Strategizing an ESOP to Maximize Value 

ESOPs are considered by privately held companies to be effective in providing tax-advantaged cash flow to a majority shareholder as an exit takes place – beyond that objective, ESOPs offer ownership opportunity to employees.  This structure aligns leadership and employees behind what it takes to add value to the company; hence themselves. Our panel of experts will provide insight into ESOP benefits for investors, board members and stakeholders. 

Overview

4:00 - 4:30 pm Optional Member Orientation
4:00 -5:00 pm Networking, bites and beverages
5:00 - 6:00 pm Panel
6:00 pm – Wrap up and additional networking
Parking: In the building is $15, and there is also street parking.

Registration 

$30 Member Registration Fee
$60 Non-Member Registration Fee

Register

Panelists

Doug Dell Executive Director, JPM ESOP Advisory Group JPM Private Bank

As an Executive Director in JP Morgan's ESOP Advisory Group, Doug is dedicated to advising bankers and their clients on ESOP structures. Prior to joining JP Morgan in 2024, Doug founded a nationwide ESOP Practice for a large regional bank providing employee-owned companies with commercial financing, wealth management, and employer solutions. Doug developed his knowledge of ESOPs while serving as the CFO of a diecast die manufacturer, a partial ESOP company located in the Midwest. He continued his ESOP involvement with Goelzer Investment Banking, performing ESOP valuations, feasibility studies, and other corporate advisory services. While at Goelzer, he received the American Institute of CPA's Accredited in Business Valuation designation (ABV). Doug graduated cum laude with a BA degree from DePauw University and an MBA from Indiana University's Kelly School of Business. He is a CPA, a member of the ESOP Association's Finance Committee, and currently serves as Chairman of the Colorado Governor's Employee Ownership Commission.

Robert Delgado Principle-in-Charge Compensation and Benefits Group Washington National Tax, KPMG

Mr. Delgado is the Principal-in-Charge of the Compensation and Benefits Group for KPMG’s Washington National Tax Practice. The Compensation and Benefits Group is responsible for providing advice to KPMG professionals and clients regarding the federal taxation of a wide range of compensation and benefit matters, including qualified retirement plans and executive/management compensation arrangements such as equity, profits interest, nonqualified deferred compensation, employment, incentive, change in control, and severance arrangements.
Mr. Delgado also has extensive experience in transactional settings, having advised clients in connection with mergers, asset and stock acquisitions, joint ventures, spin-offs, etc., including pre-deal diligence, structuring, and post-deal transition matters. This experience includes reviewing arrangements for potential liabilities and tax compliance as well as quantifying and/or mitigating deduction timing and/or limitations (such as Section 280G Golden Parachutes).
Mr. Delgado served on the AICPA Employee Benefits Tax Technical Resources Panel, presents on compensation and benefit matters both internally and at professional conferences (ABA, TEI, NASPP, AICPA, NSAC, etc.), has authored or contributed to several articles for industry publications, including Tax Analyst, Tax Notes, Bloomberg, BNA, and Corporate Business Taxation Monthly, and appeared on programs for NPR, CNBC, etc..

Marsh Lavenue Independent Board Member, CEO

Marsh Lavenue is an accomplished CEO, board member and geoscientist with over 25 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and culture in middle-market domestic and international companies. Marsh serves on several boards, including Chair of Brand Revolution, a $100M international marketing, media, merchandising and events agency; Independent Advisory Board Member of DKS Associates, a $50M transportation engineering firm in Portland OR, Chair of East Boulder County Water District; and Advisory Board Member of Titan CEO 100 Colorado. From 2008-2025, he also served as Board Chair and CEO of INTERA Incorporated, a $65M international water supply engineering and data analytics consulting firm, and its international subsidiaries in France and Australia. .

Jim Ciesla President & CEO Brinkman Construction

Jim Ciesla is the President & CEO of Brinkman Construction and an original owner who has been integral to shaping the company since its founding. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, he built his early career with a national design-build development and construction firm in Phoenix. When he joined Brinkman Construction in 2005, Jim grew into his current role from the ground up, acting as a project manager, superintendent, and preconstruction manager on some of the company’s earliest projects.

In 2016, Jim helped lead a pivotal milestone in Brinkman Construction’s history by championing the transition to a 100% employee-owned ESOP. Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its ownership culture and scaled its performance, driving sustained growth while keeping long-term stability, accountability, and relationship-first execution at the center of decision-making.

Brinkman Construction celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, and Jim is focused on advancing the company’s mission to create an environment where employee-owners thrive. He brings an “all in” mindset to strategy, operations, and partnerships. In doing so, he reinforces the advantage of employee ownership: a team of owners committed to exceptional outcomes for clients, collaborators, and the communities Brinkman Construction serves.

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