Business As Unusual - Livestream Series

March 13, 2025
at Noon CST

ESOP Advantage:
A Win-Win Succession Plan for Owners and Employees

Have you heard of the “Silver Tsunami?” As baby boomer owners retire, family businesses are facing a wave of transitions—through succession, sale, or closure. With over half of U.S. small businesses owned by those 55+, the next five years will reshape the landscape of generational ownership. On the next Business as “Un”usual, we’ll explore Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) as an option for exit.

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Gary Gray

ESOP Transaction Advisor &
Former CEO

Kathy Steele

Chief Executive Officer
Red Caffeine

What to Expect:

Explore how ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) offer business owners a tax-efficient, employee-focused exit strategy that ensures business continuity while rewarding employees.

Join Gary Gray, ESOP Transaction Advisor & Former CEO, and Kathy Steele, CEO of Red Caffeine, as they break down how this transition model compares to private equity, family succession, and management buyouts. Learn how to structure an ESOP, the financial benefits, and what happens after the transaction.

Session Takeaways

Discover how ESOPs provide financial security for owners while helping employees build wealth
Compare ESOPs to private equity, family succession, and management buyouts to find the best transition plan for your business
Learn what makes a business a strong ESOP candidate, including revenue, employee count, and long-term goals
Learn which industries benefit most from ESOPs and how to structure a plan that fits your business
Gain insights from a live business case that outlines what an ESOP transaction could look like

Succession planning isn’t just about exit—it’s about ensuring long-term success. Register now to learn how ESOPs can be the right path for your business.

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The Next Event Starts In:

3
Days

11
Hrs

48
Mins

59
Secs

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Meet the Guest Speaker & Host

Guest

Gary Gray
ESOP Transaction Advisor &
Former CEO

Gary Gray is a Partner with Tenor ESOP Partners, leading the construction practice and helping business owners design successful exit strategies while empowering employees through…

Gary Gray is a Partner with Tenor ESOP Partners, leading the construction practice and helping business owners design successful exit strategies while empowering employees through ESOPs. He also serves as President and Chief Consultant at ESOP Consulting Group, providing expertise in post-transaction communication and implementing employee ownership culture. Previously, Gary was the CEO and Founder of Graydaze Contracting, a national Painting and Sealant Contractor. Under his leadership, Graydaze grew from a residential painting business in Georgia to one of the top five largest painting contractors in the U.S., with headquarters in Atlanta and Salt Lake City. In 2017, Gary transitioned Graydaze into an ESOP, fostering continued growth and creating uncommon success for the employees. Today, the company generates $120 million in revenue, ranks as the 2nd largest Painting and Coatings Contractor in America, and has been recognized among Georgia’s 40 Fastest Growing Companies and the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America. Gary’s extensive experience in construction and employee ownership makes him a trusted advisor for companies seeking sustainable success through ESOPs. Gary serves on a number of ESOP Boards and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

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Connect with Gary

Host

Kathy Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Red Caffeine

Kathy Steele is the dynamic CEO of Red Caffeine, a growth consultancy that thrives on building strategic marketing, branding, and technology solutions to fuel client…

Kathy Steele is the dynamic CEO of Red Caffeine, a growth consultancy that thrives on building strategic marketing, branding, and technology solutions to fuel client growth. With over two decades of entrepreneurial expertise, Kathy has honed her ability to drive company strategy through culturally-aligned leadership and robust client collaboration. Under Kathy’s stewardship, Red Caffeine has been recognized repeatedly for its standout workplace culture and innovative growth strategies. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative environment is reflected in the firm’s commitment to values-driven work, which has resulted in numerous industry accolades and a robust client portfolio. An impassioned speaker, Kathy frequently shares her insights on business strategy, leadership, and corporate culture at major industry events. She is deeply committed to community service and actively contributes to economic development initiatives. Kathy’s leadership extends into her roles in various advisory boards and business councils, where she advocates for policies that enhance business and community well-being. Kathy’s expertise is frequently sought for her thought leadership in integrating marketing, technology, and operational strategies to achieve business goals. Her approach not only drives organizational growth but also ensures sustainability through innovative practices and a focus on building long-term client relationships. Through Red Caffeine, Kathy continues to inspire and lead a team dedicated to delivering measurable results and transformative impacts for their clients, positioning the consultancy at the forefront of industry innovation and thought leadership.

