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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): September 10, 2021 (September 5, 2021)

 

1847 Holdings LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   000-56128   38-3922937
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

590 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY   10022
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(212) 417-9800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Resignation of Chief Financial Officer

 

On September 5, 2021, Jay Amond resigned from his position as the Chief Financial Officer of 1847 Holdings LLC (the “Company”). Mr. Amond’s resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operation, policies (including accounting or financial policies) or practices.

 

On September 6, 2021, the Company entered into a separation agreement and release (the “Separation Agreement”) with Mr. Amond providing for the separation of his employment with the Company effective as of September 5, 2021. Under the Separation Agreement, the Company agreed, subject to Mr. Amond’s compliance with each and every provision of the Separation Agreement, to pay Mr. Amond a severance payment equal to nine (9) months of his base salary at his current level ($240,000 per year), less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings, payable in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates during the period commencing on September 6, 2021 and ending on June 6, 2022. The Company also agreed to continue to pay its share of Mr. Amond’s health care costs under the Company’s medical, dental or vision plans in which Mr. Amond participates for a period beginning as of October 1, 2021 and ending as of December 31, 2021; provided, however, that Mr. Amond will be responsible for the full amount of the applicable employee contribution as determined and periodically modified by the Company. Mr. Amond is entitled to no additional compensation, payments or benefits of any kind from the Company pursuant to the Separation Agreement.

 

The Separation Agreement includes a customary release of claims by Mr. Amond in favor of the Company and its affiliates, as well as customary confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions. Mr. Amond may revoke the Separation Agreement for a period of seven (7) days after the date of the Separation Agreement by providing notice in writing to the Company, and the Separation Agreement will not become fully effective and enforceable until after the expiration of such seven-day revocation period.

 

The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Separation Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

 

On September 5, 2021, the board of directors of the Company appointed Vernice L. Howard as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective as of September 7, 2021.

 

Vernice L. Howard, age 51, has over 30 years of experience in the fields of finance and accounting. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Howard worked for Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. and its affiliates for over eleven years as Chief Financial Officer, where she was responsible for providing leadership to the organization in the areas of finance, human resources and general facilities administration, in addition to setting policies, procedures, strategies, practices and overseeing the organization’s assets. The foundation of Ms. Howard’s accounting and finance experience began with public accounting for several years gaining experience in tax and auditing in the entertainment and nonprofit sectors as Chief Financial Officer for The Cronkite Ward Company, a television production company, and Director of Finance for Community Action Group (CAG), a nonprofit organization. Before her work with Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc., Ms. Howard’s professional background established an emphasis in forensic accounting. Her experience in forensic accounting has provided financial restructuring for every company with which she has held a position. She has a visionary ability to strategically identify the problem and implement result-driven financial solutions. Her skills have been held in high esteem in many court cases as an expert with providing restored finances in the millions to companies. Ms. Howard is a Founding Member of Chief, which is a DC based vetted network of C-level or rising VP’s supporting and connecting exceptional women. Ms. Howard holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Trinity Washington University Graduate School of Business Management and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Duquesne University.

 

Ms. Howard was elected until her successor is duly elected and qualified. There are no arrangements or understandings between Ms. Howard and any other persons pursuant to which she as selected as Chief Financial Officer. There are no family relationships that exist between Ms. Howard and any directors or executive officers of the Company. In addition, there has been no transaction, nor is there any currently proposed transaction, between Ms. Howard and the Company that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

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On September 7, 2021, the Company entered into an employment offer letter (the “Employment Agreement”) with Ms. Howard setting forth the terms of the compensation for her services as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Ms. Howard is entitled to an annual base salary of $240,000, consisting of $80,000 for each of the Company’s three portfolio companies, up to a maximum aggregate annual base salary of $300,000 upon the addition of a fourth portfolio company. She will also be eligible for an annual incentive bonus of up to 50% of base salary based on earnings targets to be determined by the board of directors of the Company.  Ms. Howard is also eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans, including health insurance, commensurate with her position.  Ms. Howard’s employment is at-will and may be terminated by the Company at any time or by Ms. Howard upon 90 days’ notice. If the Company terminates Ms. Howard’s employment without cause, she is entitled, subject to her execution of a release of claims in favor of the Company, to six months of base compensation, which will be paid in a lump sum upon termination. The Employment Agreement contains customary confidentiality provisions and restrictive covenants prohibiting Ms. Howard from (i) owning or operating a business that competes with the Company during the term of her employment and for a period of one year following the termination of her employment or (ii) soliciting the Company’s employees for a period of two years following the termination of her employment.

