What is Esther Gokhale's role in the Gokhale Method?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Parent or Predecessor.* Esther Gokhale, our founder and president, is our predecessor and has conducted classes in yoga and posture since at least 1980. She began teaching classes dedicated to posture for back pain in 1992 and was certified to teach Aplomb®, a branded form of posture instruction, in 1993. Beginning in approximately 1996, Ms. Gokhale began researching and developing the distinctive style, content and pedagogic approach that became the Gokhale Method. The name Gokhale Method was trademarked in 2010. In April, 2008, she published the book & Steps to a Pain Free Back, and at that time began teaching group courses in posture to relieve back pain. Other than as disclosed above, Ms. Gokhale has not conducted business in any other line of business, and has not offered franchises in any other line of business. Ms. Gokhale entered into Affiliate Program Agreements, described immediately below, which may be considered the offering of franchises in this line of business.
Our parent corporation, which owns all interest in us, is Gokhale Method Enterprise, Inc. ("GME"). GME is located at 3790 El Camino Real #1033, Palo Alto, CA 94306. GME is wholly owned by Esther Gokhale. GME is engaged in the business of teaching the Gokhale Method to individuals and to employees of corporations and of operating a business of the type being offered herein. GME is responsible for developing and enhancing the Gokhale Method, and it also conducts research and product development and is the source of products bearing the Marks and that franchisees may purchase, or be required to purchase from us, in connection with the operation of their franchise. GME also provides certain administrative and marketing services to us in exchange for a fee. GME does not and has not offered franchises in any line of business.
Affiliate Program Agreements. During the period 2009 to February, 2011, Ms. Gokhale offered and sold arrangements to individuals to teach the Gokhale Method under "Affiliate Program Agreements." The Affiliate Program Agreements authorized individuals to offer Posture Classes using the Gokhale Method name and marks in exchange for a fee of $3,000 for training and a fixed payment for each student taught.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, Esther Gokhale is the founder and president of the Gokhale Method. She is also the owner of the trademarks, trade names, and intellectual property associated with the Gokhale Method, which she licenses to Gokhale Method Institute, Inc., the franchisor. Gokhale's parent corporation, Gokhale Method Enterprise, Inc. (GME), is wholly owned by Esther Gokhale.
Gokhale's involvement dates back to 1980, with classes in yoga and posture. By 1992, she dedicated her work to posture for back pain, becoming certified in Aplomb® in 1993. From approximately 1996, she developed the Gokhale Method, trademarked in 2010, and published "8 Steps to a Pain Free Back" in 2008, further popularizing her approach through group courses.
Gokhale Method Enterprise, Inc. is responsible for the ongoing development and enhancement of the Gokhale Method. GME conducts research and product development and is the source of products bearing the Marks that franchisees may purchase. GME also provides administrative and marketing services to Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. in exchange for a fee. Gokhale's extensive research and teaching experience over 30 years have shaped the Gokhale Method, which is taught throughout the United States and internationally.