#United States #Employee Ownership #Meriden #ESOP #BL Companies

Celebrating 40 Years of BL Companies

This summer, BL Companies marks a significant milestone in its journey: its 40th anniversary and two decades as an employee-owned company under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Founded on August 8, 1986, in Meriden, Connecticut, BL Companies has evolved from a budding firm into a prominent player within the architecture, engineering, environmental, and land surveying sectors.

A Celebration of Success and Growth

Carolyn Stanworth, the President and CEO of BL Companies, expressed her pride in reaching this landmark. "It's wonderful to celebrate four decades of BL Companies, but our last two decades of quality work and consistent growth after becoming an ESOP is what truly stands out," she highlighted. With a workforce comprising around 400 employee owners across 18 offices in 13 states, BL Companies showcases a thriving and collaborative corporate culture that contributes to its success.

Under Stanworth's leadership, which began in 1999 when she joined as Chief Financial Officer, the company made significant strides. She transitioned to Chief Operating Officer in 2003 and played a pivotal role in converting BL Companies to an ESOP structure in 2006. Her journey culminated when she assumed the role of President and CEO in 2010, during which she has led the firm to remarkable growth and expansion.

Recognition and Awards

The dedication to employee ownership has not gone unnoticed. BL Companies received the prestigious title of '2025 Company of the Year' from the ESOP Association's New England Chapter, acknowledging its commitment to fostering an inclusive company culture that benefits both its employees and the business as a whole. Additionally, the company secured the 2026 Best Firm to Work For title from the Zweig Group and is consistently recognized among the Top 500 Design Firms in the country by Engineering News-Record, ranking 231st in 2026. These accolades highlight BL's standing as one of the top workplaces within the industry, demonstrating its commitment to investing in employee development and well-being.

Other prestigious awards include a spot on Inc.'s 2025 Best Workplaces list, a testament to its engagement strategies and the bespoke experiences it offers to employee owners.

Leadership Transition and Future Endeavors

With a significant shift in leadership on the horizon, Stanworth has announced her plan to retire at the end of the year, paving the way for Derek Kohl and Julia O'Brien, both current Vice Presidents of Operations, to take over as co-presidents. This transition symbolizes a new chapter for BL Companies, ensuring that the legacy of employee ownership continues and that the firm remains poised for further growth.

BL Companies has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to its employee owners, cultivating a strong foundation for even greater achievements in the years to come. As it steps into its fifth decade, the company is not only celebrating its past but is also excited about the future, remaining well-positioned to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Conclusion

As BL Companies reaches this significant anniversary, it stands as a shining example of how employee ownership can fuel business success and satisfaction. The company's journey reflects its commitment to excellence and the power of collaboration, setting the stage for continued accomplishments in the industry and beyond.