Strength in Shared Ownership
October is ESOP Month, a time to celebrate the power of employee ownership and the unique ways it strengthens our company and its culture. At Harman Construction, being an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company allows our team members to share in the success of the company while contributing to the communities we serve.
A Legacy of Ownership
Harman Construction’s journey started in 1971 as Harman Farm Supplies, founded by Carl and his brother Orton. By the 1980s, the company had transitioned into commercial construction, and over the years, Carl focused on building a strong team he could trust. In 2019, the company officially became an ESOP, giving employees the opportunity to own a stake in the business they help grow every day.
An ESOP isn’t just a financial structure, it’s a culture. Our Harman team is more engaged, more invested in their work, and empowered to make a real difference. “Just going to a job and doing a task can be boring,” Nancy shared, “but when you feel like you’re part of this company and this ESOP, and you see the valuation go up, it’s really something else.”
Employee Ownership, Community Impact
As an employee-owned company, our ownership mindset shows up in how we serve our communities. One of Harman’s core values is building strong local connections, and we live this value out by supporting Breast Cancer Awareness, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, the Special Olympics, Central Valley Habitat for Humanity, and our work with the Isaiah 117 House. When people have a stake in the company, they invest beyond the job site, bringing time, resources, and heart to the causes that strengthen the places we call home.
Why ESOPs Matter
Employee ownership fosters collaboration, accountability, and pride, while ensuring that success is shared among the people who make it possible. For Harman Construction, being an ESOP means we can celebrate every achievement knowing our team members benefit directly and can use that success to create positive change in our communities.
