MKSK Becomes an Employee-Owned Company
MKSK, Inc. is proud to announce that it has become an employee- owned company through the creation of a new ESOP (employee stock ownership plan).
MKSK, announced that it has created an employee stock ownership plan to provide “long-term ownership and organizational stability that will ensure that talent stays intact to service our clients and secure the Company’s future for its employees and the local communities where we practice”.
“The move to an ESOP will only enhance the creative design and planning leadership of MKSK” Brian Kinzelman, FASLA, AICP, LEED AP, who will continue in his current position as CEO, said.
Brian added, “As we look to the future, our practice is increasingly in demand as we face the societal problems of our time. Our assemblage of talent has been intentional, and the retention of these incredible professionals ensures our ability to continually address our communities’ needs. This ownership structure provides for the long-term stability of this collection of colleagues, continuation of the practice past the founding generation, and increased service to our clients.”
Principal and COO, Tim Schmalenberger, FASLA, adds: "I am privileged to work with our gifted designers and planners, and it is an honor to pass the firm ownership and future leadership to our employees. I am extremely excited about our bright future together”. “MKSK has a strong collaborative philosophy which allows us to bring diverse talents together to create successful projects. The MKSK approach has always focused on exceeding expectations through creativity, community, and teamwork.”
Under this plan, ownership of the company is held in the ESOP Trust, and all employees participate. This is designed as a long-term retirement benefit, with the employees’ accounts increasing as the value of the business increases.
MKSK has formed a new Board of Directors of Principal practice leaders with Brian Kinzelman, FASLA, AICP, LEED AP, serving as the company CEO, Tim Schmalenberger, FASLA, serving as COO and Board Members Chris Hermann, AICP, and Darren Meyer, PLA, AICP. Cara Bobcheck, Senior Director, Insight & Strategy, Global Prairie, Washington, D.C. will serve as the outside board member.
MKSK will also benefit from the strategic advice of an Advisory Board including Chris Ronayne, President of University Circle, Cleveland Ohio; Paul Russell, Director of Landscape Architecture Graduate Programs & Associate Professor, Clemson School of Architecture, Clemson, South Carolina; and C.K. Satyapriya, President & CEO, CTL Engineering, Columbus, Ohio.
Through MKSK’s ESOP, employees will earn shares in the business while working for the Company. The ESOP benefit is funded entirely by Company contributions and requires no out-of-pocket investment by employees. It enables all employees to share in the firm’s long-term growth and success.
