We’re writing today to share some exciting news with you — PlanForce is becoming employee-owned.
For nearly 40 years, PlanForce has worked to help clients create spaces where people and businesses can thrive. With this shift to employee ownership, we’re living our values by working to ensure that our staff can thrive — and helping to secure the future of PlanForce for the next 40 years.
PlanForce has inked a deal to work with Teamshares, a venture-capital-backed firm that helps small and medium-sized businesses transition to employee-ownership. As soon as the deal was signed, Teamshares immediately granted shares of the company to the employees. In addition, employee ownership will grow over time, until PlanForce employees eventually own 80% of the company.
So, what does this mean for our clients and industry partners? Everything here will continue to be business-as-usual. Weld is staying with the company for a 12-month transition, and he will serve as a director of the company on our board after that. Ryan is stepping into the role of President to lead day-to-day operations. All other employees will remain in place, to ensure the continued success of our Twin Cities commercial architecture and interior design projects.
The intent behind this ownership transition is that if we hadn’t told you, you probably would have never noticed. All aspects of our business will continue to operate as before — and at the level of excellence you have come to expect from the PlanForce team.
We’re very proud of PlanForce and the business we’ve built over the past 40 years, and we’re excited about the move to employee ownership. We believe it will help us serve our clients even better than before. If you have any questions about the transition, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Weld Ransom, CID WELL
Weld brings more than 35 years of experience in helping business maximize the utility and beauty of their real estate assets. He believes that your facility is more than a line item on a ledger that needs to be “managed.” Whether a business uses a factory, store, clinic, or office, that facility should be a positive force in the success of the business. Design is the tool to make that happen.
Ryan Schroeder, AIA
Ryan has more than 18 years of professional experience and is president of PlanForce. He holds degrees in architecture and environmental science from North Dakota State University, as well as certifications from NCARB and AIA.
