Most contractors think equity is only for big companies or tech startups. But there’s a better way to keep your best people without giving away ownership, creating tax headaches, or drowning in legal fees. In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Chris Buttenham, co-founder of Reins and author of Alternative Equity, about the basics of phantom equity and alternative equity, what they are, why they exist, and how contractors can use them to: Retain top employees Transition businesses without selling to private equity Create real incentives without napkin deals or handshake promises
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What is phantom equity? (a bonus tied to company value, not stock or liability)
What is alternative equity? (a toolbox of modern incentives beyond traditional ownership)
Why these incentives exist and why traditional equity fails for contractors
How phantom equity avoids liability, surprise tax bills, and paperwork headaches
Practical ways contractors can use alternative equity for retention and successionIf you’ve never heard of phantom equity before, this is your crash course.
Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm ET
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadio
Connect
Chris
https://www.myreins.com/
Ron
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum
https://www.ron-nussbaum.com/
BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Construction
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Website
https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/
Episode Blog
https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/what-is-phantom-equity-a-contractor%E2%80%99s-guide-to-alternative-incentives
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