Blue Ridge Associates at Employee Owned 2025
The Blue Ridge Associates team is busy preparing for Employee Owned 2025, November 2-5 at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Our experts will be sharing insights across multiple sessions, from foundational ESOP administration and compliance to communication strategies and advanced financial planning.
If you’re attending, join us for one (or several!) of our sessions below. Be sure to stop by Copperleaf 3, where our team will be available throughout the conference to answer questions, share resources, and connect!
Monday, November 3
10:00-11:00am | Juniper 1
ESOP Benefit Payments and Distribution Policy
Blue Ridge Speaker: Randy Shrake
Learn how to design and implement an ESOP distribution policy that fits your company’s culture and long-term goals.
11:15am -12:15pm | Juniper 1
Lifecycle of the ESOP Benefit Level
Blue Ridge Speaker: Kip Kuster
Explore how to structure and sustain your ESOP’s benefit level through every stage of its lifecycle.
1:40 -5:00pm | Pinyon 4
Workshop: Maximizing ESOP Value – A Deep Dive into Repurchase, Valuation, and M&A
Blue Ridge Speaker: Kristin Steinhauser
A comprehensive workshop for ESOP leaders ready to enhance value and sustainability through strategic planning and analysis.
4:00 -5:00pm | Juniper 1
A Year in the ESOP Life: Coordination Between Plan Sponsor and Providers
Blue Ridge Speaker: Barbara Clough
Walk through the ESOP year from both the TPA and company perspectives, with practical guidance for smoother administration.
4:00 -5:00pm | Starvine 10 & 11
Impact of Repurchase Methods on Value Allocation
Blue Ridge Speaker: Kevin Rusch
Discover how repurchase methods influence value allocation among all ESOP stakeholders and how to plan accordingly.
Tuesday, November 4
9:30-10:30am | Starvine 1 & 2
Navigating Annual ESOP Audit and Reporting Issues
Blue Ridge Speaker: Scott Freund
Learn how to prepare for and manage the ESOP audit process to ensure compliance and audit success.
9:30-10:30am | Ironwood 2 & 3
What S Corporations Need to Know about 409(p)
Blue Ridge Speaker: Jon Williams
Understand the importance of 409(p) testing for S Corporation ESOPs and how to maintain compliance.
9:30-10:30am | Juniper 1
What to Expect as a New ESOP: Part 1
Blue Ridge Speaker: Lindsay Shafer
Get a roadmap for your first year as an ESOP – from administrative tasks to communication planning.
10:45-11:45am | Juniper 1
What to Expect as a New ESOP: Part 2
Blue Ridge Speaker: Lindsay Shafer
Join an interactive discussion to build your first-year ESOP calendar and connect with peers navigation similar transitions.
Wednesday, November 5
9:45-10:45am | Juniper 1
I Can’t Drive 55!: ESOP Limits
Blue Ridge Speaker: Renee Stadtmueller
Unpack the key limits that impact ESOP operations and how to stay within regulatory boundaries.
11:00am-12:00pm | Juniper 4
Keeping Communication Fresh for Mature ESOPs
Blue Ridge Speaker: Danny Lamastra
Discover how to revitalize communication strategies to keep your ownership culture strong and engaging.
Connect with Us at Employee Owned 2025
Stop by Copperleaf 3 anytime during the conference to meet the Blue Ridge Associates team. Whether you’re new to employee ownership or managing a mature ESOP, we look forward to sharing insights and helping your company thrive!
