Service Provider Directory

The Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership (PaCEO) promotes better understanding of the values of employee ownership among business leaders, public officials, employees, members of the media, students, teachers, nonprofit leaders, consumers, and other persons and organizations in Pennsylvania. The PaCEO has a single focus – to assist businesses in the State of Pennsylvania in understanding employee ownership and its benefits. We lend guidance by educating interested parties and by supplying a listing of subject matter experts who have become known to us through their expertise and working support of our organization, and who have demonstrated extensive experience in working with ESOP clients.

Kleinbard LLC

Philadelphia, PA

Kleinbard attorneys advise corporations, shareholders, directors and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) trustees on a wide variety of ESOP-related issues. Kleinbard's ESOP team is led by Mary Beth Gray and Chris Wingard, who together have completed hundreds of ESOP and other strategic transactions for middle market corporate clients across a wide range of industries, including engineering, manufacturing, construction and professional services. Contact Kleinbard to learn how their team of trusted advisors can provide guidance regarding corporate governance, business succession planning, ESOP plan design and ongoing ESOP compliance.

Kreischer Miller

Horsham, PA

Kreischer Miller is a leading independent accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving the Greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas. We've built our firm to respond to the unique needs of private companies, helping them smoothly transition through growth phases, business cycles, and ownership changes. The companies we work with quickly adapt and respond to changing market opportunities and challenges. That's why our focus is on being responsive, decisive, and forward-thinking. We're up to the challenge - always looking at the road ahead, not in the rear-view mirror.

SES ESOP Strategies

Bala Cynwyd, PA

SES ESOP Strategies is a national ESOP firm that combines the expertise of ESOP consulting, financial, investment banking and legal professionals to assist companies in creating and maintaining successful, sustainable employee ownership results throughout the entire ESOP lifecycle. We balance the needs of owners, managers, the company and its employees to ensure long-term corporate sustainability with substantial employee ownership. As the preeminent ESOP consulting company providing services to companies in all stages of employee ownership, SES ESOP Strategies takes a uniquely strategic and responsible approach that maximizes value for owners, their companies and their employees. With guidance from our ESOP consultants and attorneys, who work for our affiliated firm, Stevens & Lee, PC, an ESOP can support a succession strategy and ownership transition that delivers sustainable benefits to all stakeholders. Our cross-disciplinary approach integrates legal, finance, banking, tax and ERISA expertise, allowing SES ESOP Strategies to deliver a full range of ESOP consulting, design, legal and financial services.

Cargas Systems

Lancaster, PA

Cargas Systems is an employee-owned software development company headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was founded by Chip Cargas in 1988 who used the Macintosh SE computer and a dot matrix printer, state-of-the-art technology for its time. The company’s founding mission was to help businesses use computers effectively. Today, Cargas  offers ERP and CRM software from Microsoft, Sage, and Salesforce, as well as custom-developed solutions. Cargas sells the software, sets it up, teaches customers how to use it, and helps them adapt it as their needs change over time. Cargas’ products streamline processes in accounting, supply chain management, sales, and marketing. In 1998, company founder, Chip Cargas, began selling the company to his employees when he implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The ownership culture at Cargas is built on teamwork, customer care, and shared success. Being an employee-owned company allows employees to share in the financial success of the company. This creates a rewarding, team-oriented environment that will help the company remain viable in the future.  Employee ownership uniquely motivates employees because they have a financial stake in their client’s successes. They are dedicated to providing high quality solutions and an exceptional customer experience. The communities in which Cargas serves, also benefit because of their ownership structure. Employee ownership uplifts local communities and economies. 

Stevens & Lee

Reading, PA

Among the 250 largest law firms in the country, Stevens & Lee is a full-service law firm with 200 lawyers serving clients from 15 offices. Our lawyers provide strategic and practical legal counsel at both the regional and national levels, and remain dedicated to solving clients’ most complex problems and delivering an exceptional client experience. Stevens & Lee is the cornerstone of The Stevens & Lee Companies, a platform of affiliated professional service firms which provides a full range of legal, investment banking, financial advisory, insurance risk management, public affairs and government consulting services.

World Travel, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned corporate travel management company headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1983 and has two locations. World Travel focuses primarily on servicing corporate transient, groups and meetings, and leisure [LOCKED_ICON] Travel became employee-owned in 2017 when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership reinforces the company's commitment to providing clients with the highest level of service.

Onex began in 1966 as a refractory distributor to the local foundries in the Erie, PA area. Then, in the 1980’s, Onex branched out to serve the heat-treating industries by becoming a “one stop shopping” source and a solutions provider for its growing extensive customer base. In 1992, our…, Onex is a 100% employee-owned company in the fabricated metal industry headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1966, Onex has over 55 years of experience designing and servicing industrial furnaces across the U.S. with American-made products wherever possible. In 2019, Onex became employee-owned when it established its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Having an ownership stake in the company gives Onex employee owners a voice and motivates them to bring their best every day. They take pride in their work and strive to give the best possible customer experience. Employee ownership is evident in their mission to make things better. Onex strives to empower their employee owners, make their customers happy, and help their communities thrive.

