Celebrating Our Second ESOP Month: Honoring Employee Ownership at Erland

By Sean McDonald, Vice President

October marks Employee Ownership Month, a time to celebrate the many benefits that come with being an employee-owned company. For the second year, Erland is proud to join the nationwide celebration of ESOP Month. This milestone serves as a reminder of the commitment we made in 2022 when we became an employee-owned company—a significant step forward in shaping the future of Erland. Becoming an ESOP was a natural extension of who we already are, and it underscores our mission of rewarding our team for the hard work and dedication they bring to every project.

As we commemorate this occasion, it's essential to reflect on the role each of us plays as employee-owners. Here’s what having an employee-ownership mindset means for all of us:

1. Knowing You’re Part of Something Bigger
Erland’s success relies on the collaboration and diverse skillsets of every team member. Whether you’re managing a project or supporting behind the scenes, each of us contributes to the bigger picture. Together, we build a company that’s stronger because of the different perspectives and experiences we bring to the table.

2. Understanding How Your Actions Impact Project Success
Every decision, action, and approach matters—big or small. Our work directly influences the success of our projects, which in turn contributes to the overall strength of the company. When we deliver high-quality results efficiently, we’re creating lasting value for our clients while also supporting the growth of our employee-owned company. It’s all connected.

3. Thinking Long Term
The growth of Erland and the value of our employee ownership doesn’t happen overnight. As we continue to take on exciting new projects, we’re also investing in the future of our company. The work we do today will leave a lasting impact, contributing to our collective success and the growth of our ESOP value for years to come.

4. Bringing Your Best in Everything You Do
Every project, every client interaction, and every internal collaboration is an opportunity to bring our best. How we conduct ourselves, how we engage with our clients, and how we work with one another all play a vital role in advancing Erland as a company. When we show up as our best selves, we elevate the company as a whole—and that benefits all of us as employee-owners.

At Erland, we believe that having a stake in the company motivates us to bring a heightened sense of ownership, accountability, and pride to everything we do. As we celebrate ESOP Month this October, let’s take a moment to appreciate the collective impact we make as employee-owners. When we put our best ‘boot’ forward, day in and day out, we ensure that Erland continues to thrive—for our employees, our communities, and our clients.

Here’s to another year of growth, success, and employee ownership!

For any questions regarding this topic, please contact Sean McDonald at spmcdonald@erland.com.