Why does Focus Cfo require approval for Support Resources with a public-facing role?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee may, but is not required to, hire employees and/or outside contractors ("Support Resources") for administrative support without the written consent of Focus CFO.
Franchisee shall obtain Focus CFO's prior written approval for the hiring of any Support Resource who is designated by Franchisee as having a "public facing role" that utilizes the Focus CFO Marks.
Such approval by Focus CFO is necessary in order to protect the Focus CFO brand.
Franchisee shall take full responsibility for all Support Resources Franchisee hires and shall comply with all federal, state and local employment laws and regulations.
Franchisee shall require each Support Resource to execute a confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-competition agreement whereby the Support Resource acknowledges being bound to the same covenants as the Equity Owner of the Franchise under the terms of this Agreement.
The Franchisee will provide a copy of this executed agreement to Focus CFO within ten (10) business days of Franchisee hiring the Support Resource.
Franchisee agrees that Focus CFO is not the employer for any Support Resource Franchisee hires.
Franchisee shall ensure that all Support Resources understand that they are employees of Franchisee and have no relationship, employment or otherwise, with Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, Focus Cfo requires prior written approval for hiring any support resource designated by the franchisee as having a "public facing role" that utilizes the Focus Cfo marks. This requirement is explicitly stated as necessary to protect the Focus Cfo brand.
This means that while franchisees have the autonomy to hire support staff for administrative tasks without direct franchisor oversight, any role that interacts with the public and represents the Focus Cfo brand requires franchisor approval. This is a common practice in franchising, where brand consistency and reputation are critical for the overall success of the franchise system. By controlling who represents the brand to the public, Focus Cfo aims to maintain a consistent and positive image.
As a Focus Cfo franchisee, this implies that you'll need to submit any potential hire for a public-facing role to Focus Cfo for approval before they can begin working. This might involve providing information about the candidate's qualifications, experience, and how they will represent the brand. While this adds an extra step to the hiring process, it is intended to safeguard the brand's reputation, which ultimately benefits all franchisees. Franchisees are also responsible for ensuring that all support resources understand they are employees of the franchisee and have no relationship with Focus Cfo.