October wasn’t just about pumpkin spice and spooky costumes—it was ESOP Month! And at Barton, we celebrated what makes our company truly special—our employee-owners!
What is an ESOP?
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a type of benefit program that provides employees with an ownership interest in the company through its stock. In addition to fostering a sense of ownership and engagement, an ESOP also functions as a qualified retirement plan—similar to a 401(k). The key advantage is that employees gain a direct stake in the company’s success, aligning their interests with its long-term growth.
What’s ESOP Month?
ESOP Month is an annual celebration led by the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) to promote awareness of the advantages of employee ownership. Throughout October, companies with ESOPs nationwide host various events, share their stories, and involve employees in activities that not only boost morale but also strengthen the sense of ownership and pride among employees.
How Barton Celebrated!
October was a month full of fun, connection, and celebration as our ESOP Committee rolled out a variety of engaging activities across all offices. Here’s a look at how we celebrated:
Employee-Owner Bobbleheads Unveiled!
We kicked off ESOP Month by unveiling our first round of employee-owner bobbleheads! Yes, that’s right—we had custom bobbleheads made for employee-owners who are 100% vested. Each employee-owner selected their preferred pose along with custom details like eye, hair, and skin color, making every bobblehead truly one-of-a-kind. We ordered two for each person—one to proudly display at the office and one to take home. This unique tradition not only recognizes the dedication of our employee-owners but also adds a personal touch to our company culture.
Tailgate Potluck
Each office hosted a festive potluck tailgate! Employee-owners brought sides and desserts, while the ESOP Committee provided hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks. The event was a great success, filled with laughter, good food, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
Office Puzzle Break
To celebrate the season, each office featured a 1,000-piece Halloween themed puzzle in a central location. Employee-owners were invited to take short breaks throughout the month to add to the masterpiece. It was a fun and relaxing way to recharge and enjoy a little teamwork outside the usual routine.
Digital Trivia Challenge
Employee-owners across the company tested their trivia skills in a live, company-wide showdown using Kahoot and our very own Doug Barnhart as the host! The questions spanned a wide range of topics—from Barton history and ESOP facts to pop culture, science, finance, food, and more. It was a fast-paced, fun-filled competition, with gift cards awarded to the top three finishers—and of course, plenty of bragging rights to go around! Congratulations to first place, Ken McLain, second place, Stephen Oskin, and third place, Mike Shafer.
Happy Hour Social
Employee-owners from each office stepped away from their desks to enjoy a well-deserved break, gathering for a relaxed happy hour filled with refreshing drinks and great conversation. The event offered more than just a change of pace—it helped strengthen connections, further collaboration, and build a stronger sense of community.
Engineering Pumpkin Chunkin’ Contest
In true Barton fashion, creativity and engineering collided in our catapult/trebuchet competition! Employee-owners put their engineering skills to the test by designing launchers either with a small catapult or trebuchet to fling candy pumpkins as far as possible. Each office crowned its own distance champion, with winners earning gift cards—and plenty of well-deserved recognition for their creative feats!
Congratulations to:
- Team JFK: Frank Campisino, Kay Mahon, and Jimmy Bates
- Team Flux Catapult: John Sundy
- Team High Voltage Hurlers: Nate Birkedal, Nick Veit, Steven Scopano
- Team “Not Mike”: Mike Lucas
- Team Squash Force One: Matt Torello, Pranit Ale Magar
Ice Cream Social
A sweet afternoon treat brought our employee-owners together for a fun and delicious break! The ice cream bar was fully stocked with all the fixings—from sprinkles and syrups to whipped cream and cherries on top. Moments like these not only satisfy our sweet tooth but also help boost morale and celebrate the great work we’re doing together.
Leadership Breakfast
To show their gratitude, our leadership team rolled up their sleeves and cooked up a delicious breakfast for employee-owners across our offices. Pancakes, sausage, eggs and bacon are always a great way to show appreciation and kick off the day.
Weekly Prize Drawings
Each week, a group of lucky employee-owners were randomly selected to receive a special prize of their choice: Barton-branded swag (including a tumbler mug, golf umbrella, cooler bag, or trucker hat), a gift card, or the opportunity to donate to a charity close to their heart. Over the course of the initiative, 32 employee-owners were chosen, with charitable donations made to organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Food Not Bombs Raleigh, State College Food Bank, Centre County PAWS, and 2nd Chance 4 Life Rescue – The Rescue Ranch Sanctuary.
Halloween Costume Contest
Our employee-owners were invited to submit a photo of themselves in costume to compete for the title of Best Halloween Costume! This activity will conclude next week after a company-wide poll. Each winner will receive a gift card and, I’m sure we will get plenty of laughs along the way.
Final Thoughts & Additional Photos
ESOP Month is more than just fun—it’s a reminder that we’re all in this together. Every effort, every idea, every win is shared. That’s the magic of employee ownership. Companies with ESOPs often experience lower employee turnover and attract talented workers who are interested in the potential for financial growth and stability. If you would like more information about Barton’s ESOP Month or our employee ownership structure, please feel free to contact Kelly Fry at klf@ba-inc.com.
