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): July 22, 2019

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   000-54218   37-1615850
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

8285 West Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85382

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

877-973-9191

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

 

Not Applicable

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registration under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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))

 

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.

 

Change in Chief Executive Officer

 

On September 20, 2019, the board of directors of EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), appointed Thomas J. Abood, the chairman of the Company’s board of directors, to serve as chief executive officer of the Company, effective September 23, 2019, replacing John P. Yeros as the Company’s chief executive officer.

 

Mr. Abood has served as a director of the Company since November 2016, as chairman of the board since October 2018, and as the chair of the Company’s nominating committee since February 7, 2019. From 1994 to 2014, Mr. Abood was an owner and Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Dougherty Financial Group LLC. His principal responsibilities included leadership and management of DFG’s investment advisory business division (2004-2014) and supervision of its legal, compliance and human resources departments. Prior to 1994, Mr. Abood was an associate at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Mr. Abood is a member of the Board of Directors of NELSON Worldwide, LLC, a national architectural, interior design and engineering firm, and a trustee of the Board of Trustees of SBH Funds, a family of investment companies sponsored by the investment advisory firm Segall Bryant and Hamill. Mr. Abood is Chair of the Board of Directors of MacPhail Center for Music, past Chair of the Archdiocesan Finance Counsel of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Chair of the Board of Directors of Citation Jet Pilots, Inc. He is past Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Children’s Museum and past President and Governor, The Minikahda Club. Mr. Abood was raised in Lansing, Michigan, received his JD from Georgetown University Law Center, cum laude and his BBA from the University of Notre Dame, magna cum laude.

 

There are no related party transactions involving Mr. Abood that are reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K except as disclosed in this current report on Form 8-K or described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2019.

 

Thomas Abood Employment Agreement

 

On September 23, 2019, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Thomas Abood (the “Abood Employment Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Abood will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Abood Employment Agreement provides for an initial term of one year, with automatic extensions (absent notice to the contrary) of one year upon the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term. Under the Abood Employment Agreement, Mr. Abood will be entitled to base compensation of $300,000 per year, incentive compensation based on Mr. Abood’s performance as determined by the Company’s board of directors, provided that Mr. Abood’s target annual bonus will be no less than 100% of his base salary. Upon commencement of Mr. Abood’s employment term, the Company agreed to grant Mr. Abood stock options to purchase 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $2.50 per share, which options will be fully vested upon issuance. The Company also agreed to grant Mr. Abood stock options to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $2.50 per share upon completion of each of the first and second quarters of Mr. Abood’s employment term, which options will fully vest twelve months after issuance. In addition, Mr. Abood will be entitled to additional awards of stock options pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time.

 

If Mr. Abood is terminated without cause or he resigns with good reason, he will be entitled to receive severance, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company and its officers, directors and affiliates, equal to any unpaid base salary, reimbursement for unpaid expenses and all other accrued payments or benefits through his termination date, plus the greater of: (1) his monthly base salary at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination date, multiplied by number of full or partial months, if any, in the period beginning on his termination date and ending on the date his initial employment term would have ended, if later than his termination date or (2) one-half of his annual base salary at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination date. The Abood Employment Agreement also includes a customary confidentiality covenant and four-month post-termination nonsolicitation and non-interference covenants.

 

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The foregoing summary description of the material terms of the Abood Employment Agreement is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the employment agreement, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1 and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.

 

Stock Option Grants

 

On September 23, 2019, in connection with his appointment as chief executive officer, the Company granted 1,250,000 ten-year non-qualified stock options to Thomas Abood to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Amended 2018 Plan”). The options are exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share, which the Company’s board of directors determined was the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. 750,000 of the options vested at the time of grant, 250,000 of the options fully vest on December 31, 2020, and the remaining 250,000 fully vest on March 31, 2021. However, all unvested options vest immediately upon the Company’s closing on an aggregate of at least $30,000,000 in any combination of public and private equity and debt financings after the grant date.

 

On July 22, 2019, in connection with his appointment as chief financial officer of the Company, the Company granted 400,000 ten-year non-qualified stock options to Eugene S. Putnam, Jr. to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Amended 2018 Plan. The options are exercisable at a price of $2.50 per share, which the Company’s board of directors determined was the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. 25% of the options vested on the grant date, and the remaining options vest in equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date. However, all unvested options vest immediately upon the Company’s closing on an aggregate of at least $30,000,000 in any combination of public and private equity and debt financings after the grant date.

 

The foregoing summary of the material terms of the option agreements is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the option agreements, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibit 10.2 and 10.3 and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.

 

Appointment of Himanshu Gulati as Director

 

On September 16, 2019, the Company’s board of directors took action to increase the number of directors constituting the entire board to eight directors pursuant to the Company’s bylaws and appointed Himanshu Gulati as a member of the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee. Mr. Gulati is a manager of Antara Capital Master Fund LP, a lender to the Company pursuant to the Company’s $24.5 million financing arrangement, the terms of which are described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2019 (the “September 20 8-K”). Mr. Gulati was selected as a director pursuant to a director nomination agreement between the Company and Antara Capital Master Fund LP dated September 16, 2019, the terms of which are described in the September 20 8-K.

 

Except as described in this Current Report on Form 8-K, there are no related party transactions involving Mr. Gulati that are reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
10.1   Employment Agreement, dated September 23, 2019, between EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. and Thomas J. Abood
10.2   Option Agreement, dated September 23, 2019, between EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. and Thomas J. Abood
10.3   Option Agreement, dated July 22, 2019, between EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. and Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.

 

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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.

 

Dated: September 24, 2019 By: /s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
  Its: Chief Financial Officer

 

  

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Executive Employment Agreement (the "Agreement”) is entered into and effective as of September 23, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 8285 West Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85382 (the “Company”) and Thomas J. Abood, an individual residing in Hennepin County, Minnesota (“Executive”).

 

1. Duties and Scope of Employment. (a) Positions and Duties. During the Employment Term (as defined below), Executive will be employed as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company. Executive shall report and be subject to the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors or duly authorized committees thereof. Executive’s authority, duties, and responsibilities shall include those customarily associated with the position of Chief Executive Officer including day to day management of the Company and its resources.

 

(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive is required to faithfully and conscientiously perform his assigned duties and to diligently observe all of his obligations to the Company. Except as set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, Executive agrees to devote his full business time and efforts, energy and skill to his employment at the Company, and Executive agrees to apply all his skill and experience to the performance of his duties and advancing the Company’s interests. The foregoing shall not preclude Executive from (i) engaging in civic, charitable or religious activities (including serving as a director, trustee or officer) or, with the prior written consent of the Company, from serving on the boards of directors of other companies or (ii) engaging in investments, including but not limited to real estate investments and acting as the general partner or manager thereof, as long as such activities do not materially interfere or conflict with Executive’s responsibilities to or his abilities to perform his duties hereunder. Except as set forth in Schedule A, during the Employment Term Executive may not perform services as an employee or consultant of any other competitive organization and Executive will not assist any other person or organization in competing with the Company or in preparing to engage in competition with the business or proposed business of the Company. Executive shall comply in all material respects with and be bound by Company’s operating policies, procedures, and practices from time to time in effect during his employment that apply to all executive-level employees of the Company. By signing this Agreement, Executive confirms to the Company that he has no contractual commitments or other legal obligations that would prohibit him from performing his duties for the Company.

 

(c) Employment Term. The term of this Agreement shall be one (1) years commencing on the Effective Date, unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms herein (the “Initial Term”). Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms herein, the Initial Term shall be automatically renewed for consecutive additional one-year terms (each, a “Renewal Term”) upon the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term unless the Company or Executive delivers to the other at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the then-current Renewal Term, as the case may be, a written notice specifying that the term of Executive’s employment will not be renewed at the end of the Initial Term or the then-current Renewal Term, as the case may be. Like the Initial Term, the then-current Renewal Term is subject to earlier termination pursuant to the terms herein. The Executive’s period of employment hereunder is referred herein as the “Employment Term,” whether the Initial Term, the then-current Renewal Term, or the shorter period through the date of an earlier termination thereof as provided elsewhere herein The notice of non-renewal given by the Company is referred to herein as the “Company’s Non-Renewal.” The notice of non-renewal given by Executive is referred to herein as the “Executive’s Non-Renewal.”

