What are the Deck Medic franchisee's obligations regarding site development and other pre-opening requirements as described in Item 9, and how does this relate to the franchisor's assistance in Item 11?

According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 9 outlines the franchisee's obligations, including those related to site development and pre-opening requirements, while Item 11 details the franchisor's assistance. Specifically, Item 9 indicates that site selection and acquisition/lease are the franchisee's responsibility, referencing Articles 2 and 3.C of the franchise agreement, with assistance detailed in Item 11. Pre-opening purchases and leases are also the franchisee's obligations, as described in Articles 3 and 8, with further details in Items 7 and 8. Site development and other pre-opening requirements are outlined in Articles 3, 4, 7.F, 7.G, 7.I, 7.J, 8, and 9, with assistance specified in Items 6, 7, and 11.

Item 11 elaborates on the franchisor's role in site selection, stating that franchisees are responsible for selecting a site for their administrative office and obtaining franchisor approval. Deck Medic will provide site selection guidelines but does not typically own or lease the real property. The franchisee is responsible for all costs associated with locating and evaluating potential sites. The franchisor will respond to a proposed location request within 30 days of receiving all required information, considering site characteristics and its location relative to the operating territory and other franchisees. If the site does not meet Deck Medic's requirements, the Franchise Agreement may be terminated without a refund of fees.

Furthermore, franchisees must consult with government agencies, architects, and legal professionals to ensure the site permits the business's establishment and operation and that they possess the necessary licenses and authority. Franchisees cannot open their Deck Medic business until they complete initial training, obtain necessary licensing and authorization, and provide proof of required insurance. They must open within 120 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. The estimated time between signing the agreement and opening the business is one to three months, but this can be affected by training completion time, financing, licensing, staff training, and vehicle acquisition.