Softstar Shoes, the maker of zero drop, minimalist leather shoes based in Philomath, OR, announced its transition to a 100 percent employee-owned company.
Former owners Sal and Tricia Salcido, who led the 40-year-old company for over 20 years, explored exit options and were drawn to the employee ownership model that would ensure the company continued its commitment to making sustainable products. Softstar was certified as a B Corporation in 2023.
The employee-ownership model also ensures the company will never be sold, and all profits will be invested in co-worker compensation and the company’s future.
At a company the size of Softstar, almost all employees will have the opportunity to serve on and rotate through the peer-elected Trust Stewardship Committee, which will help them gain more business acumen and governance skills.
Softstar employs 30 people in Oregon’s Central Valley.
“Softstar is a special place, and we wanted to make sure it would live on in the future. Employee ownership keeps Softstar’s mission intact and provides wealth-building opportunities for employees,” stated Tricia Salcido.
Image courtesy Softstar Shoes