 

 

 

 

(d) Place of Performance. Executive will office primarily from his home office in Wayzata, Minnesota or in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Executive in his sole discretion will seek to spend three business days (inclusive of travel time) per week physically present in one or or more of the following: (i) at the Company’s headquarters in Arizona, (ii) at the other business or operations offices of the Company, (iii) traveling to meet with investors or potential investors or (iv) attending meetings or industry conferences. Executive understands and agrees that his duties will include reasonable travel as set forth above, and such other business travel as is reasonably necessary and appropriate to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, subject to reimbursement of expenses pursuant to Section 6 below.

 

2. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time, upon written notice, either by the Company without Cause (in any such case, “Company’s At-Will Termination”) or by Executive without Good Reason (in any such case, “Executive’s At-Will Termination”). Executive understands and agrees that neither his job performance for, nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from, the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of his employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to Severance Pay (defined below) and Severance Benefits (defined below) depending upon the circumstances of the termination of the Employment Term as set forth in Section 7(b) below.

 

3. Compensation. (a) Initial Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive an annual base salary as compensation for his services (the “Base Salary”) at the initial rate of $300,000. The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, but no later than monthly. The Base Salary will be subject to review and adjustments will be made based upon the Company’s standard practices.

 

(b) Annual Incentive Bonus. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to earn an annual incentive bonus (an “Annual Bonus”) under the same or substantially same bonus arrangement, plan or program as in effect for other executive-level employees of the Company from time to time and based upon the same general objective standards as are applied to the other executive-level employees of Company, provided that Executive’s personal performance objectives shall be unique to his role as Chief Executive Officer. Consistent therewith, the Board (or a committee of the Board, if applicable) will determine Executive’s target bonus opportunity and the criteria for earning such bonus, as well as Executive’s achievement of such criteria, and the amount of the Annual Bonus earned and payable to Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the target bonus opportunity shall not be less than 100% of Base Salary. Any Annual Bonus that is earned and becomes payable pursuant to this Section 3(b) will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year to which the Annual Bonus relates. Executive’s Annual Bonus for calendar year 2019 shall be prorated on a weekly basis for his period of employment in such year. Executive must remain employed by the Company through December 31 of the applicable calendar year to be eligible to earn an Annual Bonus for such year; provided, however, that if the Employment Term ends prior to December 31 by reason of either termination by Executive for Good Reason or by the Company’s At-Will Termination, the Annual Bonus for such partial calendar year shall be prorated on a weekly basis for his period of employment in such year. The determinations of the Board (or a committee thereof) with respect to the Annual Bonus will be final and binding unless there is direct evidence that the determination was in violation of the terms and provision of this Section 3(b) or the applicable program, plan or arrangement.

 

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(c) Equity. (i) At the commencement of the Employment Term Executive shall receive an award of stock options providing the right to purchase 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $2.50 per share (“Initial Equity Award”). Such stock options shall fully vest upon issuance. At the completion each of the first and second calendar quarters of the Employment Term and without any other conditions, Executive shall receive further awards of stock options providing the right to purchase 250,000 shares each (a total of 500,000 shares) at $2.50 per share (“Subsequent Equity Awards”). Each Subsequent Equity Awards shall fully vest 12 months after each issuance. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to receive additional awards of stock options pursuant to the same or substantially same stock option arrangement, plan or program as in effect for other executive-level employees of the Company from time to time and based upon the same objective standards as are applied to the other executive-level employees of Company. Consistent therewith, the Board (or a committee of the Board, if applicable) will determine whether Executive will be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any such award in accordance with the terms of the applicable program, plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time. (ii) The Company represents and warrants that (A) the EVO Transportation and Energy Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (“Company Stock Option Plan”) is in full force and effect and has not been modified or amended since the date thereof and (B) as of the date hereof the Company has authorized for issuance and reserved the requisite number of shares under the Company Stock Option Plan to fulfill its obligations to Executive under this Section 3(c).

 

4. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans and programs currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other executive-level employees and to employees generally of the Company, subject to eligibility requirements and the applicable terms and conditions of the subject plan or program and the determination of any committee uniformly administering such plan or program. The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans and programs it offers to its employees at any time. In addition, the Company will cause Executive to be covered by a directors and officers liability insurance policy in an amount and scope of coverage customary for the size and industry of the Company’s business (but in no event less than $2,000,000) commencing on the date of this Agreement.

 

5. Vacation. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to paid vacation of not less than 40 days per calendar year, prorated for any partial calendar year of employment, in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policy (including, without limitation, its policy on the maximum accrual, carry-over and payout), with the timing and duration of specific vacations mutually and reasonably agreed to by Executive and the Company. It is acknowledged that time away from work for activities described in Schedule A or Section 1(b) hereof do not constitute vacation days.

 

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6. Expenses. During the Employment Term, the Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, lodging, meal, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

7. Accrued Obligations; Severance; COBRA. (a) Accrued Obligations. Upon the termination or expiration of the Employment Term for any reason, Company shall pay to Executive the following: (i) all unpaid Base Salary through the last day of the Employment Term; (ii) all unreimbursed expenses that otherwise are payable to Executive pursuant to Section 6 above, and (iii) all other accrued payments or benefits to which Executive is entitled and has earned under the terms of any applicable compensation, bonus, award or similar arrangement, plan or program, subject to Section 3(b) with respect to bonus accrual and eligibility (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days following the termination or expiration of the Employment Term, unless otherwise required by law or the terms of the applicable arrangement, plan or program, in which case the same shall be paid as soon as permitted thereunder.

 

(b) Severance. If the Employment Term ends by reason of either termination by Executive for Good Reason or by the Company’s At-Will Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive the greater of (as applicable, “Severance Pay”) (i) an amount equal to the product of (A) the number of full or partial months, if any, in the period beginning on the date the Employment Term ended and ending on the date the Initial Term would have ended, if later than the date the Employment Term actually ended, multiplied by (B) Executive’s monthly Base Salary (as in effect immediately prior to the termination date) or (ii) an amount equal to one-half of Executive’s annual Base Salary (as in effect immediately prior to the termination date). The Severance Pay shall be paid by the Company to Executive in substantially equal monthly installments, without reduction or set off (other than as provided in Section 11(a) below), in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures, commencing on the 60th day following the termination or expiration of the Employment Term, provided that the revocation period(s) set forth in the Release Agreement set forth in Section 8(a) below have expired without revocation. If the Employment Terms ends by reason of termination by the Company for Cause, by the Company’s Non-Renewal or Executive’s Non-Renewal of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, by Executive’s At-Will Termination, or due to Executive’s death or disability, no Severance Pay will be owing or paid to Executive.

 

(c) COBRA. If the Employment Term ends by reason of either termination by Executive for Good Reason, by the Company’s At-Will Termination or by the Company’s Non-Renewal, to the extent Executive and Executive’s spouse and/or dependent children properly (and timely) elect COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health insurance plan, the Company shall pay, on Executive’s behalf, all of the premiums due for such coverage for a period beginning on the date the Employment Term so ended and ending on the earliest to occur of (as applicable, “Severance Benefits”) (i) the date on which Executive is no longer entitled to COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health insurance plan, (ii) the last day of the month that includes or immediately precedes the first day that Executive is covered under another employer’s group health insurance plan or (iii) the last day of the month in which Executive receives his final Severance Pay payment; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company may unilaterally amend this Section 7(c) or eliminate the benefit provided hereunder, upon written notice to Executive, but only if and to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of excise taxes, penalties or similar charges on the Company, including, without limitation, under Code Section 4980D. If the Employment Term ends by reason of termination by the Company for Cause, by the Company’s Non-Renewal or Executive’s Non-Renewal of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, by Executive’s At-Will Termination, or due to Executive’s death or disability, no Severance Benefits will be owing to Executive.

 

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8. Conditions to Receipt of Severance Pay and Severance Benefits. (a) Release of Claims. The receipt of Severance Pay and Severance Benefits will be subject to Executive signing, delivering, not revoking and complying with a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company and its officers, directors and affiliates in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

(b) Compliance with Covenants. The receipt of Severance Pay and Severance Benefits will be subject to Executive’s compliance with Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 9(d) of this Agreement. In the event Executive breaches any of Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) or 9(d), (i) all remaining payments of Severance Pay and/or Severance Benefits to which Executive otherwise is entitled pursuant to Section 7(b) and Section 7(c) will immediately cease, and (ii) Executive will repay, or cause to be repaid, to the Company the full amount of any payments of Severance Pay and Severance Benefits previously paid by the Company to Executive or on behalf of Executive pursuant to Section 7(b) and/or Section 7(c) prior to the date of such breach.