 

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibit
10.1   Separation Agreement and Release, dated September 5, 2021, between Jay Amond and 1847 Holdings LLC
10.2   Employment Offer Letter, dated September 7, 2021, between Vernice L. Howard and 1847 Holdings LLC

 

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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.

 

Date: September 10, 2021 1847 HOLDINGS LLC
   
  /s/ Ellery W. Roberts
  Name: Ellery W. Roberts
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

 

This Executive Officer Separation Agreement and Release (the “Separation Agreement”) is made by and between Jay Amond (the “Executive” or “Amond”) and 1847 Holdings LLC (the “Company”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).

 

RECITALS:

 

R-1. On or about January 14, 2021, the Executive executed a letter agreement with the Company pursuant to which he was employed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. That letter agreement is referred to herein as the “Employment Agreement.” The current level of Amond’s annual base salary is $240,000.00 per year.

 

R-2. The Parties are entering into this Separation Agreement to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Employee’s employment with or separation from the Company.

 

R-3. On or about September 1, 2021, the Executive enrolled in the health and medical benefits plan offered by the Company to employees, with those benefits for which the Executive enrolled to go into effect on October 1, 2021.

 

AGREEMENT:

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy, and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by each Party, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Termination of Employment. The Company’s employment of the Executive is terminated by the Executive’s resignation as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and from any other positions held by the Executive effective as of September 5, 2021 (the “Separation Date”). The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s resignation is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operation, policies (including accounting or financial policies) or practices.

 

2. Unconditional Payments.

 

a. On the Company’s next regularly scheduled payday, the Company shall provide the Executive with a payment, at the Executive’s regular base salary rate, for the time the Executive worked during the Company’s most recent pay period through and including September 5, 2021, less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings (the “Final Salary Payment”).

 

b. The Company will send the Executive, under separate cover, information about his rights to elect medical, dental and vision insurance continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), if the Executive has such rights.

 

 

 

 

Nothing in this Separation Agreement is intended to impair any of the Executive’s rights described in this Section 2.

 

In addition, and provided that the Executive agrees to and accepts the terms of this Separation Agreement and does not revoke his acceptance pursuant to Section 14 below:

 

3. Separation Payment.

 

a. For the period commencing on September 6, 2021 and ending on June 6, 2022, the Company shall provide the Executive with a severance payment equal to nine months of his base salary at his current level ($240,000.00 per year), less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings (the “Separation Payment”). The Separation Payment shall be payable in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates. The first installment of the Separation Payment will be made on the Company’s first (1st) regular payroll date no fewer than ten (10) days following the Company’s receipt of this Separation Agreement executed by the Executive. Each installment of the Separation Payment will be made by direct deposit in accordance with the direct deposit authorization on file. The amount of the Separation Payment will be reported on an IRS Form W-2.

 

b. The Executive’s entitlement to the Separation Payment, or to any installment of it, is conditioned on his compliance with each and every provision of this Separation Agreement and that, if in the good-faith judgment of the Company he has breached any material provision of this Separation Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to recover from the Executive the full value of any portion of the Separation Payment already paid as of the date of such breach, less applicable deductions and authorized statutory withholdings.

 

c. Nothing in this Separation Agreement is intended to supersede or negate the confidentiality or non-competition provisions in the Employment Agreement, and those confidentiality and non-competition provision shall remain in force to the extent provided in the Employment Agreement.

 

4. Health Care Payments. The Company will pay the employer’s share of the Executive’s health care costs under any Company medical, dental or vision plan in which the Executive participates for a period beginning as of October 1, 2021 and ending as of December 31, 2021; provided, however, that the Executive will be responsible for the full amount of the applicable employee contribution as determined and periodically modified by the Company. Effective as of January 1, 2022, all such benefits will cease, and the Executive will be eligible to elect continuing coverage under COBRA at his own expense, if the Executive is eligible under COBRA to continue such benefits.

