What Employee Ownership Really Means at Baker Roofing
December 11, 2025
In this second part of our ESOP conversation, John Matthews, President of Baker Roofing Company, joins hosts Todd Kavanaugh and Matthew Elban to get brutally honest about what employee ownership really means for Baker Roofing Company. John unpacks why ESOP isn’t a magic switch but a game enhancer that amplifies what already made Baker special: pride in craftsmanship, long-term relationships, and a culture that puts people and families first.
In this second part of our ESOP conversation, John Matthews, President of Baker Roofing Company, joins hosts Todd Kavanaugh and Matthew Elban to get brutally honest about what employee ownership really means for Baker Roofing Company. John unpacks why ESOP isn’t a magic switch but a game enhancer that amplifies what already made Baker special: pride in craftsmanship, long-term relationships, and a culture that puts people and families first.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to leverage the economy of culture as a measurable business advantage
- Why loss of control and administrative complexity are actually advantages in disguise
- The honest trade-offs between ESOP and maximum financial returns
- How to recognize the starting line mentality for sustainable long-term growth
- The heritage framework for driving a daily ownership mentality
John Matthews is a seasoned industry veteran at Baker Roofing Company who spearheaded the strategic transition to 100% employee ownership, bringing decades of roofing industry expertise to the conversation. With deep knowledge of market consolidation, competitive positioning, and organizational strategy, John provides invaluable insights into how employee ownership creates tangible competitive advantages beyond philosophy.
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:43] Pride, Family, and Ownership
- [05:21] Competing with National Platforms
- [08:32] The Economy of Culture
- [11:36] Why ESOP Isn’t for Everyone
- [17:14] Heritage, Legacy, and the Medal of Honor Analogy
- [21:27] Waking Up as an Owner
Episode Resources:
Under The Roof is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so