Overview
- Roughly 540 full-time, non‑equity employees are eligible under the 15% proceeds allocation created as a condition of the sale.
- Initial distributions began in June 2025, with remaining installments scheduled annually across the five-year retention period.
- Graham Walker made the employee pool non‑negotiable for any buyer, and Eaton accepted, later citing commitments to employees and the community.
- Recipients describe using funds to clear debt or mortgages, pay tuition, boost retirement savings, and one worker, Lesia Key, opened a clothing boutique.
- Some employees reported surprise at tax withholdings near one-third of checks, and the stay requirement includes an exemption for those over 65.