Breakfast Boost Series: Retention and Growth: Equity Compensation for Your Key People 

Please note:  This is an exclusive event for CEOs, presidents and business owners of second-stage companies. 

Join us for the next GrowFL Breakfast Boost on March 25, 2026, at 8:30am at the Northern Trust in Tampa, Florida featuring John Burgess, Principal, JacksonLewis and Csaba Mate, Commercial Banker, Seacoast Bank

Attracting and retaining key talent is one of a business owner’s biggest challenges. Offering equity compensation to valuable members of the business can be a differentiator and aligns the business owner’s interests with those of the employees. In this presentation, we’ll discuss the various types of equity compensation that businesses can use, the advantages and disadvantages of each one (including taxes), and how a company’s tax status can impact these decisions. Finally, we’ll spend a little time on the ultimate form of equity compensation – the employee stock ownership plan – that could be right for business owners who are looking at a full or partial exit strategy that doesn’t involve selling to private equity or competitors. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understanding the types of equity compensation that are available. 
• Understanding what types of equity compensation might be the best fit for your business 
• How selling to your employees might be a good exit strategy
• Perspectives from a lender on ESOP debt structure
• Considerations in timing for an exit.
• Tax advantages of ESOPs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insight, ask questions, and connect with other second-stage CEOs navigating similar challenges.

A light breakfast will be provided. Space is limited—reserve your seat today.

This event is part of a series:

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026 featuring Kevin Smith, Skyway Capital Markets and Chris Swink, Northern Trust
• Wednesday, March 25, 2026 featuring John Burgess, JacksonLewis
• Wednesday, April 22, 2026 featuring Mario Larralde, BankUnited
• Wednesday, May 27, 2026 featuring Maria Morales, CliftonLarsonAllen
• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 featuring Chris Swink, Northern Trust
• Wednesday, October 28, 2026 featuring Michael Dobbs, USI