What It Means to Be Employee-Owned

At Lochmueller Group, being employee-owned is more than a financial structure; it’s a shared philosophy that defines how we work, collaborate, and grow. It’s a culture built on trust, accountability, and the belief that every employee contributes to the success and future of the company.

Ownership here means having a stake in something bigger than yourself. It’s the pride of knowing that your daily efforts directly impact the value of the company and, in turn, your own financial future. When asked why he loves being part of an ESOP, Chip Touzinsky described it simply: “I’m not just working for a company, I’m helping build something I own. It gives me a real stake in the success and a stronger connection with the team.” That sentiment echoes across the organization, where ownership fosters a sense of unity and purpose.

This sense of connection is deeply felt. Employees often speak of feeling more engaged and aligned with the company’s mission. “I love coming into work every day knowing workers are motivated and dedicated to getting the job done right,” Andrew Condon shared. Ownership empowers individuals to speak up, contribute, and innovate. It’s not about hierarchy, it’s about impact.

At Lochmueller, employee ownership is tangible. Each year, shares of the company are released and distributed to eligible employees at no cost. The number of shares each person receives is based on their eligible compensation, ensuring that ownership is earned through contribution. As the company grows and its valuation increases, so does the value of those shares, turning everyday work into long-term wealth.

But ownership is about more than financial returns. It’s about mindset. “We all have a voice in our own future,” said Anne Marie Hopwood. Mikayla Elkins added, “I love being part of the ESOP because it creates a culture where everyone’s ideas matter.” This culture of accountability and mutual respect is what sets Lochmueller apart. We don’t just work together, we grow together.

We believe that ownership is something worth celebrating. Throughout the year, we find meaningful—and often fun—ways to come together and recognize what it means to be part of an ESOP. Every July, employees look forward to our ESOP Stock Reveal. It’s one of our most anticipated events of the year. Each team member receives a T-shirt and a fun themed gift box and gathers to watch a creative, educational, in-house produced video that highlights the power of employee ownership. After the video, the new stock valuation is revealed! The excitement, camaraderie, and shared sense of pride make it a truly special day and a great reminder of how our collective efforts contribute to our shared success.

Then comes Lochtober—our month-long celebration of Employee Ownership Month each October. Every week, our offices participate in themed days that bring out creativity, laughter, and teamwork. This year, we kicked things off with a Lochtober Bingo Challenge, where a number was drawn each day and 20 lucky winners took home Panera Bread gift cards. On October 9th, we “Rolled into ESOP Month” with a morning full of cinnamon rolls, donuts, and coffee. October 15th was “We All Share a Piece of the Pie,” when employees sported their favorite sports team and enjoyed pizza parties across all offices. October 21st brought “Taco ’Bout Ownership,” where we celebrated ESOP spirit with Taco Tuesday. Finally, on October 30th, we wrapped up the month with our annual Halloween Costume Contest, a Lochmueller favorite where offices show off their creativity and compete for bragging rights and gift cards. Overall, Lochtober is more than just themed days; it’s a reflection of who we are as a company: proud employee-owners who enjoy celebrating our success together.

Ownership also means thinking long-term. The ESOP provides a path to retirement wealth, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and pride in the day-to-day. “I love being an ESOP because every day I go to work it motivates me to work as hard as I can,” Nate Touchette shared. When we act like owners, we make decisions that benefit the whole, not just ourselves.

This culture is reinforced by our core values: creativity, accountability, respect, dedication, integrity, and achievement. These are the foundation of how we operate. They guide our interactions, our decisions, and our growth. In an employee-owned company, values aren’t imposed, they’re lived.

As we reflect on what it means to be employee-owned, we also look ahead. Lochmueller is growing, and we’re looking for new team members who want more than a job; they want a place where their work matters, where their ideas are valued, and where they can build a future. If you’re ready to be part of a company where ownership is more than a title—where it’s a way of life—we invite you to join us. At Lochmueller Group, you won’t just work here. You’ll own your impact.