Resources

Content to make keeping your key employees and supporting your small business simple.

Featured Resources

What is “Phantom Stock” or a “Phantom Equity Plan”?

January 29, 2024

Phantom stock is a contract between a company and an employee that awards the employee the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the stock at a future date (i.e. sale of the company).

Chris Buttenham

Features of the Modern Agreement For Rewards and Equity (MARE): Phantom Stock

February 20, 2024

The Reins MARE agreement is a customizable phantom stock template, specially designed for small businesses.

Say Thanks to Key Employees and Boost Your Company’s Performance

November 20, 2024

One of the best ways to show your employees how much you value them is to provide them with a piece of the business. Now small businesses can compete with the larger ones with a variety of employee equity packages.

Chris Buttenham

If You Think Small Business Can’t Build Strong Employee Equity Plans, Think Again

November 6, 2024

In the past, a 40-hour work week with healthcare benefits and some time off was just about all an employee received from their employer, particularly if that employer happened to be a privately owned, small business. But with innovative new equity-based offerings on the market, even small businesses can now reward their best employees with a true stake in their future.

Chris Buttenham

Bonuses & Incentives: Good for Retention or Hype?

October 3, 2024

I recently wrote an article for HVACR Business diving into the effectiveness of bonuses and incentives in the HVACR industry. With retention being a critical challenge, it’s time we ask: Are these perks really working, or are they just hype?

Chris Buttenham

An Overview of Phantom Stock with Mark Poerio Transcript

September 20, 2024

Co-founder of Reins, Chris Buttenham, interviews Reins legal advisor and 40-year compensation and benefits veteran, Mark Poerio to discuss the mostly commonly asked questions about phantom stock.

Chris Buttenham

Innovative Benefits Solutions Help Small Businesses Keep Key Employees

September 19, 2024

Millennials and members of Gen z in the workforce are looking for flexibility and meaningful work in addition to health coverage and retirement contributions. Equity-based bonuses such as phantom stock are one effective way for small businesses to address the evolving expectations of the modern workforce.

Chris Buttenham

Ensure Employee Buy-in for Your Phantom Stock Plan

September 5, 2024

To reap the full benefits of a phantom equity plan, employers must thoughtfully and internationally engage employees about what the plan involves, how it fits your goals as an employer and a small business, and how it is beneficial for your team.

Chris Buttenham

How Can I Get My Employer to Offer Me Phantom Stock?

An overview of how employees can approach their managers about phantom equity as a benefit.

Seven Ways Accountants Can Provide Guidance on Phantom Equity

Accountants are small businesses’ most trusted advisors. Learn how to better serve your clients’ hiring, retention, succession, and retirement needs with MARE Stock.

Maximizing Employee Retention with Bonuses

Boost employee retention with retention bonuses like phantom stock and profit sharing. Learn how to implement effective employee retention bonuses to retain top talent and enhance employee loyalty.

Maximizing Small Business Employee Benefits

Discover cost-effective ways to maximize employee benefits in your small business. Learn about staff incentives, phantom stock, and strategies to boost employee satisfaction and retention.

Business Exit Planning: 6 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition

Learn how to ensure a smooth transition when exiting your business with these six essential tips. Start your business exit planning early.

Phantom Stock Vesting Schedules Explained

Phantom stock vesting schedules are explored by outlining what they are, their benefits, and some real examples.