Most contractors think equity is only for big companies or tech startups. But there’s a better way to keep your best people without giving away ownership, creating tax headaches, or drowning in legal fees. In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Chris Buttenham, co-founder of Reins and author of Alternative Equity, about the basics of phantom equity and alternative equity, what they are, why they exist, and how contractors can use them to: Retain top employees Transition businesses without selling to private equity Create real incentives without napkin deals or handshake promises

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What is phantom equity? (a bonus tied to company value, not stock or liability)

What is alternative equity? (a toolbox of modern incentives beyond traditional ownership)

Why these incentives exist and why traditional equity fails for contractors

How phantom equity avoids liability, surprise tax bills, and paperwork headaches

Practical ways contractors can use alternative equity for retention and successionIf you’ve never heard of phantom equity before, this is your crash course.

Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm ET

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadio

Connect

Chris

https://www.myreins.com/

Ron

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum

https://www.ron-nussbaum.com/

BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Construction

https://www.buildercoms.com/

Website

https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Episode Blog

https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/what-is-phantom-equity-a-contractor%E2%80%99s-guide-to-alternative-incentives