Does the Focalpoint Coaching franchise agreement specify that the relationship between the parties is that of independent contractors?
Focalpoint_Coaching Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The term "employee" includes all of the Franchised Business' personnel, including all Associates, managers, administrators and other personnel that perform services for the Franchised Business, whether such person is classified as an employee of Franchisee or an independent contractor.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focalpoint Coaching Franchise Disclosure Document, the term "employee" is defined broadly. It encompasses all personnel of the Franchised Business, including associates, managers, administrators, and other personnel who provide services to the Franchised Business.
Importantly, this definition applies regardless of whether these individuals are classified by the franchisee as employees or independent contractors. This indicates that while Focalpoint Coaching franchisees may engage independent contractors to support their business, those contractors are still considered part of the "employee" pool for the purposes of the franchise agreement.
This distinction is significant because it allows Focalpoint Coaching to maintain control and oversight over all individuals performing services within the Focalpoint Coaching system, regardless of their specific employment status. This could impact how a franchisee manages their workforce and ensures compliance with Focalpoint Coaching's standards and procedures.