What is Engel & Volkers' expectation regarding the protection of the system's reputation and trademarks by franchisees?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees, their staff members, and sales advisors are obligated to protect the reputation and value of the Engel & Volkers system and trademarks. This includes adhering to best practices outlined in the Engel & Volkers System Documentation, such as any Code of Ethics that may be developed. Franchisees and their personnel must deliver real estate brokerage services and interact with customers, the public, other franchisees, and Engel & Volkers affiliates while maintaining the highest professional standards.

This requirement ensures that all Engel & Volkers locations operate with a consistent level of quality and professionalism, which is crucial for maintaining brand integrity and customer trust. By mandating adherence to specific standards and practices, Engel & Volkers aims to create a uniform and positive experience for clients, regardless of the location they interact with. This is a common practice in franchising, where brand consistency is a key factor in building and maintaining a strong brand reputation.

For a prospective Engel & Volkers franchisee, this means that they must be prepared to train their staff and sales advisors to meet these high standards and to continually reinforce the importance of protecting the brand's reputation. It also implies that franchisees must stay updated on any changes or additions to the Engel & Volkers System Documentation and Code of Ethics. Furthermore, if the franchisee is a corporation or other entity, its owners with 10% or more ownership must sign a Principal's Guarantee, ensuring their commitment to fulfilling the franchisee's obligations, including protecting the brand and trademarks.