Search fund model combined with employee-owned holding company?

I run an employee-owned company near Indianapolis. We're in the early stages of creating an employee-owned diversified holding company. The plan is be a great succession option for some owners of micro-middle market businesses, and to ultimately own and operate a large portfolio of solid $5-50M revenue businesses. I believe the employee-ownership component is a potentially significant competitive advantage in situations where the owner/founder cares a lot about how the business ownership change will impact the employees. Our approach will be to make the entire process as easy as possible, and provide peace of mind because the employees will be in a great situation after the transition.

I'm intrigued by the search fund model, in particular hiring bright and driven professionals who are ready and willing to run an acquired small business. I'm curious if this idea sounds interesting to searchers and if you have any advice as I explore this possibility.