LiveOak Living Community Is Proud To Be Employee Owned
LiveOak Living Community believes that the heart of our success lies in our people. Our dedication to creating an exceptional community living experience for our residents is reflected in every aspect of our work. To ensure that our team remains deeply invested in our community's growth, success, and future, we are proud to introduce our Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This innovative initiative empowers our employees to take an active role in the ownership and success of the organization, making them stakeholders in the future of LiveOak Living Community.
What is an Employee Ownership Trust?
An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a business structure where a trust holds a controlling stake in a company on behalf of its employees.
Unlike direct stock ownership or stock options, employees do not individually own shares but benefit from company profits and long-term stability.
The purpose of an EOT is to promote employee engagement, shared financial success, and sustainable business continuity.
At LiveOak Living Community, we’ve embraced the EOT model to foster a culture of collaboration, shared purpose, and long-term commitment.
By transitioning to employee ownership, we reinforce our core values—respect, community,
and integrity—while ensuring our community focused services thrive for future generations.
The Structure of an EOT
Employees in an Employee Ownership Trust do not have to buy shares or invest their capital.
Instead, the shares are held in a trust, managed by trustees who represent the employees’ interests.
The trust distributes benefits based on factors such as tenure, position, and the organization's overall performance.
Employees gain ownership rights over time, allowing them to build wealth,
have a say in business decisions, and benefit from the company's financial success.
For LiveOak Living Community, this means that our employees are no longer just workers—they are partners in the mission to
provide absolute care and support to our residents.
They play an integral role in the development of new programs, the enhancement of services, and the day-to-day success of our operations.
The Benefits of Employee Ownership
Employee ownership goes beyond just giving staff a stake in the company’s success. It creates a mutually beneficial environment where the interests of both employees and the organization are aligned. Here are some of the key benefits of an EOT for our team and the community at LiveOak Living Community:
Increased Engagement and Motivation
One of the primary benefits of an EOT is the significant increase in employee engagement. When employees become owners, they have a deeper emotional and financial investment in the success of the company. This enhanced sense of ownership fosters greater motivation and commitment to the organization’s mission, leading to higher productivity, improved quality of service, and an overall more positive work environment.
A Stronger Sense of Community
LiveOak Living Community has always prided itself on the strong sense of community that exists within our walls. With an Employee Ownership Trust, this sense of belonging is taken to the next level. Employees are no longer just part of the workforce—they are integral contributors to the success of the entire community. By working together toward common goals, we can create a more cohesive and supportive atmosphere for our staff and residents.
Long-Term Stability and Growth
For an organization to thrive, it needs stability.
The EOT structure ensures long-term sustainability by encouraging employee retention and fostering a deeper sense of loyalty.
Employees who have ownership in the company are more likely to remain with the organization,
reducing turnover and the associated costs of recruitment and training.
This creates a more experienced, knowledgeable team that can drive the company’s growth and success over time.
Additionally, as the trust grows and the organization prospers, the benefits to employees increase, creating a virtuous cycle of shared success.
This also enables LiveOak Living Community to expand its services, enhance its facilities, and continue improving the quality of life for our residents.
Improved Decision Making and Innovation
Employee owned companies often benefit from better decision-making processes.
With the EOT in place, our employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table,
provide innovative solutions, and contribute to the direction of the organization.
This results in more thoughtful, creative, and effective decision-making,
ultimately leading to better outcomes for our employees and residents.
In a dynamic industry like community living, adaptability and innovation are key.
By empowering our employees to contribute to strategic decisions,
we ensure that Live Oak Living Community remains at the forefront of innovation,
continually meeting the needs of our residents and staying ahead of industry trends.
A Commitment to Our Residents and Community
At LiveOak Living Community, our commitment to the well-being of our residents has always been at the core of everything we do. Introducing the Employee Ownership Trust strengthens this commitment, as it creates an even stronger connection between our team and the residents they serve. When employees feel invested in the organization, they are more likely to go above and beyond to ensure that residents receive the highest care and attention.
Resident Centered Care
Our employees play a direct role in shaping the services and programs that cater to the needs of our residents.
With an EOT, every employee becomes part of a team that is dedicated to providing the best possible care and support.
From creating personalized care plans to ensuring a warm and welcoming environment, our team’s commitment to excellence is unwavering.
Additionally, employee ownership fosters a greater understanding of the broader goals of LiveOak Living Community.
By involving employees in decision-making and business practices, we can continuously adapt and improve our offerings to meet the changing needs of our residents.
This results in a more personalized, flexible, and responsive service.
Contributing to the Local Economy
As a Texas-based community, LiveOak Living Community is deeply committed to supporting and growing the local economy.
The Employee Ownership Trust model helps retain wealth within the community by promoting long-term job stability and
creating opportunities for employees to build wealth through ownership.
This benefits not only our employees but also the local businesses and families that rely on the success of LiveOak Living Community.
Through employee ownership, we can invest in our people, creating a more vibrant and economically sustainable community.
As our employees succeed, the local economy flourishes, making LiveOak Living Community an anchor of growth and prosperity in Texas.
Looking to the Future
The introduction of the Employee Ownership Trust at LiveOak Living Community is just the beginning.
We are committed to building a sustainable future for our employees, residents, and the entire Texas community.
The EOT model empowers our team to take an active role in shaping the future of our organization,
ensuring that we continue to provide outstanding care and services for years to come.
By embracing employee ownership, we are setting a new standard for community care in Texas—one that prioritizes collaboration,
engagement, and a shared vision for success.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our mission of creating a caring, innovative,
and thriving environment where our residents and employees can flourish.
Hear From the Founder of LiveOak Living Community
In this insightful video, David Seaton, Founder of LiveOak Living Community,
discusses the conceptualization of the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and why it was chosen over an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
He explains how the shift in perspective on legacy as a business owner led to the decision to embrace employee ownership,
highlighting its benefits in providing a smooth transition from active involvement to retirement.
David also explores the financial advantages of the EOT model, emphasizing how it fosters long term sustainability for both employees and the community,
while aligning with the core values of LiveOak Living Community.
San Marcos Daily Record reports on LiveOak Living Community's transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
This change aims to empower staff and ensure that the community's values continue to guide its future growth and care.
Read the article
here.
Empowering Growth & Community through
Employee Ownership
LiveOak Living Community’s Employee Ownership Trust marks a pivotal moment in our organization’s evolution.
By empowering our employees with ownership and a stake in the community's future,
we are fostering a stronger, more engaged, and more sustainable environment for everyone involved.
The EOT model reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care for our residents while investing in our employees' well-being and success.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Texas, where collaboration and shared purpose are the cornerstones of success.