A Better Way to Exit for Business Owners.

We help companies exit with pride.

How you exit matters.
We can help you do it right.

From first impression to financing, we help business owners execute a competitive exit plan that sets the company up for success without compromising values.

Why you might want to do this

We know the details matter.

You built your business by doing the hard work that few others were willing to, and making sure big decisions were taken responsibly.

So, rather than bury you in marketing speak, here's a clear list of the top things what we know matter to owners, and how our exit methodology and business model address those issues.

Competitive Sale Pricing

You care about getting a fair deal. We understand that, and can help you design an exit plan that takes into account your family's needs while setting up your workers, community and mission up for long-term success.

A Better ESOP Alternative

ESOPs don't last. We've talked to hundreds of founder-owners who setup ESOPs and employee-owners who run those companies years after the founders leave. ESOPs leave those long-term owners in a financial bind, and sap new employee's motivations. We have fixed these problems with our trust exit model, which allows greater flexibility and control.

Tax Advantages

No one loves paying taxes. We've designed a trust exit strategy based on tax optimization methods that were previously only available to the very very wealthy. We can design an exit that ensures you pay minimal taxation on your exit.

Reliable Governance & Management

You have steered the ship for a long time. Passing your company to the next generation is a big deal. Our trust model ensures that your financial security and company values are carried through into the future without overly-limiting next generation leadership. We can also help in designing a governance structure that integrates key expertise and perspectives that might be missing in your current team.

Perks for Leadership

Leaders need to be rewarded for taking on more responsibility. Our trust exit model is customizable and we can craft specialized packages for next generation leadership that help get them onboard with the plan and reward their hard work without jeopardizing the company's values and future.

Long Term Upside

If next generation leadership is aiming for growth, you should be able to participate in it. Our financial design can include long-term upside for you and your family, while protecting the company and your legacy.

Fixed value-based pricing, no hourly rates or unexpected fees

A DIY approach to your exit planning is expensive. If you've done a deal like this before, you know that lawyers, financial consultants, investment bankers, and brokers often overpromise and underdeliver. We put our business model in line with YOUR interests. We get paid when we deliver value, not based on opaque billable hours or taking chunks of your company.

How it works

We help owners design and execute a sale to a customized trust run by people who care.

Step 1: Feasibility

We work with co-owners, family, and key stakeholders to make sure a trust exit is aligned with your goals and financially feasible.

Step 2: Exit Design

We help build, legally paper and refine your business exit trust, ensuring that your operating principles are protected for the long haul.

Step 3: Financing

We put together a customized financing package to fund the conversion with affordable, aligned capital.

Step 4: Support

We work with you and your team to equip the next generation to manage, lead and steward the company’s growth over the long-term.

Exit with Purpose

One of our experienced advisors can quickly answer all your questions and help see if our model makes sense for your business.

How it works

We help owners design and execute a sale to a customized trust run by people who care.

Step 1: Feasibility

We work with co-owners, family, and key stakeholders to make sure a trust exit is aligned with your goals and financially feasible.

Step 2: Exit Design

We help build, legally paper and refine your business exit trust, ensuring that your operating principles are protected for the long haul.

Step 3: Financing

We put together a customized financing package to fund the conversion with affordable, aligned capital.

Step 4: Support

We work with you and your team to equip the next generation to manage, lead and steward the company’s growth over the long-term.

Testimonials

What other owners are saying

“Common Trust helped us create a structure that locks in our values for the long-term. For us, it was important to make sure that our unique view on hiring and profit sharing was protected no matter who was running the company in the future or who invested. This transition allowed us to do all that.”

Matt Kreutz

Founder / CEO

“We’re in an industry that takes workers for granted. We know that by including workers and growers in the success of the company, we’re building something together in a long-term commitment that everyone feels day-to-day. Once we learned about the trust model, we knew it was the right fit for us, and Common Trust was the right partner to help us execute it.”

Brandon Dunn

CEO

"Their financial backing was helpful, but what we appreciated most was their care and genuine concern. They're people we want to stay connected with forever."

Steve Piersanti

CEO / Founder

Your Business Deserves a Future Rooted in Purpose.

After years of building your business, let’s craft an EO transition plan that reflects your vision, supports your employees, and safeguards your values.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if this service is right for my business?

If you're considering an employee ownership transition and want a partner who understands both the technical and human elements, we're here to help. Our expertise particularly benefits companies with 50-250 employees looking to preserve their culture while creating lasting value.

How long does the process take?

Our initial engagement takes between 8-10 weeks and includes a comprehensive feasibility study, preliminary valuation assessment, and strategic roadmap development. This gives you clarity on your employee ownership options without a long-term commitment.

What makes Common Trust different from other exit planning services?

We specialize exclusively in employee ownership transitions, bringing deep expertise in both technical execution and cultural preservation. Our track record includes successful transitions for technology, consumer goods, and sustainable business sectors.

What if I'm not ready to sell my business yet?

Starting the conversation early helps you make informed decisions. We can help you understand your options and prepare your business for a future transition, even if it's years away.

How do you ensure my legacy and values are preserved during the transition?

We integrate your values and vision into every step of the transition process, from governance structure to employee communication. Our approach ensures your company's culture and mission continue to thrive under employee ownership.

Still have questions?

We're here to help! Book a free advisory call below.

“When you make the key decision that you want to ensure the purpose of your company for the long haul, it's imperative to have a financial partner you can trust. Zoe & Derek and the entire Common Trust team are that kind of partner.