Larson Design Group (LDG) is a 100% employee-owned architectural company headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 1986, LDG has collaborated with clients across the nation, striving to provide them with responsive and innovative solutions. Their approach involves a variety of capabilities, combined with a steadfast commitment to sustainable business practices. For over three decades, these principles have not only guided their work but also served as the cornerstone for their substantial growth. Today, the team is in a phase of expansion, opening new offices and introducing new [LOCKED_ICON] 2001, Larson Design Group became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). LDG  understands that every achievement is a result of the dedication and participation of their employee-owners. The company's ownership culture profoundly influences their decision-making processes and serves as motivation for their teams, which bolsters productivity, enhances employee retention, and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future accomplishments of their organization. Employees are committed to enhancing the quality of life in both their residential areas and the communities they serve. 

Wawa is an employee-owned chain of convenience stores headquartered in Wawa, Pennsylvania. Established in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey, Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, has a rich history that evolved into a renowned convenience retail brand. Presently, Wawa stands as an all-day, every-day destination for fresh, made-to-order foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs. With a network of over 750 convenience retail stores (with more than 500 offering gasoline), Wawa serves customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Central Florida. The stores feature an extensive selection of fresh food services, showcasing Wawa brands, including made-to-order hoagies, freshly brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, specialty beverages, soups, sides, and [LOCKED_ICON] 1992, Wawa became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Wawa provides associates with a unique opportunity to share in the company's success through the ESOP. With this program, around 13,000 Wawa associates currently enjoy the benefits of their contributions, collectively holding over a 40% ownership stake in the company.

Waste Gas Fabricating is a 100% employee-owned manufacturing company headquartered in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. Waste Gas Fabricating boasts a storied history in various metalworking disciplines, including press brake metal forming, metal rolling, structural steel fabrication, stainless steel fabrication, fiber laser cutting, and the assembly of custom equipment. The company's origins date back to 1975 when its founder identified a demand for repairing waste gas devices and tackling challenging projects within the steel manufacturing sector. Their state-of-the-art facility, coupled with a fleet of company vehicles, empowers them to offer exceptional custom metal fabrication products at competitive prices. In 2007, Waste Gas Fabricating became employee-owned when it established its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). As owners, employees at Waste Gas Fabricating benefit when the company is successful. Together, employee owners contribute their ideas and work to contribute to the company’s success. The ownership culture at Waste Gas Fabricating empowers employees to do their best work and provide an exceptional customer experience.

Joy Cone is a 100% employee-owned food production company headquartered in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1918 and has been honing their craft of cone baking since. With a legacy spanning over a century, Joy Cone produces one of the finest cones in the market. The company's commitment to delivering top-quality products, complemented by exceptional customer service, has propelled it to be one of the largest ice cream cone manufacturers in the United States. Currently, Joy Cone boasts an annual production capacity exceeding 2 billion cones to customers in the United States and Mexico. Their operating facilities in Arizona, Iowa, and Mexico allow Joy Cone to offer its complete product range, including cake cones, sugar cones, waffle cones, and waffle bowls. In 1992, Joy Cone became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Joy Cone's robust ESOP rewards each eligible employee with shares upon reaching their first anniversary. Annually, employees are granted shares and receive valuation reports, thus enhancing their retirement packages and expanding in tandem with the company's growth. At Joy Cone, a steadfast commitment to personal attention and excellence fuels the transformation of a century of baking wisdom into a foundation for a bright future.

AORTA is a worker-owned cooperative devoted to strengthening movements for social justice and a solidarity economy.

Avail Technologies is an employee-owned software company headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1999, Avail Technologies  has a mission dedicated to cultivating lifelong customer relationships by delivering exceptional value through a well-rounded portfolio of high-quality products and services. They actively collaborate with their clientele, leveraging their enterprise transit management software to devise customized solutions. In 2009, Avail Technologies became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). As an ESOP organization, each employee at Avail Technologies is also an owner, holding a vested interest in the company's success. Employee owners at Avail enjoy a range of benefits, including membership in the Fun, Enjoyable Workplace Crew (F.E.W. Crew). This crew organizes and sponsors various events for employees and their families, such as off-site Christmas parties, cook-offs, and outdoor activities. The company's flexible and relaxed work environment encourages employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, aligning with the philosophy that they should work diligently and enjoy their time to the [LOCKED_ICON] Certified EO mark symbolizes Avail Technologies' unwavering dedication and passion that permeates every facet of their operations.

We’ve built Marshall to be a home for realizing your financial future. We provide a welcoming, open-minded environment where you can feel comfortable asking questions, exploring options and planning for what is most important to you. We meet you where you are, regardless of your level of financial knowledge. We listen, learn about your family’s hopes and dreams, and we create plans to mitigate risk, create opportunities and build long-term paths to [LOCKED_ICON] decades of working with entrepreneurs, businesses and families through multiple generations, we’ve developed a holistic “life planning” approach that brings peace of mind to you and your family. We have everything you need under one local roof, a convenient one-stop wealth management shop. Our reports and 24/7 client portal keep you informed and connected, and we’re never more than a phone call or email [LOCKED_ICON] matter what life brings, your Marshall team will be with you—to provide steady, dependable advice you can count on, today and well into the future.

