Michigan's Employee Ownership Pilot Program Celebrates Second Business Transition to Employee Ownership

Lansing-based DBI becomes latest company to complete ownership transition through state initiative 

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Employee Ownership Pilot Program continues to build momentum as DBI, a Lansing-based workplace solutions company, becomes the second business to complete its transition to employee ownership through the statewide initiative. 

Administered in partnership with the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO), the pilot program helps Michigan businesses explore employee ownership as a strategy for business succession, workforce retention and long-term wealth building. 

"Michigan's Employee Ownership Pilot Program is helping more businesses discover a proven pathway to preserve their legacy while investing in the employees who helped build their success," said LEO Director Susan Corbin. "DBI's transition marks another important milestone for this initiative and demonstrates how employee ownership can strengthen businesses, build wealth for workers and keep companies rooted in Michigan communities. We look forward to celebrating many more success stories as the program continues to grow." 

DBI, which has served Mid-Michigan since 1984, recently finalized its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), becoming a 100% employee-owned company. The transition creates new opportunities for eligible employee-owners to share in the company's long-term success while preserving local ownership and positioning the business for future growth. 

The transaction marks an important new chapter for DBI, which employs 54 people across three Lansing facilities. The company provides interior design, office furniture, architectural solutions, installation, reconfiguration and ongoing project support for organizations throughout Mid-Michigan. 

When former owners George Snyder and Steve Klaver began planning for retirement, preserving local ownership was a top priority. Rather than sell the business to an outside buyer or industry competitor, they chose an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, ensuring DBI's future remains connected to its employees, clients and the community where it was built. 

"When Steve and I began thinking about what came next for DBI, keeping the company locally owned was one of the most important things to us," said George Snyder,  president and CEO of DBI. "We wanted DBI's future to stay connected to the people, clients and community that helped shape it. Employee ownership allows us to do that in a meaningful way." 

The transition gives DBI's employee-owners a direct connection to the company's future success. As an employee-owned business, DBI will continue operating under the same name with the same local team while building on its strong foundation and exploring new opportunities to enhance the client experience. 

"Our reputation has always been built on the relationships we create and the service we provide," said Nicole Zyla, DBI sales and marketing manager. "Employee ownership strengthens that commitment by giving every employee-owner a personal stake in delivering exceptional experiences and supporting DBI's continued success." 

Since launching the Employee Ownership Pilot Program in 2025, the program has provided grants to 10 Michigan businesses exploring employee ownership. Seven participating companies have formally committed to completing transitions, representing more than 600 employees across industries including healthcare, architecture, education, childcare, manufacturing and professional services. DBI is now the second business to complete and publicly announce its transition through the program. 

Administered by MICEO, the pilot helps reduce the financial and technical barriers businesses may face when evaluating employee ownership by providing support for financial evaluations, feasibility studies, legal services and technical assistance. 

The pilot was created to address a growing succession challenge facing businesses nationwide. As many business owners approach retirement without a formal succession plan, employee ownership provides an alternative path that helps preserve jobs, retain local ownership and keep the economic value of successful businesses rooted in their communities. 

"Each successful transition demonstrates that employee ownership is a practical and effective succession strategy for Michigan businesses," said MICEO Executive Director Roy Messing. "DBI's decision to become employee-owned builds on the momentum we've seen through the pilot program and highlights how employee ownership can preserve local businesses while creating long-term opportunities for employees." 

As additional businesses continue moving through Michigan's Transition to Employee Ownership Pilot Program, LEO and MICEO remain committed to expanding awareness of employee ownership as a proven strategy that strengthens businesses, creates opportunities for workers and supports vibrant local economies. 

"DBI's transition is another example of what's possible when business owners begin planning for the future with their employees in mind," said Acting Deputy Director of Labor Randall Harrison. "Employee ownership helps businesses remain rooted in the communities they serve while rewarding the employees who have contributed to their success. We're proud to see another Michigan company reach this important milestone." 

For more information about Michigan's Transition to Employee Ownership Pilot Program, visit Michigan.gov/EmployeeOwnership.