factual

Who is the founder of the Gokhale Method franchise?

Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer 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. These arrangements might have been considered franchises under certain laws. We have taken assignment of Esther Gokhale's interest in all Affiliate Agreements, and in 2012 offered to all existing affiliates the option to convert to the franchise offered here or end their relationship with us. All affiliates have now either been converted to franchises or our relationship with them has ended. No further affiliate agreements have been offered since 2011 and none are currently in effect.

Marks. Esther Gokhale owns the trademarks, trade names and intellectual property under which you will do business as a Gokhale Method franchisee; she licenses those marks and property to us under a license agreemen

Source: Item 2 — BUSINESS EXPERIENCE (FDD page 10)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, Esther Gokhale is the founder and president of Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. She is also identified as the predecessor of the company.

The FDD states that Esther Gokhale has been teaching classes in yoga and posture since at least 1980. In 1992, she began teaching classes specifically focused on posture for back pain, and in 1993, she became certified to teach Aplomb, a branded form of posture instruction. Starting around 1996, Ms. Gokhale began developing the unique style, content, and teaching approach that would become the Gokhale Method.

The name Gokhale Method was trademarked in 2010, and in April 2008, she published the book 8 Steps to a Pain Free Back, subsequently starting group courses in posture to relieve back pain. Esther Gokhale also owns the trademarks, trade names, and intellectual property that Gokhale Method franchisees use to conduct business. She licenses these marks and property to Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. under a license agreement.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.