100% Employee-Owned Company
At Tata & Howard, employee-ownership isn’t just a benefit — it’s the foundation of who we are, how we work, and the impact we deliver for our clients and communities.
In October 2014, we transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving every eligible team member a direct ownership stake in the company through a retirement benefit plan. ESOPs are designed to reward employees based on the company’s financial performance while promoting long-term financial security.
Shared Success and Financial Reward
Our ESOP reflects a belief that those who build the company should share in its success. Participation in the plan means that employee-owners not only contribute to, but also benefit from, the continued growth and profitability of the firm. This structure encourages teamwork, accountability, and smarter decision-making at every level.
Across the country, research shows that employees in ESOP companies often see greater financial outcomes including higher wages and significantly greater retirement assets compared to peers at non-ESOP firms.
At Tata & Howard, this vision is already reflected in our results: the firm has experienced strong growth, and our employee-owners benefit from a competitive compensation and benefits package that supports their financial well-being and future security.
A Culture of Ownership and Inclusion
Employee ownership at Tata & Howard goes far beyond financial sharing — it actively shapes our culture and how we work together:
Empowerment Through Transparency
Employee-owners participate in monthly owners’ meetings where financial performance, strategic goals, and company priorities are discussed openly. This inclusive forum gives every team member a voice and builds collective understanding and accountability.
Our culture is grounded in an open-door philosophy, where ideas, questions, and perspectives are welcomed and encouraged, regardless of title or tenure. From entry-level engineers to project managers and our co-presidents, everyone works together as one team. This approach breaks down hierarchy, promotes mentorship, and ensures that collaboration and respect remain central to how we operate and make decisions.
Shared Purpose and Collaboration
With ownership comes a shared drive to do exceptional work. Our employee-owners are personally invested in quality, efficiency, and innovation — not just for themselves, but for clients, partners, and the communities we support.
Inclusive and Respectful Environment
Our ownership culture fosters trust, mutual respect, and collaboration across teams. With everyone aligned toward common goals, our workplace naturally encourages idea-sharing, mentorship, and professional growth — reinforced by an open-door mentality where all perspectives matter.
Real-World Impact
Being employee-owned strengthens how we serve our clients and communities. When our teams feel ownership of their work and their company, it translates into the following:
- Higher engagement and motivation on every project
- Greater consistency and quality in client service delivery
- Stronger long-term relationships with clients who benefit from continuity and experience
- Positive community involvement, because our work has real impact beyond balance sheets
In a profession where infrastructure, safety, and environmental stewardship matter, the pride our employee-owners bring to their work results in smarter engineering and more resilient solutions.
Why It Matters
At Tata & Howard, our ESOP is more than a retirement plan — it’s a culture driver, a team builder, and a shared commitment to excellence. It aligns our success with the success of the people who make it happen and ensures that when the company thrives, our employee-owners thrive too.
To learn more about life as an employee-owner and career opportunities with Tata & Howard, visit our Careers Page.
