PBA established its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 1996. Being an ESOP company means that all PBA employees are put in a position to profit from their efforts by becoming Owners, maintaining the vision set forth by the company founder, Pete Basso. Being an ESOP company provides for more technical training, investing in our Employee Owners so that they understand the business and their role in it. Being an ESOP company promotes engaged, empowered and involved Employee Owners, resulting in improved motivation and productivity.