false 0001598665 0001598665 2020-12-01 2020-12-01

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 1, 2020

 

 

HERITAGE INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36462   45-5338504

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 300

Clearwater, Florida

 
33759
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (727) 362-7202

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   HRTG   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(b), (c), (d) & (e)

As previously reported, effective November 30, 2020, Bruce Lucas is no longer serving as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) or Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”). In connection with his departure, the Company and Mr. Lucas entered into a Separation Agreement effective December 1, 2020 (the “Lucas Separation Agreement”). Pursuant to the Lucas Separation Agreement, Mr. Lucas’ Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated November 4, 2015 (the “Lucas Employment Agreement”) was terminated. Pursuant to the terms of the Lucas Separation Agreement, Mr. Lucas is entitled to (i) payment of his minimum 2020 annual bonus of $2,500,000, (ii) a non-renewal payment of $2,431,000 per the Lucas Employment Agreement, (iii) $163,750 in exchange for agreeing not to serve as an employee (through November 30, 2021) for any business that writes the same insurance products in the states in which the Company sells insurance products as of the date of the Lucas Separation Agreement, (iv) payment for three weeks of accrued and unused vacation time, (v) payment by the Company of COBRA continuation premiums for 18 months and (vi) assignment of any key man insurance policies on Mr. Lucas, the future premiums on which Mr. Lucas would be responsible for paying. The Lucas Separation Agreement also provides for customary confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-disparagement covenants, an agreement not to solicit any employee of the Company for a period of one year, an agreement to indemnify Mr. Lucas for actions taken while he was an employee, and a mutual release of claims. The foregoing summary of the Lucas Separation Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Lucas Separation Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

As previously reported, Mr. Lucas will remain with the Company as an executive consultant pursuant to a Consulting Agreement between the Company and Lucas Consulting Services, LLC, Mr. Lucas’ consulting company, effective December 1, 2020 (the “Consulting Agreement”). The term of the Consulting Agreement will continue through December 2021 and will automatically renew for an additional 12-month term each year if the Company does not provide written notice of non-extension to Mr. Lucas by September 1 of such year. The Consulting Agreement provides for a monthly payment for services equal to a pro rata portion of Mr. Lucas’ then-current base salary under the Lucas Employment Agreement. The foregoing summary of the Consulting Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Consulting Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, on December 1, 2020, the Company and Richard Widdicombe agreed that Mr. Widdicombe would no longer serve as President of the Company effective December 30, 2020, and the Company and Mr. Widdicombe entered into a Separation Agreement effective December 1, 2020 (the “Widdicombe Separation Agreement”). Pursuant to the Widdicombe Separation Agreement, Mr. Widdicombe’s Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated November 4, 2015 (the “Widdicombe Employment Agreement”) was terminated. Pursuant to the terms of the Widdicombe Separation Agreement, Mr. Widdicombe is entitled to (i) payment of his minimum 2020 annual bonus of $375,000, (ii) a non-renewal payment of $1,928,990 per the Widdicombe Employment Agreement, (iii) $129,867 in exchange for agreeing not to serve as an employee (through November 30, 2021) for any business that writes the same insurance products in the states in which the Company sells insurance products as of the date of the Widdicombe Separation Agreement, (iv) payment for three weeks of accrued and unused vacation time and (v) payment by the Company of COBRA continuation premiums for 18 months. The Widdicombe Separation Agreement also provides for customary confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-disparagement covenants, an agreement not to solicit any employee of the Company for a period of one year, an agreement to indemnify Mr. Widdicombe for actions taken while he was an employee, and a mutual release of claims. The foregoing summary of the Widdicombe Separation Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Widdicombe Separation Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. As previously reported, Mr. Widdicombe will serve as Chairman of the Board, effective as of December 1, 2020. Mr. Widdicombe is not expected to serve on any Board committee.

As previously reported, Ernie Garateix was promoted to CEO and joined the Board, each effective as of December 1, 2020. The Company is in the process of determining Mr. Garateix’s compensation arrangement in connection with his promotion to CEO and additional information will be disclosed when those decisions are finalized. For so long as they are employees of the Company, neither Mr. Garateix nor Mr. Widdicombe will be eligible to participate in the Company’s non-employee director compensation arrangement.