 

9. Restrictive Covenants. (a) Non-Competition. In recognition of the consideration provided herein, and in connection with the protection of the Company’s trade secrets and customer contacts, Executive agrees that, during the Employment Term and ending on the earlier to occur of (i) the four month anniversary following the termination or expiration of the Employment Term or (ii) the last day of the Severance Pay period as set forth in Section 7(b) (as applicable, the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not either directly or indirectly, whether for consideration or otherwise: (i) engage in (except on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates), or compete with the Company or any of its Affiliates in, a Competing Business anywhere in the Territory (any such entity, a “Competing Entity”); or (ii) form or assist others in forming, be employed by, perform services for, become an officer, director, member or partner of, or participant in, or consultant or independent contractor to, invest in or own any interest in (whether through equity or debt securities), assist (financially or otherwise) or lend Executive’s name, counsel or assistance to, any Competing Entity.

 

(b) Non-Solicitation. In recognition of the consideration provided herein, Executive agrees that, during the Restricted Period, Executive shall not either directly or indirectly, whether for consideration or otherwise: (i) solicit or accept business from any customer of the Company for the purpose of providing goods or services in a Competing Business or solicit or induce any customer of the Company to terminate, reduce or alter in a manner adverse to the Company, any existing business arrangement or agreement with the Company, (ii) be employed by any customer of the Company or (iii) solicit, hire, attempt to solicit or attempt to hire any person who is or was an employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates at any time during the twelve (12) months prior to such solicitation or hire. The restrictions set forth in this Section 9(b) shall not prohibit any form of general advertising or solicitation that is not directed at a specific person or entity or does not relate to a Competing Business.

 

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(c) Non-Disclosure and Non-Use of Confidential Information. At all times both during the Employment Term and for one (1) year thereafter (except with regard to trade secrets, for so long as such information remains a trade secret), Executive agrees that he will not, either directly or indirectly, (i) divulge, use, disclose (in any way or in any manner, including by posting on the Internet), reproduce, distribute, or reverse engineer or otherwise provide Confidential Information to any person, firm, corporation, reporter, author, producer or similar person or entity; (ii) take any action that would make available Confidential Information to the general public in any form; (iii) take any action that uses Confidential Information to solicit any customer of the Company or prospective customer (with whom the Company has had a substantive discussion on it becoming a customer of the Company within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months) in violation of Section 9(b); or (iv) take any action that uses Confidential Information for solicitation of, or marketing for, any service or product on Executive’s behalf or on behalf of any entity other than the Company or its Affiliates with which Executive was in fact associated, except (A) as required in connection with the performance of such Executive’s duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates, (B) as required to be included in any report, statement or testimony requested by any municipal, state or national regulatory body having jurisdiction over Executive, (C) as required in response to any summons or subpoena or in connection with any litigation, (D) to the extent necessary in order to comply with any law, order, regulation, ruling or governmental request applicable to Executive, (E) as required in connection with an audit by any taxing authority, or (F) as permitted by the express written consent of the Company.

 

(i) In the event Executive is required to disclose Confidential Information pursuant to any of the foregoing exceptions, Executive shall promptly notify the Company of such pending disclosure and assist the Company (at the Company’s sole expense, which will be advanced to Executive concurrently with such assistance) in seeking a protective order or in objecting to such request, summons or subpoena with regard to the Confidential Information. If the Company does not obtain such relief prior to the time that Executive is required to disclose such Confidential Information, Executive may disclose that portion of the Confidential Information (A) which counsel to Executive advises Executive that he is required to disclose or (B) which could subject Executive to be liable for contempt or suffer censure or penalty. In such cases, Executive shall promptly provide the Company with a copy of the Confidential Information so disclosed. This provision applies without limitation to unauthorized use of Confidential Information in any medium, including film, videotape, audiotape and writings of any kind (including books, articles, emails, texts, blogs and websites).

 

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(ii) Executive is hereby notified, pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”), that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (C) where the disclosure of a trade secret is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, Executive is hereby notified under the DTSA that, if an individual files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law, the individual may disclose a trade secret to his or her attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the individual (Y) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (Z) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

(d) Inventions and Patents; Third Party Information. The results and proceeds of Executive’s services to the Company (whether prior to or during the Employment Term), including, without limitation, any works of authorship related to the Company resulting from Executive’s services during Executive’s employment with the Company and any works in progress will be works-made-for-hire. Works made for hire shall not include the Executive’s image, likeness or social media accounts. The Company will be deemed the sole owner throughout the universe of such works-made-for-hire and any and all rights of whatsoever nature therein, whether or not now or hereafter known, existing, contemplated, recognized or developed, with the right to use the same in perpetuity in any manner the Company determines in its sole discretion without any further payment to Executive whatsoever. If, for any reason, any of such results and proceeds will not legally be a work-made-for-hire or there are any rights which do not accrue to the Company under the preceding sentence, then Executive hereby irrevocably assigns and agrees to assign to the Company any and all of Executive’s right, title and interest thereto, including, without limitation, any and all copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and/or other rights of whatsoever nature therein, whether or not now or hereafter known, existing, contemplated, recognized or developed. The Company will have the right to use the same in perpetuity throughout the universe in any manner the Company determines without any further payment to Executive whatsoever. Executive will, from time to time, as may be reasonably requested by the Company, and at the Company’s sole expense, sign such documents and assist the Company to establish or document the Company’s exclusive ownership of any and all rights in any such results and proceeds, including, without limitation, the execution of appropriate copyright or patent applications or assignments. To the extent Executive has any rights in any such results and proceeds that cannot be assigned in the manner described above, Executive unconditionally and irrevocably waives the right to enforce such unassignable rights. This Section 9(d) is subject to, and will not be deemed to limit, restrict or constitute any waiver by the Company of, any rights of ownership to which the Company may be entitled by operation of law by virtue of the Company being Executive’s employer. This Agreement does not apply to an invention or other works of authorship for which no equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, and (i) which does not relate (A) directly to the business of the Company or (B) to the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (ii) which does not result from any work performed by Executive for the Company hereunder.

 

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(e) Enforcement; Remedies. Executive acknowledges that the covenants set forth in Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 9(d) impose a reasonable restraint on Executive in light of the business and activities of the Company and its Affiliates. Executive acknowledges that a breach of Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) or 9(d) by Executive may cause serious and potentially irreparable harm to the Company and its Affiliates. Executive therefore acknowledges that a breach of Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) or 9(d) by Executive cannot be adequately compensated in an action for damages at law, and equitable relief may be necessary to protect the Company and its Affiliates from a violation of this Agreement and from the harm which this Agreement is intended to prevent. By reason thereof, Executive acknowledges that the Company may be entitled, in addition to any other remedies it may have under this Agreement or otherwise, to preliminary and permanent injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or curtail any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement. Executive acknowledges, however, that no specification in this Agreement of a specific legal or equitable remedy may be construed as a waiver of or prohibition against pursuing other legal or equitable remedies in the event of a breach of this Agreement by Executive.

 

(f) Modification. In the event that any provision or term of this Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) or 9(d), or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion thereof (including, without limitation, the geographic and temporal restrictions and provisions contained in Sections 9(a) or 9(b)) is held to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, such provision or portion thereof will be modified or deleted in such a manner as to be effective for the maximum period of time, the maximum geographical area, and otherwise to the maximum extent as to which it may be enforceable under applicable law. Such modified restriction(s) shall be enforced by a court having jurisdiction. In the event that such modification is not possible, because each of Executive’s obligations in Sections 9(a), 9(b), 9(c) and 9(d) is a separate and independent covenant, any unenforceable obligation shall be severed and all remaining obligations shall be enforceable.

 

10. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following defined terms have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, business trust or organization, or other entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, where control means holding more than 50% of both the voting interests of the entity and the authority to direct the management and policies of the entity.

 

(b) “Cause” means any of the following: (i) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a misdemeanor involving dishonesty, wrongful taking of property, immoral conduct, bribery or extortion or any felony; (ii) willful material misconduct by Executive in connection with the business of the Company and its Affiliates; (iii) Executive’s continued and willful failure to perform substantially his responsibilities to the Company under this Agreement; (iv) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement; (v) Executive’s fraud, theft or material dishonesty against the Company, its Affiliates or its customers; (vi) Executive’s willful and material breach of the Company’s written code of conduct and business ethics or other material written policy, procedure or guideline in effect from time to time and applicable to the Company’s employees generally relating to personal conduct; or (vii) Executive’s willful attempt to obstruct or willful failure to cooperate when with any investigation authorized by the Board or any governmental or self-regulatory entity. Any determination of Cause by the Company shall be made by a resolution approved by a majority of the members of the Board, provided that with respect to Sections 10(a)(ii), 10(a)(iii), 10(a)(iv), 10(a)(vi) and 10(a)(vii) and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Company shall not terminate the Employment Term for Cause unless (x) the Company notifies Executive in writing of such determination within ninety (90) days following the Company’s first knowledge of the existence thereof (which notice specifically identifies the reasons and details therefore), (y) Executive fails to remedy the same within thirty (30) days after the date on which he received such notice (the “Remedial Period”), and (z) the Company terminates the Employment Term for Cause within thirty (30) days after the end of the Remedial Period.

