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Built to Last, Owned by Us: The Motz Group is 100% Employee-Owned
At the end of 2024, The Motz Group reached a major milestone—Founder Joe Motz sold his remaining shares, making our 48-year-old company 100% employee-owned.
The Motz Group began operating as an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) in 2018, with Joe retaining majority control of the company. The formation of the ESOP cemented that Motz was a place with strong culture that strived to Move People to Better Lives and allowed each employee owner the opportunity to directly benefit from their efforts every day. The transition further drove employee engagement, put an even bigger emphasis on customer satisfaction, and helped to attract new talent with the benefits an ESOP can offer.
Motz was founded in 1977 and has been serving the high-performance natural grass and synthetic turf markets with a seamless and elevated customer experience ever since. With over 750 fields in the ground, thousands of fields serviced, and millions of pounds of infills spread across yards and fields globally, becoming a 100% employee-owned company allows our team to have even further control of the success of Motz.
“Becoming a 100% employee-owned company is a defining moment for The Motz Group,” said Zach Burns, CEO. “This transition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, ensuring that every employee-owner has a direct stake in our success. Our people have always been at the heart of what we do, and this move strengthens our commitment to building a legacy of innovation, excellence, and shared prosperity. Together, we are not just working for a company—we are building our future.”
The Motz Group earned Certified Evergeen status in 2022 by the Tugboat Institute. This certification recognizes businesses that positively impact their employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and families by measuring performance according to the tenets of the Evergreen® 7Ps and a demonstrated, long-term ability to thrive. Being Certified Evergreen and 100% Employee Owned go hand-in-hand in Motz’s commitment to develop the next generation of leaders and building a company that is going to thrive for 100 years and beyond.
For Joe Motz, this transition doesn’t signal his retirement but creates the space to continue his focus on the organization’s philanthropy and partnerships within the communities where we live and work, and the causes that mean the most to us.
Joe says: “Watching this company transition to 100% employee ownership is one of the proudest moments of my life. This company has always been about the people—their passion, dedication, and drive to be the best. Stepping away from my ownership role isn’t about letting go; it’s about passing forward. I couldn’t be more confident in the team that now owns this company, and I know they will continue to uphold the values, innovation, and excellence that have defined Motz for decades. The future is in the best hands possible.”
As the only employee-owned company in the turf industry, The Motz Group is built on a foundation of shared success. Employee ownership means every team member has a stake in our future, driving us to deliver excellence in everything we do. For those looking to grow with a company where your contributions truly matter, Motz offers a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger.
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