Shared Equity Ownership Summit: Session 2 – Worker Ownership Roundtable
Process of starting and converting worker cooperatives
Challenges of building a culture of shared ownership
Historical context and research in cooperative development
Impact of immigration on labor, workforce, and business models
Role of technical assistance and organizational support
Capital stacking and financial structures for co-op transitions
Government policy as a barrier or enabler for cooperative contracting
Full Document Analysis
Notable Quotes (3)
When our ancestors came to this country they were excluded from the economy and so what did they do they pushed push carts and sold things out of their push cart.
If you can't [take care of clients] it's going to be hard to have a successful business so that was just a thought which I why I think it takes so long.
It has been a very complex process difficult we have been doing a lot of research and work on what does that look like for folks who are undocumented.
People (4)
Christina NicholsonCo-op DeveloperWorks with Nexus Community Partners; facilitates discussions on cooperative development.
Works with Nexus Community Partners; facilitates discussions on cooperative development.
Leah Goldstein MosesFounderFormer owner of the Improved Group, now a fully owned worker cooperative.
1 quote
Former owner of the Improved Group, now a fully owned worker cooperative.
“If you are really moving towards this employee ownership idea... you're going to need to stop being the one to come in and solve problems.”
Reflecting on shifting from a sole leader to a shared ownership model.
Marty RuddyFounderFounder of Terra Forma, a construction company transitioned to a worker co-op in 2013.
1 quote
Founder of Terra Forma, a construction company transitioned to a worker co-op in 2013.
“We're figuring it out for sure... it's been a process.”
Describing the reality of managing a democratic workplace.
Daniel deloroFounderFounder of a future Builders Cooperative; focused on addressing wage theft and labor issues.
1 quote
Founder of a future Builders Cooperative; focused on addressing wage theft and labor issues.
“In our culture... it's all about you being the worker... owning your own business was like what are you kidding me is that even possible?”
Discussing cultural barriers to cooperative ownership.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- Morning panel discussion on cooperative development
- October 31st: Terra Forma's co-op anniversary