
Rewarding Key People Without Giving Away Equity: Smart Options for Business Owners
As your business grows, retaining and rewarding your top performers becomes essential — but giving away equity isn’t always the smartest move. This article from Garza Business & Estate Law explores how business owners can recognize and retain key employees without losing control or ownership of their company.
When a loyal, high-performing employee starts hinting about “ownership,” it can put you in a difficult position. While the desire to reward commitment is natural, handing over equity can lead to legal and operational complications — from valuation disputes and loss of control to conflicts with heirs or future buyers. Instead, there are strategic, legally sound alternatives that offer similar benefits without the risks.

