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Content to make keeping your key employees and supporting your small business simple.

Featured Resources

What is “Phantom Stock” or a “Phantom Equity Plan”?

January 29, 2024

Phantom stock is a contract between a company and an employee that awards the employee the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the stock at a future date (i.e. sale of the company).

Chris Buttenham

Features of the Modern Agreement For Rewards and Equity (MARE): Phantom Stock

February 20, 2024

The Reins MARE agreement is a customizable phantom stock template, specially designed for small businesses.

Business Exit Planning: 6 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition

Learn how to ensure a smooth transition when exiting your business with these six essential tips. Start your business exit planning early.

Phantom Stock Vesting Schedules Explained

Phantom stock vesting schedules are explored by outlining what they are, their benefits, and some real examples.

Types of Phantom Stock Plans: Full Value and Appreciation-Only

Compare the differences between full value and appreciation-only phantom stock plans. Learn with examples and about tax implications.

Phantom Stock vs. Profits Interests Units (PIUs): Understanding Your Incentive Options

Phantom Stock vs. ESOP: Demystifying Equity Incentives

ESOPs, ESOs, and ESPPs: What’s The Difference?

ESOPs, ESOs, and ESPPs: the acronyms might look confusingly similar, but there are major differences between the workplace offerings.

Download Now! How Small Businesses Keep Key Employees In 2024

Download our free Reins eBook and learn proven strategies for attracting, engaging and retaining top talent at your small business. The 2024 eBook is based on data gathered from hundreds of other small businesses across America.

What Is Nonqualified Deferred Compensation?

Nonqualified deferred compensation can be a great way to reward and incentivize key employees.

What Is 409A And How Does It Relate To Phantom Stock?

Learn about the MARE Stock Plan and how it complies with Section 409A.

What Is A Long-Term Cash Award And How Does It Work In The MARE?

What exactly is a long-term cash award and how does it differ from phantom stock and profit sharing?

What Is Accelerated Vesting and How Does It Work In the MARE?

How should small business owners consider accelerated vesting conditions for their employees when they are granting phantom stock?

How to Navigate a Partial Company Sale as a Small Business Owner

Selling a fraction of your business has its upsides. Read on for considerations and impact on phantom stock allocation.