Chobani Yogurt Founder Gives His Employees an Incredibly Generous Surprise

Aimee Herd : Apr 28, 2016
USA Today

"Starting today, I will have 2,000 partners at Chobani. This is one of the finest moments in my life!" 

The very popular Greek yogurt, Chobani just got a little sweeter—especially to employees of the company who received a very special, and generous gift from the founder. (Screengrab via USA Today)

Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO and founder of the Greek yogurt company gathered his employees together this week, and told them he was giving them shares in the successful business he began in 2005.
 
Ulukaya, a native of Turkey, announced that his 2,000 full-time employees would receive shares of up to 10 percent ownership in the company if it goes public, or is sold.
 
"This isn't a gift, it's a mutual promise to work together with a shared purpose and responsibility. To continue to create something special and of lasting value," Ulukaya explained in a letter to employees according to the USA Today report. (Screengrab via USA Today)
 
The percentage of shares given coincided with the length of time the worker has been employed at Chobani, with the largest percentages going to those who've been with the company the longest.
 
According to USA Today: The average award is estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars but for some workers [it] could be valued at more than $1 million.
 
Ulukaya shook hands with employees and hugged others as he handed out their packets; some of them were moved to tears.
 
Later Ulukaya tweeted, "Starting today, I will have 2,000 partners at Chobani. This is one of the finest moments in my life!"