Equity Methods – Small Company Winner

Equity Methods in Scottsdale is a top provider of valuation, financial reporting and human resources advisory services for equity compensation and related programs. “We’re known for our flexibility and creativity in finding ways to make our clients’ lives easier,” said Takis Makridis, president and CEO of Equity Methods. 

“We serve companies that provide equity awards and similar long-term incentives to their employees and executives,” he said. “We help companies design, value and account for these intricate programs and also support companies in their pursuit of equitable pay practices.” 

A culture of nurturing leadership

                                                                                                                                                                   Makridis emphasized that his company takes leadership at all levels within the organization “very seriously. Everyone needs opportunities to challenge themselves—to try new things and develop new muscles in an environment where your colleagues want you to succeed. It’s critical to the success of our promote-from-within culture. We focus on sustaining an environment where talented individuals can accelerate their professional development, build relationships with other high-performers and tackle new challenges.” 

Extensive employee benefits

All full-time employees are eligible for the company-wide annual bonus program. In addition, the company offers a generous 401(k) matching program and additional performance-based incentives. The employee portion of health, dental, vision, basic life, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D insurance is covered 100 percent by the company. Family health insurance is heavily subsidized by the company. For eligible employees who are new parents, the company provides paid leave and supplemental work-from-home days upon their return to work. 

Award-winning client service

“We’re always experimenting with ways to improve training and development programs and provide outlets for employees to develop new skills,” he added. “This leads to a better client experience.” Client service is the heartbeat of Equity Methods, “which is why our clients have rated us #1 in client satisfaction and loyalty for the fifth year in a row in the annual independent survey by Group Five.”

Client service “is in our DNA,” Makridis said of his company with 71 employees in Arizona. “We rally around clients’ needs and will move heaven and earth to deliver for them. Delivering at that level requires alignment in our core values so we can work collaboratively under high time pressures to create impact for our clients.”

New services and products

Equity Methods is introducing better ways to help client organizations assess pay equity and analyze diversity and inclusion programs. “We develop statistical models to help these organizations assess whether they deliver ‘equal pay for equal work,’ that is, whether women and minorities are compensated fairly,” Makridissaid. “This has been especially meaningful in helping organizations improve their pay practices.”