Is the Focus Cfo initial training program mandatory?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
erations. The topics covered are listed in the chart below.
The initial training program starts with you completing the required sections of our confidential and proprietary Playbook which can be accessed and completed online. You will have access to the Playbook within two (2) business days of signing the Franchise Agreement and payment of the Franchise Fee. You are to complete the required sections of the Playbook within two (2) weeks of signing the Franchise Agreement. The initial training program is mandatory and must be completed to Focus CFO's satisfaction.
Franchisees are required to attend the Focus CFO Mastery Program. This program reinforces mandatory specifications, standards and procedures, and best practices introduced in the initial training in Playbook. The program consists of six 90-minute sessions held the second and fourth Monday of each month. Sessions are held virtually.
Franchisees are required to attend one Climb the Mountain® Workshop. This workshop reinforces best practices introduced in the initial training in Playbook. This workshop is offered at least twice a year and is held in-person at a location within the United States. You are also responsible for your own travel, lodging, food and other out-of-pocket expenses for this training program, if applicable.
Franchisees are required to attend Tuesday Night Training and Best Practices Sessions during the first year. These sessions are held virtually on the second Tuesday of each month.
Franchisees are required to complete online cybersecurity training that we provide to you during your initial training program. This training should be completed within one (1) week of receiving a link to the training. In addition, all franchisees are subject to phishing testing campaigns conducted by Focus CFO's IT provider. If you fail the testing, you will be required to complete additional online cybersecurity training provided by us.
You are required to participate in an 11-month Sandler Sales Training program through our approved vendor, The Ruby Group, the cost of which is paid for by Focus CFO. The required program includes a Bootcamp and eleven (11) months of reinforcement training and coaching.
You are expected to begin this program within 120 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. The program starts with a Bootcamp that is offered either in-person (a two-day back-to-back session in Columbus, OH) or virtually (as 4 half-day sessions with two sessions held each of two consecutive weeks) by The Ruby Group.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 17–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Focus Cfo's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training program is mandatory. Franchisees must complete the required sections of the Playbook within two weeks of signing the Franchise Agreement. This initial training is a prerequisite for participating in group marketing activities or meetings with potential Focus Cfo clients. The initial training program must be completed to Focus CFO's satisfaction.
In addition to the initial training, Focus Cfo franchisees are required to attend the Focus CFO Mastery Program, which consists of six 90-minute virtual sessions held twice a month. Franchisees must also attend one Climb the Mountain® Workshop, an in-person event held at least twice a year within the United States. Franchisees are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food, and other out-of-pocket expenses for the Climb the Mountain® Workshop.
Focus Cfo also requires franchisees to attend Tuesday Night Training and Best Practices Sessions during their first year, held virtually each month. Furthermore, franchisees must complete online cybersecurity training and participate in an 11-month Sandler Sales Training program, with the initial cost covered by Focus CFO. This includes a Bootcamp and ongoing reinforcement training and coaching. If franchisees choose to continue the Sandler Sales Training beyond the initial 11 months, they will be responsible for the $550 monthly cost.