In some ways, the benefits of having an ESOP are obvious: Tax benefits for S and C corps probably are at the top of the list, followed closely by increased employee engagement and productivity.

Enabling employees to earn and hold a stake in the company where they work has been a central element of the American economy for more than 200 years.

Employee ownership has the power to do something business leaders and management professionals have sought for many years: tightly aligning the interests of employees with those of the business.

While it typically comes at no cost to employees, employee ownership is not a handout. It is way to share the rewards of capitalism with those who help companies succeed.