How employee-owned companies address inequities and help workers build wealth

Hard Times Cafe
The employee-owned Hard Time Cafe near Cedar and Riverside avenues in Minneapolis, July 21, 2014.
Jennifer Simonson | MPR News 2014

Imagine if you were an owner of the company you work at. Would you feel more invested in your work? Would it change your relationship with your job? 

Some companies are allowing their employees to become owners in the company, through models like co-ops or employee stock ownership plans.

Corey Rosen has studied employee ownership for years. And in his new book, “Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What,” Rosen argues that employee ownership could reshape our economy. He says that it can address wealth inequities, increase employee retention and build stronger companies. 

Guest host Chris Farrell talks with three experts about employee ownership, and what it looks like in Minnesota.

Guests: 

  • Corey Rosen is the founder and senior staff member of the National Center for Employee Ownership. He is the author of the new book “Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What.” 

  • Heather Braimbridge-Cox is the CEO and President of Windings Inc., a custom manufacturer of electric motors based in New Ulm, Minn.

  • Sue Crockett is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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