When I joined Hallam-ICS ten years ago, I knew I was stepping into something special, but I didn’t fully understand what being an employee-owner really meant. Over time, I’ve learned that it’s not just a financial benefit or a line in our company profile. It’s a mindset that shapes how we treat each other, how we make decisions, and how we serve our clients.
This October, as we celebrate 25 years of employee ownership, I’ve been reflecting on what that milestone truly represents. It’s a story built from hundreds of individual contributions, engineers, designers, programmers, project managers, and support staff, all sharing the same goal: to build something lasting, together.
When Hallam-ICS became an employee-owned company in 2000 through our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), few of us could have imagined just how much that decision would influence our future. Twenty-five years later, it’s clear that ownership isn’t just what we have, it’s who we are.
As we mark Employee Ownership Month, I wanted to look back at what we’ve learned and celebrate what makes this company feel like more than just a place to work.
Over the past 25 years, employee ownership at Hallam-ICS has grown not just in culture, but in measurable value. Since 2004, cumulative ESOP payments to employees have exceeded $5 million, representing the real, long-term rewards of shared ownership.
I wasn’t here when our ESOP began, but I’ve heard the stories. Many early employees were curious, excited but unsure about what employee ownership would really mean for them.
“Back in 2000 … I didn’t completely understand the structure or the benefits … We were all starting at ground zero.”
— Keith Sheldon, What Does Employee Ownership Mean to an Employee
That curiosity evolved into commitment. Over time, ownership became more than a financial model, it became a mindset that connected people to a larger purpose.
For us, being an employee-owned company is about much more than a statement on paper. It’s a culture of accountability and shared pride.
“To me, an ESOP is a culture, versus a retirement number … I always felt like I can make a suggestion … and it will at minimum be listened to.”
— Kristian Montenegro, What Employee Ownership Means to Me
I see that every day in the way teams support each other, the care we put into our work, and the pride we take in doing things right. Ownership shows up in the details.
One of the things that’s always stood out to me is how open Hallam-ICS is with its people. We share information, celebrate wins together, and talk honestly about challenges.
“Company financials are openly discussed company-wide at company meetings … it isn’t hard to hear how the company is performing.”
— Linda Kronoff, So I Know We’re Employee-Owned … What Does That Actually Mean?
That transparency builds trust. We don’t just hear about results , we understand them. We see how our work impacts the company’s success, and that clarity makes us all stronger owners.
As our ESOP has matured, so have the opportunities for people to lead, influence, and grow. I’ve watched coworkers step into leadership roles, serve on committees, and represent employee voices at the highest levels.
“I had more of the employee perspective rather than a leader of the company point of view. … Over the next two years … I realized … the ESOP wasn’t just a retirement plan, it was what defined us as a company.”
— Keith Sheldon
That’s one of the most rewarding parts of employee ownership, watching people grow into their potential, knowing their success strengthens all of ours.
Every year, we celebrate not only what it means to be owners, but how we can use that ownership to give back. From community events to volunteer projects, I’ve seen how our ESOP values spill over into how we show up outside the office.
“Employee ownership is a concept that is based upon generosity and sharing … Perhaps it is time for a change in how we recognize Employee Ownership Month … making it an outwardly focused month where we celebrate Employers, Employees, and Our Communities.”
— Keith Flaherty, Changing the Meaning of Employee Ownership Month
That generosity and shared purpose remind me that our success isn’t measured only in numbers, it’s in the positive impact we have together.
During my first week working for Hallam-ICS I attended one of our annual community service days; the sense of excitement, pride, and belonging was palpable. And that feeling hasn’t faded.
“The whole day gave me a new and bright perspective on what it truly means to be an employee owner … I can’t imagine working anywhere else!”
— Sarah Lester, My First Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Conference
Moments like these remind me why employee ownership matters. It gives meaning to our work and connects us to something bigger than ourselves.
As we celebrate this milestone, I can’t help but think about how far we’ve come, and how much opportunity still lies ahead. Our focus for the next chapter of our ESOP journey includes:
Over the past 25 years, our cumulative ESOP payments, now topping $5 million, have become a real symbol of shared success. As the chart earlier in this post shows, that growth has picked up speed in recent years. Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep that momentum going, making sure every employee-owner continues to share in Hallam-ICS’s success and future.
After a decade here, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply people care about each other and the work we do. That care is the heartbeat of this company, and it’s what keeps us moving forward.
So, to everyone who’s contributed since 2000, our founders, our leaders, our teammates, and our future owners, thank you. You’ve made Hallam-ICS more than a great place to work. You’ve made it ours.
Here’s to 25 years of ownership, accountability, and collaboration, and many more ahead.
Interested in being part of an employee-owned engineering company that values transparency, collaboration, and growth? Explore careers at Hallam-ICS.
About the author
Tricia Becker is an employee-owner with Hallam-ICS, where she has spent the past 10 years supporting teams, clients, and the culture that makes employee ownership thrive. She’s passionate about collaboration, continuous learning, and celebrating the people behind every project.
Read My Hallam Story
About Hallam-ICS
Hallam-ICS is an engineering and automation company that designs MEP systems for facilities and plants, engineers control and automation solutions, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance through arc flash studies, commissioning, and validation. Our offices are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont and North Carolina, Texas and Florida and our projects take us world-wide.