Ask MB HAYNES: What is an Employee Stock Ownership Program?

2.jpeg (4)

MB HAYNES provides a variety of skilled services to support Ashevillians. | Photo provided by MB HAYNES

The word: ESOP. Okay, that’s technically an acronym, but it stands for Employee Stock Ownership Program. 📈

Here’s what that means: Instead of being held by investors, owners, or board members, shares of a company are 100% employee owned. It’s a model that local businesses such as MB HAYNES believe is the key to building a better company, since the employees benefit as a result. And clearly, something’s working: MB HAYNES has been in business here in AVL for over 100 years.

Here are four ways that employee shareholders at MB HAYNES benefit from their ESOP:

1. When the company does well, employees share the rewards.

With an ESOP, everyone benefits from the profitability of the company, which in turn motivates employee shareholders to work together toward even further financial success.

2. Employees enjoy access to two retirement plans.

Yep, that’s right: Owning stock provides a secondary stream of retirement income, along with a 401(k).

3.jpeg (2)

Since 1921, MB HAYNES has grown to employee 600+ Ashevillians. | Photo provided by MB HAYNES

3. Increased financial information = increased transparency.

Because MB HAYNES is 100% employee-owned, every employee-shareholder is privy to more financial information than they would have in a more conventional firm.

4. Employees receive more professional training.

Fun fact: Individuals who own stock in their company are 1.4 times more likely to receive employee-sponsored professional training than their non-stock-owning counterparts.

Even our community benefits from this model, since ESOPs:

  • Keep jobs local + improve worker retention
  • Motivate workers
  • Increase productivity
  • Contribute to business longevity

Want to apply for a job at MB HAYNES? They’re hiring seasoned and entry level positions in all skilled trades areas (think: plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling + more), and are currently offering a $2,000 sign-on bonus.*

More from AVLtoday
Whether you prefer pitching your tent by the river or glamping amongst the treetops, there’s a Hipcamp with your name on it less than an hour from home.
Similar past recognitions like “Beer City USA” have helped put Asheville in the national spotlight.
The City of Asheville and ATG Entertainment have set their sights on a downtown location for the potential mixed-use development with plans to request a land hold next month.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Learn more about Community Supported Agriculture and partner with a local farm during CSA Week.
Indulge in “a damn fine cup of coffee,” cherry pie, and other themed treats during the annual celebration of the cult classic tv show.
Asheville has no shortage of foodie features headed to your TV screens. Here’s how to keep up with them all.
The wholesale chain’s project developers halted plans, citing increased costs.
The full day of events was designed to highlight the diversity of voices that have shaped WNC, state, and US history.