Capital Lighting is excited to announce their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) effective September 28, 2018. Owners Mary Lou and John Lewis made the formal, surprise announcement to employees on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in a companywide breakfast meeting at the Flowery Branch corporate office. The ESOP effectively transfers 100 percent ownership to employees based on their tenure with the company, through a qualified and defined contribution benefit plan.
“We have come a long way in the past 25 years, growing from a 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse and a handful of employees to a 170,000 sq. ft. office and warehouse, over 60 employees, carefully cultivated overseas manufacturing partnerships and a growing showroom customer base that we are committed to supporting. Our employees have always been central to our growth and success, some of whom have been with us for several years, a few, from the very beginning,” John Lewis said.
“As we explored ownership transition options, we were clear about our goal. Our top consideration was to do what’s best for our valued employees, loyal customers, reliable suppliers and shareholders. ESOP was the only option that checked all the boxes.”
“The better we do, the more the stock is worth,” Lewis reminded employees. “We need to continue to make great products, offer our customers exceptional service, improve our business and operate efficiently and profitably,” he emphasized. The plan serves as an additional retirement benefit, providing employees an added incentive to contribute to the company’s success.
The ESOP transition will not impact day-to-day operations or any roles within the company. The announcement was received with enthusiasm by Capital Lighting employees and will be followed up with additional meetings and Q&A sessions with ESOP experts in the coming weeks.