There are no arrangements or understandings between either of Mr. Garateix or Mr. Widdicombe and any other persons with respect to their respective appointments. Neither Mr. Garateix nor any of his immediate family members has been a participant in any transaction or currently proposed transaction with the Company that is reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. A description of a transaction between an immediate family member of Mr. Widdicombe and the Company that is reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K is described in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 28, 2020 under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

 

2


Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits. The following exhibit is being furnished as part of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

No.

  

Exhibit

10.1    Consulting Agreement dated December 1, 2020 between Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Lucas Consulting Services, LLC.
10.2    Separation Agreement, dated December 1, 2020 between Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Bruce Lucas.
10.3    Separation Agreement, dated December 1, 2020 between Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. and Richard Widdicombe.
 104    Cover Page Interactive File (the cover page tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  HERITAGE INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.
Date: December 4, 2020   By:  

/s/ Kirk Lusk

    Kirk Lusk
Chief Financial Officer

 

4

Exhibit 10.1

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

Effective December 1, 2020, this Consulting Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“Heritage”) and Lucas Consulting Services, LLC who will provide consulting services as an independent contractor (“Consultant”) (collectively Heritage and Consultant will be referred to as the “Parties”).

RECITATIONS

A. Heritage is devoted to the highly competitive business of Property and Casualty Insurance.

B. Consultant’s principal is Heritage’s former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and has substantial experience and business relationships related to Heritage’s business operations. Consultant’s Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated November 4, 2015 with Heritage expires on December 31, 2020 (the “Contract”).

C. Retaining Consultant’s experience and knowledge of Heritage’s business is critical to an orderly transition to Heritage’s new Chief Executive Officer. Heritage desires to retain Consultant who will devote efforts to assisting Heritage with professional advice and services “Consulting Services”) as requested by Heritage’s Board of Directors.

D. Heritage and Consultant’s principal are parties to a Separation Agreement dated December 1, 2020 (the “Separation Agreement”).

TERMS

For and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Consultant: Heritage retains Consultant to serve as an independent contractor to provide Consulting Services related to Heritage’s business operations through December 31, 2021 in exchange for a monthly retainer equal to the current base salary per the Contract.

2. Tax Liability and Benefits: Consultant agrees as an independent contractor to be solely responsible for all taxes and other costs and expenses attributable to the Consulting Services provided by Consultant hereunder, and has taken any and all necessary actions to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to the Consulting Services. Consultant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold Heritage harmless from any claim(s) arising from any taxing or other authority from Consultant’s own acts or omissions related to the Consulting Services performed and/or compensation provided under this Agreement. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Consultant is not entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits, unemployment compensation insurance benefits, or any medical or other employment benefits from Heritage and may only receive such unemployment compensation coverage if provided by Consultant or some entity other than Heritage.

 

1


3. Status and Activities of Consultant: Consultant is associated with Heritage as an independent contractor and not as an employee.

A. Contractor Status: It is understood that Consultant is an independent contractor and is not an employee, partner, or representative of Heritage. As such, Consultant is responsible, where necessary, to obtain, at his sole cost, workers’ compensation insurance, disability benefits insurance, and any other insurances that may be required by law. Heritage will not provide, nor will it be responsible to pay for, benefits for Consultant. Any such benefits, if provided by Consultant for himself and/or his staff, including, but not limited to health insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, or disability coverage of whatever nature, must be obtained and paid for by Consultant.

B. Consultant Determines Manner of Work: Consultant, and not Heritage, will be responsible for the manner and scope in which Consultant performs the Consulting Services, but agrees that all manner and methods employed by Consultant will be subject to approval by Heritage. Notwithstanding that, Consultant agrees that he will at all times conduct himself in an ethical and honest manner and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Consultant shall provide periodic reports and updates to Heritage’s CEO or Board of Directors, as requested by Heritage.

C. Use of Advertising And Other Materials By Consultant: Consultant may use advertising or marketing materials prepared by Heritage for purposes of Consultant carrying out his obligations under this Agreement. Consultant may use such advertising materials only upon the terms and conditions stated by Heritage from time to time. Consultant may not modify or amend any advertising materials that he is authorized to use without the prior written consent of Heritage. Except as expressly authorized in this Agreement, Consultant shall not have any right to use any name, trademark copyright, or other designation of Heritage in advertising, publicity or marketing materials. In the event that Consultant desires to produce his own printed sales and marketing materials referring to Heritage’s business and rates, using Heritage’s trademark and/or trade names, and suggesting any relationship, whatsoever, between Consultant and Heritage, except as otherwise authorized in this Agreement (“Consultant Produced Materials”), Consultant shall submit the Consultant Produced Materials to and obtain advance written approval from an authorized representative of Heritage prior to printing and the dissemination of any such Consultant Produced Materials to any third party. Heritage shall have sole discretion to approve or disapprove of all Consultant Produced Materials. All material furnished to Consultant by Heritage, including forms, applications, proposals, and related sales and marketing material are the property of Heritage, and shall be used only in the manner intended and for the furtherance of Heritage’s business. Any materials, including Consultant Produced Materials, in the Consultant’s possession or control at the termination of this Agreement shall be promptly returned to Heritage.

