EOTs vs ESOPs:
What Every Founder Should Know
Chris Michael, founder of EOT Advisors, introduced Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) to the U.S. and has helped transfer over $750M in assets to 3,000+ workers. He’s now one of the movement’s most influential architects, showing founders how to turn succession into legacy.
In this episode, Chris breaks down the differences between EOTs and ESOPs—and touches on cooperatives—explaining why each model exists, where they work best, and why simplicity, speed, and sustainability matter in ownership transitions. With vivid analogies and hard-won insights, he makes complex structures clear and shows why employee ownership isn’t just a tool, but a cause worth supporting.
Exploring M&A as a Force for Good: A Podcast Series for Impact Entrepreneurs.
Ethical Exits is sponsored by Impact GC and Up & Over Advisors
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Meet your Hosts
Follow along with our hosts, Caitlin & Hannah, as they discuss a broad range of M&A topics and interview the top leaders in the profit-for-purpose economy.