What is the role of an 'Area President' within the Focus Cfo franchise system?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Focus CFO requires that Franchisee enter this Agreement as a business entity such as a limited liability company or similar entity (collectively, the "Entity") and such entity shall have one equity owner who shall serve as an Area President.
Franchisee's Equity Owner shall operate the Franchise as an Area President, working to generate new clients using Focus CFO's client development system and processes.
Area Presidents will have the primary responsibility for lead generation, recruiting of CFOs in their Home Territory and any Secondary Territory granted to the Area President, and developing a client base through networking and other business development tools by following Focus CFO's core processes. Area Presidents will maintain a Cookbook outlining their participation in business development, group marketing and client delivery activities using the standard Focus CFO format as outlined in the Playbook. Area Presidents will develop and manage an individual "Area Plan." The Area Plan will include networking contacts and business organizations. Area Presidents are responsible for communicating regularly with CFOs regarding the activities and services being provided to each client in the Area President's Book of Business. This includes a review of the 90-day plan for the client each quarter, with the CFO and the client. Area Presidents will assist with identifying and interviewing individuals to serve as CFOs for the Focus CFO client base and developing a CFO team to support group marketing activities (the "Group Marketing Team"). Area Presidents will coordinate and lead approved marketing activities, which may include other Area Presidents and CFOs from within their Home Territory or within any Secondary Territory granted to the Area President. Area Presidents may provide specialized, value-added or recurring client support services as part of our monthly client retainer where there is a CFO working on the account.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must operate as an Area President through a business entity they own. The Area President's primary responsibilities revolve around business development and client acquisition. They are tasked with lead generation, recruiting CFOs within their designated territory (Home Territory and any Secondary Territory), and cultivating a client base through networking and other business development activities, all while adhering to Focus CFO's established processes. Area Presidents also maintain a record of their business development, marketing, and client activities in a 'Cookbook' format. They are expected to develop and manage an 'Area Plan' that includes networking contacts and business organizations.
Area Presidents also play a crucial role in client management and communication. They are responsible for maintaining regular contact with CFOs regarding the services provided to clients within their 'Book of Business.' This includes quarterly reviews of the client's 90-day plan with both the CFO and the client. Additionally, Area Presidents assist in identifying and interviewing potential CFOs for the Focus CFO client base and developing a CFO team to support group marketing activities.
Furthermore, Area Presidents coordinate and lead approved marketing activities, potentially involving other Area Presidents and CFOs within their territories. Focus CFO retains the right to modify these responsibilities with 30 days' written notice. While Area Presidents primarily focus on business development, they may also provide specialized client support services, such as financial consulting or exit planning, as part of a monthly client retainer where a CFO is also working on the account. However, Area Presidents generally do not perform the core CFO services themselves, unless they obtain a separate CFO Licensing Agreement with Focus CFO.
In summary, the Area President role in the Focus Cfo franchise system is centered on business development, client relationship management, and team building, with a focus on expanding the client base and supporting the CFOs who deliver the core financial services. This structure allows franchisees to focus on growth and management while leveraging a network of licensed CFOs to provide the actual services.