cultural implications of this change: "This is more than a structural change; it's a cultural shift. Employee ownership signifies that every Guidon team member has a stake in our mission, enhancing the connection to the communities we serve and strengthening our ability to deliver innovative designs."

Why Guidon's EOT Model Matters

The shift to an EOT comes with several key benefits that stand to enhance both client interactions and employee satisfaction:

• - Enhanced Client Value: With ownership comes accountability. The commitment to delivering high-quality work as true partners ensures clients benefit from tighter collaboration, responsiveness, and greater accountability.
• - Same People, Same Purpose: The employee ownership model ensures continuity within leadership and promotes employee engagement. This approach enhances retention strategies for Guidon’s most valuable asset – its employees.
• - Local Legacy, Long-Term Stability: The adoption of the EOT safeguards Guidon’s independence. It guarantees the firm’s operational integrity and highlights its commitment to maintaining a strong connection with the local community.

Guidon partnered with Common Trust, a national leader in employee ownership transitions, to ensure the process is executed successfully while keeping its mission at the forefront. Zoe Schlag, CEO of Common Trust, remarked, "Guidon has taken a pioneering step in the architecture and design industry to deepen its commitment to its employees. By establishing this EOT, they’ve safeguarded their purpose and positioned themselves for long-term success."

Under the EOT model, employees will benefit directly from the firm’s financial success through mandatory profit sharing, transforming individual employees into key stakeholders in the company. As Luke Leising articulated, "Improving lives and empowering people begins from within. When Guidon wins, we all win."

Guidon’s portfolio includes numerous transformative projects, such as the Community Health Network Hospital in Westfield and Indiana's first LEED v4 Platinum building. The firm has received recognition from prominent bodies including AIA Indiana and the Indy Chamber, showcasing its commitment to quality and innovation.

As Guidon embraces this new phase as a veteran- and employee-owned entity, it looks forward to enhancing its legacy and ensuring its continued success and stability in the vibrant Indiana community. By shifting to an Employee Ownership Trust, Guidon has highlighted the power of collaboration in achieving organizational goals and serving the community it is rooted in.

About Guidon

Based in Indianapolis, Guidon specializes in complex project design as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. The firm is dedicated to creating spaces that not only meet aesthetic and functional needs but also enhance community wellbeing.

About Common Trust

Common Trust plays a pivotal role in equipping businesses with the tools to transition towards employee ownership. With an impressive track record, it supports companies in fostering a prosperous and competitive economy through shared ownership principles.