Each year, we recognize the individuals and companies who define excellence in employee ownership—those advancing ESOPs, strengthening our community, and setting the standard for what’s possible.
These leaders are driving employee ownership to new heights—and represent the very best of us.
The National Awards are more than a celebration of achievement—they are an opportunity to learn from one another, share best practices, and spark new ideas we can bring back to our own ESOPs.
Thank you to all the individuals and companies nominated for and honored with this year’s awards.
Michael Keeling Founders Award
Bill Carris
Carris Reels
New England Chapter
The ESOP Association posthumously honored Bill Carris with the Michael Keeling Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to employee ownership and the lasting impact of his leadership. Carris transformed his company into an ESOP in 1995 out of humility and a deep commitment to serving others—selling it to employees at a significant discount and fostering a culture rooted in shared ownership, governance, and purpose—while also dedicating himself to public service, philanthropy, and strengthening his community in Vermont and beyond.
The 2026 Michael Keeling Founder’s Award Presentation
Watch the full presentation, including remarks from our President & CEO, Jim Bonham, as well as Dave Fitz-Gerald’s acceptance speech on our YouTube channel.
Torchlight Award
Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan
Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce
The ESOP Association presents the Torchlight Award each year at the National Conference to recognize elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing employee ownership. This year, Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan—Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce—earns this honor by aggressively advancing a pro ESOP agenda since January 2025, helping bring the Retire Through Ownership Act to the brink of passage to resolve long-standing valuation uncertainty, leading efforts to address litigation abuse under ERISA, and pushing for greater accountability and transparency at EBSA—demonstrating in a short time his strong commitment as a champion for ESOPs and employee owners.
View Congressman Walberg’s Acceptance Video >>
Outstanding Chapter Officer of the Year
Ted Bill
Florida Chapter
Ted Bill has been instrumental in shaping and elevating the direction of the Florida Chapter, serving as a consistent and visible advocate for employee ownership across events, media, and daily engagement. Through his leadership and passion, he exemplifies what it means to champion ESOPs and advance the movement every single day.
Membership Recruitment by a Professional Member Award
Justin Tu
BDO Capital Advisors
Southeast Chapter
Justin Tu has played a vital role in growing The ESOP Association’s membership by consistently introducing clients and new ESOPs to the value of participation and engagement. Through his proactive outreach and ongoing advocacy, he reinforces the benefits of membership and exemplifies the impact professional advisors can have in strengthening the ESOP community.
Employee Owner of the Year
Jennifer Pierce
HdL Companies
California/Nevada Chapter
Jennifer Pierce is a driving force behind both the growth and culture of her ESOP, generating millions in revenue while helping fuel the company’s strategic expansion through strong cross-functional collaboration. As founder and longtime Chair of the ESOP Committee, she has spent more than a decade building awareness, engagement, and pride—ensuring employee ownership is not just a benefit, but a deeply embedded part of the company’s culture.
ESOP Company of the Year
Bowers + Kubota Consulting
Hawaii Chapter
Since establishing its ESOP in 2012, Bowers and Kubota Consulting has delivered exceptional value to employee owners, with its share price increasing by nearly 2,300 percent. The company pairs this financial success with a deep commitment to community engagement and ESOP advocacy, building a culture of ownership that extends from local service initiatives to sustained engagement with policymakers.
Membership Development Award & Chapter of the Year
Illinois Chapter
The Illinois Chapter achieved exceptional membership growth while hosting one of the most successful conferences of 2025, demonstrating outstanding leadership and engagement across all levels of The ESOP Association. With a highly active volunteer base, strong advocacy participation, and a best-in-class approach to member engagement, they have set the standard for chapter excellence.