 

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4.1. No Additional Benefits. Other than as set forth in this Separation Agreement, the Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that he is not entitled to and will not receive any additional compensation, payments or benefits of any kind from the Company and the Releasees (as that phrase is defined in Section 7(b) below), including but not limited to any severance payment or bonus payment provided for in the Employment Agreement, and the Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that no representations or promises to the contrary have been made to him.

 

5. Consultation on Behalf of the Company. The Executive agrees that, upon request by the Company or the Releasees, he will cooperate and consult with the Company or the Releasees with respect to any inquiries or other matters involving the Company or its clients, including, without limitation, the Executive’s past work and responsibilities at the Company, or pending or threatened transactions, litigation, administrative proceedings or arbitration, (a) in which the Executive had been involved at the Company, (b) concerning which the Executive has personal knowledge, or (c) that relate to or arise out of the Executive’s employment with the Company or his responsibilities with respect to the Company or the Releasees, or any of them. Such cooperation and consultation will include, without limitation: appearance or attendance by the Executive, as may be requested by the Company or the Releasees, at any meetings or proceedings relating to any such inquiries, matters or proceedings (provided, however, that the Company will pay the Executive’s reasonable travel expenses for such appearance or attendance, if needed) and the Executive making himself available for the purpose of responding to questions from Company personnel, answering interrogatories, being deposed, testifying at trial or otherwise, and preparing and signing affidavits, as may be requested by the Company or the Releasees. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5, the Executive, at the request of the Company, will arrange with the Company to be available for, and he shall participate in, a meeting of reasonable duration at least once each week during the beginning September 6, 2021 and ending June 6, 2022 to address questions regarding his past work and duties at the Company that Company personnel may have in order to, among other things, assist the Company’s new chief financial officer. The Executive agrees that his obligation to cooperate with, consult with, and meet with the Company as provided in this Section 5 is in consideration for the Separation Payment and the agreements of the Company contained in this Separation Agreement and that the Executive is entitled to no additional consideration for his time or efforts in fulfilling his obligations under Section 5 of this Separation Agreement.

 

6. Unemployment. The Company will not object to any lawful application by the Executive to receive unemployment benefits.

 

7. Release of Claims.

 

a. As a condition of the Company’s willingness to enter into this Separation Agreement, and in consideration for the Separation Payment and the agreements of the Company contained in this Separation Agreement, the Executive, with the intention of binding himself, his heirs, beneficiaries, trustees, administrators, executors, assigns and legal representatives (collectively, the “Releasors”), hereby releases, waives and forever discharges the Company and the Releasees from, and hereby acknowledges full accord and satisfaction of, any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities of any kind whatsoever (upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common law or statutory, under federal, state or local law or otherwise), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, by reason of any act, omission, transaction, agreement or occurrence that the Executive ever had, now has or hereafter may have against the Company and the Releasees up to and including the date of the execution of this Separation Agreement.

 

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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Releasors hereby release and forever discharge the Company and the Releasees from:

 

(i) any and all claims relating to or arising from the Executive’s employment with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment, and the termination of that employment;

 

(ii) any and all claims of employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation under any federal, state or local statute or ordinance, public policy or the common law, including, without limitation, any and all claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966, the National Labor Relations Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Constitution of the State of New York, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law (including but not limited to the New York State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, all provisions prohibiting discrimination and retaliation, and all provisions regulating wage and hour law), the New York State Correction Law, the New York State Civil Rights Law, Section 125 of the New York Workers’ Compensation Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the Illinois Human Rights Act, all as such laws or regulations have been or may be amended;

 

(iii) any and all claims for employee benefits, including, without limitation, any and all claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 7 is intended to release, diminish, or otherwise affect any vested monies or other vested benefits to which the Executive may be entitled from, under, or pursuant to any savings or retirement plan of the Company;

 

(iv) any and all claims for slander, libel, defamation, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, prima facie tort, negligence, compensatory or punitive damages, or any other claim for damages or injury of any kind whatsoever; and

 

(v) any and all claims for monetary recovery, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, medical fees or expenses, costs and disbursements and the like.

 

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By entering into this Separation Agreement, the Executive represents and agrees that the failure of this Separation Agreement to specifically identify or enumerate above any statute or common law theory under which he releases claims is not intended by the Executive or the Company to limit, diminish or impair in any way the Executive’s intended and actual release of all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities of any kind whatsoever against the Company and the Releasees.