D. Inapplicability of Heritage Policies: Consultant shall not be subject to the provisions of any personnel handbook or the rules and regulations applicable to employees of Heritage, since Consultant shall fulfill his responsibilities independent of and without supervisory control by Heritage.

 

2


E. Employees of Consultant: Consultant may employ as many employees as he requires, such matter resting entirely within his discretion. Heritage must be advised of the employment of such individuals, who will be deemed employees solely of Consultant. Consequently, Consultant shall be responsible for all necessary insurance and payroll deductions for such employees, including, but not limited to, federal, state, and local incoming taxes, social security taxes, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation coverage. Any employee of Consultant shall keep the terms of this Agreement strictly confidential. Heritage shall provide Consultant with suitable office space to fulfill consulting services on behalf of Heritage.

F. Consultant Responsible for Taxes: Consultant agrees to pay all self-employment taxes and other applicable taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes.

G. Property of Heritage: All drawings, designs, reports, computer programs, computations, calculations, working papers, documents, instruments or any other materials of any form received or prepared by Consultant in whole or in part during the term of this Agreement and which relate, directly or indirectly, to the Consulting Services, are the sole property of Heritage. Consultant shall deliver all such materials to Heritage upon the earlier of completion of the Consulting Services or immediately upon the request of Heritage and Consultant shall retain no copies of such materials. Consultant shall promptly and fully disclose to Heritage any copyrightable material prepared in whole or in part during the term of the this Agreement and which relates, directly or indirectly, to the Consulting Services and will be considered “work for hire” and the copyright shall at all times be vested in Heritage.

4. Non-Exclusivity: Consultant may represent other services and companies, and is free to engage in any business and is not required to devote all of his energies exclusively for the benefit of Heritage. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit Consultant from engaging in such other business activities. If there is any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Separation Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control. Heritage shall provide Consultant with an office, computer, email and access to Heritage’s system in order to allow Consultant to fulfill its duties under this Agreement.

5. Term: Heritage hereby agrees to engage Consultant, and Consultant hereby agrees to provide Consulting Services to Heritage through December 2021. This Agreement shall automatically extend the term for an additional 12 months every year unless written notice of non- extension is provided to the Consultant by September 1st of each year starting in 2021.

6. Waiver: No delay or failure in exercising any right, power, or privilege under the Agreement shall impair any such right, power or privilege or be construed as a waiver of any default or any acquiescence therein. No single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege shall preclude the further exercise of such right, power, or privilege, or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege.

7. Return of Information: At the termination of this Agreement and upon Heritage’s request, Consultant shall return to Heritage all Heritage property, including any Confidential Information or Trade Secrets (as defined below), manuals, lists, memoranda and other printed or reproduced material (including information stored on computer readable media) provided by Heritage to Consultant or created by Consultant in connection with the performance of Consulting Services under this Agreement.

 

3


8. Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure:

A. Definitions:

1. “Confidential Information” means any and all data and information, whether disclosed orally, in writing, by observation, or otherwise, relating to Heritage’s business of which Consultant becomes aware as a consequence of, during, or through Consultant’s affiliation with Heritage which is not generally known to Heritage’s competitors or the public and is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. Confidential information covered by this Agreement does not have to be marked “Confidential” to be treated as such. Confidential Information may include, without limitation, information relating to Heritage’s sales generation techniques or methods; marketing material provided to Consultant by Heritage that relates to any product distributed by Heritage; compilations; programs; methods; techniques; drawings; processes; research and development; legal affairs; accounting; finances; actual or potential Heritage customer, client or supplier lists; Heritage’s customer names, information, and preferences; billing rates; pricing practices; business plans; margins; prices; operations; existing and future services; contract expiration dates; forecasts and forecast assumptions; and other financial, sales, marketing, services, and operations information, whether written or otherwise, which is not common knowledge in Heritage’s industry or to the public. Confidential information shall not include any data or information that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public or its competitors by Heritage (except where such public disclosure has been made by Consultant or another without authorization) or that has been independently developed and disclosed by others, or that otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

