Besides actual damages, what other form of relief might be available in a dispute with C12 Group?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any franchisee may also appeal via their Regional Representative to bring matters of concern or dispute to the Chair Advisory Council which includes a delegate of the Franchisor's Board of Directors in addition to Franchisor's Officers.
Step Two: If the dispute remains unresolved, either Franchisor or Franchisee may bring the dispute to a panel of three of C12's Board Members, whom You will mutually select, that are not members of the Franchisor's senior staff.
Step Three: If Franchisee is still unwilling to abide by the decision of the panel of the three C12 non-executive Board Members, then Franchisee shall have the right to request binding Christian arbitration.
The parties agree for the arbitration process to be conducted in accordance with the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure contained in the ICC booklet Guidelines for Christian Conciliation.
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (complete text of the Rules is available at www.iccpeace.com/rules or by contacting ICC PEACE at info@iccpeace.com or calling 844-707-3223).
Consistent with these rules, each party to the agreement shall agree to the selection of the arbitrator.
The parties agree that if there is an impasse in the selection of the arbitrator, the Institute for Christian Conciliation (hereafter ICC), shall be asked to provide the name of a qualified person who will serve in that capacity.
Consistent with the Rules of Procedure, the arbitrator shall issue a written opinion within a reasonable time.
The parties acknowledge that the resolving of conflicts requires time and financial resources.
In an effort to fully encourage and implement a biblically faithful process, Franchisor agrees to pay all fees and expenses, which may be required by the mediator, case administrator, and/or arbitrator.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have avenues for dispute resolution beyond monetary damages. Initially, a franchisee can appeal to the Chair Advisory Council through their Regional Representative, which includes a delegate from C12 Group's Board of Directors and officers. If the dispute persists, either C12 Group or the franchisee can escalate the issue to a panel of three mutually selected C12 Group Board Members who are not part of the senior staff.
If the franchisee remains unsatisfied after the panel's decision, they have the right to request binding Christian arbitration. This arbitration process is to be conducted following the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure outlined in the ICC booklet Guidelines for Christian Conciliation. The complete text of these rules is accessible via the provided website or by contacting ICC PEACE. Both parties must agree on the selection of the arbitrator, and if an agreement cannot be reached, the Institute for Christian Conciliation will provide a qualified individual to serve as the arbitrator.
C12 Group commits to covering all fees and expenses associated with the mediator, case administrator, and/or arbitrator to encourage a biblically faithful resolution process. This indicates that C12 Group is willing to invest in alternative dispute resolution methods, potentially offering franchisees a path to resolving conflicts outside of traditional litigation, which could save franchisees money. This approach emphasizes reconciliation and adherence to Christian principles in resolving disputes, which may appeal to franchisees who value these principles.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the implications of agreeing to Christian arbitration, including the potential limitations on legal remedies and the selection process for arbitrators. Franchisees should carefully review the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure to fully understand the process and their rights.