 

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(c) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(d) “Competing Business” means (i) a business that is engaged in the acquisition or operation of compressed natural gas fueling stations, (ii) a business that is engaged in providing freight trucking services primarily to the United States Postal Service, or (iii) any other business in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is then-currently engaged or was engaged at any time in the twelve (12) month period prior to Executive’s last day of employment with the Company.

 

(e) “Confidential Information” means confidential or proprietary information and/or techniques of the Company or its Affiliates entrusted to, developed by, or made available by the Company or any of its Affiliates to Executive during the Employment Term, whether in writing, in computer form, reduced to a tangible form in any medium, or conveyed orally, that is not generally known by others in the form in which it is or was used by the Company or its Affiliates. Examples of Confidential Information include, without limitation: (i) sales, sales volume, sales methods, sales proposals, business plans or statements of work; (ii) customers of the Company, prospective customer (with whom the Company has had a substantive discussion on it becoming a customer of the Company within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months), and customer records, including contact and preference information; (iii) costs of goods or services charged by vendors and suppliers to the Company; (iii) prices charged to specific customers and non-public general price lists and similar pricing information; (iv) terms of contracts with customer; (vii) non- public information and materials describing or relating to the financial condition and affairs of the Company or its Affiliates, including but not limited to, financial statements, budgets, projections financial and/or investment performance information, research reports, personnel matters, products, services, operating procedures, organizational responsibilities and marketing matters, policies or procedures; (viii) non-public information and materials describing existing or new processes, products and services of the Company or its Affiliates, including marketing materials, analytical data and techniques, and product, service or marketing concepts under development, and the status of such development; (ix) the business or strategic plans of the Company or its Affiliates; (x) the information technology systems, network designs, computer program code, and application practices of the Company or its Affiliates; (xi) acquisition candidates of the Company or its Affiliates or any studies or assessments relating thereto; and (xii) trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, trade names and logos. In addition and notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include (x) information that, other than as a result of a breach by Executive of this Agreement, is or becomes generally known to and available for use by the public, (y) information that is, at any time, either on the Company’s website or is in brochures, advertising and other materials furnished or provided to customers of the Company and prospective customer (with whom the Company has had a substantive discussion on it becoming a customer of the Company within the immediately preceding twelve (12) months) or (z) became known to the Executive other than through his relationship with the Company.

 

9

 

 

(f) “Disability” means Executive’s inability to perform one or more essential functions of his position, after taking into account reasonable accommodations, by reason of any medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment and such inability continues for a period of at least 90 consecutive calendar days. A determination of such Disability will be made by a physician reasonably acceptable to the Company and Executive (or, if applicable, his spouse or legal representative).

 

(g) “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events, without the written consent of Executive:

 

(i) any reduction in Executive’s Base Salary (as it may have been increased after the Effective Date), except by no more than ten percent (10%) as part of an across the board salary reduction uniformly applied to all executive-level employees of the Company;

 

(ii) any material reduction in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities or the assignment to Executive of any duties that are inconsistent with his position or;

 

(iii) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any other agreement under which Executive provides services to the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Executive shall not terminate the Employment Term for Good Reason unless (A) Executive notifies the Company in writing of the condition that Executive believes constitutes Good Reason within ninety (90) days following the Executive’s first knowledge of the existence thereof (which notice specifically identifies such condition and the details regarding its existence), (ii) the Company fails to remedy such condition within thirty (30) days after the date on which it receives such notice (the “Remedial Period”), and (iii) Executive terminates the Employment Term within thirty (30) days after the end of the Remedial Period for Good Reason.

 

(h) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder.

 

(i) “Territory” means any State in the United States in which the Company and its Affiliates then-currently conduct their business or have conducted their business at any time in the prior twelve (12) months.

 

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11. Tax Matters. (a) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of taxes as required by applicable law.

 

(b) Responsibility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company makes no representations or warranties to Executive with respect to any tax, economic or legal consequences of this Agreement or any payments or other benefits provided hereunder, including without limitation under Section 409A, and no provision of the Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to transfer any liability for failure to comply with Section 409A or any other legal requirement from Executive or any other individual to the Company or any of its Affiliates, except as provided below. Executive, by executing this Agreement, shall be deemed to have waived any claim against the Company and its Affiliates with respect to any such tax, economic or legal consequences; provided, however, if any amount payable pursuant to this Agreement is included in Executive’s gross income under Section 409A(a)(1)(A) of the Code, then (i) Executive shall be responsible for the payment of the income taxes imposed on such payment and the amount of interest under Section 409A(a)(1)(B)(i)(I) of the Code and (ii) the Company shall be responsible for the payment of the amount due under Section 409A(a)(1)(B)(i)(II) of the Code within 30 days after such time as a final determination is made that such amount is due and payable by Executive (whether by an agreed assessment, a decision upon administrative appeal, or a decision by a court having jurisdiction). The parties intend that the payment under the preceding clause (ii) will comply with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-3(i)(1)(i), 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v) and 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v).

 

(c) Section 409A. The parties intend that this Agreement and the payments and other benefits provided hereunder be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A to the maximum extent possible, whether pursuant to the short-term deferral exception described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), the involuntary separation pay plan exception described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), or otherwise. To the extent Section 409A is applicable to this Agreement and any such payments and benefits, the parties intend that this Agreement and such payments and benefits comply with the deferral, payout and other limitations and restrictions imposed under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner consistent with such intentions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary:

 

(i) if at the time Executive’s employment hereunder terminates, Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(i) and determined using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time, or if none, the default methodology, then to the extent necessary to avoid subjecting Executive to the imposition of any additional tax under Section 409A, any and all amounts payable under this Agreement on account of such termination of employment that would (but for this provision) be payable within six (6) months following the date of termination, shall instead be paid in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the date on which Executive’s employment terminates or, if earlier, upon Executive’s death;

 

(ii) a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service,” as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h) after giving effect to the presumptions contained therein, and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to “terminate,” “termination,” “termination of employment” and like terms shall mean separation from service;

 

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(iii) each payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment and the right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments; and

 

(iv) with regard to any provision in this Agreement that provides for reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits, except for any expense, reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement that does not constitute a “deferral of compensation,” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b), (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made no later than two and a half months after the end of the calendar year in which the expenses were incurred.

 

(d) Limitation on Payments Under Certain Circumstances. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that Executive becomes entitled to receive or receives any payments, options, awards or benefits (including, without limitation, the monetary value of any non-cash benefits and the accelerated vesting of stock awards) under any agreement, arrangement, plan or program with the Company or any person affiliated with the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), that may separately or in the aggregate constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Code Section 280G and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 280G”) and it is determined that, but for this Section 12(d)(i), any of the Payments will be subject to any excise tax pursuant to Code Section 4999 or any similar or successor provision (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to Executive either (i) the full amount of the Payments or (ii) an amount equal to the Payments reduced by the minimum amount necessary to prevent any portion of the Payments from being an “excess parachute payment” (within the meaning of Section 280G) (the “Capped Payments”), whichever of the foregoing amounts results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis (with consideration of all taxes incurred in connection with the Payments, including the Excise Tax), of the greatest amount of Payments notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. For purposes of determining whether Executive would receive a greater after-tax benefit from the Capped Payments than from receipt of the full amount of the Payments and for purposes of Section 11(d)(iii) (if applicable), Executive shall be deemed to pay federal, state and local taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation for the applicable calendar year.

 

(ii) All computations and determinations called for by Sections 11(d)(i) and 11(d)(iii) shall be made and reported in writing to the Company and Executive by a third-party service provider selected by the Company and Executive (the “Tax Advisor”), and all such computations and determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and Executive. For purposes of such calculations and determinations, the Tax Advisor may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Code Sections 280G and 4999. The Company and Executive shall furnish to the Tax Advisor such information and documents as the Tax Advisor may reasonably request in order to make their required calculations and determinations. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses charged by the Tax Advisor in connection with its services.

 

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(iii) In the event that Section 11(d)(i) applies and a reduction is required to be applied to the Payments thereunder, the Payments shall be reduced by the Company in a manner and order of priority that provides Executive with the largest net after-tax value; provided that payments of equal after-tax present value shall be reduced in the reverse order of payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any such reduction shall be structured in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A.

