What agreements must a Cordova Operating Manager sign?
Cordova Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may hire a manager to assume responsibility for the daily management and supervision of the Franchised Business, only if: (a) the manager meets all of our minimum standards and criteria for managers; (b) the manager completes our initial training program; (c) the manager signs our confidentiality and non-competition agreements; and (d) the manager agrees, in writing, to assume responsibility for the on-site management and supervision of the Franchised Business (an "Operating Manager"). All of your employees and other agents and representatives who may have access to our confidential information must sign a confidentiality agreement.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD page 32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cordova's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee hires a manager to oversee the daily operations of the Cordova business, that manager must meet certain requirements. Specifically, the manager must adhere to Cordova's minimum standards for managers and complete the initial training program.
In addition to meeting Cordova's standards and completing the training program, the Operating Manager is required to sign two agreements. These include a confidentiality agreement to protect Cordova's sensitive business information and a written agreement to formally assume responsibility for the on-site management and supervision of the Cordova franchise.
Furthermore, Cordova requires all employees and other agents or representatives who may have access to confidential information to sign a confidentiality agreement. This ensures that proprietary information remains protected throughout the organization, not just at the management level. These measures are typical in franchising to safeguard trade secrets and operational methods.