What discretion does Dryer Vent Squad have over the strategic direction of the Brand Development Fund?

According to Dryer Vent Squad's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Dryer Vent Squad has considerable control over the Brand Development Fund. Dryer Vent Squad, in its reasonable business judgment, directs all advertising, media placement, marketing, and public relations programs financed by the fund. This includes complete discretion over the strategic direction, creative concepts, materials, endorsements, and the geographic, market, and media placement and allocation. The Brand Development Fund may also be used for evaluating and monitoring the Business Management Systems, maintaining and upgrading the System Website, and developing Digital Media.

Dryer Vent Squad can use the Brand Development Fund to promote or benefit any type of Dryer Vent Squad business within the system, even those located within a particular region of the United States. The document clarifies that franchisees are still obligated to contribute to the fund, even if they do not directly benefit from these activities. Franchisees must participate in all advertising, marketing, promotions, research, and public relations programs instituted by the Brand Development Fund.

Notably, Dryer Vent Squad businesses owned by Dryer Vent Squad or its affiliates are not required to pay into the Brand Development Fund. The document also states that the Brand Development Fund is not a trust, and Dryer Vent Squad is not a trustee or fiduciary of the fund, allowing Dryer Vent Squad to deposit and maintain the funds in its general accounts. While Dryer Vent Squad may establish a council to provide guidance on the fund's administration and marketing matters, this council serves only in an advisory capacity, and Dryer Vent Squad ultimately selects its members.