What happens if a C12 Group franchisee breaches the 'above reproach' conduct?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee further agrees that, as leaders of leaders, C12 Area Chairs are required to abide by a covenant of "above reproach" conduct.
Behaviors that could be questionable or cause members/customers to stumble are to be avoided by Franchisee with a high degree of wisdom and prudence.
Specifically, Franchisee and its Area Chairs shall abstain from the use of all smoking products.
Franchisor and Franchisee agree that these are not biblical mandates or evil but rather represent areas of personal sacrifice and restraint that Franchisor expects of all franchisees out of service to C12 members and preservation of Christian witness (see Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9, 10:31-32; 2 Corinthians 6:3).
Breaches of this "above reproach" conduct, including moral turpitude, legal or illegal, are material grounds for immediate termination of thisagreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, C12 Group franchisees are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct. As leaders of leaders, C12 Area Chairs are required to abide by a covenant of "above reproach" conduct. This includes avoiding behaviors that could be questionable or cause members/customers to stumble, with specific mention of abstaining from the use of all smoking products. While these aren't considered biblical mandates, they represent areas of personal sacrifice and restraint expected by C12 Group to preserve Christian witness.
If a C12 Group franchisee breaches this "above reproach" conduct, including engaging in moral turpitude, whether legal or illegal, it constitutes a material breach of the Franchise Agreement. This breach provides grounds for immediate termination of the agreement by C12 Group.
This clause highlights the importance C12 Group places on the ethical and moral behavior of its franchisees, given the organization's focus on Christian business leaders. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these requirements and ensure they are willing and able to adhere to these standards, as failure to do so can result in the loss of their franchise.