ESOP For Contractors
The ESOP for Contractors Podcast is specifically recorded for Construction Company Business Owners, Shareholders and Leadership Teams interested in learning more about Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) for unlocking the equity tied up in their business, executing succession plans, creating alignment and accelerating growth using this highly tax advantage business strategy. This podcast is brought to you by Tenor ESOP Partners the leader in Construction Company ESOP Transactions.
Listen on:
Episodes

Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
23 min
Episode Summary
In this second episode with Doug Pugliese from Alpha Architects continues to explain the intricacies of the 1042 ESOP strategy, its benefits for business owners, and how it can be a powerful long-term estate planning tool.
Key Insights
1042 ESOP strategy and its benefits
Qualified replacement property criteria and selection
Long-term estate planning and wealth transfer
Connect with Doug Pugliese
Doug on LinkedIn
Website: https://alphaarchitect.com/
Connect with ESOP for Contractors
Tenor ESOP Partners
Subscribe on Apple or Spotify
Podcast Website
Gary Gray on LinkedIn
Show Email

Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
29 min
Episode Summary
In this episode, Doug Pugliese from Alpha Architects continues to explain the intricacies of the 1042 ESOP strategy, its benefits for business owners, and how it can be a powerful long-term estate planning tool. Discover how this innovative approach helps defer capital gains taxes, create legacy wealth, and offers flexibility in investment and liquidity.
Key Topics
1042 ESOP strategy and its benefits
Qualified replacement property criteria and selection
Long-term estate planning and wealth transfer
Connect with Doug Pugliese
Doug on LinkedIn
Website: https://alphaarchitect.com/
Connect with ESOP for Contractors
Tenor ESOP Partners
Subscribe on Apple or Spotify
Podcast Website
Gary Gray on LinkedIn
Show Email

May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
29 min
Episode Summary
In this episode of the ESOP for Contractors Podcast, Gary Gray talks with Robert Lesser, President and CEO of Aegis Trust Company, to explore the role of ESOP trustees in construction company transactions. Whether you're considering an ESOP or already navigating one, Robert shares his expertise on what it takes to protect employees and business owners alike.
Key Topics
The ESOP trustee’s roll
Setting stock prices
The importance of selecting experienced advisors
Connect with Robert Lesser
Email: contact@aegistrust.com
Website: Aegis Trust Company
Connect with ESOP for Contractors
Tenor ESOP Partners
Subscribe on Apple or Spotify
Podcast Website
Gary Gray on LinkedIn
Show Email

Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
38 min
Episode Summary
In this episode, Gary Gray and Anthony Levi have a conversation with Ian Holloman from HDH Advisors to explore the intricacies of ESOP valuations. They discuss the valuation process, the factors influencing business value, the importance of company culture and management depth, and how to prepare for valuation discussions. The conversation also highlights the differences between ESOP transactions and third-party sales, the significance of backlog, and the role of resilience in business valuation. Ian emphasizes the need for transparency and the importance of sustainability studies for mature ESOPs, providing valuable insights for business owners considering an ESOP.
Key Topics
ESOP valuations are conducted at the 11th hour of a transaction.
Valuation involves understanding both historical performance and future potential.
Company culture can significantly impact financial performance and valuation.
Connect with Ian Holloman
Ian on LinkedIn
Website: https://hdhadvisors.com/
Connect with ESOP for Contractors
Tenor ESOP Partners
Subscribe on Apple or Spotify
Podcast Website
Gary Gray on LinkedIn
Show Email

Apr 2, 2026
Apr 2, 2026
33 min
Episode Summary
In this episode, Gary Gray interviews Wes Williams of American Global to explore the intricacies of surety bonds, ESOP transactions, and how construction companies can optimize their bonding capacity during business transitions. They discuss the importance of early planning, financial metrics, and managing leadership continuity to ensure successful exit strategies.
Key Topics
Surety bonds and construction industry
ESOP transaction structuring and bonding
Leadership continuity and management incentives
Connect with Wes Williams
Email: wes.williams@americanglobal.com
Phone: 470.580.7606
Wes on LinkedIn
Website: https://americanglobal.com/
Connect with ESOP for Contractors
Tener ESOP Partners
Subscribe on Apple or Spotify
Podcast Website
Gary Gray on LinkedIn
Show Email

Jun 11, 2025
Jun 11, 2025
37 min
In this episode:
- Introduction to the Tenor Team
- Our unique backgrounds and how they contribute to client success
- Tenor's 3-stage process minimizes disruption
- Our strict focus on customizing transactions to meet client objectives
- Shared advice from years of ESOP experience

Jun 11, 2025
Jun 11, 2025
35 min
In this episode:
- What is EOS?
- How EOS helped Eric grow his business and ultimately exit at a higher valuation
- Learn about specific EOS to improve company performance and enterprise value
- How layering an ESOP on an EOS run business creates even more alignment
- Link to free EOS tools https://www.eosworldwide.com/resources

May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025
29 min
In this episode:
- What is a non-qualified management incentive plan?
- Why it’s a valuable part of an ESOP
- What's different from non-ESOP Plans
- How does Tenor help shareholders create effective management incentive plans?

May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
32 min
In this episode:
- The decision to go ESOP
- Real-life business and cultural improvements at Trident post-ESOP
- The importance of Communication in the first year
- Jay's "One Team, One Fight" approach to building and Ownership Culture

May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
33 min
In this episode:
- What is an ESOP- Selling Shareholder benefits- Tax benefits with the ESOP sale- A couple lesser known benefits of an ESOP exit


