BOSTON– SVN International PBC (SVN), a franchise for commercial real estate advisors, announced that it has embedded its values into its organizational structure by becoming the first Employee-Owned Public Benefit Corporation in the industry.
SVN’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at the corporate level represents a 50-year growth strategy. It expands the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional client and community service through a culture of shared equity. By empowering employees as entrepreneurial owners, SVN fosters an environment where collaboration, trust, and a client-first mindset guide every decision.
“I’m excited that this structure provides highly engaged support and leadership succession over the next 50 years and beyond. As each individual on our corporate support team retires, our next generation will already be in ownership and leadership roles, both at the corporate support level and with individual office owner/operators,” said Sarah Vincent, Executive Vice President of SVN.
By incorporating as a Benefit Corporation, SVN is uniquely positioned to support high-growth entrepreneurs across independently owned and operated offices. SVN’s charter extends beyond shareholder returns—it’s about creating value for all stakeholders, including franchisees, advisors, clients, and the communities we serve.
“Unlike most companies that are owned and controlled by outside investors, SVN can remain under the control of inside owners who contribute directly to our success. Our employee-owners are uniquely qualified to make decisions based on their understanding of the needs of our clients and current market conditions,” said Lukas Krause, CEO of SVN.
“Since 1987, our mission has been to ‘Create Amazing Value With Our Clients, Colleagues, and Communities.’ By incorporating as an Employee-Owned Public Benefit Corporation, we embed that mission into our very structure. We succeed by helping our communities thrive, and commercial real estate is at the heart of every healthy community,” said Mark Van Ness, Founder of SVN.
The SVN brand is comprised of over 2,000 advisors and staff in more than 200 offices in six countries. All SVN offices are independently owned and operated.
