What training is required for a general manager of a Degree Wellness franchise before they can start their role?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Each general manager and successor general manager must attend and complete our initial training program for your franchise prior to commencing the role of General Manager (see Item 11).
Each General Manager and successor General Manager must attend and complete our Initial Training (as defined herein) prior to commencing the role of General Manager.
a. At least 30 days before the Franchise opens for business, you and your staff that we designate must attend our initial training program for your Franchise (the "Initial Training") at the time and place we designate. The Initial Training which consists of two distinct types of training: business-related training and technical service-related training. You (if you are an individual), the Principal Owners (if you are a legal entity), your General Manager (if any) must complete this initial training program to our satisfaction.
The business-related portion of the Initial Training ("Business Training") will take place at a location and time that Franchisor designates, and only after you have executed a lease for the Franchised Business, provided, however, that Franchisor reserves the right to delay this portion of the Initial Training program until such time as you have completed all pre-initial training items set forth in the Manuals.
Up to two individuals may attend the "Business Training" portion of the Initial Training program without additional charge. If the Principal Owner is not the General Manager, both the Principal Owner and the General Manager must attend the Business Training. If the General Manager is also the Principal Owner, then one other employee may attend without charge. At your request, Franchisor may permit additional individuals to attend the Business Training, subject to space availability and payment of Franchisor's then-current tuition. You are responsible for all costs and expenses of complying with Franchisor's Business Training requirements including, without limitation, tuition and registration costs, and salary, travel, lodging, and dining costs for all of your employees who participate in and attend the Business Training".
The Initial Training currently includes classroom, online self-directed instruction, and instudio Franchise operation training. Our business-related initial training program will be held at a classroom facility that we designate in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, although we reserve the right to designate another training facility. In-studio training will be completed at your studio location.
If we, in our sole discretion, determine that any General Manager or employee is unable to satisfactorily complete such Initial Training program, then you must not hire that person, and must hire a substitute General Manager or employee (as the case may be), who must enroll in the Initial Training program within 15 days thereafter, and complete the Initial Training to our satisfaction.
Any General Manager must obtain all licenses and certifications required by law before assuming his or her responsibilities at the Franchise.
Source: Item 15 — Obligation to Participate in the Actual Operation of the Franchise Business (FDD pages 48–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee employs a general manager, that general manager must attend and complete the initial training program before starting their role. This initial training consists of business-related training and technical service-related training. The business-related portion of the Initial Training will take place at a location and time that Degree Wellness designates, and only after the franchisee has executed a lease for the Franchised Business. Degree Wellness reserves the right to delay this portion of the Initial Training program until such time as the franchisee has completed all pre-initial training items set forth in the Manuals.
The initial training program currently includes classroom instruction, online self-directed instruction, and in-studio Franchise operation training. The business-related initial training program will be held at a classroom facility that Degree Wellness designates in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, although Degree Wellness reserves the right to designate another training facility. In-studio training will be completed at the franchisee's studio location.
Up to two individuals may attend the "Business Training" portion of the Initial Training program without additional charge. If the Principal Owner is not the General Manager, both the Principal Owner and the General Manager must attend the Business Training. If the General Manager is also the Principal Owner, then one other employee may attend without charge. The franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses of complying with Degree Wellness's Business Training requirements including, without limitation, tuition and registration costs, and salary, travel, lodging, and dining costs for all of their employees who participate in and attend the Business Training".
Degree Wellness retains the right to deem a general manager unqualified during or after the training program, in which case the franchisee must find a replacement who enrolls in training within 15 days. Furthermore, any General Manager must obtain all licenses and certifications required by law before assuming his or her responsibilities at the Franchise.