Barnes & Thornburg Advises Pogue Construction in Historic Transition to Employee-Owned Company

Barnes & Thornburg served as legal advisor to Pogue Construction, one of Texas’ leading community-focused builders, in its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Pogue announced on Dec. 9, 2025, that it transitioned to a 100% employee-owned structure through an ESOP, effective Dec. 1, 2025. Terms of the deal are private.

Founded 45 years ago, the move marks a historic milestone for the company and reflects Pogue’s longstanding commitment to its people, values and mission, the company said in a statement.

“Our employees have always been our greatest strength, and it only feels right that they are now directly part of the future they have worked so hard to build,” said Ben Pogue, the company’s chairman and CEO. “This is a defining moment for our company. Our employees don’t just move projects forward, they move their own futures forward. Together, we are building a foundation that future generations will stand on.”

The BT team included partners Reid Johnson, Michael Nader, Vincent Lillegard and associate Haylie English.