Sterling Celebrates ESOP Month with Cultural Twist

At Sterling, October 2024 was more than just a month—it was a celebration of teamwork, diversity, and the shared ownership that makes our company unique. ESOP Month (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) is a time to honor the spirit of employee ownership that drives our success and reflect on our team’s incredible contributions. This year’s theme, “ESOP Month with Cultural Flair,” brought together our shared ownership values with a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that make up Sterling.

Why ESOP Matters to Us

As an employee-owned company, every member of the Sterling team has a stake in our success. Our ESOP model fosters collaboration and accountability and ensures that our achievements directly benefit the people who contribute to them every day. This structure inspires pride, loyalty, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results—for our clients and one another.

Sterling proudly offers all employees an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We became an ESOP company in 2013, and our stock value has grown by 1,309% since then.

How We Celebrated

This October, we turned our appreciation into action with a month full of activities that highlighted the importance of our ESOP while embracing the diverse cultures of our employees. Here’s a look at how we celebrated:

• Hand Poster: Employees created a collaborative artwork showcasing their “handprints of ownership,” symbolizing their unique contributions to Sterling’s success.
• Caramel Apples: A sweet treat for everyone to enjoy as we kicked off the month.
• Cultural Potluck: Team members brought dishes representing their cultural heritage, sharing stories and flavors from around the world.
• Office Decorations: The office was adorned with flags and cultural decorations, celebrating the diversity that enriches our team.
• Mad Libs & Crossword: Fun and interactive games that kept the ESOP spirit alive while educating team members about our shared ownership.
• ️Name an ESOP Company: A competitive challenge that tested everyone’s knowledge of other ESOP organizations.
• ESOP Breakfast: A delicious morning gathering to celebrate and connect.
• Kahoot & Cultural Bingo: Engaging games that combined education and fun, bringing the team closer together.
• Halloween Party: A spooky, fun-filled event where costumes and creativity took center stage.
• Feed My Starving Children: Giving back to the community through a volunteer event that showcased the heart of employee ownership—making a difference together.

Reflecting on ESOP Month

This year’s Cultural Flair theme reminded us of the diversity that strengthens our ESOP community. From shared meals at the potluck to thoughtful discussions about different cultural traditions, every activity reinforced the values that guide Sterling: collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility.

Learn more about Sterling’s ESOP.