It's not just having their financial backing that was the most beneficial, it was the care and genuine concern along the way that we appreciated the most. They are people you want to continue to associate and stay connected with forever.

With many financial transactions you get the sense that the financier is in control and dictating the way it will be done, not so with Common Trust. They jump in the trenches with you and help dig. They seek to understand your purpose and help you protect it and position it for long term sustainability. They are willing to be flexible and creative while still ensuring financial responsible outcomes in the end. How refreshing from a financial partner!

We trust and value them as partners and look forward to many years working together creating deals that are truly win-win for all parties involved.”

Kevin Clegg

Founder of Clegg Auto
& A More Stewardship Trust

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut a faucibus metus. Morbi fermentum turpis ac sem porttitor ornare. Ut est mi, dictum et ultricies vel, accumsan id elit.

Praesent pellentesque lorem at eros congue, quis rhoncus ante congue. Donec dictum nisi non orci volutpat porttitor. Aliquam pharetra, purus quis ullamcorper dictum, velit libero euismod velit, consequat aliquam arcu nunc consectetur orci. Integer porttitor lorem sit amet mauris pellentesque, elementum porttitor metus luctus.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut a faucibus metus. Morbi fermentum turpis ac sem porttitor ornare. Ut est mi, dictum et ultricies vel, accumsan id elit.

Praesent pellentesque lorem at eros congue, quis rhoncus ante congue. Donec dictum nisi non orci volutpat porttitor. Aliquam pharetra, purus quis ullamcorper dictum, velit libero euismod velit, consequat aliquam arcu nunc consectetur orci. Integer porttitor lorem sit amet mauris pellentesque, elementum porttitor metus luctus.

Benefits

Benefits section with 3-4 pillars

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut a faucibus metus. Morbi fermentum turpis ac sem porttitor ornare. Ut est mi, dictum et ultricies vel, accumsan id elit.

Benefit 1

Proin tempus, sapien vehicula commodo egestas, nisi eros tincidunt ante, rutrum facilisis leo augue et risus.

Benefit

Proin tempus, sapien vehicula commodo egestas, nisi eros tincidunt ante, rutrum facilisis leo augue et risus.

Benefit

Proin tempus, sapien vehicula commodo egestas, nisi eros tincidunt ante, rutrum facilisis leo augue et risus.

Benefit

Proin tempus, sapien vehicula commodo egestas, nisi eros tincidunt ante, rutrum facilisis leo augue et risus.

Get a competitive exit valuation
Reward loyal employees
Maintain company culture and values
Create a lasting ownership structure

Your Business Deserves a Future Rooted in Purpose.

After years of building your business, let’s craft an EO transition plan that reflects your vision, supports your employees, and safeguards your values.

Your call includes

Present issues or benefits in a bulleted list.

This can be used as a standalone section, or as an introductory block to a longer, rich text section. It's easiest to edit these bullets in the designer, as the editor can be unpredictable.

Call feature number one
Another thing you will get on the call
And another thing you'll get
You can keep adding these
Get a competitive exit valuation
Reward loyal employees
Maintain company culture and values
Create a lasting ownership structure
Sequential features (dark)

Present sequential content, such as steps in a process.

This has a maximum of four steps, but can be amended to support extra steps if need be.

Initial feasibility process

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Design process

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Financing

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Support

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Sequential features (light)

Present sequential content, such as steps in a process.

This has a maximum of four steps, but can be amended to support extra steps if need be.

Initial feasibility process

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Design process

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Financing

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Support

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.

Bullet point section (light)

Present issues or benefits in a bulleted list.

This can be used as a standalone section, or as an introductory block to a longer, rich text section. It's easiest to edit these bullets in the designer, as the editor can be unpredictable.

Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Bullet point section (dark)

Present issues or benefits in a bulleted list.

This can be used as a standalone section, or as an introductory block to a longer, rich text section. It's easiest to edit these bullets in the designer, as the editor can be unpredictable.

Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Get a competitive, tax advantaged sale
Tagline

A basic rich text section with a section introduction and actions.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut a faucibus metus. Morbi fermentum turpis ac sem porttitor ornare. Ut est mi, dictum et ultricies vel, accumsan id elit.

FAQs

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

Question text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Question text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Question text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Question text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Question text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Still have questions?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if this service is right for my business?

If you're considering an employee ownership transition and want a partner who understands both the technical and human elements, we're here to help. Our expertise particularly benefits companies with 50-250 employees looking to preserve their culture while creating lasting value.

How long does the process take?

Our initial engagement takes between 8-10 weeks and includes a comprehensive feasibility study, preliminary valuation assessment, and strategic roadmap development. This gives you clarity on your employee ownership options without a long-term commitment.

What makes Common Trust different from other exit planning services?

We specialize exclusively in employee ownership transitions, bringing deep expertise in both technical execution and cultural preservation. Our track record includes successful transitions for technology, consumer goods, and sustainable business sectors.

What if I'm not ready to sell my business yet?

Starting the conversation early helps you make informed decisions. We can help you understand your options and prepare your business for a future transition, even if it's years away.

How do you ensure my legacy and values are preserved during the transition?

We integrate your values and vision into every step of the transition process, from governance structure to employee communication. Our approach ensures your company's culture and mission continue to thrive under employee ownership.

Still have questions?

We're here to help! Book a free advisory call below.