Fort Worth-based ERW Site Solutions has completed its transition to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The multi-disciplinary construction firm, specializing in retaining walls, hardscapes, and amenity centers for residential and commercial markets, now empowers its workforce with direct ownership stakes following five years of strategic growth under CEO Jack Matz.
Strategic Growth Paves Way for Ownership Shift
The employee buyout follows ERW’s successful expansion through both organic growth and key acquisitions including Ratliff Hardscape and Kaufman Concrete. The ESOP encompasses all subsidiaries across ERW’s diversified operations – from landscape design to concrete foundations – creating unified employee ownership of the entire enterprise. Matz emphasized this transition rewards the team driving the company’s Texas market dominance.
Leadership Hails Cultural and Business Benefits
“Employee ownership aligns perfectly with our teamwork-based culture,” said Matz, noting the structure incentivizes innovation and excellence. President Randy O’Neal added that the model creates “long-term stability” while letting staff share in financial success. The move comes as ERW positions itself for continued expansion in Texas’ booming construction sector, with employee-owners now directly invested in growth outcomes.
Financial Experts Praise Strategic Vision
ButcherJoseph & Co., which advised on the transaction, commended ERW’s clear strategic planning. Director Rick Hennessey highlighted how the ESOP structure fosters accountability while preserving the company’s collaborative culture. The ownership model is increasingly popular in construction sectors, helping firms retain talent and maintain continuity during industry fluctuations.
Industry Trend Toward Shared Ownership
ERW joins a growing movement of construction-related businesses adopting employee ownership models. The approach has proven particularly effective in skilled trades, where it boosts retention and quality standards. For ERW’s workforce spanning multiple Texas construction specialties, the transition represents both recognition of past contributions and motivation for future excellence in the competitive Southwest construction market.
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