About Us
Steve Cooper was the founding member who originally consulted with Congress in the late 1980’s to draft the program the IRS now calls ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups). It was Steve and Karen who developed the strategy behind the program and their innovation led to an industry which helps entrepreneurs and business owners with accessing their retirement plans to start, buy, or invest in a business or real estate. Our goal is to honor Steve and Karen’s legacy and continue the tradition of helping aspiring individuals achieve their American Dream! We help people finance their own business using their own money… and KEEP it! By using the most tax efficient way possible.
Who We Are
The SD Cooper Company is the primary developer of the Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan®–ERSOP®, where you can invest your IRA & 401(k) money into a business or investment you can actually manage.
The SD Cooper Company developed the original systems and procedures necessary to navigate the complex legal hurdles and IRS regulations to help every-day Americans access their well-earned money that is locked in retirement accounts. We help you fund a new or established business, legally using your retirement funds, without it being a distribution (therefore not taxed or penalized) nor being a loan. The money may be used for franchises, property, equipment, or working capital. It’s your money. It’s your plan. YOU are in control.
Our Mission
At The SD Cooper Company, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the freedom that comes with owning your own business. Our mission is to help individuals confidently take control of their financial future by using their retirement savings to start, buy, or invest in a business—without taxes, early withdrawal penalties, or loan obligations.
Since 2002, we’ve pioneered the ERSOP® (Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan) to provide a compliant, IRS-recognized pathway for entrepreneurs to fund their ventures using their 401(k), IRA, or other eligible retirement accounts. We’ve helped thousands of business owners unlock capital, create jobs, and pursue independence—on their terms.
Founded by Steve Cooper and Karen Franklin, our company was built on deep expertise in pension administration, tax strategy, and small business planning. Today, we proudly carry forward their legacy under the leadership of David Cooper and Jeff Kalil who are focused on transparency, accountability, and customer service.
We are more than plan administrators. We are trusted partners—committed to guiding our clients with integrity, personal attention, and a clear path forward.
The SD Cooper Company: Empowering Your Future Through Business Ownership.
Our Philosphy
At The SD Cooper Company, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful vehicles for personal freedom, financial independence, and long-term success. We are guided by the philosophy that retirement savings should be a tool—not a barrier—for those who want to take control of their future by owning a business.
We operate with a commitment to compliance, clarity, and client care. We understand the ROBS/ERSOP® process is more than paperwork—it’s a life-changing decision. That’s why we approach every client with honesty, patience, and a focus on education.
Our philosophy is simple:
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Empower the entrepreneur.
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Protect their investment.
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Support their journey—every step of the way.
We honor the trust placed in us by providing expert guidance, responsive service, and a dedication to doing what’s right—even when it’s not easy.
Our Promise
At The SD Cooper Company, we promise to put our clients first—always. We are committed to providing accurate, compliant, and timely plan administration, backed by personalized support and a genuine desire to help you succeed in business.
We promise to:
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Respond promptly and professionally to your questions and concerns.
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Honor our legacy by upholding the high standards set by our founders.
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Take accountability when things fall short—and make them right.
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Protect your trust with secure handling of your business records and deadlines.
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Support your journey not just at the start, but throughout the life of your business.
Whether you’re starting, buying, or investing in a business, you can count on us to be a reliable partner, a steady guide, and a trusted resource—every step of the way.
What Makes Us Different – A Lot!
→ We are the nation’s #1 ROBS plan management agency and we have been advising clients on pension plans for over 40 years.
→ Our ERSOP® actually pre-dates ROBS!
→ ERSOP® is a family-owned business and we understand your family owned business.
→ We are the original founders of the industry and we have the congressional records to prove it!
→ We have ERISA and pension professionals to advise you.
→ We provide you with personal attention. You are not just another account number.
→ We do not sell investments because we believe this is a conflict of interest.
→ We want this to work for you and we will tell you what you need to know before you commit.
