We believe in employee ownership — and in AI that amplifies it.
ownAI exists because AI rollouts fail when they forget the people doing the work. We partner with employee-owned companies to make adoption practical, human-centered, and built into how teams actually operate.
Why we built ownAI
We founded ownAI because we saw a critical gap emerge as generative AI began reshaping industries. Many organizations, eager to adopt new technology, focused on the tools and overlooked the people essential to making them work. Others hesitated — unsure how to bring AI into their workflows without disrupting teams or undermining their culture. Rollouts felt disconnected from operational reality, and adoption stalled because the human element was missing.
Our mission became clear: make AI adoption practical, human-centered, and deeply embedded in how teams actually work. We focus on employee-owned companies because we believe in the model — where shared values, collective strength, and purpose drive success. For these organizations, culture is the foundation, and we help them use AI not just for efficiency, but to amplify their unique strengths and accelerate their impact. We bring that same conviction to the mission-driven organizations we serve across the employee-ownership world.
We knew there had to be a better way — one centered on people.
Our approach isn't just conviction — it's published scholarship. Michael's research on why employee-owned companies hold structural advantages for AI adoption appeared in the International Review of Applied Economics in 2026, and it shapes every engagement we run.
Read the researchGreat Game of Business
ESOP Association Regional Conferences
Two partners, one focus.
Different paths, same conviction: technology transformation succeeds when it starts with people. Both partners speak nationally on AI for employee owners and bring complementary strengths to every engagement.
Michael is an educator, researcher, and employee-ownership advocate who has taught working adults for over a decade. As Associate Professor at National University, he has designed and taught college courses on artificial intelligence and founded the AI Strategy Group at the School of Arts, Letters & Sciences. He also co-founded the nonprofit Illinois Center for Employee Ownership. His research on why ESOP firms may be better positioned for AI adoption was published in the International Review of Applied Economics (2026).
He speaks nationally on AI and employee ownership — at the NCEO Annual Conference, the Great Game of Business conference, and ESOP Association events, as well as at Northwestern University and Rutgers' Future of Equity Symposium.
He earned an MBA with high honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he won a Booth Impact Award, and holds a BA in Political Science from Yale.
Based in the Chicago area, Michael enjoys playing and watching basketball with his wife and daughter.
michael@ownai.io
Trevyr has spent over a decade leading market-transformation initiatives that advance a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Through his work at the Green Parking Council and U.S. Green Building Council, he has driven the adoption of sustainable business practices across the parking, mobility, and construction industries — experience in moving entire industries to adopt new ways of working.
He now brings that playbook to AI, speaking on practical, people-first adoption at national conferences including the NCEO Annual Conference, the Great Game of Business conference, and the GreatBanc Summit.
He earned his MBA with high honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he received the Neubauer Civic Scholars scholarship for professionals dedicated to careers in social impact, and holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Bentley University.
Outside of work, Trevyr enjoys hiking, skiing, and camping with his partner Hillary and their dog, Sullivan.
trevyr@ownai.io"Their approach to Generative AI is exactly what mission-driven orgs like ours need... We left the session energized and full of ideas on how AI can help us work smarter, innovate faster, and amplify our impact across the EO ecosystem."
Let's talk about your team.
See how we help employee-owned companies go from interested to operating — strategy, workshops, and a learning platform built for every employee owner.
AI that works for your people. And because of them.