Co-owned businesses come with numerous complexities. One of the biggest challenges for co-owners is determining how to approach the exit of another co-owner, especially when that co-owner cannot or will not exit gracefully.

Crooker Construction, LLC, a Topsham-based general contractor with a 90-year history in Maine, has announced its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—making all 175 current employees owners of the company.

Founded in 1956, E.L. Vining & Son brings nearly 75 years of experience in earthwork, DOT, utility, and landfill projects—services closely aligned with Sargent’s core capabilities. The Farmington office will remain open as Sargent’s Western Maine hub, with key Vining team members joining Sargent’s ESOP and continuing in leadership roles.