2. “Trade Secrets” means any Confidential Information described above without regard to form which: (i) is not commonly known by or available to the public; (ii) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (iii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

B. Duty of Non-Disclosure:

Unless on behalf of Heritage, Consultant agrees that all Confidential Information and all physical embodiments thereof are confidential to Heritage, and will remain Heritage’s sole and exclusive property. Consultant warrants and agrees that Consultant has not and will not reproduce, use, distribute, disclose, publish, misappropriate or otherwise disseminate any Confidential Information and will not take any action causing, or fail to take any action to prevent, any Confidential Information to lose its character as Confidential Information during Consultant’s

 

4


association with Heritage and thereafter following termination of Consultant’s association with Heritage, irrespective of the reason for such termination. Consultant further agrees that all Trade Secrets and all physical embodiments thereof are confidential to Heritage and will remain Heritage’s sole and exclusive property. Consultant warrants and agrees that Consultant has not and will not reproduce, use, distribute, disclose, publish, misappropriate, or otherwise disseminate any Trade Secrets and will not take any action causing, or fail to take any action to prevent, any Trade Secret to lose its character as a Trade Secret at any time. Consultant’s requirement and duty regarding Trade Secrets is not limited to the duration of her association with Heritage, but extends after the termination of Consultant’s association with Heritage, irrespective of the reason for such termination.

C. Heritage’s Rights for Consultant’s Breach: Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Heritage would suffer great and irreparable harm if Consultant should breach or violate any of the terms or provisions of the warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in the Agreement. In the event that Consultant should breach or violate any of such provisions, Consultant agrees and consents that Heritage shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to prevent a breach or threatened breach of any of the warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, as well as recovery of its costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees expended in enforcing this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall be construed to prohibit Heritage from also pursuing any and all other damages and remedies allowed by law, Consultant having agreed that all remedies shall be cumulative. Consultant understands that a monetary judgment may be rendered against him for violating these provisions.

D. Heritage’s Rights for Consultant’s Breach: Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Heritage would suffer great and irreparable harm if Consultant should breach or violate any of the terms or provisions of the warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in the Agreement. In the event that Consultant should breach or violate any of such provisions, Consultant agrees and consents that Heritage shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to prevent a breach or threatened breach of any of the warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, as well as recovery of its costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees expended in enforcing this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall be construed to prohibit Heritage from also pursuing any and all other damages and remedies allowed by law, Consultant having agreed that all remedies shall be cumulative. Consultant understands that a monetary judgment may be rendered against him for violating these provisions.

 

5


E. Heritage’s Rights for Consultant’s Breach: Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Heritage would suffer great and irreparable harm if Consultant should breach or violate any of the terms or provisions of the warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in the Agreement. In the event that Consultant should breach or violate any of such provisions, Consultant agrees and consents that Heritage shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to prevent a breach or threatened breach of any of the warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, as well as recovery of its costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees expended in enforcing this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall be construed to prohibit Heritage from also pursuing any and all other damages and remedies allowed by law, Consultant having agreed that all remedies shall be cumulative. Consultant understands that a monetary judgment may be rendered against him for violating these provisions.

9. Reasonableness of Restrictions: Consultant has carefully read and considered the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement (inclusive of all subparts) hereof, and having done so, agrees that the covenants set forth in Section 8 are fair and reasonable and are reasonably required to protect the legitimate business interest of Heritage. Consultant agrees that the covenants set forth in Section (inclusive of all subparts) hereof do not unreasonably impair the ability of Consultant to conduct any unrelated business or to find gainful work and Consultant may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving sixty (60) days written notice to Heritage. The restrictive covenants in this Agreement and/or the Separation Agreement shall survive any such termination.

10. Assignment: Heritage may assign the Agreement and the rights hereunder without requirement of consent to any affiliate or successor of Heritage. The Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties hereto and their heirs, successors, and assigns; however, except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, no Party may assign its interest in the Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party. Consultant may not assign or subcontract this Agreement or any rights or obligations of Consultant under this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Heritage.

Entire Agreement: This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning Consulting Services and supersedes any and all other independent contractor agreements, whether oral or in writing, between the Parties regarding the Consulting Services. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, altered, modified or waived except in a writing signed by Consultant and an officer of Heritage. The waiver by any Party to this Agreement of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior, subsequent, or simultaneous breach.

