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October 23, 2024 2024 ESOP Essentials

Knickerbocker Group

PHOTO courtesy


Operational Overview

Knickerbocker Group offers architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction, real estate, and property care services throughout Maine. Our team of employee-owners deeply value Maine—its environment, people, culture, and communities—and seek to deliver exceptionally surprising beauty, thought, and attention in the work we do. Knickerbocker Group is committed to delivering exceptional results on every project. We strive to make a lasting, positive impact on our clients, communities, people, business partners, and industry.

Employee Participation and Benefits

One of the guiding principles behind Knickerbocker Group’s decision to become an ESOP was the belief that the company’s success was a direct result of its employees’ collective hard work, dedication, vision, and passion. This conviction has inspired numerous employee-driven projects to evolve into new lines of business. For example, Julien Jalbert, a licensed architect, and Bill Burge, a construction manager, spearheaded the creation of a Prefabrication Division. This initiative, born from their personal passions and professional expertise three years ago, introduced sustainable, net-zero-ready Prefab Pods to Maine. What began as a mere idea is now a thriving Prefabrication Division with 14 full-time employees and promising prospects for substantial growth in the coming years.

To foster a culture of transparent communication and ensure employee-owners have ample opportunities to provide input and feel heard, our team established a Communications Committee that meets regularly and disseminates company updates to our team. Through weekly e-newsletters and an annual in-person ESOP meeting, our team is kept up to date on the state of the company, employee milestones, and Knickerbocker Group’s financial and business goals.

PHOTO courtesy

Company Culture

At Knickerbocker Group, our mission is rooted in a profound commitment to craftsmanship and integrity. We thrive on the work we do and celebrate the life we live, sharing our passion for the Maine experience with each project we undertake.

“Knickerbocker Group is a special place, where family is a priority and team members feel like family. Not only am I given the support to excel, but I love watching others on my team excel, too. The community involvement and care on behalf of Knickerbocker Group is recognized each day and a proud workplace attribute.”

Awards & Recognitions

  • Best Places to Work in Maine
  • Down East magazine’s “Best of Maine” Best Architect + Best Builder
  • AIA Maine Design Awards
  • IIDA New England Award
  • Projects frequently recognized in prestigious publications

100%

Company ownership held by employees through the ESOP

Company Info

President/CEO: Danielle Betts, president; Steve Malcom, founder and CEO

Employees: 135

Location/Headquarters: Offices in Boothbay, Portland and Brunswick, Maine; Prefabrication Facility, Wiscasset, Maine

Founded: 1978

Transitioned to ESOP: 2017