Is William A. Buckley's role with Coffee News limited to President, or does he hold other positions?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
President: William A. Buckley
William A. Buckley, the President and Director of Coffee News USA, Inc., has over 59 years of experience in the finance and marketing businesses. He has served in this position with Coffee News USA, Inc. since the company was formed in 1994 and began offering franchise for sale in 1996. In 2008, Mr. Buckley purchased 2703203 Manitoba, Inc. in Winnipeg, Manitoba and serves as President of that company. The International Franchise Association (IFA) has awarded Mr. Buckley a certificate of achievement as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE).
ITEM 3
LITIGATION
No litigation is required to be disclosed in this Item.
ITEM 4
BANKRUPTCY
No bankruptcies are required to be disclosed in this Item.
ITEM 5
INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE
You must pay an initial franchise fee of $9,900.00 for the first franchise that is due upon signing the initial franchise agreement, $500.00 of which must be paid to us for document preparation including without limitation draft of the franchise agreement. The $500.00 shall be deducted from $9,900.00 upon signing the initial franchise agreement.
Source: Item 2 — Business Experience (FDD page 9)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News FDD, William A. Buckley holds multiple positions within the Coffee News franchise network. While he is the President and Director of Coffee News USA, Inc., his involvement extends beyond this role. Buckley purchased 2703203 Manitoba, Inc. in 2008 and serves as its President. This Manitoba-based company is an affiliate of Coffee News USA, Inc. and holds the rights and marks for Coffee News worldwide, managing agreements with publishers in Canada and six other countries. Buckley's ownership in these entities further illustrates his extensive involvement. He owns 45% of Coffee News USA, Inc. and 100% of 2703203 Manitoba, Inc. Additionally, Buckley owns 51% of Coffee News Printing, LLC.
Buckley's multifaceted roles have significant implications for franchisees. As President of Coffee News USA, Inc., he is a key decision-maker influencing the strategic direction and operational policies of the franchise. His control over 2703203 Manitoba, Inc. means he has authority over the content and agreements with international Coffee News publishers, which could indirectly affect the brand's overall image and standards. His stake in Coffee News Printing, LLC, even though the printing services are now outsourced, suggests continued influence over the design and layout aspects of the Coffee News periodical.
For a prospective franchisee, this concentration of leadership and ownership in one individual could be both a benefit and a risk. On one hand, Buckley's extensive experience (over 59 years in finance and marketing) and deep involvement could provide stability and a clear vision for the franchise. On the other hand, it also means that the success and direction of Coffee News are heavily dependent on his decisions and actions. A potential franchisee might want to further investigate the management structure and contingency plans in place should Buckley become unable to fulfill his roles. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of other key personnel, such as the Chief Financial Officer who owns the remaining shares of Coffee News Printing, LLC, would also be prudent.