Why Should Workers Be Owners? The Silent Revolution of ESOPs

Question

This Labor Day, as we celebrate labor achievements, an uncomfortable question arises: why do workers build wealth for others but do not participate in it?

The answer has a name: ESOPs (employee stock ownership plans). It is not crypto, it is not DeFi, but the mechanics are surprisingly similar: decentralizing ownership, distributing real benefits to those who create value.

The Logic That Makes Sense

Mustafa Abou-Taleb worked in marketing with a decent salary. But when he joined Proponent (, a company with ESOP ), something changed. In just over a year, his retirement fund accumulated more wealth than 15 years of disciplined saving. His wife, his newborn son—suddenly, the future stopped being scary.

But here comes the interesting part: it wasn't just the money. Abou-Taleb noticed something that Wall Street never admits—when employees are partial owners, the game changes. One of his subordinates chose a cheaper supplier saying: “It's our money.” Employee turnover collapsed because they were building wealth, not just cashing in.

It's the same principle that makes crypto holders share information in communities—when you own it, you act differently.

The Real Case: Austin Evans

Austin ran a marketing agency in Nashville. After 10 years, surprise: the founders sold 30% to the employees via ESOP. Most had never heard the term, but they understood instantly—job security + profit sharing.

Later, 3LS ( a holding 100% ownership of employees ) acquired the agency. Austin became a full owner overnight.

“I used to wait tables and write music while in debt. Saving for retirement was impossible. Now—before even the first ESOP check—my relationship with the future has changed. Anxiety has turned into peace,” says Austin.

Why Does This Matter Now?

The numbers are brutal:

In California: less than 1% of private companies offer ESOPs
In Tennessee: only 95 ESOPs across the state
But 93% of employee-owners report maximum satisfaction

Compare it with crypto: people HODL tokens from projects because they believe in decentralization, want upside, and distrust the traditional system.

Do you see the parallel? ESOPs are decentralization in the real world.

The Uncomfortable Question

While we celebrate innovation in blockchain, the traditional labor system keeps workers as perpetual precarious. They build companies valued in billions but withdraw their last paycheck without participating in the growth.

Lawmakers read stories of Mustafa and Austin ( compiled by the Expanding ESOPs coalition). The question: Will they make it easier for more workers to become owners?

Or we will continue selling the dream of financial freedom while the middle class remains employed by its own economy.

A reminder: true wealth does not come from wages. It comes from owning something that grows.