That's the idea, no? Ownership is optionality, you can end up with 0 or with billions. Employment is security, you're "guaranteed" your salary but no more (or fired).
Sounds like he's promising security to his employees, and eating the variance himself - taking a hit in bad times and, conversely, making bank in good times. Sounds fair to me!
This is an expensive (?) HR and PR Ad.
In 10 years the popularity of the company should be higher than today, the company will be sold and gutted.