We are creating a more prosperous and competitive economy through shared ownership.

...

We are the nation's leader in alternative exit planning and execution.

Our team combines experience from the worlds of small business entrepreneurship, legal innovation, impact investment, economic development and community engagement.

$100m+
Capital mobilized
$1m+
Legal research
$250m+
Asset value shifted
1000+
Employees and
community owners
Our team

This isn't just a job for us, it's our life's work.

We're a small team, experienced in working closely with business owners and employees. We're passionate about making real change by working with the small and mid-sized businesses that keep the economy in motion.

Derek Razo
Managing Partner / Co-Founder

Derek leads our business and product development, as well as providing deep expertise in alternative ownership transactions to our team and clients. He's one of the nations leading authorities on alternative ownership. He is passionate about creating an economy worth leaving to the next generation.

Zoe Schlag
Managing Partner / Co-Founder

Zoe leads our investment practice, and helps companies organize capital that doesn't compromise their values. She has worked for over a decade in impact investing, including with TechStars and Schmidt Futures, and sees Common Trust's work as a critical component to leaving the economy better than we found it.

Katie Lyon
Head of Client Services

Katie brings over 15 years of experience in working with small business owners through economic and community development. She leads our delivery team in delivering world-class outcomes for business owners, employees and community.

Marc Crousillat
Operations Manager

Marc Crousillat runs our operations and keeps things running smoothly, making sure our people can do their best work. He is here because he pride in supporting the creative and radical approach Common Trust takes towards building a more just economy.

Sandra Raafat
Project Manager

Sandra supports our delivery team on everything from project organization to client support and legal automation. She's worked as a paralegal and project manager across non-profit and for-profit enterprises, all aimed at improving livelihoods.

Bob Perez
Sales and Marketing Director

Bob leads our marketing and sales teams, helping to get the word out about our model and how we help business owners exit in such a way that owners, employees and their community win! Bob brings a vast range of experience in marketing and sales, across multiple industries.