11. Consent to Forum, Choice of Law & Waiver of Jury Trial: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Any action or proceeding by either of the Parties to enforce this Agreement shall be brought only in any state or federal court located in Clearwater, Florida. The Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient forum to any such action or proceeding in such venue. The Parties hereby knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally waive any right to a jury trial with respect to any claims arising in connection with this Agreement.

 

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12. Severability: In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such a provision shall be considered separate and severable from the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and the validity, legality or enforceability of any of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired by such provision in any way.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on December 1, 2020.

 

Lucas Consulting Services, LLC
By:  

/s/ Bruce Lucas

  Bruce Lucas
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Ernie Garateix

  Ernie Garateix, COO

 

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Exhibit 10.2

SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Separation Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”), dated December 1, 2020, is made by and between Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc., together with its parent, affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively referred to throughout this Separation Agreement as “Heritage” or the “Company”) and Bruce Lucas, together with his heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively referred to throughout this Agreement as “Employee”) (Heritage and Employee will collectively be referred to as the “Parties”):

WHEREAS, Employee is currently employed by Heritage as Chief Employee Officer (“CEO”) pursuant to an Amended and Restated Contract dated November 4, 2015, which expires on December 31, 2020 (the “Contract”); and

WHEREAS, Heritage and Employee have come to an agreement to end their employment relationship on the Separation Date;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

  1.

Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.

 

  2.

Last Day of Employment. Employee’s last day of employment with Heritage will be November 30, 2020 (the “Separation Date”).

 

  3.

Discharge Contract. Pursuant to the Contract, Employee shall be paid his base salary through the Separation Date, minimum 2020 annual bonus of $2.5 million, the non-renewal payment per the Contract, the payment in section 7 below, and three weeks of accrued and unused vacation upon signing this Separation Agreement. The remaining provisions of the Contract are hereby cancelled and nullified in their entirety except as provided herein.

 

  4.

Cobra Continuation. Heritage shall pay the insurance premiums for Employee’s Cobra coverage for 18 months.

 

  5.

Assignment of Insurance Policies. The Company shall assign ownership to the Employee of any key man insurance policies on the Employee, provided that Employee shall assume and pay all premiums required to keep such policy in force.

 

  6.

Non-Solicitation. For a period of one (1) year after Employee leaves the employment of Company, the Employee covenants and agrees with the Company that the Employee will not, directly or indirectly, attempt to employ, divert away an employee, or enter into any contractual arrangement with any employee or former employee, of the Company or its Subsidiaries, unless such employee or former employee has not been employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries for a period in excess of one (1) year.


  7.

Non-Compete. From the Separation Date through November 30, 2021, the Employee covenants and agrees with the Company that the Employee will not serve as an employee for any Business that writes the same insurance products in the states in which the Company or its Subsidiaries sell insurance products as of the date of this Agreement. For purposes hereof, “Business” shall mean a homeowner insurance carrier deriving 90% or more of its prior year written premium from coastal homeowners policies. “Business” shall also mean any Florida domiciled insurance carrier regardless of the percentage of prior year written premium from coastal homeowners policies. Employee acknowledges that he is receiving $163,750 as consideration for this non- compete agreement.

 

  8.

Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure. For a period of twelve months from the Separation Date, Employee agrees not to disseminate or share all Confidential Information acquired during his tenure with the Company. “Confidential Information” shall mean any intellectual property, information, or trade secrets (whether or not specifically labeled or identified as “confidential” or “private”), in any form or medium, that is disclosed to, or developed or learned by, the Employee, and that relates to the business plan, underwriting, products, services, research, or development of or by the Company or its Subsidiaries, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors, partners, and/or other business associates, and that has not become publicly known. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 

  a.

Internal business information (including but not limited to information relating to strategy, staffing, financial data, training, marketing, promotional and sales plans and practices, costs, bidding activities and strategies, rate and pricing structures, and accounting and business methods);

 

  b.

Identities of, negotiations with, individual requirements of, specific contractual arrangements with, and information about, the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ suppliers, distributors, customers, investors, partners and/or other business associates, their contact information, and their confidential information;

 

  c.

Compilations of data and analyses, underwriting process and parameters, material processes, technical data, specific program information, trade or industrial practices, computer programs, formulae, systems, research, records, reports, manuals, documentation, customer and supplier lists, data and databases relating thereto, and technology and methodology regarding specific projects; and

 

  d.

