Our Legacy, Our Future
Apache Stainless is part of Employee Owned Brands, a wholly owned ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
Learn about Employee Owned BrandsA Shared Purpose
When our founder, Duane Foulkes, began Apache Stainless in 1975, he built more than a company—he built a culture of craftsmanship, collaboration, and care. As Duane prepared for retirement, his vision was clear: this company should belong to the people who make it great.
In 2006, Apache Stainless joined Dexter Apache Holdings and became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company.
From that moment forward, every employee—past, present, and future—has shared in the rewards of ownership. It’s more than stock; it’s a shared purpose. Together, we innovate, we grow, and we succeed—not just for ourselves, but for our customers and communities.
In 2021, we proudly embraced a new name: Employee Owned Brands, Inc. This rebrand reflects the heart of who we are—a family of businesses united by ownership, teamwork, and a relentless drive to deliver excellence. It’s a promise to our employees, our customers, and the world: when you work with us, you work with people who care like an owner with vested interest in project and partnership success.
What Our Employee-Owners Say
“Being employee-owned isn’t just a structure on paper—it’s a mindset. It shows up in how we work, solve problems, and support each other. Every product we ship carries not only our brand but the pride of ownership.” – Pam Korth
“I love being an employee-owner because I know my effort matters. When the company succeeds, we all succeed—and that makes every day more meaningful.” – Brant Buchholz
“The ESOP gives us opportunity—not just financial, but the chance to grow, learn, and shape the future of the business we own together.” – Travis Hupf
Our Family of Employee-Owned Brands
Apache Stainless
Precision-engineered stainless-steel vessels and Mepaco food processing solutions.
Learn MoreUnited by Ownership Driven by Purpose
At Employee Owned Brands, success isn’t just measured in profits—it’s built on people. Through design and inspired leadership, each of our companies stands as a leader in its industry, bringing strength and equity to the whole. Together, we form more than a business group; we are a community of owners committed to excellence.
Employee ownership fuels our mission. It empowers every individual to think boldly, work collaboratively, and innovate relentlessly. Across all our brands, teams unite to create efficiencies, share knowledge, and champion the benefits of the ESOP—because when employees own the future, they shape it with pride and purpose.
Our promise is simple yet powerful: Go far. Go together. That’s not just a tagline—it’s the heartbeat of Employee Owned Brands. It’s how we grow, how we lead, and how we deliver unmatched value to our customers and communities.