In late 2025, Indianapolis-based architecture and engineering (A/E) firm Guidon became the first company in Indiana to transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Founded in 2011 as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Guidon has grown into a team of more than 90 professionals grounded in stewardship, shared accountability, and steady leadership. As consolidation accelerated across the A/E industry, the firm faced a defining question: how do you remain independent while ensuring long-term success is shared across the entire team?

After evaluating multiple ownership paths, including acquisition and conducting a full ESOP feasibility study, Guidon chose an EOT as the structure that best aligned with its broader objectives.

Why the EOT model fit:

Protected independence in a consolidating industry
Preserved leadership continuity
Expanded financial participation across the firm
Created a clear, durable succession path

Their transition reflects Guidon’s commitment to independence and steady leadership while creating a more inclusive path for shared ownership across the firm.

Read the full case study on Guidon’s Employee Ownership Trust transition from Common Trust: https://hubs.la/Q043tJ0D0