 

12. Assignment. This Agreement and Executive’s rights under this Agreement are personal to Executive and shall not be assignable by Executive. The Company may, by written notice to Executive, assign this Agreement to any affiliated or successor to all or substantially all of the business and assets the Company and then only so long as such affiliate or successor assumes and agrees, in such form and substance as is reasonably satisfactory to Executive, to perform all of the Company’s duties, responsibilities, obligations and liabilities hereunder, including without limitation upon the termination of the Employment Term; provided, however, the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by such affiliate or successor and the immediate hiring and continuation of Executive’s employment by such affiliate or successor upon the identical terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a termination of the Employment Term. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) one (1) day after being sent by a reputable commercial overnight service, or (c) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

 

If to the Company:

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

 

8285 West Lake Pleasant Parkway
Peoria, AZ 85382
Attention: Secretary

Shirley Mays – smays@evotransinc.com

 

If to Executive:

 

Thomas J. Abood

1200 Old Crystal Bay Rd

Wayzata, MN 55391

aboodtom@gmail.com

 

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Notice may also be sent by electronic mail to the electronic mail address provided above. Notice shall be deemed given if by electronic mail when the recipient, by an email sent to the email address for the sender stated below or by a notice delivered by another method in accordance with this Section 13, acknowledges having received that email, with an automatic “read receipt” not constituting acknowledgment of an email for purposes of this Section 13.

 

14. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

15. Integration. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. No waiver, alteration or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in writing that specifically refers to this Agreement and is signed by Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company.

 

16. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement must be in writing and will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

 

17. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

18. Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in accordance with, and any dispute or controversy arising from any breach or asserted breach of this Agreement will be governed by, the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to any choice of law rules. Any action brought to enforce or interpret this Agreement must be brought in the state or federal courts for the State of Minnesota, and the parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts in the event of any dispute. Each of the parties knowingly and voluntarily waives all right to trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment.

 

19. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

 

20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and may delivered personally or by facsimile or electronic transmission, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned parties.

 

{Signature Page Follows}

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Employment Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the Effective Date in the preamble hereof.

 

COMPANY:   EXECUTIVE
EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.    
     
By: /s Scott C. Smith   By: /s/ Thomas J. Abood
Name: Scott C. Smith   Name: Thomas J. Abood
Title: Chair, Compensation Committee,
Board of Directors
     

 

 

 

 

Schedule A

 

Board of Directors, NELSON Worldwide, Inc.

Board of Trustees, SBH Funds

Chair, Board of Directors, MacPhail Center for Music

Chair, Board of Directors, Citation Jet Pilots, Inc.

Past Chair, Archdiocesan Finance Council, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

 

Consultant, NELSON Worldwide, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of Release

 

[Date]

 

[Via _____________]

 

Personal and Confidential

 

John Sheehy

[Employee Address]

 

Re: Separation Agreement and Release

 

Dear John:

 

As you know, your employment with EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. (the “Company”) ended effective at the close of business on [Date] pursuant to Section 2 of your Executive Employment Agreement with the Company dated ______________ (the “Employment Agreement”). The purpose of this Separation Agreement and Release letter (“Agreement”) is to set forth the specific separation pay and benefits that the Company will provide you as set forth in Section 2 of your Employment Agreement in exchange for your agreement to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in the Employment Agreement.

 

By your signature below, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

 

1. End of Employment. Your employment with the Company ended effective at the close of business on [Date]. Upon your receipt of your final paycheck, which includes payment for services through [Date], you will have received all wages, compensation and benefits owed to you by virtue of your employment with the Company or termination thereof. If applicable, information regarding your right to elect COBRA coverage will be sent to you via separate letter.

 

You are not eligible for any other payments or benefits by virtue of your employment with the Company or termination thereof except for those expressly described in this Agreement. You will not receive the separation pay and benefits described in Section 2 of this Agreement if you (i) do not sign this Agreement and return it to the Company by the Offer Expiration, (ii) rescind this Agreement after signing it, or (iii) violate any of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

2. Separation Pay and Benefits. Specifically in consideration of your signing this Agreement and subject to the limitations, obligations, and other provisions contained in this Agreement, the Company agrees as follows:

 

a. [See Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

 

3. Release of Claims. Specifically in consideration of the separation pay and benefits described in Section 2, and the release provided to you by the Company below, by signing this Agreement you, for yourself and anyone who has or obtains legal rights or claims through you, agree to the following:

 

a. You hereby do release and forever discharge the “Released Parties” (as defined in Section 2.e. below) of and from any and all manner of claims, demands, actions, causes of action, administrative claims, liability, damages, claims for punitive or liquidated damages, claims for attorney’s fees, costs and disbursements, individual or class action claims, or demands of any kind whatsoever, you have or might have against them or any of them, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with your employment or independent contractor engagement with the Company, or the termination of that employment or engagement, or otherwise, and however originating or existing, from the beginning of time through the date of your signing this Agreement.

 

b. This release includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claims you may have for, wages, bonuses, commissions, penalties, deferred compensation, vacation, sick, and/or paid time off (PTO) pay, separation pay and/or benefits; tortious conduct, defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, negligence, emotional distress; breach of implied or express contract, estoppel; wrongful discharge (based on contract, common law, or statute, including any federal, state or local statute or ordinance prohibiting discrimination or retaliation in employment); violation of any of the following: the United States Constitution, the Wisconsin Constitution, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, Wisconsin Wage Claim and Payment Law, Wisconsin Business Closing and Mass Layoff Law, Wisconsin Cessation of Health Care Benefits Law, Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Law, Wisconsin Personnel Records Statute, Wisconsin Employment Peace Act, any paid sick leave law, any local human rights ordinance, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the National Labor Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. § 151 et seq., the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7201 et seq.; any claim for retaliation; all waivable claims arising under Wisconsin and local statutes. You hereby waive any and all relief not provided for in this Agreement. You understand and agree that, by signing this Agreement, you waive and release any claim to employment with the Company.

 

c. If you file, or have filed on your behalf, a charge, complaint, or action, you agree that the payments and benefits described above in Section 1 are in complete satisfaction of any and all claims in connection with such charge, complaint, or action and you waive, and agree not to take, any award of money or other damages from such charge, complaint, or action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you do not waive your right to receive and fully retain a monetary award from a government-administered whistleblower award program for providing information directly to a governmental agency.

 

A-2

 

 

d. You are not, by signing this Agreement, releasing or waiving (1) any vested interest you may have in any stock options, warrants or other equity or 401(k) or profit sharing plan by virtue of your employment with the Company, (2) any rights or claims that may arise after the Agreement is signed, (3) the post-employment payments and benefits specifically promised to you under Section 1 of this Agreement, (4) the right to institute legal action for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Agreement, (5) any rights you have to workers compensation benefits, (6) any rights you have under unemployment compensation benefits laws, (7) the right to file a charge or complaint with a governmental agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any other federal, state or local governmental agency, subject to Section 2(c) above, (8) the right to communicate with, testify, assist, or participate in an investigation, hearing, or proceeding conducted by, the EEOC, NLRB, OSHA, SEC or other governmental agency, (9) any rights you may have under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), or (10) any rights arising under any agreements between you and the Company related to any equity interests you may have in the Company.

 

e. The “Released Parties,” as used in this Agreement, shall mean the Company and its parent, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated entities, insurers, if any, and its and their present and former officers, directors, shareholders, trustees, employees, agents, attorneys, representatives and consultants, and the successors and assigns of each, whether in their individual or official capacities, and the current and former trustees or administrators of any pension or other benefit plan applicable to the employees or former employees of the Released Parties in their official and individual capacities.

 

4. Notice of Right to Consult Attorney and Twenty-One (21) Calendar Day Consideration Period. By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge and agree that the Company has informed you by this Agreement that (1) you have the right to consult with an attorney of your choice prior to signing this Agreement, and (2) you are entitled to at least Twenty-One (21) calendar days from your receipt of this Agreement to consider whether the terms are acceptable to you. You have the right, if you choose, to sign this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Twenty-One (21) day period.

 

5. Notification of Rights under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.). You are hereby notified of your right to rescind the release of claims contained in Section 3 with regard to claims arising under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.), within seven (7) calendar days of your signing this Agreement. In order to be effective, the rescission must (a) be in writing; (b) delivered to John P. Yeros, CEO, EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc., 8285 West Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85382, by hand or mail within the required period; and (c) if delivered by mail, the rescission must be postmarked within the required period, properly addressed to John P. Yeros, as set forth above, and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. You understand and agree that if you rescind any part of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 5, the Company will have no obligation to provide you the payments and benefits described in Section 2 of this Agreement and you will be obligated to return to the Company any payment(s) and benefits already received in connection with Section 2 of this Agreement.

