The Wisconsin Chapter of The ESOP Association recognized MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) as 2018 Company of the Year at its Annual Spring Conference in Appleton, Wisconsin. The ESOP Company of the Year award is presented to a company that demonstrates a commitment to employee ownership, as demonstrated by involvement with the Association and its programs, communication with employees, and commitment to the Association’s vision.

MSA’s ESOP Story

MSA is dedicated to continuous improvement, including a focus on organizational health and building a culture of trust, accountability and clarity. The firm identified the pursuit of 100% employee ownership as key to that improvement in November 2016.

However, just as the ESOP transaction was in full swing, the company was struck in March 2017 by the unexpected passing of Controller, ESOP Administrator and Trustee Jim Hendricks. MSA’s resilience was tested, but after pausing to mourn our loss, it was determined that the transaction would stay on schedule. Without exception, all shareholders answered the call, allowing the transaction to complete on schedule. MSA elected S-Corp status the next month.

“The experience has reinforced our strong family culture and reminded each of us of the importance of MSA’s purpose to enable people to positively impact the lives of others,” said MSA ESOP Trustee John Langhans, PE. “We’re honored by this recognition and look forward to further strengthening our employee ownership culture.”

About the Association

The ESOP Association is America’s largest employer-sponsored advocacy and education association focused on employee stock ownership plans. For more information on the Association, visit www.esopassociation.org.

More Information

For more information about MSA’s commitment to 100% employee ownership, contact John Langhans, PE, ESOP Trustee. To join our firm of employee-owners, visit MSA’s Careers site.