→ We neither pay nor accept commissions or finders fees.
→ We take a holistic approach and look at your plan from start to exit.
→ Our model is simple, but our services are BEST IN CLASS and second to none!
Meet The Executive Team
Dave Cooper
President
David Cooper brings more than three decades of experience in retirement plan consulting and pension administration to his role as President of ERSOP.com. Like his late brother and company co-founder Steven Cooper, David has spent much of his career focused on helping entrepreneurs access their retirement savings to start, buy, or invest in small businesses using compliant rollover strategies.
David’s background includes extensive work in the design and administration of defined benefit and defined contribution plans, serving clients nationwide with a focus on quality, compliance, and client education. Having worked alongside Steve and Karen Franklin through the early development of the ERSOP® Plan, David has a deep understanding of the Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan and the unique needs of aspiring business owners.
Today, David continues the legacy of innovation and service established by ERSOP’s founders. He is committed to upholding the company’s values while ensuring that each client receives knowledgeable guidance, responsive support, and a smooth experience throughout the business funding and retirement plan process.
Jeff "The Colonel" Kalil
Principal Partner & CEO
Jeff “The Colonel” Kalil retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves with 35 years of service. He was an Army aviator flying helicopters in the Cavalry at various duty assignments across the United States. From his civilian career, he has over 20 years of corporate experience as a certified Program Manager (PMP) in the aerospace and defense industry where he led and managed Department of Defense programs and corporate Mergers & Acquisitions.
Jeff is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), a Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP), a certified Value Builder Advisor (VBA), a Master Business Intermediary (MBI), and a Missouri licensed commercial real estate broker. He was recently awarded the 2024 and 2025 Top M&A firm in St. Louis by Small Business Monthly and he is the founder of the Mid-America chapter (IBBA-MA) of the International Business Broker Association (IBBA). He is the owner and principal broker at VR Business Brokers of St. Louis.
Jeff has been supporting SD Cooper with formal certified business valuations since 2022 and assisting clients with developing exit plans for their business and their profit sharing plans.
Steven Cooper
Founder and Former President (In Memorium)
Steven Cooper, the visionary founder of ERSOP.com, devoted more than 35 years to the fields of benefits consulting and pension plan administration. Before his passing in 2023, Steve had established himself as a pioneer in retirement-based business funding strategies. Beginning his career in 1979, he worked extensively with the California Medical Association’s endorsed plan system, later launching his own pension consulting firm in 1984. Over the decades, Steve designed thousands of qualified retirement plans for business owners nationwide.
In 1999, Steve became the first to successfully market what would become the ERSOP® Plan (Entrepreneur Rollover Stock Ownership Plan) to franchisors and business brokers. By 2001, he had coined the term “ERSOP®,” laying the foundation for a groundbreaking approach to small business capitalization. Alongside co-founder Karen Franklin, Steve incorporated SDCooper Company in 2002, bringing the ERSOP® concept to a national audience. His innovative thinking and lifelong dedication to entrepreneurship continue to inspire our mission today.
Karen L. Franklin
Founder (In Memorium)
Karen Franklin, co-founder of ERSOP.com, brought over 25 years of expertise in accounting and small business taxation to the company. A 1988 graduate of San Diego State University, where she earned her degree Cum Laude, Karen began her career at a respected regional CPA firm and later served as Corporate Controller for a $60 million manufacturing firm.
In 1997, Karen joined forces with Steve Cooper, applying her deep financial acumen to help shape what would become the ERSOP® Plan. In 1999, she developed the ERSOP® Plan Exit Strategy—a pivotal component that guides business owners in transitioning to S-Corporation status and retiring ERSOP® shares, optimizing tax efficiency and planning for a successful business exit. Karen’s strategic insights, dedication to client success, and unwavering professionalism helped cement ERSOP® as a trusted funding solution for thousands of entrepreneurs. She passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and service.
