What must Deck Medic franchisees use to maintain the confidentiality of the Manuals?

According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must keep and maintain the confidentiality of the Operations Manual. They must also keep and maintain all files, data, and information contained in the Operations Manual in a secure location and/or in a protected confidential state, and as otherwise directed by Deck Medic.

This means a Deck Medic franchisee is responsible for protecting the Operations Manual from unauthorized access or disclosure. The franchisee must follow any specific instructions from Deck Medic on how to secure the manual, whether it involves physical security measures for printed copies or digital security for electronic versions. The master copy of the Operations Manual is maintained and designated by Deck Medic.

This obligation extends not only to the franchisee but also to their employees, agents, and others who may have access to the Operations Manual. Franchisees must ensure that anyone who needs access to the manual for business operations also understands and adheres to the confidentiality requirements. This is a standard practice in franchising, as the operations manual contains proprietary information vital to the brand's success and consistency.