What kind of supervision is required from a Mr. Sandless franchisee if they employ a Designated Manager?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We prefer granting franchises to individuals who will operate the Business on a day-to-day basis. With our prior written consent, you may employ a full-time designated manager (the "Designated Manager") who will work at least 40 hours per week and who will supervise the day-to-day operations of the Business. The Designated Manager must satisfactorily complete our training program. However, the appointment of a Designated Manager shall not relieve you of any duties or obligations under the Franchise Agreement. You may also hire a Technical Manager to oversee the Business' physical operations and the work performed under the Proprietary Marks. There is no substitute for your supervision of the Business, so if you employ a Designated Manager, you must still provide general supervision and be fully conversant with the affairs of the Business. Either you or a Designated Manager must devote full time and effort to the operation of the Business.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 29–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while the company prefers franchisees to operate the business on a day-to-day basis, a franchisee can employ a full-time Designated Manager to supervise daily operations, provided Mr. Sandless gives prior written consent. The Designated Manager must work at least 40 hours a week and satisfactorily complete the Mr. Sandless training program.
Even with a Designated Manager in place, the Mr. Sandless franchisee is not relieved of their duties or obligations under the Franchise Agreement. The franchisee must still provide general supervision and be fully informed about the business's operations. Mr. Sandless emphasizes that there is no substitute for the franchisee's oversight. Either the franchisee or the Designated Manager must devote full time and effort to the business.
In effect, hiring a Designated Manager for a Mr. Sandless franchise does not create a passive ownership situation. The franchisee retains significant supervisory responsibilities and must remain actively engaged in the business's affairs, even while delegating day-to-day management to a trained manager. This requirement ensures that franchisees remain invested in the success of their Mr. Sandless location and uphold the brand's standards.