What is the name of the COO of Dryer Vent Squad Franchising LLC who was named in the lawsuits?
Dryer_Vent_Squad Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Aaron Cotton v. Dryer Vent Squad Franchising LLC, Leiby Goldberger and Curt Swanson Docket No. 3:22 cv00774, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on October 2, 2022. The plaintiff, Aaron Cotton (who is also the boyfriend of the daughter of COO Thomas J. Scott), a former franchisee of Clozetivity Franchising LLC, filed a suit against Dryer Vent Squad Franchising LLC and our CEO and COO, Leiby "Leo" Goldberger and Curt Swanson, respectively, alleging that the defendants concealed material information that they had a duty to disclose to the plaintiff and in the Dryer Vent Squad Franchise Disclosure Documents. Plaintiff brought a three-count complaint alleging fraudulent inducement and fraudulent inducement by concealment and seeking injunctive relief. On February 21, 2023, Defendants filed an answer denying the claims. Plaintiff Cotton and Defendants amicably resolved their dispute (with no money exchanging hands), and, on April 27, 2023, the Court entered an order reflecting the dismissal with prejudice of their respective claims.
Will Farris v. Dryer Vent Squad Franchising LLC, Leiby Goldberger and Curt Swanson, Case No. 22-1311-I, filed in the Chancery Court for Davidson County, Tennessee at Nashville on October 2, 2022. The plaintiff, Will Farris, a former franchisee of Dryer Vent Squad, filed a suit against Dryer Vent Squad and our CEO and COO, Leiby "Leo" Goldberger and Curt Swanson, respectively, alleging that the defendants concealed material information that they had a duty to disclose to the plaintiff and in the Dryer Vent Squad Franchise Disclosure Documents. Plaintiff brought a three-count complaint alleging fraudulent inducement, fraudulent inducement by concealment, and injunctive relief. On January 11, 2023, Defendants filed an answer denying the claims**. Plaintiff Will Farris and Defendants amicably resolved their dispute (with no money exchanging hands) and, on March 31, 2023, the Court entered an order reflecting the dismissal with prejudice of their respective claims.**
Source: Item 3 — LITIGATION (FDD pages 11–15)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Dryer Vent Squad Franchise Disclosure Document, Curt Swanson is identified as the COO of Dryer Vent Squad Franchising LLC and is named in several lawsuits. These lawsuits often involve allegations of concealed material information in the Franchise Disclosure Documents.
Specifically, Curt Swanson is named alongside CEO Leiby "Leo" Goldberger in suits filed by former franchisees and related parties across multiple franchise brands under Home Based Franchise Group. These suits include claims of fraudulent inducement, breach of duty, defamation, and other business-related misconduct. Many of these cases were either dismissed or settled without significant financial exchange, but they highlight potential risks and disputes that a franchisee might encounter.
Prospective Dryer Vent Squad franchisees should carefully review Item 3 of the FDD, which details the litigation history, and consider the implications of these past legal challenges. Understanding the nature of these disputes and their resolutions can provide valuable insight into the franchisor's business practices and potential areas of concern for franchisees.