For Christine Adee (BBA ’91, MBA ’10), business has always been about long-term strategy, people and impact. As CEO of OwnersEdge, Inc., she leads a thriving 100 percent employee-owned holding company that acquires and grows businesses while ensuring financial security for employee-owners. Adee’s career journey – rooted in finance, leadership and strategic growth – has made her a nationally recognized leader in the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) community.
Adee, a Wisconsin native, moved frequently as a child before settling in Waukesha in third grade. She developed a competitive spirit early on, swimming from age eight through high school at Waukesha South. Her love of the outdoors – camping, hiking and kayaking – has stayed with her, as has her family’s deep-rooted passion for the Green Bay Packers, holding season tickets since the legendary Ice Bowl.
Her path to business leadership started at the Lubar College of Business, where she transferred after two years at UW-Madison.
“UWM’s connection to the local business community was a huge factor in my decision,” Adee says. “I knew it would give me the real-world experience I needed to succeed.”
After building a strong foundation in accounting and finance, she returned years later to pursue her MBA – a decision that helped propel her career to new heights.
“My MBA at Lubar opened doors, expanded my strategic thinking and built my confidence,” Adee says.
She credits the school with not just providing academic excellence but also fostering invaluable connections. One pivotal experience was her participation in the ACG Cup Competition, an elite mergers and acquisitions case study challenge. “That experience introduced me to a professional network that has been instrumental throughout my career.”
After gaining experience in public accounting and corporate finance, Adee joined CC&N in 2013 as director of finance. When OwnersEdge was founded in 2015, CC&N became its first operating company, and Adee became chief financial officer, helping shape the financial and strategic direction of the holding company. Her leadership was instrumental in growing the business through acquisitions and expanding the impact of employee ownership. In 2021, she was named president, and today, as CEO, she leads OwnersEdge’s continued growth while staying true to its core mission of employee empowerment.
OwnersEdge operates a buy-and-hold model, meaning it acquires businesses with strong cultures and long-term potential rather than focusing on short-term financial gain. The company’s diversified portfolio spans industries like technology, automation, media and manufacturing, ensuring long-term stability for its 350+ employee-owners.
“Our ESOP is 100 percent gifted – employees don’t have to buy in,” Adee explains. “They share in the value they help create, building meaningful retirement wealth.”
With the ESOP model gaining momentum nationwide, Adee is passionate about educating business leaders on the benefits of employee ownership.
“Successful ESOPs are proving they can scale through strategic acquisitions while maintaining a strong culture,” she says. Under her leadership, OwnersEdge plans to expand its portfolio with at least five new acquisitions over the next decade, continuing its mission of sustainable, employee-driven growth.
Beyond financial success, culture is a key measure of success for Adee. “It’s about creating a company where employees feel invested in the future – because they truly are,” she says.
For herself, success means continuing to learn, give back and mentor others. A frequent speaker on M&A and ESOP strategy, she remains deeply involved in the business community, helping other leaders navigate the complexities of sustainable business growth.
Adee’s journey has been shaped by key leadership lessons:
- Think long-term. Strategy isn’t just about quick wins – it’s about building something that lasts.
- Communicate effectively. You can crunch numbers all day, but if you’re not communicating your vision, you’re not leading.
- Never lose sight of the details. As you grow in leadership, understanding processes and people remains essential.
For students entering the workforce, her advice is clear:
- Build relationships. Your technical skills matter, but your connections will shape your career.
- Be adaptable. Business is always evolving—those who embrace change thrive.
- Stay persistent. Challenges will come, but resilience defines success.
With a career built on strategy, leadership and a passion for employee ownership, Christine Adee is proving that business success and employee empowerment go hand in hand – and that sustainable growth is not just possible, but the future of business itself.