What are the conditions under which Degree Wellness may require the franchisee to participate in ongoing training or certification programs (Item 11), and how does this relate to the franchisee's obligations regarding staff development and performance (Item 9)?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
significantly damaged, then you must obtain a replacement copy for us at our then-applicable charge.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, you shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Franchised Business. While the Operations Manual sets forth our standards for the Franchise, the procedures utilized to implement those standards rest with the Franchisee.
5.3 Modifications to System. We will continually be reviewing and analyzing developments relative to the System, and based upon our evaluation of this information, may make changes in the System, including but not limited to adding new components to services and products offered and equipment used by Studio franchises. Moreover, changes in, or interpretations of, laws regulating the services offered by Degree Wellness franchises may (a) require us to restructure our franchise program, (b) require your General Manager (if any) and employees to obtain additional licenses or certifications, (c) require you to retain or establish relationships with additional professionals and/or healthcare industries, and/or (d) require you to modify your ownership or organizational structure. You agree, at our request, to modify the operation of the Franchise to comply with all such changes, and to be solely responsible for all related costs.
5.4 Advisory Councils. You agree to participate in, and, if required, become a member of any advisory councils or similar organizations we form or organize for Studio franchises. We will select the advisory council's members, and we may change or dissolve the advisory council at any time. We anticipate that an advisory council would serve in an advisory capacity, but may grant to the advisory council any operational or decision-making powers that we deem appropriate. We, or one of more of our affiliated companies or persons, may also offer separate, optional, advisory councils or groups that may have additional costs to you should you decide to participate.
6. FEES.
- 6.1 Initial Franchise Fee. You agree to pay us the initial franchise fee (the "Initial Franchise Fee") set forth below when you sign this Agreement.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Degree Wellness may require franchisees and their staff to participate in additional, ongoing, and supplemental training programs as deemed appropriate by Degree Wellness. These programs may cover new equipment, techniques, services, products, and other relevant subjects. Degree Wellness can decide to hold these training programs on their own initiative or in response to a franchisee's request for additional or specialized training. Degree Wellness determines the location, frequency, and instructors for these training programs. Franchisees are responsible for all travel, lodging, meal, and personal expenses related to the attendance of themselves and their personnel at these training programs. Franchisees are also required to attend Degree Wellness's annual conference, and if a third-party professional corporation services the Studio's patients, each provider of that corporation must also attend the annual convention.
Degree Wellness also retains the right to modify the System, which may include adding new components to services and products offered and equipment used by Studio franchises. Changes in laws regulating the services offered by Degree Wellness franchises may require the franchisee's General Manager and employees to obtain additional licenses or certifications, or require the franchisee to retain or establish relationships with additional professionals and/or healthcare industries, or modify their ownership or organizational structure. The franchisee agrees to modify the operation of the Franchise to comply with all such changes and is solely responsible for all related costs.
While the FDD excerpts provided do not explicitly detail the franchisee's obligations regarding staff development and performance under Item 9, it is clear that Degree Wellness maintains significant control over training and operational standards. A prospective franchisee should inquire about the specific requirements and expectations for staff training, performance metrics, and ongoing development programs to fully understand their obligations and the associated costs.