 

6. Return of Property. You acknowledge and agree that all documents and materials relating to the business of, or the services provided by, the Company are the sole property of the Company. You agree and represent that you have returned to the Company all of its property, including but not limited to, all data, files, documents and property within your possession or control, which in any manner relate to the business of, or the duties and services you performed on behalf of the Company. You may retain copies of contact information and other similar records.

 

A-3

 

 

7. On-Going Obligations. If you breach any term of this Agreement or Section 9 of your Employment Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to its available legal and equitable remedies, including but not limited to suspending and recovering any and all payments and benefits made or to be made under Section 2 of this Agreement and payment by you of its attorneys’ fees and costs. If the Company seeks and/or obtains relief from an alleged breach of this Agreement, all of the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

8. Cooperation. You agree that through ______________ [THE SEVERANCE PERIOD], you will respond to the Company in a timely and helpful manner via email or telephone should it have questions for you regarding your work for the Company such as, but not limited to, status of projects, location of data and documents, and passwords, provided that such questions must be reasonable in volume and time commitment.

 

9. Non-Disparagement and Confidentiality. The Company and the Executive promise and agree not to disparage one another or the Released Parties, the Company’s employees, products or services. You further promise and agree not to disclose or discuss, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever, any information regarding the substance and/or nature of any dispute between the Company and any employee or former employee, including yourself. You agree that the only people with whom you may discuss this confidential information are your legal and financial advisors and your spouse, if applicable, provided they agree to keep the information confidential, federal and state tax authorities, the state unemployment compensation department, other government agencies, or as otherwise required by law. The Company and the Executive will reach a mutually agreeable statement regarding any termination under the Agreement.

 

10. Remedies. In the event of litigation arising out of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to an award of its costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. If either party breaches any term of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to its available legal and equitable remedies. If the Company seeks and/or obtains relief from an alleged breach of this Agreement, all of the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

11. Non-Admission. It is expressly understood that this Agreement does not constitute, nor shall it be construed as, an admission by the Released Parties or you of any liability or unlawful conduct whatsoever. The Released Parties and you specifically deny any liability or unlawful conduct.

 

12. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is personal to you and may not be assigned by you without the written agreement of the Company. The rights and obligations of this Agreement shall inure to the successors and assigns of the Released Parties.

 

13. Enforceability. If a court finds any term of this Agreement to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, the parties agree that the court shall modify such term to make it enforceable to the maximum extent possible. If the term cannot be modified, the parties agree that the term shall be severed and all other terms of this Agreement shall remain in effect.

 

A-4

 

 

14. Law, Jurisdiction and Venue, Jury Trial Waiver. This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in accordance with, and any dispute or controversy arising from any breach or asserted breach of this Agreement will be governed by, the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to any choice of law rules. Any action brought to enforce or interpret this Agreement must be brought in the state or federal courts for the State of Minnesota, and the parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts in the event of any dispute. Each of the parties knowingly and voluntarily waives all right to trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment.

 

15. Full Agreement. This Agreement contains the full agreement between you and the Released Parties as to your employment with the Company or termination thereof and may not be modified, altered, or changed in any way except by written agreement signed by both parties. The parties agree that this Agreement supersedes and terminates any and all other written and oral agreements and understandings between the parties as to your employment with the Company or termination thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you have previously signed an agreement or agreements with the Company containing confidentiality, trade secret, noncompetition, non-solicitation, intellectual property, return of property, and/or similar provisions your obligations under such agreement(s) (including, without limitation, under Section 9 of your Employment Agreement) shall continue in full force and effect according to their terms and will survive the termination of your employment.

 

16. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or electronic transmission and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one instrument.

 

17. Acknowledgment of Reading and Understanding. By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, including the release of claims contained in Section 3, and understand that the release of claims is a full and final release of all claims you may have against the Company and the other entities and individuals covered by the release. By signing, you also acknowledge and agree that you have entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily.

 

The deadline for accepting this Agreement is 5:00 p.m. on the 22nd calendar day following your receipt of this Agreement (the “Offer Expiration”). If not accepted by such time, the offer contained herein will expire. After you have reviewed this Agreement and obtained whatever advice and counsel you consider appropriate regarding it, please evidence your agreement to the provisions set forth in this Agreement by dating and signing the Agreement. Please then return a signed Agreement to me no later than the Offer Expiration. Please keep a copy for your records.

 

A-5

 

 

We wish you all the best.

 

Sincerely,

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE

 

By signing below, I, _______________, acknowledge and agree to the following:

 

I have had adequate time to consider whether to sign this Separation Agreement and Release.

 

I have read this Separation Agreement and Release carefully.

 

I understand and agree to all of the terms of the Separation Agreement and Release.

 

I am knowingly and voluntarily releasing my claims against the Company and the other persons and entities defined as the Released Parties.

 

I have not, in signing this Agreement, relied upon any statements or explanations made by the Company except as for those specifically set forth in this Separation Agreement and Release.

 

I intend this Separation Agreement and Release to be legally binding.

 

I am signing this Separation Agreement and Release on or after my last day of employment with the Company.

 

Accepted this         day of                                         , 20__.

 

 

 

 

 

A-6

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

2018 Stock Incentive Plan

 

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Option Agreement”) is entered into as of the “Grant Date” set forth below, by and between EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and the person named below (the “Optionee”). The Option granted hereby is granted under the EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Option Agreement that are defined in the Plan will have the meanings given to them in the Plan.

 

1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to the Optionee an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) set forth below, at the exercise price per Share set forth below (the “Exercise Price”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

 

Grant Number:

17
   
Optionee: Thomas J. Abood
   
Grant Date: September 23, 2019
   
Vesting Commencement Date: September 23, 2019
   
Total Number of Shares of Stock Subject to the Option:

 

1,250,000

   
Exercise Price per Share: $2.50 per Share
   
Total Exercise Price: $3,125,000
   
Type of Option (check one):

    Incentive Stock Option

X Non-Statutory Stock Option

   
Term/Expiration Date: September 23, 2029
   
Earlier Expiration: See Section 6.

 

2. Vesting Schedule. This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

 

(a) Time-Based Vesting. This Option will vest and become exercisable with respect to 750,000 of the Shares subject to the Option on the Vesting Commencement Date, and with respect to an additional 250,000 of the Shares at the completion of each of the first and second calendar quarters of the Employment Term (a total of 500,000 shares) shall fully vest 12 months after each issuance; provided, however, that if the Optionee ceases to be employed by the Company or to provide services to the Company as a director, consultant or independent contractor before this Option has become exercisable with respect to all of the Shares, no additional Shares will vest after the termination of such services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all unvested Shares subject to the Option shall vest immediately upon the Company’s closing on an aggregate of at least $30,000,000 in any combination of public and private equity and debt financings after the date hereof. This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time after it vests and until this Option expires pursuant Section 6 of this Option Agreement.

 

 

 

(b) Treatment Upon a Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the Committee administering the Plan may take any of the actions described in Section 14 of the Plan with respect to this Option.

 

3. Type of Option. If designated above as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) or otherwise fails to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 422, it will be treated as a Non-Statutory Stock Option (“NSO”).

 

4. Exercise of Option.

 

(a) Right to Exercise. This Option will be exercisable during its term in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in Section 2 of this Option Agreement and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. No portion of the Option which has not become vested and exercisable at the date of the Optionee’s termination of service to the Company will thereafter become vested and exercisable, except as may be set forth in a written agreement between the Company and the Optionee.

 

(b) Duration of Exercisability. The installments provided in the vesting schedule set forth in Section 2 of this Option Agreement are cumulative. Each such installment which becomes vested and exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in Section 2 of this Option Agreement will remain vested and exercisable until this Option expires pursuant Section 6 of this Option Agreement.

 

(c) Method of Exercise. This Option will be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Notice”), stating the election to exercise the Option and the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and containing such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice must be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. The Optionee will also be required to make adequate provision for all withholding taxes relating to the exercise as a condition to the exercise of the Option. This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price and arrangement for the adequate provision for the withholding taxes relating to the exercise.

 

2

 

 

(d) Issuance of Shares. No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of the Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with applicable laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares will be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

 

(e) Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised if the issuance of Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable law.

