6/2/2026

What happens when a company decides its next chapter should belong to its employees? In this episode, Doug Farren sits down with John Drake, president at advertising agency Drake Cooper, to explore the agency’s transition to a 100% employee-owned ESOP. They discuss continuity, talent attraction, employee engagement, and why employee ownership can create stronger alignment between culture, performance, and long-term growth.

To learn more about Drake Cooper, visit their website:  https://drakecooper.com

To read NCMM's case study on Drake Cooper's ESOP journey, visit:  https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/case-studies/drake-cooper