Employee Owned

In 2002, the decision was made to transfer ownership of the company to the employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). For our organization, shared ownership helps promote a positive, unique organizational culture and supports the company’s success. The ESOP is also designed to assist our employees with their retirement and provide them with a financial stake in the company. For our customers and partners, we are empowered to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions. At all levels of the company, you’ll be working with an employee owner – individuals who are invested in the success of the company and the quality of service we deliver.

Wright Service Corp. is proud to be employee-owned since 2002, and 100 percent employee-owned since 2006.

Hear Wright Service Corp. President & CEO Austin Kennedy explain the company’s journey to becoming an employee-owned company, and what it means to be an employee owner in the video below.

Why Did Wright Service Corp. Become an ESOP?

Wright Service Corp. became employee-owned because we care about our employees and their communities. The company’s founder, John L. Wright, passed Wright Tree Service on to his son, John R. Wright, in the early 1980s. When a second transition plan became necessary, John R. Wright wanted to share the success of the company with the employees. He had complete confidence in the future of the company in their hands. The ESOP enables employees to directly affect profitability and value, and see the results. Owning shares is a unique opportunity for employees to influence the value of their retirement or other savings. They have pride in the company and a vested interest in making sure the value of their account grows. The ESOP has also allowed the company to protect jobs and support the communities we work in.

What Other Companies Operate as ESOPs?

Wright Service Corp. is among thousands of other ESOP companies. Check out the most recent announcement of the largest employee-owned companies in the U.S. from the National Center of Employee Ownership. You’ll find us on the list!

Employee Owner of the Year Award

In October 2018, Wright Service Corp. announced an award program called the Employee Owner of the Year Award. This program serves as recognition for an employee within the Wright Service Corp. family of companies who is an outstanding citizen, exhibits the characteristics of an employee owner and the values of our company, and makes contributions in the best interest of the company. For details and to nominate an employee, click here.

The ESOP Association

Wright Service Corp. is an active member and chapter sponsor of the Iowa/Nebraska Chapter of The ESOP Association, an organization educating about and advocating for ESOPs.

Awards

In April of 2021, Wright Service Corp. was named ESOP Company of the Year by The ESOP Association Iowa/Nebraska Chapter. Wright Service Corp. was 1 of 18 companies considered and was selected to be 1 of 5 finalists.