With a focus on lower to middle market businesses, we apply our decades of experience and proven strategies to propel them to new heights, scaling the business using our proprietary Strategies, Processes, Systems and Tools. Our team’s track record includes contributing to over 25 Inc. 5000 appearances, a testament to our commitment to growth and excellence.A winning formula for all stakeholders.Employees become Empowered Employee Owners.Companies become Stronger.

Menke & Associates is the nation's premier ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) advisory firm, founded by John Menke in 1974. We specialize in designing tax-efficient shareholder succession planning, ESOP creation and implementation, legal consulting, annual plan administration, and business valuations. Our success is driven by our talented team of ERISA lawyers, investment bankers, ESOP plan administrators, tax specialists, and accredited business valuation experts.As CEO, I work closely with founders and owners to guide them through the ESOP process, helping them transition to employee ownership in a way that benefits everyone involved. My role is focused on advising businesses to achieve their succession, liquidity, and ownership goals, leveraging my expertise in finance, tax, and strategic planning. Over my career, I have raised hundreds of millions in bank financing and other funding sources, and have created tax structures that advantage founders and business owners. I am passionate about empowering companies to realize the benefits of employee ownership and building sustainable futures for their teams.

Menke & Associates is the nations' premier ESOP (employee stock ownership) advisory firm, founded by John Menke in 1974. We design tax efficient shareholder succession planning, ESOP design and installation, legal consulting, annual plan administration, and business valuations. Our expertise is made possible through our talented ERISA lawyers, investment bankers, ESOP plan administrators, tax specialists and accredited business valuation experts. As the CFO, I wear many hats, namely finance, operations, strategy and tax.

Manage accounting and tax for a well-established SF based real estate private equity fund invested in 80+ nationwide commercial and large multi-family portfolios across the United States. Scaled the finance function to accommodate numerous investment funds.

A global corporation importing and manufacturing environmentally sound bamboo architectural products/materials. A first mover in the zero VOC LEED bamboo architectural building product category.Sourced, negotiated and maintained private label manufacturing relationships with Chinese factory partners to produce over 50 SKUs in architectural building product category. Developed dealership program to upscale green-oriented retailers, maintaining network of 30 profitable accounts.Increased customer base by 250% by developing and implementing e-commerce/e-mail marketing system to target retail customer base across United States.Marketed to architects and interior designers, specifying product on LEED-certified new construction buildings.Consolidated all buying into one factory in Asia and streamlined shipping/importing cost.