The amount of the annual contributions is linked directly to the success of the company. Pay out will be triggered when you retire or leave the company. For most people, it is unlikely that they will get to own their own business. Your incentive to make everything we do at Shawmut great is that you will be a recipient of our success. Most clients like to do business with the owner because they know they will be well taken care of.
Owners take a long-term view of their clients welfare.
Owners want the current project to be a success so that future work and referrals will come their way. It truly makes you feel as if you have a significant stake in whether the company succeeds or not, and I don't believe that is common in non-ESOP companies. I also see it as providing a potential safety net for my inevitable retirement - you know, if I don't hit the lottery.