Rick told us he always wanted to be able to offer stock to employees and when he launched his own business he was free to do so.

Topic for Discussion: What type of person will be attracted to the idea of earning stock options?

Answer: The person who wants to work hard and to be rewarded for that hard work. Not the person who want to warm a chair.

Offering ownership then does two big things for you. First, it attracts the hard worker and second, it turns individuals into team players. Employees don't look at you as the owner, they look at you as the largest shareholder but they see you as generous not greedy.

You think about it: Do you think you could attract more talent if you offered stock options or put an ESOP in place?