Intellectual Property not generally available to the public, or published by the Company or its Subsidiaries. “Intellectual Property,” or “IP,” shall mean (1) inventions or devices, whether patentable or not; (2) original works of authorship produced by or on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (3) trade secrets; (4) know-how; (5) customer lists and confidential information; and (6) any other intangible property protectable under federal, state or foreign law. Other examples of Intellectual Property include, but are not limited to, patent applications, patents, copyrighted works, technical data, computer software, knowledge of suppliers or business partnerships, documentation, processes, and methods and results of research.

 

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  9.

Mutual Release of All Claims. Effective as of the Separation Date, the Employee for himself, his heirs, personal representatives and assigns, and any other person or entity that could or might act on behalf of him, including, without limitation, his affiliates and legal counsel (all of whom are collectively referred to as “Employee Releasers”), and the Company, its parents, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, and each of their past and present officers, agents, directors, Employees, shareholders, independent contractors, attorneys and insurers (all of whom are collectively referred to as “Company Releasers), hereby fully and forever release and discharge each other of and from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, of every kind and nature whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether now known or unknown, that each Releaser, or any person acting under any of them, may now have, or claim at any future time to have, based in whole or in part upon any act, contract, transaction, or omission occurring from the beginning of time through the Separation Date, including but not limited to, any claim in connection with the Employee’s employment relationship with the Company, or the termination thereof, without regard to present actual knowledge of such acts or omissions, including specifically, but not by way of limitation, matters which may arise at common, statutory, state or federal law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended (with respect to unvested benefits), the National Labor Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act; EXCEPT for the rights and obligations created by this Agreement AND EXCEPT for any vested rights under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, health and welfare or stock option, or similar plan. Each party hereby warrants that it or he has not assigned or transferred to any person any portion of any claim which is released, waived and discharged above.

 

  10.

By way of inclusion but not restriction, Employee expressly waives and relinquishes all claims they have, may have or may have had against Heritage and any or all of its Releasees arising under 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended); 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983; 29 U.S.C. § 623 (Age Discrimination in Employment Act); 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act); 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended); 29 U.S.C. § 2611 et seq. (Family and Medical Leave Act); Florida Statute § 440.205; Florida Statutes § 760.01 et seq. (Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992); Florida Statutes §§ 448.101 – 448.110; Florida Statute § 448.08; and every other local, state, or federal law concerning employment rights or claims that they have ever had or now has against Heritage. Employee represents that they have not heretofore assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any claim against Heritage or any portion thereof or interest therein.

 

  11.

Mutual Non-Disparagement. The parties agree that they will not engage in any conduct that is injurious to the reputation of one another or Releasees, including, but not limited to, making disparaging comments (or inducing or encouraging others to make disparaging comments) about one another or Releasees, or their respective operations, financial condition, prospects, content, products or services.

 

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  12.

Non-Participation. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, each party agrees not to directly or indirectly assist a third party in initiating, maintaining, considering, or prosecuting, any action or matter against any of the Releasees.

 

  13.

Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Employee for all actions taken by the Company or Employee during the Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

  14.

Governing Law and Interpretation. This Separation Agreement shall be governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. In the event of a breach of any provision of this Separation Agreement, either Party may institute an action specifically to enforce any term or terms of this Separation Agreement and/or seek any damages for such breach. Should any provision of this Separation Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general Separation Agreement language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Separation Agreement in full force and effect.

 

  15.

Arbitration. The parties agree that all disputes related to this Agreement, other than disputes seeking equitable remedies, shall be submitted to arbitration in Pinellas County, Florida pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

 

  16.

No Admission of Wrongdoing. The Parties agree that neither this Separation Agreement nor the furnishing of the Consideration for this Separation Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by Employee or Releasees of wrongdoing or evidence of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

 

  17.

Execution and Amendment. This Separation Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, including facsimile and electronic versions. A reference to a signature or to anything being signed or executed includes electronic signatures to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law. Electronic signatures have the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as manually executed signatures. This Separation Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except by a written instrument signed by both Parties wherein specific reference is made to this Separation Agreement.

 

  18.

Entire Agreement. Except as provided for herein, and the RCA and enforcement of the RCA, this Separation Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the Parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the Parties. Employee acknowledges that Employee has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind (whether verbal or written) made to Employee in connection with Employee’s decision to accept this Separation Agreement, except for those expressly set forth in this Separation Agreement.

