Paragus IT Celebrates ESOP with Harpoon Beer Founder Dan Kenary

HADLEY — After more than two years of strategic planning, in a deal valued at approximately $1.6 million, Paragus IT’s employee stock-ownership plan (ESOP), which distributes ownership of 40% of the company to its 40-plus employees, is officially a go.

To celebrate, Paragus is bringing in the founder of Harpoon Brewery, one of the country’s most high-profile ESOPs. Dan Kenary will sit down with Paragus founder Delcie Bean for a conversation about how ESOPs work and what it means for businesses, clients, and customers. The event, open to the public, will take place today, Oct. 21, at 3:30 p.m. at Paragus Headquarters, 112 Russell St., Hadley.

“Everyone here is very excited about the ESOP,” Bean said. “For us, it’s about fueling growth by giving everyone a direct stake and a personal investment in the future of the company. But lots of people on the outside still have questions. This is a fun way to team up with a great company with a similar vision and get everybody up to speed — and have a couple of beers doing it.”

To that end, Paragus hasn’t just invited Harpoon’s founder. The taps in the Paragus pub will be flowing with a selection of Harpoon’s best seasonal brews for attendees to enjoy.

“This is a great reason to cut out of work a little early on a Friday and kick the weekend off right with a snack, a beer or two, and some interesting conversation,” Bean said.