Standard Air & Lite Corporation is a majority employee-owned HVAC wholesale distributor headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1940 with branches in Erie, PA Export, PA and Shinnston, WV serving both residential and commercial [LOCKED_ICON] Air & Lite Corporation became employee-owned in 1993 when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership reinforces the company’s dedication to responsive, knowledgeable, and accurate service.

Guttman Holdings is an employee-owned holding company headquartered in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. Guttman Holdings is made up of Guttman Energy, Guttman Renewables, and Source One Transportation who are all 100% employee-owned subsidiaries. Guttman Holdings and its subsidiaries offer customers innovative and customized solutions. Source One Transportation is a logistics company that provides safe and efficient deliveries of the petroleum products they sell.  Guttman Renewables markets renewable energy such as ethanol and biodiesel. Guttman Holdings services 30 states throughout the East and South East. In 2022, Guttman Holdings, and its subsidiaries became employee-owned when they established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. As owners, employees now have a heightened sense of commitment to the company’s  vision, mission, customers, and vendors. Being an employee-owned company provides a motivating and rewarding environment for their dedicated team of owners, who take pride in their work.  Through a shared work ethic, Guttman Holdings employee owners thrive in collaborative and challenging situations. This collective mindset of accountability moves the company forward. 

Nicklas Supply is a 100% employee-owned plumbing supplier headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1956 by Elmer Nicklas and provides commercial and residential plumbing, kitchen, and bath products. Nicklas Supply became employee-owned in 2019 when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership reinforces the company’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. 

Touch of Color Flooring is a 100% employee-owned flooring company headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Brothers, Bill and Joe Hamad, started the company in 2002. Touch of Color Flooring now operates in four major regions in Pennsylvania with a geographic reach of over seven states. Since 2002, the company has expanded to service multiple construction divisions including Builder, Multifamily, Senior Living, Commercial, Retail, and Design. In 2021, Touch of Color Flooring became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan  (ESOP). Touch of Color Flooring boasts 150 employee owners who are a dedicated team that contributes to the success of the company. When the company is successful, employee owners benefit, as do the communities they serve. The ownership culture at Touch of Color Flooring empowers employees to do their best work while thriving in their career. 

Commonwealth Fire Protection Company is a 100% employee-owned company in the fire protection industry headquartered in Leola, Pennsylvania. Commonwealth Fire Protection has dedicated the past 45 years to constructing, servicing, and inspecting fire protection systems in commercial, industrial, and residential settings through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. They have assembled an internal team and a seasoned network of construction partners capable of executing fire protection construction projects at any scale. In 2020, Commonwealth Fire Protection became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). As owners, employees at Commonwealth benefit when the company is successful. This motivates them to work collaboratively to provide an exceptional customer experience in which safety is paramount. The employee owners at Commonwealth value integrity, accountability, and industry innovation to build strong customer relationships. The ownership culture at Commonwealth works to support their employees and the communities they live and work in. When employee owners are successful, it benefits themselves, the company, and the local community. Strive to build strong customer trust and retention through integrity, accountability and industry innovation.

The Baker Project

Havertown, PA

Built on the core pillars of content, curriculum, and community, The Baker Project is a hub for education and support for current and future employee owned organizations. We utilize advanced technology tools to help you navigate the employee ownership journey.

Gautier Steel is a 100% employee-owned producers of hot rolled carbon and alloy flats and sharp cornered squares. The company is one of the nations leading producers of specialized metal products. Gautier Steel became employee-owned in 2023 when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership reinforces the company's focus on production of top quality steel products.

Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP

Tarentum, PA

Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP is a regional certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP offers a diversity of resources and services built on a foundation of three traditional accounting disciplines – assurance, tax and consulting. Combining diverse technical skills with extensive "hands-on"​ experience, our professionals address varied and complex issues for clients on a daily basis. We pride ourselves on bringing value-added resolution to these issues in a progressive and innovative manner.

Trout CPA

Malvern, PA

Trout CPA is an accounting firm with offices in Lancaster and Mechanicsburg, PA. We provide personalized tax, financial statement, and business advisory services. In addition to traditional accounting services, we also offer Outsourced Accounting, Technology Advisory, Management Advisoy, and other business solutions. Our firm consists of experts with various specialties, which allows us to pair each client with the best team of professionals to meet their unique needs. Contact us to learn how Trout CPA can help with your specific needs.

Praxis is a 100% employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia. We provide organization development services to employee-owned firms and mission-driven organizations across the United States. Specialties include leadership, strategy, governance, employee ownership, ESOP, process improvement, lean, labor management, business literacy, and open book management.