What is the Designated Manager's responsibility regarding the daily operation of the Aplus store?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
us of your United States citizenship or permanent residency status.
We require that you be directly involved in the operation of your APLUS Store, devoting good faith and best efforts to the daily operation the APLUS Store. Your "Designated Manager" is the individual designated by Franchisee as having primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day supervision and affairs of the APLUS Store. If you operate the APLUS Store as a sole proprietor, then you shall also be the Designated Manager. If you operate the APLUS Store as an approved form of business organization, then you are required to designate a Designated Manager who must devote his/her good faith and best efforts to the daily operation of the APLUS Store.
If you operate under any approved form of business entity, unless we agree otherwise, the Designated Manager must be the 51% owner of the voting stock or other ownership interest in the entity. You, or
your Designated Manager, must attend and successfully complete to our satisfaction all required training programs and provide ongoing training, guidance and supervision to all of your employees.
Before you commence operations, you must successfully complete our initial training program (see Item 11). You are responsible for ensuring that those managing or employed at the APLUS Store know how to operate the store in a safe and proper manner, which includes, but is not limited to, having an employee present at your APLUS Store during all operating hours who has the ability to communicate with the public in the English language.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 51–52)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Designated Manager holds primary responsibility for the daily operations of the Aplus store. The franchisee is expected to be directly involved in the store's operation, dedicating their best efforts to its daily functioning. If the franchisee operates as a sole proprietor, they automatically assume the role of Designated Manager. However, if the Aplus store is operated under an approved business organization, the franchisee must appoint a Designated Manager who will devote their efforts to the store's daily operation.
Unless Aplus agrees otherwise, the Designated Manager must hold at least 51% ownership of the voting stock or other ownership interest in the business entity. The franchisee or their Designated Manager is required to attend and successfully complete all required training programs and provide ongoing training, guidance, and supervision to all employees. This ensures that the store is managed effectively and that all employees are properly trained and supervised.
Before commencing operations, the franchisee must ensure that the Designated Manager and all employees know how to operate the store safely and properly. This includes having an employee present during all operating hours who can communicate with the public in English. The Designated Manager's role is crucial for maintaining the standards and operational efficiency of the Aplus store, as well as ensuring compliance with training and communication requirements.