Join the JHF ESOP Family

Behind every great business is a great group of people. We are always looking for the right people to join our team and help move our organization into the future. You bring the dedication and ambition. We'll teach you the rest.

As a family company, we're all in this together. In 1984, to sustain the family culture and future of John Henry Foster Company, Bob and Kathy Gau (then owners), instituted an ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The retirement plan, bonus plan, and profit-sharing plan was gifted to employees, at no cost to them. To our employees, ESOP means ownership, security, opportunity, and family. Working towards a common goal helps us grow stronger relationships, a more sustainable future and ultimately, better lives - both personally and professionally. Today, John Henry Foster employees own 100% of the company.

What is an ESOP?

An ESOP, or Employee Stock Ownership Plan, is a company-funded retirement plan (in addtion to the John Henry Foster 401(k) program) where employees receive shares in the company they work for. The company sets up a trust that holds these shares and allocates them to employees over time, often based on factors like pay or years of service. When an employee leaves the company, they receive the cash value of their vested shares, creating a sense of ownership.

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John Henry Foster – 100% Employee-Owned ESOP Company

JHF Logo

We Are Proudly 100% Employee-Owned

At John Henry Foster Company of St. Louis, ownership isn’t just a structure — it’s a mindset.

What It Means to Be an ESOP Company

As a 100% Employee-Owned company, every individual at JHF has a direct stake in our success. Our people don’t just work here — they own the outcome. This drives higher engagement, better service, and long-term commitment to our customers.

ESOP Group Photo

Our Value to Customers

✔ Accountability at Every Level

Employee-owners take pride in doing things right — the first time. Every project reflects our personal investment in your success.

✔ Long-Term Partnerships

Ownership builds stability. Our customers benefit from low turnover, deep expertise, and trusted relationships.

✔ Continuous Improvement

We innovate because we care. From automation to pneumatics, fabrication to service — we constantly improve to deliver more value.

Welding Panel Manufacturing Bins

How Employee Ownership Strengthens Our Culture

Employee ownership creates a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and motivated. Every owner contributes to a workplace built on collaboration, integrity, and pride in craftsmanship.

✔ Empowered Employees

Ownership gives every team member a voice — and a reason to go above and beyond.

✔ Shared Success

When the company wins, we all win. Success is distributed to every employee-owner.

✔ A Legacy Built on People

Our ESOP ensures JHF stays locally owned, culturally strong, and built for future generations.

Employee Photo

© John Henry Foster Company of St. Louis — Proudly 100% Employee-Owned