Does the Focalpoint Coaching franchisor have the power to hire or fire the franchisee's employees or personnel?
Focalpoint_Coaching Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee must keep Franchisor informed at all times of the identity of any supervisory employee(s) acting as the Business Manager or other assistant manager(s) of the Franchised Business. Franchisee (or Franchisee's Managing Owner) and/or the Business Manager must devote full time and efforts to the management and supervision of the Franchised Business. If Franchisee (or Franchisee's Managing Owner) owns more than one FocalPoint Franchised Business, each FocalPoint Franchised Business must be under the direct supervision of a business manager Franchisor has approved and who has completed Franchisor's training programs. Franchisee (or Franchisee's Managing Owner) is solely responsible for all employment decisions for the Franchised Business, including hiring, firing, remuneration, personnel policies, training, benefits, and maintaining supervision and discipline, regardless of whether Franchisee received advice from Franchisor on any of these subjects.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Focalpoint Coaching's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for all employment decisions related to their franchise. This includes the power to hire and fire employees. While Focalpoint Coaching may offer guidance or advice on employee training and related topics, the document makes it clear that the final say rests with the franchisee.
This means that as a Focalpoint Coaching franchisee, you retain control over your staff. You are responsible for establishing personnel policies, determining remuneration, providing training, and maintaining supervision and discipline. Even if you seek or receive advice from Focalpoint Coaching on these matters, the responsibility for employment decisions remains yours.
This arrangement is typical in many franchise systems, where the franchisee operates as an independent business owner. It allows you to tailor your staffing decisions to the specific needs of your location and business strategy. However, it also means you bear the full responsibility for compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Prospective Focalpoint Coaching franchisees should understand that while the franchisor offers support and guidance in many areas, employment decisions are ultimately the franchisee's responsibility. This includes all aspects of hiring, firing, and managing personnel.