A Great Team Delivers Great Results: Meet KSM Team Member John Estridge

Growing up playing basketball, John Estridge learned early how crucial a team mentality is to success. “That common thread is absolutely in existence at KSM,” John says. “One of the great things about KSM is that we are an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), which quite literally means every employee has ownership in the company.”

John enjoys the camaraderie and mutual support that comes with ESOP culture, as well as the high motivation it fosters. “For me, it’s always been very important to work in a merit-based atmosphere. And I think that marries very well with the ESOP culture, where the harder you work, the more you’re rewarded.”

“The ownership-minded mentality of our employees and team approach to working together and reaching the best result really promotes an enjoyable day-to-day work experience. And when you know as an employee you have that support to learn and grow on a continual basis, I think it just fosters really great results for our people.”

Like many of KSM’s professionals, John’s connections with his colleagues extend beyond the office walls. He says, “A lot of the people I’m in the trenches with day-to-day at the office are the same people I’m in the trenches with in our weekly basketball scrimmages.” And whether he’s working hard as part of the firm’s Real Estate Services Group or playing hard on the courts, John relishes being part of a great team: “When you come to work every day with people who you enjoy being around, it makes a world of difference.”

Beyond his career and his lifelong love for basketball, John is intently focused on his family. Public accounting, by its nature, is a fast-paced environment that can put stress on work-life balance. But at KSM, he’s found complete support from managers and colleagues alike to find what works for him and his family.

“I have three young kids, and it’s really important to me to be there for them,” he says. Whether it’s a doctor’s appointment or a sports event for one of his children, John’s there when his family needs him: “I’ve always felt 100% support for that. To me, the most important takeaway is our firm’s commitment to the development of our people and the support of our people.”

But comprehensive support for KSM’s team members doesn’t end there. “The ability to have a voice at KSM and to make a difference and impact change is of critical importance to me,” he says. “There’s no better example than our firm really leaning into diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, specifically the push for racial justice.”

Like the firm’s commitment to work-life balance and DEI, John appreciates the way KSM’s values blend with ESOP culture to create a positive environment that enhances personal and professional development. “The ownership-minded mentality of our employees and team approach to working together and reaching the best result really promotes an enjoyable day-to-day work experience,” he says. “And when you know as an employee you have that support to learn and grow on a continual basis, I think it just fosters really great results for our people.”

If you’re ready to become part of a cohesive firm that promotes work-life balance, inclusivity, and long-term success for every member of the team, then we invite you to explore career opportunities with KSM.