 

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The Parties knowingly and voluntarily sign this Separation Agreement as of the date(s) set forth below:

 

  Bruce Lucas     Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.
 

/s/ Bruce Lucas

    By:  

/s/ Ernie Garateix

      Ernie Garateix, COO
  Date: December 1, 2020     Date: December 1, 2020

 

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Exhibit 10.3

SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This Separation Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”), dated December 1, 2020, is made by and between Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc., together with its parent, affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively referred to throughout this Separation Agreement as “Heritage” or the “Company”) and Richard Widdicombe, together with his heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively referred to throughout this Agreement as “Employee”) (Heritage and Employee will collectively be referred to as the “Parties”):

WHEREAS, Employee is currently employed by Heritage as President (“President”) pursuant to an Amended and Restated Contract dated November 4, 2015, which expires on December 31, 2020 (the “Contract”); and

WHEREAS, Heritage and Employee have come to an agreement to end their employment relationship on the Separation Date;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

  1.

Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.

 

  2.

Last Day of Employment. Employee’s last day of employment with Heritage will be December 30, 2020 (the “Separation Date”).

 

  3.

Discharge Contract. Pursuant to the Contract, Employee shall be paid his base salary through the Separation Date, minimum 2020 annual bonus per the Contract, the payment in section 7 below, the non-renewal payment per the Contract, and three weeks of accrued and unused vacation upon signing this Separation Agreement. The remaining provisions of the Contract are hereby cancelled and nullified in their entirety except as provided herein.

 

  4.

Cobra Continuation. Heritage shall pay the insurance premiums for Employee’s Cobra coverage for 18 months.

 

  5.

Assignment of Insurance Policies. The Company shall assign ownership to the Employee of any key man insurance policies on the Employee, provided that Employee shall assume and pay all premiums required to keep such policy in force.

 

  6.

Non-Solicitation. For a period of one (1) year after Employee leaves the employment of Company, the Employee covenants and agrees with the Company that the Employee will not, directly or indirectly, attempt to employ, divert away an employee, or enter into any contractual arrangement with any employee or former employee, of the Company or its Subsidiaries, unless such employee or former employee has not been employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries for a period in excess of one (1) year.


  7.

Non-Compete. From the Separation Date through November 30, 2021, the Employee covenants and agrees with the Company that the Employee will not serve as an employee for any Business that writes the same insurance products in the states in which the Company or its Subsidiaries sell insurance products as of the date of this Agreement. For purposes hereof, “Business” shall mean a homeowner insurance carrier deriving 90% or more of its prior year written premium from coastal homeowners policies. “Business” shall also mean any Florida domiciled insurance carrier regardless of the percentage of prior year written premium from coastal homeowners policies. Employee acknowledges that he is receiving $129,867 as consideration for this non- compete agreement.

 

  8.

Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure. For a period of twelve months from the Separation Date, Employee agrees not to disseminate or share all Confidential Information acquired during his tenure with the Company. “Confidential Information” shall mean any intellectual property, information, or trade secrets (whether or not specifically labeled or identified as “confidential” or “private”), in any form or medium, that is disclosed to, or developed or learned by, the Employee, and that relates to the business plan, underwriting, products, services, research, or development of or by the Company or its Subsidiaries, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors, partners, and/or other business associates, and that has not become publicly known. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 

  a.

Internal business information (including but not limited to information relating to strategy, staffing, financial data, training, marketing, promotional and sales plans and practices, costs, bidding activities and strategies, rate and pricing structures, and accounting and business methods);

 

  b.

Identities of, negotiations with, individual requirements of, specific contractual arrangements with, and information about, the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ suppliers, distributors, customers, investors, partners and/or other business associates, their contact information, and their confidential information;

 

  c.

Compilations of data and analyses, underwriting process and parameters, material processes, technical data, specific program information, trade or industrial practices, computer programs, formulae, systems, research, records, reports, manuals, documentation, customer and supplier lists, data and databases relating thereto, and technology and methodology regarding specific projects; and

 

  d.

Intellectual Property not generally available to the public, or published by the Company or its Subsidiaries. “Intellectual Property,” or “IP,” shall mean (1) inventions or devices, whether patentable or not; (2) original works of authorship produced by or on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (3) trade secrets; (4) know-how; (5) customer lists and confidential information; and (6) any other intangible property protectable under federal, state or foreign law. Other examples of Intellectual Property include, but are not limited to, patent applications, patents, copyrighted works, technical data, computer software, knowledge of suppliers or business partnerships, documentation, processes, and methods and results of research.

