Case Studies from Colorado
Case Studies from Colorado
Insights from Namaste Solar and New Belgium Brewing
If you’re a business owner interested in transitioning to employee ownership, exploring case studies can provide valuable insights. Take for instance, the journey of Namaste Solar, a Boulder-based company specializing in residential and commercial solar services. In 2011, they made the strategic decision to shift towards a worker-cooperative model. Today, boasting a workforce of 60 members and employees, Namaste Solar stands as a nationally recognized pioneer in innovative solar installation.
Another example is New Belgium Brewing, renowned as one of the nation largest craft breweries as one of the nations largest craft breweries. Through the implementation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), the company achieved 100% employee ownership. New Belgium Brewing experienced remarkable growth in that period, before they sold the company to brewing giant.
Jared Polis, the US representative to Colorado’s 2nd congressional has also demonstrated commitment to employee ownership, in 2017 he announced his gubernatorial campaign at an employee owned grocery store in Colorado Springs. In April 2019, Governor Jared Polis then signed an executive order to support the creation of the Employee Ownership Office.
These case studies not only demonstrate the viability of employee ownership models, they also underscore their potential for fostering growth, innovation, and employee engagement. By examining the journeys of companies like Namaste Solar and New Belgium Brewing, as well as the advocacy efforts of leaders like Governor Jared Polis, it is clear that employee ownership is a tangible pathway towards sustainable business success.