Expanding Access to Employee Ownership: Noelle St.Clair Lentz Featured on the Alternative Exit Podcast

We’re excited to share that Noelle St. Clair Lentz, CEO and Co‑Founder of Allivate Impact Capital, recently joined host Andy Farquharson on the Alternative Exit podcast. This episode dives deep into how innovative financing structures are making employee ownership more attainable for small and midsize businesses—and why this model is a powerful driver of generational wealth and long-term economic resilience.

How Innovative Capital Structures Expand Access to Employee Ownership

In the interview, Noelle explains how creative, impact‑aligned investment strategies are helping more founders transition their businesses to employee ownership models, including ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans). She shares insights from the Allivate Employee Ownership Fund, highlighting:

• How nontraditional capital structures are removing barriers to employee ownership
• Why employee‑owned companies often see stronger long‑term performance
• The measurable social impact created through shared prosperity and wealth‑building for workers

These strategies demonstrate that impact investing and strong financial returns can go hand‑in‑hand.

Case Study: A R T & Associates Becomes 100% Employee Owned

Noelle also highlights the recent employee ownership transition of A R T & Associates, a national experiential design firm. The company became 100% employee owned through an ESOP—proving that employee ownership isn’t only for large corporations.

Key details from the transaction:

• A R T & Associates is a 20+ person creative firm, not a large enterprise
• The transition was led by Southeast Acquisition Capital (SEAC)
• Financing was provided by Allivate Impact Capital
• The outcome demonstrates that small businesses can successfully leverage ESOPs as a succession solution

This story underscores that employee ownership is accessible, flexible, and capable of preserving both the legacy and future growth of small businesses.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧Alternative Exit Podcast

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify
• YouTube

We’re proud to support founders, operators, and teams as they pursue transitions to employee ownership—unlocking what’s possible when creative financing meets mission‑driven leadership.

Companion Episode: The Operator’s Perspective with Geoffrey Easterling

Listeners can also explore the companion episode featuring Geoffrey Easterling, CEO of A R T & Associates. Geoff offers an operator‑level view into how Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) aligns with employee ownership.

He shares how stepping into leadership after an ESOP transition:

• Can accelerate growth
• Protects the company’s creative identity and culture
• Builds meaningful wealth for employees
• Reduces the risks associated with starting a business from scratch

His experience showcases how ETA and employee ownership can work together to create long‑term value for both the business and its people.

Geoffrey Easterling Podcast Episode on Apple Podcast.