Client Overview
Ripple of Change is a social purpose publication that is designed to pair stories with actions. It offers curated stories of people making change in their communities, educational tools, and like minded organizations with which you can engage.
Challenge
The publication was primarily led by a co-founder who, as the driving force behind the initiative and the business incorporation, held 100% of the equity. However, the Founder sought to create a more inclusive equity model—one that acknowledged past contributions and incentivized future efforts for the team that had come together to support the publication.
While a strong sense of shared purpose had enabled the successful launch of three publications, long-term sustainability required a well-structured revenue model with the potential for financial returns. Additionally, there needed to be a clear mechanism to fairly recognize the contributions of the broader team.
Solution
Firefly Insights worked with Ripple of Change to develop an equity structure that acknowledges past contributions while motivating future performance. The solution involved redistributing existing equity and reserving a portion that team members can unlock by meeting key performance indicators aligned with the publication’s growth. The structure also allows for future company expansion and team development.
Results
- A more equitable ownership model was implemented, ensuring team members were recognized for both past contributions and future efforts.
- The introduction of performance-based equity unlocks created stronger incentives for growth and engagement.
- The new structure positioned the company for future expansion, allowing for additional team growth and investment in new initiatives.
Testimonial
Working with Jennifer and Firefly Insights to build our employee equity plan was transformative for our small business. She expertly guided us through an unfamiliar and complex area, translating complicated concepts into clear, actionable steps. Jennifer developed a plan that aligned with our needs and values, giving our team confidence in our approach to equity.
Thanks to her guidance, we now have a sustainable framework that positions our business for long-term success. I highly recommend Jennifer an invaluable advisor for any small business owner navigating employee equity planning.– Whitney Larson, Ripple of Change
Conclusion
By implementing a more inclusive and performance-driven equity model, Ripple of Change transitioned from a founder-led structure to one that fosters shared ownership and long-term sustainability. The new framework not only strengthens the financial foundation of the publication but also aligns incentives with growth, ensuring continued success for both the team and the business.