System Integrators: a new chapter of equitable collaboration through worker ownership

When a System Integrators client pulls into their driveway, home technology springs into action—lights turn on, the garage door opens, the fireplace ignites, and music fills the home. It’s all made possible by the Vermont-based team that has been at the forefront of smart home system design since 2003.

Now, the company has taken an exciting step forward in becoming a worker-owned cooperative, securing the company’s future while giving its employees real ownership and a stake in its success.

Founded by Rick Scott and his late son Richard, System Integrators built a reputation among Vermont’s top architects and designers for combining technical know-how with a strong sense of aesthetics.

“Our team is a collection of passionate tech nerds who also care deeply about interior design,” said Nicholas Thibeault, Director of Systems Design and now CEO and board president. “When architects and designers come to us with a vision, we work hard to bring the best possible technological solutions while honoring their artistic work.”

The idea of employee ownership started with Scott, who was inspired by other local businesses thriving under the model. Scott wanted to retire but wanted to do so in a way that benefited the people that had dedicated years to the company’s success. He decided the employees would make better owners than one of the large corporations rapidly acquiring smart home installers across the country, Thibeault explained. Scott then bought a ticket to the Vermont Employee Ownership Conference, where he connected with VEOC Executive Director Matt Cropp, who ultimately guided the team through the transition.

“At first, the thought of our small team taking on the task of implementing a buyout of our current owner seemed impossible and overwhelming,” said Matt Graver, SI’s Operations Manager. “The process was indeed long, and a lot of time and effort was put in by every team member, but the guidance we received from Matt and VEOC both pre- and post-buyout has been extremely helpful in setting our business up for success as new owners.”

For years leading up to the buyout, SI had been refining its values and vision using a business management system called Entrepreneurial Operating System, or EOS. The employees were able to carry that foundational vision and set of values forward when becoming the company’s owners.

“Acquiring ownership of the co-op empowered us to formalize and enhance our existing processes, ensuring they evolve with both our business objectives and the needs of our clients,” said SI Senior Technician Scott Larose.

System Integrators currently has 15 employees, eight of whom are now co-owners of the business. As new employees are hired on, ownership will be offered to them following successful completion of a probationary period, a standard practice for worker cooperatives.

In addition to a say in decisions, the worker cooperative model offers financial benefits in the form of a share in annual profits, giving employees a chance to build wealth beyond their regular wages.

“Now that we are owners, everybody at work seems to be more and more motivated,” said SI Technician Parker Manley.

“Everyone is more engaged because they understand that the success of each project directly impacts their financial future,” echoed Thibeault. “There’s a stronger sense of collaborative accountability and pride in everything that we do.”