Lead ESOP Trustee
Dale Stevens, APA, has more than 30 years of experience in working with ESOPs and other qualified retirement plans, with a working knowledge of:
Dale has worked with and for employers ranging from 1 to 5,000 employees. He can clearly communicate various business strategies and has the ability to translate technical jargon into easily understood language.
Dale is an Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) with the National Institute of Pension Administrators. In addition, Dale is a managing member of Break-Thru Benefits, LLC, located in Spokane, Washington. Break-Thru Benefits, LLC, provides ESOP recordkeeping and compliance administration for small- to mid-sized employers.
Dale is a member of the ESOP Association, National Center for Employee Ownership and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
Head of Legal
Chris Crago is the legal counsel for ESOP 411, where he plays a critical role in managing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). In his role, Chris provides expert legal guidance to ESOP companies nationwide, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, structuring and managing transactions, and addressing the complex legal issues that arise within ESOPs. His deep expertise in business transactions, contract drafting, federal and state taxation, and audits positions him as a key advisor for companies looking to implement and maintain ESOPs.
Before joining ESOP 411, Chris served as the director of Gonzaga Law School’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic and as a lecturer, where he taught courses on transactional law, tax law, and estate planning. In addition to his academic work, Chris spent over 13 years in private practice, focusing on business law, estate planning, taxation, and audits, giving him extensive experience in the areas that are essential to his current role at ESOP 411.
Chris is licensed to practice law before the United States Tax Court, the Eastern District of Washington, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His broad legal background and experience in both academia and private practice make him an invaluable asset in helping ESOP companies navigate the intricacies of employee ownership, ensuring long-term success and legal compliance across the nation.
Market Analysis Expert
Tyler Chamberlain brings a fresh perspective to ESOP 411’s ESOP trustee services, combining a strong foundation in business and marketing with a detail-oriented approach to management. A graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in business. Tyler is skilled in analyzing data, optimizing processes, and delivering results.
Prior to joining ESOP 411, Tyler honed his skills by overseeing the digital marketing efforts for both large and small businesses, including managing websites and running targeted marketing campaigns. This role required strategic planning, financial oversight of budgets, and proficiency in todays innovative technologies to drive growth and efficiency.
When not assisting clients, Tyler is actively expanding his expertise in finance and governance to better serve the unique needs of ESOP companies. He is committed to supporting employee-owned businesses with integrity, diligence, and a focus on long-term success.
At ESOP 411, we specialize in managing and overseeing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), offering expert legal counsel and fiduciary support to ensure the success and sustainability of employee-owned businesses. With decades of experience in ESOP administration and trust services, we guide businesses through the entire ESOP process—from the initial transition to employee ownership to the ongoing management and operation of the plan.
As an ESOP trustee, we serve as a critical partner to our clients, providing independent fiduciary oversight that ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and safeguards the interests of both the company and its employee-owners. Our comprehensive services include strategic advice on plan design, assistance with plan governance, regular valuation reviews, and support in participant communications to foster a strong culture of ownership.
We take pride in not just helping businesses transition to an ESOP structure, but also in providing long-term guidance and support to help your ESOP thrive. By acting as your trusted advisor and fiduciary, we work to maximize the value of your ESOP and help it remain a successful tool for employee engagement, growth, and wealth-building for years to come.
At ESOP 411, our team is composed of seasoned professionals with deep expertise in ESOP administration, business law, and employee ownership. We work closely with a diverse range of companies—each with unique goals and challenges—to design and implement ESOPs that align with their long-term vision. Our collaborative approach ensures that we truly understand the needs of each business, allowing us to tailor our solutions for maximum impact. Whether working with closely-held family businesses or large enterprises, we bring the same level of dedication and personalized service to help our clients navigate the complexities of ESOPs. By fostering strong, transparent relationships and offering strategic guidance, we empower businesses to create a thriving employee ownership culture that drives success and sustained growth.
As an ESOP trustee, we serve as a critical partner to our clients, providing independent fiduciary oversight that ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and safeguards the interests of both the company and its employee-owners. Our comprehensive services include strategic advice on plan design, assistance with plan governance, regular valuation reviews, and support in participant communications to foster a strong culture of ownership.
We take pride in not just helping businesses transition to an ESOP structure, but also in providing long-term guidance and support to help your ESOP thrive. By acting as your trusted advisor and fiduciary, we work to maximize the value of your ESOP and help it remain a successful tool for employee engagement, growth, and wealth-building for years to come.
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