Case Study

LunchByte Systems

ESOP Communications and Ownership Culture

LunchByte Systems (“LBS”), based in Rochester, NY, contacted Praxis in the midst of its first ESOP transaction. LBS wanted Praxis to guide the organization in developing its ownership messages and establish a strong start to its journey as an employee-owned company. Praxis provided initial consultation with LBS’ leadership team to help them consider implications of its ESOP for its culture and to work out the framework for its communication. Praxis then collaborated with LBS to design and deliver ESOP education in a manner that reflected the values and personality of the selling shareholders and the new leadership.  Praxis continues to provide support to the LBS leadership team and employee committee.  

LunchByte Systems (the home of NUTRIKIDS) is committed to providing the best school foodservice management products and support. LBS has created an entire suite of school foodservice software applications ranging from Back Office Management to Point of Sale solution. LBS has developed online nutrition education tools for parents, children, and educators and established an unmatched reputation for training, customer service, and technical support.
NUTRIKIDS is used in over 8,400 school districts in all 50 states across the country. LBS has trained more than 12,000 school foodservice professionals nationwide.

Goals of Engagement

Facilitate discussion with the leadership team on how employee ownership will support larger business objectives
Discuss and refine overall messages relating to the ownership transition, including emphasis on continuity and reinforcement of core values
Educate employees on the significance of the ESOP for the company and its basic elements through the design and delivery of initial ESOP announcement and information sessions
Advise on the creation, role and membership of the ESOP Communications Committee
Provide ongoing support around ESOP communications, including on-site presentations for the annual statement and communications committee consultations

Results

Leadership team gained a consistent understanding of the core messages and vision of employee ownership at LBS
Educated employees on the basic elements of the ESOP: what it is, how it affects them, how and why it was implemented at LBS.
Generated understanding of individual role in driving company performance
Reinforced core values of the organization
Created desire for leadership team and Communications Committee to think more deeply about how the ESOP can be integrated into the company’s culture
The company created an ESOP Communications Committee with representation from every area of the company, focusing on education and training around the ESOP and business literacy
Organization Type
Employee-Owned, Food Service, Software
Number of Employees
75
Client Since
2010