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.

Phantom Stock vs. Stock Appreciation Rights: Key Differences

What is the difference between phantom stock and stock appreciation rights? This blog post outlines some key similarities and differences.

How To Design A Profit Sharing Calculator

Designing your company's profit sharing calculator is a critical part of implementing a profit sharing program.

Modern Agreement For Rewards And Equity: What It Is And What It Isn’t

Learn about what the phantom stock component of the Reins' MARE is and is not.

4 Steps to Allocate Phantom Stock to Employees

While there's no one way to allocate phantom stock, there are some steps you can take to ensure you're thinking about equity grants from all angles.

A Guide to Phantom Stock Equity Pools

How do equity pools work when it comes to phantom stock, specifically the MARE? A good place for small business owners to start is by asking themselves: what percent of the full underlying value of the company would I be willing share with employees upon a future sale?

What Is Vesting and How Does It Work For Small Businesses?

February 29, 2024

There are two types of vesting schedules that businesses can use when allocating equity. Small business owners should remember that vesting is a strategic tool that aligns company success with employee retention and financial interest.

Why Would Employees Choose The MARE Phantom Equity Over Regular Stock?

February 26, 2024

The Modern Agreement for Rewards and Equity (MARE) is a great alternative to traditional stock.

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.

What Is the SECURE 2.0 Act and How Does It Impact Small Businesses?

February 19, 2024

SECURE 2.0 may be the biggest enhancement to Americans' retirement savings we've ever seen. While not specific to small businesses, the legislation will have significant impact on this segment in particular.

5 Employee Bonus Plans For Small Businesses

February 15, 2024

There are several types of bonuses available to small businesses and their employees. Some are performance-based and some aren't, but they all need to be carefully structured and communicated.

Navigating Psychological Contracts in Small Business

February 12, 2024

Small business hiring and employee retention is tougher than ever. By understanding the psychological contract made with employees, owners are more likely to recruit great workers who want to stick around.

Choosing The Right Small Business Structure

February 8, 2024

Picking a small business structure has many implications on your business, including tax, liability, company hierarchy, and fundraising. There are five main types of business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, cooperative, and corporation (which comes in several varieties).