If an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee does not personally run the business, what responsibility do they have?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
his Agreement, any other agreement with Augusta Lawn Care, and You are in compliance with the Manual.
5.1 Training
5.1.1 Initial Training
Before the opening of Your Augusta Lawn Care Business, Augusta Lawn Care will conduct an initial training program concerning the operation of the Augusta Lawn Care Business under the Augusta Lawn Care System for Your Operating Principal and manager, if any, if you are a legal entity, or You and your manager, if any, if you are an individual. You or Your Operating Principal (if you are a corporate entity) and/or manager, if any, shall attend and successfully complete the initial training program to the satisfaction of Augusta Lawn Care before You may open the Augusta Lawn Care Business.
5.1.2 Continuing Training
In an effort to maintain brand standards and to protect and enhance the goodwill associated with the System and the Marks, Augusta Lawn Care may offer ongoing training or education programs on matters related to the operation or promotion of the Augusta Lawn Care Business on an optional
or mandatory basis, as it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion. You shall attend and complete all such continuing education programs Augusta Lawn Care requires. You shall be responsible for Your own expenses and those of Your employees who attend any such training or education programs. Augusta Lawn Care may also require you to pay a fee for continuing training and education programs of its costs, plus an administrative fee. You must complete all education and training programs Augusta Lawn Care designates to Augusta Lawn Care's satisfaction.
5.1.3 Annual Conference
Augusta Lawn Care may, in its sole and absolute discretion, require you to attend a mandatory conference once per calendar year during the Term. You shall attend all such conferences. You are responsible for your own expenses and those of your employees who attend any such conferences. Augusta Lawn Care may require you to pay a reasonable fee to attend each conference.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 31–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Augusta Lawn Care FDD, if a franchisee is a legal entity, the Operating Principal and manager must attend and successfully complete the initial training program. If the franchisee is an individual, then the franchisee and their manager must attend the training.
Augusta Lawn Care also requires attendance and completion of ongoing training or education programs, whether optional or mandatory, to maintain brand standards and goodwill. The franchisee is responsible for their own expenses and those of their employees who attend these programs, and may also be required to pay a fee covering Augusta Lawn Care's costs plus an administrative fee.
Additionally, Augusta Lawn Care may require franchisees to attend a mandatory conference once per calendar year, for which the franchisee is responsible for their own and their employees' expenses, and may also be required to pay a reasonable fee, regardless of whether they attend the conference. These stipulations ensure that even if the franchisee does not directly manage the business, they must ensure their appointed personnel are adequately trained and compliant with Augusta Lawn Care's standards.