What is the purpose of the Engel & Volkers training and support provided to franchisees?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In order to assist you in the operation of the franchised Busines in compliance with the mandatory aspects of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System, including proper Trademark usage, we will provide you with education, support, advice and other resources. The training and support is intended to assist you and protect the ENGEL & VÖLKERS System and the goodwill associated with it, but not to control the day-to-day operation of your Franchised Business. For example, personell-related decisions will be made by you and are not intended to be covered by the training or other support. We will conduct training courses, seminars or conferences virtually via web-based training platforms of our choice or, if the training is conducted in person, at locations we select in the United States at our discretion. If an individual Franchisee or the Principals of a business entity Franchisee will not be active in the Residential Real Estate Brokerage, then your brokerage manager must attend the applicable training course. The training courses will be held when there are a sufficient number of franchisees, sales advisors or staff members for attendance (minimum of 8 if the training course is conducted in New York City, a minimum of 15 if the training course is conducted in another city in the United States, or a minimum of 6 attendees if conducted via virtual web-based training platform). Your payment of the Initial Franchise Fee entitles you to have one person attend and complete LPT without charge. For any additional persons trained, you must pay the fees we charge for training upon the signing of the Franchise Agreement. You must pay all of your and your attendees' costs of transportation, lodging, meals and other expenses. Attendance at these courses is mandatory. (Franchise Agreement, Section 9.)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 43–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Engel & Volkers Franchise Disclosure Document, the training and support provided is designed to assist franchisees in operating their franchised business in compliance with the mandatory aspects of the Engel & Volkers system. This includes ensuring proper trademark usage and providing education, advice, and other resources. However, this support is not intended to control the day-to-day operations of the franchised business; personnel-related decisions, for instance, remain the responsibility of the franchisee. Engel & Volkers may conduct training courses, seminars, or conferences virtually or in person, with locations selected at their discretion within the United States. Attendance at these courses is mandatory.
The Engel & Volkers FDD specifies that during the operation of the franchised business, Engel & Volkers will provide administrative, technical, and marketing support related to the Engel & Volkers System. They will also offer ongoing assistance regarding improvements and changes to the system through various means such as written materials, electronic communication, telephone consultations, or in-person visits. Engel & Volkers may also conduct marketing activities through a Marketing and Technology Fund to promote the brand. Franchisees are expected to cooperate with service companies that have agreements with Engel & Volkers, except when there are legitimate commercial or financial reasons to refuse. These agreements may allow franchisees to offer additional services like mortgage loans and homeowner's insurance.
Engel & Volkers also reserves the right to offer additional, ongoing, and supplemental training sessions, which may be mandatory and may incur a fee. The training offerings and requirements are subject to change as the Engel & Volkers System evolves. Mandatory training includes LPT training for franchisees, principals, or broker managers, Engel & Volkers Engage for Sales Advisors and staff, and SPT training for at least one staff member supporting Sales Advisors. Franchisees are responsible for covering the costs of attendance, including travel, accommodation, and salaries for their employees and sales advisors. If training is requested at the franchisee's location, the franchisee may be required to cover the trainer's expenses and costs related to the training location.