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Catch Up on Past Livestreams

We do our best to build each Business as “Un”usual livestream event around evergreen topics, so you can find valuable insights from our entire library of content.

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Sloan and The Cubs: Hitting Innovation Out of the Park

Business As “Un”usual • February 11, 2025

Kirk Allen, Kathy Steele

What do Sloan Valve Company and Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered walls have in common? A legacy built to last. As a fourth-generation leader of his family business, Sloan CEO Kirk Allen knows the challenges and opportunities of staying relevant in a fast-changing market. With insights on creating impactful partnerships, evolving leadership structures, and innovating for customer-centric growth, this session is your playbook for building a future-ready business.

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Strategic Leadership for a Fragmented World

Business As “Un”usual • January 16, 2025

Mark Parrott, Kathy Steele

The world is changing fast—economic shifts, political polarization, and societal divisions are reshaping how businesses operate. But leaders who can anticipate these changes have a chance to thrive. Watch Kathy Steele, CEO of Red Caffeine, and Mark Parrott, financial strategist and author of the top-rated book Meta-Trends and the Next Economy: Turn Potential Losses Into Major Profits, in this Business as “Un”usual Livestream. Together, they break down the economic shifts shaping the future.

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Beyond the Buzz—Using AI to Cut Inefficiencies & Elevate Creativity

Business As “Un”usual • December 13, 2024

Kristi Zuhlke, Kathy Steele

It’s no secret—AI is everywhere. But is your organization truly harnessing its power, or just following the trend? In this practical Business as "Un"usual event, Red Caffeine CEO Kathy Steele and CEO & Founder of Dott Technologies Kristi Zuhlke unpack a straightforward framework to help you utilize AI in a way that makes sense. Learn to save time on tasks that hold you back while amplifying the human element that drives your business.

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The Ensemble Approach to Business: Enhancing Sales Collaboration Through Improv

Business As “Un”usual • November 14, 2024

Erin Diehl, Kathy Steele, Tom Latourette

Is your team struggling to stay aligned during client interactions? Improv can help! Improv helps teams become more adaptive, creative, and collaborative by teaching them how to respond effectively in unpredictable situations and work together seamlessly.

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Thriving in Uncertainty:
HR Strategies for Economic, Technological, and Legislative Shifts

Business As “Un”usual • October 10, 2024

Mary Lynn Fayoumi, Kathy Steele

Are you prepared to lead your organization through the next wave of workforce changes? From the rise of AI-driven recruitment strategies to the growing trend of employees choosing stability over new opportunities, the way we attract, engage, and retain talent is shifting. Coupled with upcoming changes in employment legislation, 2025 is set to be a year of transformation for HR and business leaders. In this Business as "Un"usual Livestream replay, Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President and CEO of HR Source, and Kathy Steele, CEO of Red Caffeine, break down the trends and provide you with the tools to build a comprehensive and future-ready workforce strategy.

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B2B Growth Trends From Automation to Acquisition: What to Have On Your Radar for 2025

Business As “Un”usual • September 12, 2024

Amy Anderson, Bill Skowronski, Kathy Steele

B2B markets are evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead means knowing what trends to watch and how to adapt. This Business as "Un"usual event offers an exploration into the future of B2B growth, hosted by Red Caffeine's top experts including Amy Anderson, VP of Client Services, Bill Skowronski, Content Director at Red Caffeine, and Kathy Steele, CEO of Red Caffeine. During this highly engaging session, we explore the technology, strategies, and leadership approaches that will shape 2025 for mid-market companies. From leveraging AI and sales automation to adopting innovative customer engagement methods, this discussion is filled with insights designed to help you rethink your growth strategies. Whether you're planning to scale your business or optimize your current processes, this replay will provide the guidance you need.

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Rebranding for Long-Term Growth: A Must for Evolving Businesses

Business As “Un”usual • August 8, 2024

David Doyle, Kathy Steele

Explore the essential elements of rebranding for long-term growth with Kathy Steele, CEO of Red Caffeine, and David Doyle, CEO of Heidenhain Corporation. Together, they explore the strategic importance of rebranding beyond just a new logo

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Discover the Power of Better Answers: Elevate Sales with Answer Intelligence (AQ)™

Business As “Un”usual • July 12, 2024

Brian Glibkowski, Tom Latourette, Kathy Steele

Your sales team needs to ask thought provoking questions AND give answers that connect with your clients! Much like a great dinner conversation, a great sales pitch incorporates a balance of talking and listening.

