In this episode, Munir Haque speaks with John Stevens and Jason Vandenberg, president and senior vice president of Camilla Advisory Group, about their approach to employee ownership and advisory services. John and Jason discuss Camilla’s three primary service areas: employee share plans, fractional CFO services, and merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory. They emphasize their focus on employee ownership trusts as a means for companies to empower employees and build business value.They explore the rising interest in employee ownership trusts (EOT), an interest which has gained momentum with recent Canadian legislation offering a $10 million capital gains exemption as a tax incentive. Modeled after U.S. and U.K. frameworks, the legislation aims to make employee ownership financially appealing, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. According to John Stevens, employee ownership helps to foster loyalty and alignment among employees, often leading to increased productivity and long-term growth.John and Jason also discuss the practical benefits of EOTs with Munir, such as preserving a company’s brand, culture, and community presence. They highlight potential pitfalls, stress the importance of clear communication and financial literacy in EOTs, and detail some effective communication strategies that include using internal champions from various departments to address employee and family concerns about the trust structure. Additionally, they advise continuous involvement from advisors like themselves, especially for annual updates and administrative changes. Their approach can lead to transformative shifts in company culture, where employees feel invested in business growth and cost management.About John Stevens:John Stevens has had a distinguished career over the past 30+ years, holding titles including Senior Vice President, President, CFO, COO, and CEO of fast-growing organizations like Nilsson Bros. Inc, Eveready Inc., NC Services Group Ltd. and ENTREC Corporation. John was also a member of the Board of Directors of Eveready Inc. and NC Services Group Ltd. Other experience includes being an integral member of a senior management team of a company (Nilsson Bros. Inc.) in the agri-food and livestock industry that experienced annual sales growth from $242 million to $919 million in a four-year period.In addition to his knowledge of employee ownership, John's expertise in mergers and acquisitions is extensive, having been involved in over 100 acquisitions throughout his career. John also holds a certification as an Executive Coach from Royal Roads University. The companies John has been part of have consistently been recognized for many awards including top employers, best workplaces and fastest growing.In 2013, John was named a Business Leader of Tomorrow honoring Edmonton’s visionary business leaders. In 2013 and in 2015, John was named an E and Y Prairies finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2014 John was named one of the ten executives you need to know in the Oil sands by Oil sands Review Magazine.John understands the need to give back to the community and has volunteered his time and has been actively involved in non-profit organizations such as Prostate Cancer Canada, Kids Up Front and the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton. John was awarded the very distinguished Canada Community Advocate Award from Prostate Cancer Canada. John was very involved with Financial Executives International for over a decade including serving as the local board chair. John served a two-year term on the Petroleum Service Association of Canada board. John currently is a board member of ESOP Association Canada.About Jason Vandeberg: Jason Vandenberg is a senior finance leader with hands-on experience in a number of senior management roles working closely with Management and Boards of Directors. Jason has an established record of achievement with expertise in forecasting and budgeting, strategic planning, corporate governance, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, accounting and administration, complex business and tax issues, staff management, internal controls, human resources management, financial reporting and regulatory compliance. Jason also brings a wealth of experience in growing companies to maximize their potential. With over 20 years of management experience, Jason has been involved in the substantial growth of multiple companies both organically and through the acquisition and integration of over 60 businesses.Jason was the Chief Financial Officer of ENTREC Corporation from 2011 until 2020. Prior to this Jason was CFO of Eveready Inc. and its predecessor companies until it was acquired by Clean Harbors in 2009. In these roles, Jason was responsible for all finance and administrative functions. During his tenure with ENTREC, the Company grew from annual revenue of $20 million in 2010 to $180 million in 2019 making ENTREC a leader in the provision of crane and heavy haul ...
