Is the initial training program provided by Focus Cfo 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. After the completion of Bootcamp, you will begin reinforcement training and coaching which is conducted virtually and includes 90 minutes of virtual instruction held once a week. Coaching consists of individualized monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with an assigned Sandler coach. You are also responsible for your own travel, lodging, food and other out-of-pocket expenses for this training program, if applicable.
Should you elect to continue to participate in reinforcement training and coaching beyond the required minimum eleven (11) months, you are responsible for paying 100% of the monthly costs for your extended participation. The current negotiated cost of continuing reinforcement tra
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 program must be completed to Focus CFO's satisfaction. Franchisees are not authorized to participate in group marketing activities or any meetings with current or potential Focus CFO clients until this initial training is completed.
Focus CFO also requires franchisees to attend the Focus CFO Mastery Program, which reinforces specifications, standards, procedures, and best practices introduced in the initial training in the Playbook. This program consists of six 90-minute virtual sessions held on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Franchisees must also attend one Climb the Mountain® Workshop, which reinforces best practices introduced in the initial training in the Playbook. This workshop is offered at least twice a year and is held in-person at a location within the United States. Franchisees are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food, and other out-of-pocket expenses for this training program, if applicable.
In addition to the initial training program, Focus CFO requires franchisees to attend Tuesday Night Training and Best Practices Sessions during their first year. These sessions are held virtually on the second Tuesday of each month. Franchisees must also complete online cybersecurity training provided during the initial training program within one week of receiving the training link. Furthermore, franchisees are subject to phishing testing campaigns conducted by Focus CFO's IT provider, and failure to pass the testing requires additional online cybersecurity training.
Focus CFO requires franchisees to participate in an 11-month Sandler Sales Training program through The Ruby Group, which includes a Bootcamp and eleven months of reinforcement training and coaching. Franchisees are expected to begin this program within 120 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. The Bootcamp is offered either in-person in Columbus, OH, or virtually. After completing the Bootcamp, franchisees will begin reinforcement training and coaching, which includes 90 minutes of virtual instruction held once a week. Coaching consists of individualized monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with an assigned Sandler coach. Focus CFO pays for the cost of this program, but franchisees are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food, and other out-of-pocket expenses, if applicable. If franchisees elect to continue participating in reinforcement training and coaching beyond the required 11 months, they are responsible for paying 100% of the monthly costs, which is currently $550 per month.