Employee Ownership: A Transformative Succession Strategy for Human Services in New Jersey

In an exciting development for human services in New Jersey, the Indiana Professional Management Group (IPMG) has unveiled its 100% employee-owned organization model, aiming to revolutionize the landscape of support coordination services through a partnership with Infinity Today. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, positioning Infinity Today as the first employee-owned agency within this sector in New Jersey.

Established nearly two decades ago, IPMG has built a robust reputation in Indiana as a provider of person-centered services, focusing on the needs of individuals and families. Recently, they have partnered with Infinity Today, a leading support coordination agency that has already made a positive impact on the lives of over 900 individuals and families navigating the complexities of the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) system.

The Path to Employee Ownership

The introduction of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) through this partnership signifies more than a mere ownership transition. It's a commitment to preserving local leadership, fostering employee investment, and ensuring the continuity of care for those relying on these crucial services. What makes this partnership especially timely is New Jersey's recent legislative efforts, encouraged by Governor Mikie Sherrill, to support businesses interested in employee ownership. The Employee Ownership Transition Program, signed into law on September 4, offers various assistance measures to help organizations like Infinity Today navigate this transition.

Continued Leadership and Service

Despite the shift to employee ownership, Infinity Today will continue its operations under the established name and leadership of Executive Director Errol Seltzer. By retaining the current staff and support coordinators, individuals and families will experience uninterrupted services, maintaining the strong relationships built over the years. The goal is to enhance the working environment for employees, which research shows leads to better service delivery and outcomes for clients in the long run.

Karen D. Brummet, Co-Founder and CEO of IPMG, emphasizes the importance of this ownership model, stating, "Employee ownership has been central to who we are at IPMG since our organization's early years. We have seen firsthand how giving employees a stake in the organization can create a stronger sense of investment in the work, the organization, and the people we serve."

A New Era for Human Services

IPMG's approach to succession planning offers a fresh perspective for agency owners contemplating retirement. The traditional model often involves a sale to an external owner, which can lead to disruptions in organizational culture and service delivery. In contrast, employee ownership safeguards institutional knowledge, local leadership, and staff investment, thereby ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining quality care for individuals and families.

Brummet reinforces this vision: "Many agency owners are thinking about what the next chapter looks like for organizations they have spent decades building. We believe employee ownership should be part of that conversation."

The Future of Employee Ownership in New Jersey

The implications of this partnership extend beyond just Infinity Today and IPMG. It opens the door for other New Jersey human services organizations to explore employee ownership as a succession strategy, promising a sustainable and community-driven approach to services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Such transitions are invaluable, allowing local leadership to flourish while ensuring the mission of providing vital services remains front and center.

IPMG Holdings is actively seeking to engage with more human service organizations in New Jersey that are considering similar transitions. Their commitment to supporting employee ownership exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to service and community enhancement.

For more information about their vision and initiatives, interested organizations can visit gotoipmg.com.

Conclusion

The partnership between IPMG and Infinity Today symbolizes a progressive shift in how human services can function under employee ownership. By prioritizing a model that invests in employees, they are not just adapting to the changing landscape of service provision; they are steering it towards a future focused on empowerment and sustainable community care.