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Acquiring Success: M&A Strategies for Forward-Thinking Leaders

Business As “Un”usual • June 13, 2024

Remo Picchietti, Amy Anderson, Kathy Steele

This session is packed with insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Whether you're an experienced executive refining your acquisition strategy or just exploring M&A as a new avenue for growth, this Livestream has something for everyone. Join Kathy Steele, CEO of Red Caffeine, as she hosts a discussion with Remo Picchietti, VP of Strategy and Corporate Development at The Bowler Company, and Amy Anderson, VP of Client Services at Red Caffeine.

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Beyond the Pitch: Aligning Sales Strategies with Customer Needs

Business As “Un”usual • May 16, 2024

Kathy Steele, Tom Latourette

Sales is a process. In order to level up your entire sales team, you have to know what your top performers are doing behind the scenes to be successful. According to veteran sales trainer, Tom Latourette, they’re likely focused on positioning themselves as strategic partners instead of order takers.

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Enhancing Business Adaptability with Fractional Staffing Strategies

Business As “Un”usual • April 11, 2024

Kathy Steele, Mary Lynn Fayoumi

Learn about the mechanism of fractional staffing, including the evaluation of candidates, crafting roles that align with strategic business needs, and the cultural integration of fractional employees.

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The Branding Blueprint for Business Success

Business As “Un”usual • March 21, 2024

Kathy Steele, David Karbin

Revisit the insights shared by Kathy Steele and Vice President of Lexco Cable David Karbin as they discuss Lexco’s branding journey. With the help of Red Caffeine, Lexco has successfully navigated the complex process of a brand transformation, emerging as a standout leader in the wire rope industry.

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Navigating The Future Of SEO

Business As “Un”usual • February 17, 2024

Kathy Steele, Victor Lopez

In this Business as "Un"usual event led by Red Caffeine CEO Kathy Steele, our SEO Expert Victor Lopez offered an insightful exploration into the latest SEO trends.

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Insight-Driven Success: Mastering Customer Research for Business Growth

Business As “Un”usual • January 12, 2024

Kathy Steele, Ryan Paul Gibson

Ryan Paul Gibson provided invaluable insights into the world of customer research during our January Business as 'Un'usual livestream. He emphasized the critical role of understanding customer perspectives in developing effective business strategies.

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Why & How Orbitform Quickly Produced the Orbitform UVC Decontamination Chamber

Business As “Un”usual • January 9, 2024

Phil Sponslor , Kathy Steele

Phil's supervision of Orbitform shows servant leadership in action – creating a culture of continuous improvement executed by-high-performance teams which has led to strong financial results.

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Navigating The Future: Mastering Succession Planning And Business Strategy

Business As “Un”usual • January 8, 2024

Ed Barone, Kathy Steele

CEO of Red Caffeine, Kathy Steele, and Wealth Manager Ed Barone delved into the essential strategies and considerations for preparing your business for a successful transition.

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Plan Strategically And Get More
Out Of 2024 Trade Shows

Business As “Un”usual • December 4, 2023

Glen Ruggiero, Kevin Fett

In case you missed our November Business as “Un”usual livestream, we talked to Kevin Fett (Ion Exhibits) and Glen Ruggiero (On Location) about how companies can get the most out of their 2024 trade show events.

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How to Be a Best and Brightest Company

Business As “Un”usual • December 4, 2023

Kathy Steele, Jennifer Kluge, Mary Lynn Fayoumi

Every company understands the importance of selling its own products and services. But, far fewer companies connect the dots between how they communicate with their customers and how they communicate with their own employees.

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Get Ahead Of 2024 Planning Now

Business As “Un”usual • December 4, 2023

Kathy Steele, Christiana Henry, Amy Anderson, Bill Skowronski

In a very special Business as “Un”usual livestream, Kathy Steele welcomed Red Caffeine Vice President of Client Services, Amy Anderson, Account Director, Christiana Henry, and Senior Content Marketing Manager, Bill Skowronski, to share their insights regarding long-term planning as companies look ahead to 2024.

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