ESOP Communications and Ownership Culture

In 1990, Mandy Cabot and her husband Peter Kjellerup co-founded Dansko, a leader in innovative comfort footwear. Since the discovery of their first product in a tiny store in Denmark, Dansko (literally translated as “Danish shoe”) now generates annual sales of approximately $150 million. Today their offering includes sandals, boots, heels, flats and many types of clogs which are sold through over 2,500 premium US and international retailers.

Number of Employees: 
185
Client Since: 
2012
Website
dansko.com
Services Delivered: 
  • Customized Leadership Development
  • ESOP Communications
  • Governance
  • Strategic Planning

Praxis then collaborated with Dansko to design and deliver ESOP education that reflected the personality of the company. Praxis continues to provide support to Dansko’s leadership team on governance and leadership development projects.In 1990, Mandy Cabot and her husband Peter Kjellerup co-founded Dansko, a leader in innovative comfort footwear. Since the discovery of their first product in a tiny store in Denmark, Dansko (literally translated as “Danish shoe”) now generates annual sales of approximately $150 million. Today their offering includes sandals, boots, heels, flats and many types of clogs which are sold through over 2,500 premium US and international retailers.Under Mandy and Peter’s leadership, Dansko has joined the ranks of companies achieving the “Inc 500 List” of fastest growing private companies and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s “Top Workplaces List.” Dansko is also the winner of the “Paradigm Award” from the Chester County Development Council; the Annual “Leadership Award” from the Delaware Valley Green Building Council; the “Triple Bottom Line Award” from the Social Business Network of Greater Philadelphia; and eight time winner of the “Footwear Plus Award for Design Excellence in Women’s Comfort.” A founding B Corporation, Dansko operates out of its LEED Certified headquarters in Chester County, PA.

Goals of Engagement

  • Facilitate planning with the leadership team on key messages and logistics of communicating the transition to 100% ESOP to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Discuss and refine overall messages relating to the ownership transition, including emphasis on continuity and reinforcement of core values.
  • Provide guidance as needed to senior leadership team on announcements, speeches and press releases.
  • Educate employees on the significance of the ESOP for sustaining the company’s independence and culture.
  • Educate employees on the ESOP’s basic features.

The Result

  • Leadership team developed a consistent message around the significance of employee ownership at Dansko.
  • Employees were educated on the basic elements of the ESOP: what it is, how it affects them, how and why it was implemented at Dansko.
  • Internal and external stakeholders received consistent messages customized to their relationship with the company.
  • Reinforced core values and identity of Dansko.

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