 

2


  9.

Mutual Release of All Claims. Effective as of the Separation Date, the Employee for himself, his heirs, personal representatives and assigns, and any other person or entity that could or might act on behalf of him, including, without limitation, his affiliates and legal counsel (all of whom are collectively referred to as “Employee Releasers”), and the Company, its parents, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, and each of their past and present officers, agents, directors, Employees, shareholders, independent contractors, attorneys and insurers (all of whom are collectively referred to as “Company Releasers), hereby fully and forever release and discharge each other of and from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, of every kind and nature whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether now known or unknown, that each Releaser, or any person acting under any of them, may now have, or claim at any future time to have, based in whole or in part upon any act, contract, transaction, or omission occurring from the beginning of time through the Separation Date, including but not limited to, any claim in connection with the Employee’s employment relationship with the Company, or the termination thereof, without regard to present actual knowledge of such acts or omissions, including specifically, but not by way of limitation, matters which may arise at common, statutory, state or federal law, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended (with respect to unvested benefits), the National Labor Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act; EXCEPT for the rights and obligations created by this Agreement AND EXCEPT for any vested rights under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, health and welfare or stock option, or similar plan. Each party hereby warrants that it or he has not assigned or transferred to any person any portion of any claim which is released, waived and discharged above.

 

  10.

By way of inclusion but not restriction, Employee expressly waives and relinquishes all claims they have, may have or may have had against Heritage and any or all of its Releasees arising under 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended); 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983; 29 U.S.C. § 623 (Age Discrimination in Employment Act); 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act); 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended); 29 U.S.C. § 2611 et seq. (Family and Medical Leave Act); Florida Statute § 440.205; Florida Statutes § 760.01 et seq. (Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992); Florida Statutes §§ 448.101 – 448.110; Florida Statute § 448.08; and every other local, state, or federal law concerning employment rights or claims that they have ever had or now has against Heritage. Employee represents that they have not heretofore assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any claim against Heritage or any portion thereof or interest therein.

 

  11.

Mutual Non-Disparagement. The parties agree that they will not engage in any conduct that is injurious to the reputation of one another or Releasees, including, but not limited to, making disparaging comments (or inducing or encouraging others to make disparaging comments) about one another or Releasees, or their respective operations, financial condition, prospects, content, products or services.

 

3


  12.

Non-Participation. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, each party agrees not to directly or indirectly assist a third party in initiating, maintaining, considering, or prosecuting, any action or matter against any of the Releasees.

 

  13.

Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Employee for all actions taken by the Company or Employee during the Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

  14.

Governing Law and Interpretation. This Separation Agreement shall be governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. In the event of a breach of any provision of this Separation Agreement, either Party may institute an action specifically to enforce any term or terms of this Separation Agreement and/or seek any damages for such breach. Should any provision of this Separation Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general Separation Agreement language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Separation Agreement in full force and effect.

 

  15.

Arbitration. The parties agree that all disputes related to this Agreement, other than disputes seeking equitable remedies, shall be submitted to arbitration in Pinellas County, Florida pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

 

  16.

No Admission of Wrongdoing. The Parties agree that neither this Separation Agreement nor the furnishing of the Consideration for this Separation Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by Employee or Releasees of wrongdoing or evidence of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

 

  17.

Execution and Amendment. This Separation Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, including facsimile and electronic versions. A reference to a signature or to anything being signed or executed includes electronic signatures to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law. Electronic signatures have the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as manually executed signatures. This Separation Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except by a written instrument signed by both Parties wherein specific reference is made to this Separation Agreement.

 

  18.

Entire Agreement. Except as provided for herein, and the RCA and enforcement of the RCA, this Separation Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the Parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the Parties. Employee acknowledges that Employee has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind (whether verbal or written) made to Employee in connection with Employee’s decision to accept this Separation Agreement, except for those expressly set forth in this Separation Agreement.

 

4


The Parties knowingly and voluntarily sign this Separation Agreement as of the date(s) set forth below:

 

Richard Widdicombe      Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.
/s/ Richard Widdicombe                   By:  

/s/ Ernie Garateix

       Ernie Garateix, COO
Date:   December 1, 2020      Date:   December 1, 2020

 

5