Lauren Ryan, Author at 3LS Incorporated

3LS Inc. Announces Acquisition of Intrust IT

Award-Winning Managed Service Provider to Join 3LS Professional Services Division (NASHVILLE, TN & CINCINNATI, OH) October 28, 2025 — 3LS, Inc., an employee-owned family of companies, announced today that it has acquired award-winning managed service provider, Intrust IT, which will join its 3LS Professional Services division. The Cincinnati-based, employee-owned company provides a range of IT […]

The Business Journals: How to know if an ESOP might be right for your company

What comes after a season of growth? For many business owners, the question isn’t just about the next opportunity — it’s about legacy, leadership, and the future of the team they’ve built. 3LS CEO Eric Strickland recently shared his perspective on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) in The Business Journals, including the Nashville Business Journal. […]

The Tennessean, Opinion: Why employee ownership could help solve the retirement crisis

This mechanism could help solve the financial woes many working Tennesseans face. Op-ed originally appeared in the The Tennessean here—subscribe to read more. By Shannon Litton, CEO, 3LS Professional Services According to recent surveys, almost half of Americans have no retirement savings at all. The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) cited that the median savings balance […]

3LS CEO Eric Strickland Featured on the Alternative Exit Podcast

The Alternative Exit podcast recently sat down with Eric Strickland, CEO of 3LS, to explore a powerful and increasingly relevant question: What happens when you combine employee ownership with human services? Listen to the full episode of The Alternative Exit podcast with Eric Strickland here. In this episode, Eric reflects on his 20-year journey, from […]

5by5 Agency Acquires Heurisay to Expand Growth-Driving Services to Its Change Maker Clients

Confident professional woman with brown hair, wearing a black sleeveless top, posing with her chin resting on her hand against a neutral background for corporate or business branding.

With the Acquisition, the Agency Adds Public Relations Capabilities, Taps Industry Veteran Kristin Faulder to Lead New Service Line (NASHVILLE, TN) Sept. 30, 2025 — 5by5, part of the 3LS Inc. family of employee-owned companies, announced today that it has acquired Heurisay, a Nashville-based PR firm specializing in corporate storytelling, brand awareness and reputation management. […]

Nashville Post: 3LS taps CEO to lead new entity

Elegant businesswoman portrait emphasizing professional branding for 3LS Incorporated with a focus on leadership and corporate success.

Nashville-based professional services company names Shannon Litton to oversee 18th brand Local professional services provider 3LS Inc. announced Tuesday the launch of 3LS Professional Services and named Shannon Litton as its chief executive officer. The move comes after 3LS announced in February it had acquired Brentwood-based digital marketing firm 5by5 Agency for an undisclosed sum […]

3LS Inc. Launches 3LS Professional Services, Announces Leadership Appointments

Professional woman smiling in a black top with sheer polka-dot sleeves, representing business professionalism and customer service at 3LS Incorporated.

(NASHVILLE, TN) September 23, 2025 — 3LS, Inc., an employee-owned family of companies, announced today the launch of 3LS Professional Services, a new organization that drives growth for changemakers through the delivery of exceptional, integrated services. The announcement marks 3LS Inc.’s continued expansion and diversification as it focuses on empowering good, officially bringing the total […]

Forbes: Labor Day And Employee Ownership: A New Way To Honor America’s Workers

Innovative business professionals at a conference panel discussing strategies for growth and success, featuring a laptop, microphones, and water bottles.

A recent Forbes article by Mary Josephs features Austin Evans of the Nashville marketing agency 5by5, part of the 3LS family of companies, highlighting how employee ownership can give workers a real stake in the companies they help build. Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) allow employees to become co-owners, fostering accountability, stability, and purpose in […]

3LS Inc. Announces Acquisition of 40 Million Owners, Welcomes Organization to Family of Companies

Professional business meeting discussing corporate solutions and strategies for business growth.

(NASHVILLE, TN) September 4, 2025 — 3LS, Inc., an employee-owned family of companies, announced today that it has acquired ESOP advisory firm 40 Million Owners, which will join its growing 3LS Professional Services division. The firm, whose mission is building and growing sustainable employee-owned enterprises across the country, provides a range of acquisition advisory services […]

Nashville Business Journal: Health care AI training startup Xuron launches to profitability with big backers

Backed by Nashville-based 3LS Ventures, Xuron is accelerating its AI‑driven healthcare training to new heights After just a year on the market, Xuron, which uses 3D and artificial intelligence to create health care training courses, has hit profitability. The company just closed another funding round as well. Here’s who backs them, who their local customers […]