What if the future of business ownership wasn’t about selling out—but sharing it?

In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane sits down with Todd Leverette and Tobi Adewodu of Apis & Heritage Capital Partners to unpack employee ownership, capital, and legacy.

This conversation challenges the traditional exit model and introduces a powerful alternative—one where business owners can create wealth, preserve culture, and reward the people who helped build it.

Ownership Is Cultural, Not Just Financial
Employee ownership works when culture aligns with incentives—not just structure.

Community + Capital = Scale
Capital alone doesn’t sustain businesses—community does. Together, they create real impact.

Legacy Is Bigger Than the Founder
True legacy includes employees, culture, and long-term impact—not just valuation.

The Wealth Gap Is Structural
Employee ownership creates real pathways to close wealth inequality.

Alignment Drives Performance
When everyone wins, businesses perform better.

· How employee ownership actually works

· Why most owners overlook this exit path

· The connection between ownership and culture

· How capital can serve community

· Why free cash flow matters most

· How to think about legacy differently

· The impact on retention and performance

· The future of ownership in America

· “Community with capital—that’s where the magic happens.”

· “Ownership aligns incentives—and incentives drive behavior.”

· “Legacy isn’t just what you build—it’s who benefits.”

· “Free cash flow is the name of the game.”

· “Think about the end at the beginning.”

Todd Leverette is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, focused on employee ownership transitions.

Tobi Adewodu is Associate Director of Investor Relations, blending Wall Street experience with mission-driven capital allocation.

🌐 https://www.apisheritage.com

Employee Ownership, ESOP, Private Equity, Business Exit Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Wealth Building

Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8885778.1 Exp. 4/28