factual

For what purpose will Focalpoint Coaching hold all Advertising and Development Fund contributions?

Focalpoint_Coaching Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

sor has established an Advertising and Development Fund (the "Fund") for the advertising, marketing, and public relations programs and materials Franchisor deems appropriate. Franchisee agrees to contribute to the Fund the amounts that Franchisor requires as set forth in Subsection 3.I above.

Franchisor has the right to collect for deposit into the Fund any advertising, marketing, or similar allowances paid to Franchisor by suppliers who deal with FocalPoint Franchised Businesses and with whom Franchisor has agreed that Franchisor will so deposit these allowances. (These payments are different from those which are not designated by suppliers to be used exclusively for advertising or similar purposes and which Franchisor and Franchisor's affiliates therefore may use for any purposes Franchisor and they deem appropriate, as provided in Subsection 8.B above.)

Franchisor may designate a separate entity as Franchisor deems appropriate in its sole discretion to operate and administer the Fund. Any such entity will have all of the rights and

duties as specified in this Section. Franchisor will direct all programs that the Fund finances, with sole control over the creative concepts, materials, and endorsements used and their geographic, market, and media placement and allocation. The Fund may pay for preparing and producing video, audio, and written materials and electronic media; developing, implementing, and maintaining an electronic commerce Website and/or related strategies; administering regional and multi regional marketing and advertising programs, including, without limitation, purchasing trade journal, direct mail, and other media advertising and using advertising, promotion, and marketing agencies and other advisors to provide assistance; and supporting public relations, market research, and other advertising, promotion, and marketing activities.

The Fund periodically may give Franchisee samples of advertising, marketing, and promotional formats and materials at no cost. Franchisor will sell Franchisee multiple copies of these materials at Franchisor's direct cost of producing them, plus any related shipping, handling, and storage charges.

Franchisor will account for the Fund separately from Franchisor's other funds and not use the Fund for any of Franchisor's general operating expenses. However, Franchisor may use the Fund to pay the reasonable salaries and benefits of personnel who manage and administer the Fund, the Fund's other administrative costs, travel expenses of personnel while they are on Fund business, meeting costs, overhead relating to Fund business, and other expenses that Franchisor incurs in activities reasonably related to administering or directing the Fund and its programs, including, without limitation, conducting market research, public relations, preparing advertising, promotion, and marketing materials, and collecting and accounting for Fund contributions.

The Fund will not be Franchisor's asset. Although the Fund is not a trust, Franchisor will hold all Fund contributions for the benefit of the contributors and use contributions only for the purposes described in this Subsection 9.A. Franchisor does not owe any fiduciary obligation to Franchisee for administering the Fund or any other reason. The Fund may spend in any fiscal year more or less than the total Fund contributions in that year, borrow from Franchisor or others (paying reasonable interest) to cover deficits, pay back outstanding principal amounts borrowed in prior years from Franchisor or third parties, or invest any surplus for future use. Franchisor will use all interest earned on Fund contributions to pay costs before using the Fund's other assets.

Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 56–57)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Focalpoint Coaching's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor will hold all Advertising and Development Fund contributions for the benefit of the contributors and will use the contributions only for the purposes described in Subsection 9.A. These purposes include paying for preparing and producing video, audio, and written materials and electronic media; developing, implementing, and maintaining an electronic commerce Website and/or related strategies; administering regional and multi regional marketing and advertising programs, including purchasing trade journal, direct mail, and other media advertising and using advertising, promotion, and marketing agencies and other advisors to provide assistance; and supporting public relations, market research, and other advertising, promotion, and marketing activities.

Focalpoint Coaching states that it will account for the Fund separately from its other funds and will not use the Fund for any of its general operating expenses. However, Focalpoint Coaching may use the Fund to pay the reasonable salaries and benefits of personnel who manage and administer the Fund, the Fund's other administrative costs, travel expenses of personnel while they are on Fund business, meeting costs, overhead relating to Fund business, and other expenses that Focalpoint Coaching incurs in activities reasonably related to administering or directing the Fund and its programs, including conducting market research, public relations, preparing advertising, promotion, and marketing materials, and collecting and accounting for Fund contributions.

Focalpoint Coaching clarifies that the Advertising and Development Fund will not be its asset, and although the Fund is not a trust, Focalpoint Coaching will hold all Fund contributions for the benefit of the contributors. Focalpoint Coaching does not owe any fiduciary obligation to the franchisee for administering the Fund or any other reason. The Fund may spend in any fiscal year more or less than the total Fund contributions in that year, borrow from Focalpoint Coaching or others (paying reasonable interest) to cover deficits, pay back outstanding principal amounts borrowed in prior years from Focalpoint Coaching or third parties, or invest any surplus for future use. Focalpoint Coaching will use all interest earned on Fund contributions to pay costs before using the Fund's other assets.

For a prospective Focalpoint Coaching franchisee, this means that the advertising fees they pay are intended to be used specifically for marketing and promotional activities to benefit the franchise system. However, there is a risk that the fund may be used for expenses related to administering the fund itself, and that Focalpoint Coaching does not have a fiduciary duty in administering the fund. The franchisee should also note that Focalpoint Coaching may borrow money for the fund or invest any surplus.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.