 

(f) Investment Representations. Unless the Shares have been registered under the Securities Act, at the time this Option is exercised, the Exercise Notice delivered to the Company by the Optionee will, if required by the Company, contain the investment representations included in the form of Exercise Notice attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

5. Method of Payment. The aggregate Exercise Price may be paid by any of the following methods, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

 

(a) cash or check; or

 

(b) surrender of other shares of Common Stock which (i) in the case of shares acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the date of the exercise equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares.

 

6. Expiration of Option. This Option will expire and may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a) Expiration of Term of Option. The Term/Expiration Date set forth in Section 1 of this Option Agreement;

 

(b) Termination of Service without Cause. The expiration of three months from the date of the Optionee’s voluntary or involuntary termination of service to the Company, unless the Optionee’s service is terminated for Cause or such termination occurs by reasons of the Optionee’s death or Disability;

 

(c) Cause. The date of the Optionee’s termination of service if the Optionee’s service is terminated for Cause, or the date of written notice from the Company to the Optionee of a material breach of any confidentiality or non-compete agreement entered into with the Company, if the Optionee commits such a material breach either during or after the Optionee’s period of service to the Company;

 

(d) Death or Disability. The expiration of one year from the date of the Optionee’s death, either during or after the Optionee’s period of service to the Company, or of termination of the Optionee’s service by reason of the Optionee’s Disability; or

 

(e) Cancellation upon Change in Control. The cancellation of this Option by action of the Committee pursuant to Section 14 of the Plan, in connection with a Change in Control of the Company.

 

3

 

 

7. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement will be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

 

8. Lock-Up Period. The Optionee hereby agrees that, if so requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters (the “Managing Underwriter”) in connection with an underwritten public offering of Common Stock of the Company under the Securities Act, the Optionee will not sell, offer to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by the Optionee (other than those included in the registration) for such period of time after execution of an underwriting agreement in connection with such offering for which all of the Company’s then directors and executive officers agree to be similarly bound (the “Market Standoff Period”). The Optionee agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto; but the Optionee will be bound by the provisions of this Section whether or not the Optionee executes such other agreements requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such Market Standoff Period. The Optionee agrees that any transferee of the Option or shares acquired pursuant to the Option will be bound by this Section.

 

9. Tax Obligations.

 

(a) Withholding Taxes. The Optionee agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining the Optionee) for the satisfaction of all Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax withholding requirements applicable to the Option exercise. The Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

 

(b) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to the Optionee herein is an ISO, and if the Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one year after the date of exercise, the Optionee must immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. The Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Optionee may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee.

 

4

 

 

10. NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. THE OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR, OR CONSULTANT AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). THE OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR, OR CONSULTANT FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE OPTIONEE’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE OPTIONEE’S RELATIONSHIP (A) AS AN EMPLOYEE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE; (B) AS A CONSULTANT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE OPTIONEE’S AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR AN AFFILIATE; OR (C) AS A DIRECTOR PURSUANT TO THE BYLAWS OF THE COMPANY AND ANY APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CORPORATE LAW OF THE STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS DOMICILED, AS THE CASE MAY BE.

 

11. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede in their entirety all prior oral and written undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Optionee on that subject, with the exception of any other options previously granted and delivered to the Optionee under the Plan or any similar plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates. This agreement may not be modified adversely to the Optionee’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and the Optionee. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules of the State of Minnesota.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

5

 

 

By the Optionee’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, the Optionee and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. The Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement. The Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board of Directors (or any Committee to whom the Board has delegated administration of the Plan) upon any questions relating to the Plan and this Option Agreement.

 

The Optionee further agrees to notify the Company of any change in the Optionee’s residence address indicated below.

 

OPTIONEE:   EVO TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
     

/s/ Thomas J. Abood

 

By:

/s/ Eugene Putnam, Jr.

(Signature)   Title: Chief Financial Officer
     

Thomas J. Abood

 

Eugene Putnam, Jr.

(Print Name)

 

(Print Name)

     
Address:   Address: 8285 West Lake Pleasant

 

  Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85382

 

6

 

 

Exhibit A

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

EXERCISE NOTICE

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

 

1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of the Exercise Date set forth below, the undersigned (the “Purchaser”) hereby elects to exercise the Purchaser’s Option to purchase shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement bearing the Grant Number and Grant Date set forth below (the “Option Agreement”). The Option is being exercised with respect to the number of Shares stated below (the “Exercised Shares”).

 

Exercise Date:

_______________, 20__
   
Purchaser: ______________________________________
   
Grant Number: ______________
   
Grant Date: _______________, 20__
   
Number of Exercised Shares: ______________ Shares
   
Exercise Price per Share: $_____ per Share
   
Total Exercise Price: $______________

 

2. Delivery of Payment. The Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the total Exercise Price for the Shares, and any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Option, in the form of (check one or more):

 

Cash or check; or

 

Surrender of other shares of Common Stock that, in the case of shares acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Purchaser for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender.

 

3. Representations of Purchaser. In connection with the purchase of the Shares, the Purchaser represents to the Company as follows:

 

(a) The Purchaser (i) acknowledges that the Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement, (ii) agrees that the Shares are being acquired in accordance with and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement, and (iii) agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

 

A-1

 

 

(b) The Purchaser agrees (i) to provide such additional documents as the Company may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to provide for the payment by the Purchaser to the Company (in the manner designated by the Company) of the Company’s withholding obligation, if any, relating to the exercise of the Option, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an Incentive Stock Option, to notify the Company in writing promptly after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of grant of the Option or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are issued upon exercise of the Option.

 

(c) The Purchaser is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares.

 

(d) The Purchaser is acquiring these Shares for investment for the Purchaser’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

(e) The Purchaser acknowledges and understands that the Shares constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the Purchaser’s investment intent as expressed herein. The Purchaser further understands that the Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. The Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares.

 

(f) The Purchaser understands that the certificate evidencing the Shares will be imprinted with a legend that prohibits the transfer of the Shares unless they are registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company and any other legend required under applicable state securities laws.

 

4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares will be issued to the Purchaser as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance of the Shares.

 

5. Tax Consultation. The Purchaser understands that the Purchaser’s purchase or disposition of the Shares will have certain tax consequences, some of which may be adverse tax consequences. The Purchaser represents that the Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants the Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that the Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

 

A-2

 

 

6. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

 

(a) Legends. The Purchaser understands and agrees that the Company will cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COMPANY COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.

 

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND ANY TRANSFER THEREOF ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE COMPANY OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDERS OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

 

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A MARKET STANDOFF PERIOD FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.

 

(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. The Purchaser agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

 

(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company will not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares are transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice.

 

7. Binding Effect. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Purchaser and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

8. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and the Purchaser. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Minnesota.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

A-3

 

 

[To be signed upon the exercise of the Option]

 

Submitted by:

 

  Accepted by:
PURCHASER:   EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.
     

 

By:

                 

(Signature)

Title:
   

 

 

(Print Name)

 

Address:

 

 

(Print Name)

 

Address:

 

     
     
   

 

 

   

(Date Received)

 

 

A-4

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

2018 Stock Incentive Plan

 

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (“Option Agreement”) is entered into as of the “Grant Date” set forth below, by and between EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and the person named below (the “Optionee”). The Option granted hereby is granted under the EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Option Agreement that are defined in the Plan will have the meanings given to them in the Plan.

 

1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to the Optionee an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Shares”) set forth below, at the exercise price per Share set forth below (the “Exercise Price”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

 

Grant Number: 16
   
Optionee: Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
   
Grant Date: July 22, 2019
   
Vesting Commencement Date: July 22, 2019
   
Total Number of Shares of Stock Subject to the Option:

 

400,000

   
Exercise Price per Share: $2.50 per Share
   
Total Exercise Price: $1,000,000
   
Type of Option (check one):

☐ Incentive Stock Option

☒ Non-Statutory Stock Option

   
Term/Expiration Date: July 22, 2029
   
Earlier Expiration: See Section 6.

 

2. Vesting Schedule. This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

 

(a) Time-Based Vesting. This Option will vest and become exercisable with respect to one-fourth (1/4th) of the Shares subject to the Option on the Vesting Commencement Date, and with respect to an additional one-fourth of the Shares on the one (1) year anniversary thereafter until fully vested; provided, however, that if the Optionee ceases to be employed by the Company or to provide services to the Company as a director, consultant or independent contractor before this Option has become exercisable with respect to all of the Shares, no additional Shares will vest after the termination of such services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all unvested Shares subject to the Option shall vest immediately upon the Company’s closing on an aggregate of at least $30,000,000 in any combination of public and private equity and debt financings after the date hereof. This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time after it vests and until this Option expires pursuant Section 6 of this Option Agreement.

