What are the requirements for a Bee Organized 'Operating Manager'?
Bee_Organized Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (1) If Franchisee is an individual and not a Corporate Entity, upon the death or permanent disability of Franchisee, the executor, administrator, conservator or other personal representative of Franchisee, must appoint a manager that meets the equivalent of an Operating Manager within a reasonable time, which shall not exceed 30 days from the date of death or permanent disability. The appointed manager (as applicable) must serve and qualify as an Operating Manager and attend and successfully complete the Training Program within 60 days of the appointment. If Franchisee's Bee Organized Business is not being managed by a Franchisor approved Operating Manager (as applicable) within 30 days after such death or permanent disability, Franchisor is authorized, but is not required, to immediately appoint a manager to maintain the operations of Franchisee's Bee Organized Business for, and on behalf of, Franchisee at Franchisee's sole costs until an approved Operating Manager is able to assume the management and operation of Franchisee's Bee Organized Business. Franchisor's appointment of a manager for Franchisee's Bee Organized Business does not relieve Franchisee of its obligations under this Agreement, including this Article 14.D., or constitute a waiver of Franchisor's right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 16, below. At all times, including while Franchisee's Bee Organized Business may be managed by Franchisor's appointed manager, Franchisor shall not be liable for any debts, losses, costs, or expenses incurred in the operations of Franchisee's Bee Organized Business or to any creditor of Franchisee for any products, materials, supplies or services purchased by Franchisee's Bee Organized Business. Franchisor has the right to charge a reasonable fee (the "Management Service Fees") for such management services and may cease to provide management services at any time.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–218)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bee Organized's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the requirements for an Operating Manager are primarily relevant in the event of the death or permanent disability of a franchisee who is an individual (not a Corporate Entity). In such cases, the executor, administrator, conservator, or other personal representative must appoint a manager that meets the equivalent of an Operating Manager within 30 days. This appointed manager must then attend and successfully complete the Bee Organized Training Program within 60 days of their appointment.
If the Bee Organized business is not managed by a Franchisor-approved Operating Manager within 30 days after the franchisee's death or disability, Bee Organized is authorized (but not required) to appoint a manager to maintain operations on behalf of the franchisee. The franchisee will bear the costs for this interim management. It's important to note that Bee Organized's appointment of a manager does not relieve the franchisee of their obligations under the Franchise Agreement, nor does it waive Bee Organized's right to terminate the agreement.
During any period when Bee Organized's appointed manager is running the business, Bee Organized will not be liable for any debts, losses, costs, or expenses incurred in the operations, or to any creditor for products, materials, supplies, or services purchased by the franchisee's business. Bee Organized has the right to charge a reasonable fee for these management services and may cease providing them at any time.
For a prospective franchisee, this means having a plan in place for business continuity in case of death or disability. Identifying a potential Operating Manager and ensuring they are aware of the requirements, including the training program, is crucial. Understanding the financial implications of Bee Organized potentially stepping in to manage the business temporarily is also important, as the franchisee will be responsible for those costs.