OLATHE, KS Vermeer Great Plains, a full-service construction equipment dealer with locations in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Western Missouri, is now 100 percent employee-owned through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

As part of the new ESOP structure, Scott Ryals, former General Manager of Vermeer Great Plains, has taken on responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer. He leads the dealership with a vision focused on maximizing and improving the customer experience, though this goal is nothing new for the dealer's employees.

"Since Vermeer Great Plains was founded, we have placed a high emphasis on serving our customers," Ryals said. "The new ESOP plan will only reinforce this culture as the dealership's success will directly bene t our employees who work every day to take care of our customers. We're all working toward the same goal."

Research shows that an employee ownership structure creates a positive work environment as employees all work towards a common goal. In the upcoming months, the employees of Vermeer Great Plains will be further educated about the new ESOP structure.

"The transition to the ESOP means the employees will receive an added future benefit based on how well we all grow the company," Ryals said.

Customers have always been the most important aspect of the Vermeer Great Plains vision. They can expect even better service as the company learns and grows through this transition. According to the ESOP Association, 84 percent of companies who participate agree the ESOP improved motivation and productivity. The combination of determined employees, excellent leadership and a fresh employee-owned plan is sure to be a recipe for success and outstanding customer satisfaction at Vermeer Great Plains.