Recently, I connected with Optimax CEO Rick Plympton to discuss his design of an innovative employee ownership trust transition plan for his company. Optimax ownership created a new nonprofit perpetual trust that owns the company. The trust’s purposes include ensuring the business will not be sold to another entity, will continue monthly profit sharing with employees, and will position the company for ongoing growth. This approach will provide for the eventual retirement of the owners while also buttressing the resiliency of the company and ensuring it continues to contribute to the region’s economic and social needs. Rick is a leading business voice in Rochester, New York. Based on his efforts, he was selected as an Aspen Institute Job Quality Fellow. He has been a wonderful thought partner on strategies to build better jobs for America’s workers. This conversation is part of our Job Quality in Practice series, and we’re grateful to Prudential Financial for their support of this work.