 

 

 

 

(b) Treatment Upon a Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the Committee administering the Plan may take any of the actions described in Section 14 of the Plan with respect to this Option.

 

3. Type of Option. If designated above as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) or otherwise fails to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 422, it will be treated as a Non-Statutory Stock Option (“NSO”).

 

4. Exercise of Option.

 

(a) Right to Exercise. This Option will be exercisable during its term in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in Section 2 of this Option Agreement and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. No portion of the Option which has not become vested and exercisable at the date of the Optionee’s termination of service to the Company will thereafter become vested and exercisable, except as may be set forth in a written agreement between the Company and the Optionee.

 

(b) Duration of Exercisability. The installments provided in the vesting schedule set forth in Section 2 of this Option Agreement are cumulative. Each such installment which becomes vested and exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in Section 2 of this Option Agreement will remain vested and exercisable until this Option expires pursuant Section 6 of this Option Agreement.

 

(c) Method of Exercise. This Option will be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Notice”), stating the election to exercise the Option and the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and containing such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice must be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. The Optionee will also be required to make adequate provision for all withholding taxes relating to the exercise as a condition to the exercise of the Option. This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price and arrangement for the adequate provision for the withholding taxes relating to the exercise.

 

2

 

 

(d) Issuance of Shares. No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of the Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with applicable laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares will be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

 

(e) Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised if the issuance of Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable law.

 

(f) Investment Representations. Unless the Shares have been registered under the Securities Act, at the time this Option is exercised, the Exercise Notice delivered to the Company by the Optionee will, if required by the Company, contain the investment representations included in the form of Exercise Notice attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

5. Method of Payment. The aggregate Exercise Price may be paid by any of the following methods, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

 

(a) cash or check; or

 

(b) surrender of other shares of Common Stock which (i) in the case of shares acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the date of the exercise equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares.

 

6. Expiration of Option. This Option will expire and may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:

 

(a) Expiration of Term of Option. The Term/Expiration Date set forth in Section 1 of this Option Agreement;

 

(b) Termination of Service without Cause. The expiration of three months from the date of the Optionee’s voluntary or involuntary termination of service to the Company, unless the Optionee’s service is terminated for Cause or such termination occurs by reasons of the Optionee’s death or Disability;

 

(c) Cause. The date of the Optionee’s termination of service if the Optionee’s service is terminated for Cause, or the date of written notice from the Company to the Optionee of a material breach of any confidentiality or non-compete agreement entered into with the Company, if the Optionee commits such a material breach either during or after the Optionee’s period of service to the Company;

 

(d) Death or Disability. The expiration of one year from the date of the Optionee’s death, either during or after the Optionee’s period of service to the Company, or of termination of the Optionee’s service by reason of the Optionee’s Disability; or

 

(e) Cancellation upon Change in Control. The cancellation of this Option by action of the Committee pursuant to Section 14 of the Plan, in connection with a Change in Control of the Company.

 

3

 

 

7. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement will be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

 

8. Lock-Up Period. The Optionee hereby agrees that, if so requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters (the “Managing Underwriter”) in connection with an underwritten public offering of Common Stock of the Company under the Securities Act, the Optionee will not sell, offer to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by the Optionee (other than those included in the registration) for such period of time after execution of an underwriting agreement in connection with such offering for which all of the Company’s then directors and executive officers agree to be similarly bound (the “Market Standoff Period”). The Optionee agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto; but the Optionee will be bound by the provisions of this Section whether or not the Optionee executes such other agreements requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such Market Standoff Period. The Optionee agrees that any transferee of the Option or shares acquired pursuant to the Option will be bound by this Section.

 

9. Tax Obligations.

 

(a) Withholding Taxes. The Optionee agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining the Optionee) for the satisfaction of all Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax withholding requirements applicable to the Option exercise. The Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

 

(b) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to the Optionee herein is an ISO, and if the Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one year after the date of exercise, the Optionee must immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. The Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Optionee may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee.

 

4

 

 

10. NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. THE OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR, OR CONSULTANT AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). THE OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS AN EMPLOYEE, DIRECTOR, OR CONSULTANT FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE OPTIONEE’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE OPTIONEE’S RELATIONSHIP (A) AS AN EMPLOYEE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE; (B) AS A CONSULTANT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE OPTIONEE’S AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR AN AFFILIATE; OR (C) AS A DIRECTOR PURSUANT TO THE BYLAWS OF THE COMPANY AND ANY APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CORPORATE LAW OF THE STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS DOMICILED, AS THE CASE MAY BE.

 

11. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede in their entirety all prior oral and written undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Optionee on that subject, with the exception of any other options previously granted and delivered to the Optionee under the Plan or any similar plan maintained by the Company or its Affiliates. This agreement may not be modified adversely to the Optionee’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and the Optionee. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules of the State of Minnesota.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

5

 

 

By the Optionee’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, the Optionee and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. The Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement. The Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board of Directors (or any Committee to whom the Board has delegated administration of the Plan) upon any questions relating to the Plan and this Option Agreement.

 

The Optionee further agrees to notify the Company of any change in the Optionee’s residence address indicated below.

 

OPTIONEE:   EVO TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
     
/s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.   By:                              
(Signature)   Title: CEO
       
Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.   John P. Yeros

(Print Name)

 

Address: 4327 North 64th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

 

(Print Name)

 

Address: 8285 West Lake Pleasant
Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85382

  

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

EXERCISE NOTICE

 

EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.

 

1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of the Exercise Date set forth below, the undersigned (the “Purchaser”) hereby elects to exercise the Purchaser’s Option to purchase shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement bearing the Grant Number and Grant Date set forth below (the “Option Agreement”). The Option is being exercised with respect to the number of Shares stated below (the “Exercised Shares”).

 

Exercise Date: _______________, 20__
   
Purchaser: _____________________
   
Grant Number: ______________
   
Grant Date: _______________, 20__
   
Number of Exercised Shares: ______________ Shares
   
Exercise Price per Share: $_____ per Share
   
Total Exercise Price: $______________

 

2. Delivery of Payment. The Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the total Exercise Price for the Shares, and any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Option, in the form of (check one or more):

 

Cash or check; or

 

Surrender of other shares of Common Stock that, in the case of shares acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Purchaser for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender.

 

3. Representations of Purchaser. In connection with the purchase of the Shares, the Purchaser represents to the Company as follows:

 

(a) The Purchaser (i) acknowledges that the Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement, (ii) agrees that the Shares are being acquired in accordance with and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Plan and the Option Agreement, and (iii) agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

 

A-1

 

 

(b) The Purchaser agrees (i) to provide such additional documents as the Company may require pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (ii) to provide for the payment by the Purchaser to the Company (in the manner designated by the Company) of the Company’s withholding obligation, if any, relating to the exercise of the Option, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an Incentive Stock Option, to notify the Company in writing promptly after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of grant of the Option or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are issued upon exercise of the Option.

 

(c) The Purchaser is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares.

 

(d) The Purchaser is acquiring these Shares for investment for the Purchaser’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

(e) The Purchaser acknowledges and understands that the Shares constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the Purchaser’s investment intent as expressed herein. The Purchaser further understands that the Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. The Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares.

 

(f) The Purchaser understands that the certificate evidencing the Shares will be imprinted with a legend that prohibits the transfer of the Shares unless they are registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company and any other legend required under applicable state securities laws.

 

4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares will be issued to the Purchaser as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance of the Shares.

 

5. Tax Consultation. The Purchaser understands that the Purchaser’s purchase or disposition of the Shares will have certain tax consequences, some of which may be adverse tax consequences. The Purchaser represents that the Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants the Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that the Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

 

A-2

 

 

6. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

 

(a) Legends. The Purchaser understands and agrees that the Company will cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COMPANY COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.

 

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND ANY TRANSFER THEREOF ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE COMPANY OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDERS OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

 

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A MARKET STANDOFF PERIOD FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.

 

(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. The Purchaser agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

 

(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company will not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares are transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice.

 

7. Binding Effect. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Purchaser and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

8. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and the Purchaser. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Minnesota.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

A-3

 

 

[To be signed upon the exercise of the Option]

 

Submitted by:   Accepted by:
     
PURCHASER:   EVO Transportation & Energy Services, Inc.
     
    By:                            
(Signature)   Title:  
       
     

(Print Name)

 

Address:

 

(Print Name)

 

Address:

     
     
     
     
     
    (Date Received)

 

[Signature Page to Exercise Notice]