In this episode, Tommy D sits down with Marie Davis and Matthew Epperson from the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership (GACEO) to unpack how business owners can use succession planning to keep companies, jobs, and legacies in their communities. They outline the three major models of broad-based employee ownership—ESOPs (a regulated retirement trust invested in the company), worker cooperatives (direct ownership with patronage profit sharing), and employee ownership trusts (EOTs) (mission-driven trusts that share value broadly)—and explain when each fits. Key clarifications: employees don’t pay to join an ESOP, governance typically remains with a board, and sellers may access tax advantages such as a §1042 capital-gains rollover (for ESOPs and co-ops). The conversation anchors these ideas in the “silver tsunami” of boomer-owned businesses and why proactive planning preserves local economies.

Marie and Matthew share real-world examples: Clegg Auto’s EOT-backed expansion that kept Augusta’s Regency Auto open with the same team and a new profit-sharing purpose trust; the growth of Love Is Love Cooperative Farm from five founders to 20 employees; and Athens-based JOMA Construction, which went 100% ESOP early, aligning a young workforce around long-term wealth building and retention. Beyond the why and how, they highlight practical on-ramps for owners and advisors—GACEO’s Employee Ownership Ambassador Program and Exit Pro 101—and point to a national ecosystem of state centers (via EOX) that can match companies with experienced legal, accounting, valuation, and financing partners.

If you’re a founder, CFO/CPA, exit planner, or community leader exploring alternatives to traditional M&A, this episode shows how to transition ownership to employees, protect culture, and keep profits local. Learn more at GACEO.org and connect with Tommy D to continue the conversation.

• Discover how Smile Farms connects agriculture with advocacy

• Learn how meaningful employment creates lifelong impact

• Be inspired by Steve’s personal and professional journey—from global brands to grassroots change

🍽️ This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic

We’re planting seeds of purpose and possibility with Steve McDermott, Managing Director of Smile Farms, an organization redefining inclusion through meaningful work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. 🌱✨

This week, we explore “Harvesting Dignity, Growing Futures.” From his early days at Unilever and PepsiCo to leading strategic impact at Smile Farms, Steve’s journey is rooted in passion, innovation, and purpose. Join us for a conversation about employment, empowerment, and how farms are cultivating more than just crops—they’re cultivating community.

🕙 Tune in Friday, October 24th at 10 AM EST to hear how Smile Farms is transforming lives—one job, one person, one harvest at a time. 🎧

✨ Why listen?

• Learn how QCP supports individuals across all stages of life

• Hear what’s changing—and what must change—in the field of disability services

• Be inspired by a legacy of advocacy, inclusion, and hands-on leadership

🍫 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic

We’re joined by Terri Ross, Executive Director of Queens Centers for Progress (QCP), a pioneering organization empowering people with developmental disabilities for over 75 years. From preschoolers to older adults, QCP’s programs support more than 1,500 individuals in living full, independent lives. 💼💙

This week’s episode, “Progress with Purpose,” explores the evolving landscape of disability services and what it truly means to foster inclusion, dignity, and joy in our communities.

🕙 Tune in Friday, July 26th at 10 AM EST to hear how QCP continues to lead with compassion, adaptability, and person-centered care.

Organization: Queens Centers for Progress

Website: www.queenscp.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com\Queenscp

Instagram: @QueensCP

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/queenscp

#QueensCentersForProgress #DevelopmentalDisabilities #InclusionMatters #InTheAttic #CommunityEmpowerment #DisabilityRights

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• Learn how grassroots action became a full-service hub serving 2,500+ people a month

• Hear the real talk on leadership, burnout, and building from nothing

• Be inspired by a survivor-led movement that puts compassion into action

🍫 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic

We’re joined by Jennifer Hernandez, Co-Founder and Executive Director of ECLI-VIBES, an organization born from lived experience and built on the belief that healing starts with showing up. What began from the trunk of a car has become a $5 million agency with 40+ staff, 24/7 crisis response, and a survivor-led mission. 💼💙

This week’s episode, “The Power of Showing Up,” dives into what it really takes to break cycles of trauma—and how community-powered change can rewrite the future for survivors of violence, trafficking, and poverty.

🕙 Tune in Friday, August 1st at 10 AM EST to hear how Jennifer and her team at ECLI-VIBES are building a legacy of safety, dignity, and radical care across Long Island. 🎧

Name of your organization: ECLI-VIBES

Website: eclivibes.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088752150697

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecli_vibes/?

