EHC Construction Transitions to Employee Ownership, Empowers Workforce

Fort Myers-based construction firm EHC, Inc. has completed a significant organizational transformation by adopting an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), enabling all employees to become company shareholders. The move represents a strategic evolution for the 35-year-old company, founded by Jeff Hunt in 1990.

The ESOP allows every EHC employee to gain ownership stake, marking a departure from the previous ownership model where only select leadership members held equity. This transition enables founders Jeff and Greg Hunt to retire from daily operations while maintaining board involvement, with Tony Hamilton becoming President and Shane Graves ascending to Vice President of Operations.

The employee ownership model provides multiple strategic advantages for EHC. By distributing ownership broadly, the company can potentially increase employee engagement, align workforce incentives with company performance, and create a more collaborative organizational culture. Such transitions have historically demonstrated potential for improved productivity and long-term business stability.

Company President Tony Hamilton emphasized the significance of the transition, noting that the ESOP empowers employees and strengthens the organization's cultural foundation. The move ensures that all team members can directly benefit from the company's continued growth and success.

The transition preserves EHC's leadership continuity while creating a more inclusive ownership structure. By allowing employees to become shareholders, the company reinforces its commitment to rewarding dedication and creating opportunities for professional advancement.