What is the required action of the Focus Cfo franchisee regarding the initial training program?
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 the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to complete an initial training program. This program begins with completing required sections of the confidential Playbook, which can be accessed online. Franchisees gain access to the Playbook within two business days of signing the Franchise Agreement and paying the Franchise Fee. The required sections of the Playbook must be completed within two weeks of signing the Franchise Agreement.
This initial training program is mandatory and must be completed to Focus Cfo's satisfaction. Franchisees cannot participate in group marketing activities or meetings with potential clients until the initial training is complete. The initial training program focuses on Focus Cfo's standard business development process and client delivery best practices, and it typically takes 20-30 hours to review the required sections of the Playbook.
In addition to the Playbook, franchisees must complete online cybersecurity training within one week of receiving the training link. Franchisees are also required to attend the Focus CFO Mastery Program, which consists of six 90-minute virtual sessions held twice a month, and one in-person Climb the Mountain® Workshop, offered at least twice a year within the United States. Franchisees are responsible for their travel, lodging, and food expenses for the in-person workshop. Franchisees are also required to attend Tuesday Night Training and Best Practices Sessions during their first year, held virtually on the second Tuesday of each month.
Furthermore, franchisees are required to participate in an 11-month Sandler Sales Training program through The Ruby Group, which Focus Cfo pays for. This program includes a Bootcamp (either in-person or virtual) and monthly reinforcement training and coaching. Franchisees are expected to begin this program within 120 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. If a franchisee chooses to continue the Sandler Sales Training beyond the initial 11 months, they will be responsible for the monthly costs, which are currently $550 per month.