Four Dimensions Landscape Company becomes worker-owned
Transition supported by Project Equity, Employee Ownership Catalyst Fund
Four Dimensions Landscape Company, an award-winning landscaping, construction and maintenance firm based in Oakland, CA, recently transitioned to a worker-owned cooperative. Project Equity, a national leader in employee ownership transitions, guided Four Dimensions and its 18 workers through the process.
Founded in 1984 by Michael Thilgen and Linda Juratovac, Four Dimensions has built a reputation for its ecological design approach that creates native habitats and utilizes sustainable landscape practices, serving East Bay residential clients interested in creating habitats in their gardens using California native plants. As the owners prepared for retirement, they sought a succession plan that aligned with their values of fairness and equal opportunity. Transitioning the business to employee ownership ensures the continuation of their legacy and empowers their workers to share in the company’s success.
Project Equity provided hands-on support throughout the process from financial analysis and the design of the employee ownership structure to negotiating the terms of the sale. Throughout, they engaged, trained and supported the company’s managers and employees.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been watching the transition team evolve from thinking like employees to embracing their roles as worker-owners,” said Laura Flores, Senior Client Services Manager at Project Equity. “This team, representing various facets of the business, has successfully leaned on each other’s strengths to contribute to a successful transition. I’m excited to see how they will continue to utilize their unique skills to strengthen the company and serve the interests of all worker-owners.”
Four Dimensions was awarded a forgivable loan from Project Equity’s Employee Ownership Catalyst Fund, which helps businesses offset the costs of transitioning to worker ownership. Additionally, the company received funding from a SEED Grant, an initiative funding immigrant entrepreneurs growing or starting businesses in California. The transition at Four Dimensions is a powerful example of how businesses can preserve their mission while empowering their workforce for long-term success.
