San Jose, Calif. - June 18, 2026 - Blach Construction, a leading California-based commercial general contractor, has completed a transition to 30% employee ownership through the establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The transaction was guided by Trevor Gilmore, CEO, and Payton Stockton, Senior Counsel at Menke, a nationally recognized ESOP advisory firm.
The ESOP transaction supports Blach Construction’s long-term ownership succession strategy while rewarding employees for their contributions and preserving the company’s independence. Rather than pursuing a sale to a competitor or private equity firm, the move reinforces Blach’s commitment to long-term stability for its employees, customers, and the communities it serves.
“This new plan advances our ownership succession planning,” said Mike Blach, Chairman of Blach Construction. “We have always been focused on the future and the long-term success of the firm. I’m excited that more of our colleagues will become partners in the business and share in the company’s continued success.”
President Dan Rogers added, “We have an outstanding group of leaders and colleagues building long-term careers with Blach. This transition creates a meaningful opportunity to reward them as the company grows and prospers.”
Blach has expanded its footprint to the Central Coast and Southern California and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for the past 15 years.
“Blach already has a strong ownership culture—it’s in their DNA, and the ESOP was a natural fit,” said Trevor Gilmore, CEO of Menke. “This transaction enhances financial security for employees, strengthens customer relationships, and ensures the company’s long-term independence. They were a pleasure to work with.”
About Menke
Since its founding in 1974, Menke has enabled more than 4,000 companies to become all or partially employee-owned across the United States. With core competencies across the ESOP lifecycle, Menke is ESOP owned, as well. Visit Menke at www.menke.com for more information and a timeline with the history of the company and ESOPs.
About Blach Construction
Founded in 1970, Blach Construction delivers structures of enduring quality and value throughout California. The firm’s diverse portfolio includes community-focused TK-12 and higher education facilities, modern civic and workplace environments, and affordable, supportive and market-rate housing developments. The firm is consistently ranked among California’s top contractors by Engineering News-Record and has received multiple Construction Safety Excellence Awards from the Associated General Contractors of California.