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclivibes/

#PhilanthropyInPhocus #ECLIVIBES #SurvivorLed #HealingJustice #TommyDiMisa #InTheAttic #CommunityCare #RadicalEmpathy

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- Learn how culturally appropriate services are transforming senior care

- Hear about the unique needs of South Asian elders in NYC

- Be inspired by Dr. K’s journey from medicine to movement-making

🌸 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic 🌸

Join us for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, affectionately known as Dr. K, the Executive Director and founder of India Home. As a geriatric psychiatrist and visionary nonprofit leader, Dr. K has been at the forefront of creating culturally responsive services for South Asian seniors in New York City. 🧓🏽💜

This week, we explore “Care with Culture: Uplifting South Asian Seniors.” Born from her own search for care for her aging parents, India Home has grown under Dr. K’s leadership into a trailblazing organization offering senior centers, advocacy, and social engagement rooted in cultural connection.

🕙 Tune in Friday, June 27th at 10 AM EST to hear how Dr. K is building community, dignity, and care for a population often overlooked—and how culture can be a powerful tool in aging with grace. 🎧

Website: https://indiahome.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiahomeusa

IG: https://www.instagram.com/indiahomeusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/india-home/

#IndiaHome #DrK #SeniorCare #CulturalInclusion #AgingWithDignity

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- Discover how entrepreneurship can empower people with disabilities

- Learn about the challenges and triumphs of creating inclusive employment

- Be inspired by the Cupcake Crew’s commitment to mentoring the next generation

🧁 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic 🧁

Join us for a heartwarming and empowering conversation with Patty Castrogiovanni, founder of Special Sweets Bakery, operating under the nonprofit A Special Place For Me. Together with the Cupcake Crew—a team of talented individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities—Patty is proving that purpose, creativity, and community rise beautifully… just like their cupcakes. 💜

This week, we explore “Baking with Purpose: How Sweet Inclusion Can Be.” Learn how this small business blossomed from a dream to keep a close-knit group of classmates together after aging out of the school system—and how it now inspires others through mentorship and meaningful employment.

🕙 Tune in Friday, June 20th at 10 AM EST to hear how this one-of-a-kind bakery is creating opportunity, joy, and delicious impact—one cupcake at a time.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/specialsweets4u2/

#SpecialSweetsBakery #CupcakeCrew #InclusionMatters #DisabilityEmployment #BakeForGood

- Discover how aviation is being used to support neurodiverse families

- Learn how sensory-friendly experiences reduce fear and spark empowerment

- Be inspired by Antonio’s mission to create an inclusive future in flight

✈️ This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic

Join us for an inspiring flightpath into inclusion with Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, a nonprofit on a mission to create sensory-friendly aviation experiences for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. From guided airport tours to immersive airfield events, Antonio is using aviation to empower neurodiverse individuals and break barriers—both on the ground and in the air. 🛫💙

This week, we explore “Flight Path to Inclusion.” Antonio shares how his love for aviation combined with a deep commitment to autism awareness has led to a movement that builds confidence, community, and new opportunities.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ferrara-161103170/

Website: https://www.aviatorsforautism.org/

#AviatorsForAutism #AntonioFerrara #InclusionInAviation #NeurodiversityMatters #FlightPathToInclusion

💛 This Friday on Philanthropy in Phocus with Tommy DiMisa #InTheAttic

Join us for an insightful conversation with Noah Eliot Gotbaum, Interim Executive Director of Adam’s House Grief Support for Children and Founder of New Spirit Advisors. Noah brings a powerful blend of entrepreneurial spirit, nonprofit leadership, and lived compassion to the conversation—especially when it comes to supporting grieving children and building impactful organizations from the ground up. 🧒💬

This week, we explore “From Grief to Growth: Building Nonprofits That Heal.” Learn how Adam’s House has transformed lives through free peer-based grief programs for children and families—and how Noah’s experience founding New York Cares and reviving regional nonprofits has shaped his approach to leading with purpose.

🕙 Tune in Friday, June 6th at 10 AM EST to hear how strategic vision, storytelling, and heart can grow an idea into a healing force for an entire community. 🎧

Name of your organization: Adam's House Grief Support for Children/New Spirit Advisors

Website: adamshousect.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?

q=adam%27s%20house

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahgotbaum/

#PhilanthropyInPhocus #AdamsHouseCT #GriefSupport #NonprofitLeadership #NewSpiritAdvisors #HealingThroughCommunity

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