 

b. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “the Company and the Releasees” includes 1847 Holdings, LLC and its predecessors, direct and indirect affiliates, related companies, successors and assigns, regardless of the jurisdiction in which such entities may be located, and all of its and their respective past, present and future directors, officers, members, managers, employees, attorneys, representatives and agents, whether acting as agents or in their individual capacities, and this Separation Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding and enforceable by all such entities and individuals.

 

c. It is understood that this release does not serve to waive any rights or claims that, pursuant to law, cannot be waived or subject to a release of this kind, such as: (i) claims for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits; (ii) rights to vested benefits under any applicable welfare, retirement and/or pension plans; (iii) rights to defense and indemnification, if any, from the Company for actions taken by you in the course and scope of the Executive’s employment with the Company; (iv) claims, actions, or rights arising under or to enforce the terms of this Separation Agreement; and/or (v) the right to file a charge with an administrative agency or participate in an agency investigation; provided, however, that the Executive hereby waives his right to recover any money in connection with such charge or investigation. Moreover, nothing in this Separation Agreement limits or waives, or is intended to limit or waive, the Executive’s right pursuant to the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act to seek a judicial determination of the validity of the Separation Agreement’s waiver of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

 

8. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. The Executive represents and warrants that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his/her name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. The Executive also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.

 

9. Separation from Employment. By entering into this Separation Agreement, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that his employment with the Company has been permanently and irrevocably severed. The Executive agrees that the Company shall not have any obligation at any time in the future to reemploy him, or enter into any other business arrangement of any kind with him. The Executive further agrees that if he does seek reemployment or any other business arrangement with the Company under which he would receive compensation for services performed by him, a rejection by the Company of his application or inquiry will not constitute a violation of this Separation Agreement or a violation of law in any manner whatsoever.

 

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10. Company Property and Information. The Executive agrees to return to the Company, on or before September 8, 2021, any computer equipment, office keys, credit and telephone cards, ID and access cards, etc., and any and all original and duplicate copies of the Executive’s work product and of files, calendars, books, employee handbooks, records, notes, notebooks, manuals, storage drives, and any other materials the Executive has in his possession or under his control belonging to the Company, or containing confidential or proprietary information concerning the Company, (including Confidential Information, as that phrase is defined in Section 11 below) in his custody or possession (“Company Property”), regardless of the format, medium or location in which such information is stored, maintained or accessed. The Executive agrees and represents that, as September 8, 2021 (i) the Executive shall have returned to the Company all Company Property (including without limitation any and all emails and attachments that the Executive emailed to his personal email account from his email account with the Company); (ii) the Executive will have not made or taken copies of such Company Property (including without limitation any and all emails and attachments that the Executive emailed to his personal email account from the Executive’s Company email account); and (iii) the Executive will have completely removed all electronically stored Company Property from all storage media in his possession, custody or control, including, without limitation, from his home computer system(s), personal email account(s), and any external disk(s), flash drive(s), cloud storage services, or any other format or medium in which information can be stored, maintained or accessed. By signing this Separation Agreement, the Executive expressly agrees that the Company shall have the right, on demand, to verify through an independent third-party forensic examiner that the Executive has not retained Company Property in any form or manner whatsoever, including without limitation in or on any electronic device, phone, PDA, computer, e-mail account, hard drive or cloud storage system, whether or not personal in nature; provided, however, that such third-party forensic examiner will conduct any examination in a manner designed to protect purely personal information or data from disclosure to the Company as a result of the examination. The Executive further agrees that the Company shall in addition to any other legal remedies available to it, be entitled to (a) equitable relief, including, without limitation, specific performance, a temporary restraining order(s), and temporary or permanent injunctive relief and (b) liquidated damages in an amount equal to the Separation Payment, to enforce the provisions of this section.

 

11. Confidentiality. The Executive acknowledges that, while employed by the Company, he had access to and possessed information and materials that are not publicly available, including, without limitation, information and materials concerning the Company’s client identities, lists or other client information; pricing and billing strategies; personnel matters; personnel decisions made by the Company; proprietary information; marketing, advertising and promotional ideas and strategies; marketing surveys and analyses; technology; marketing plans and research; and methods, techniques, processes and know-how, whether tangible or intangible and whether or not stored, compiled or memorialized physically, electronically or graphically or in writing (“Confidential Information”). Accordingly, the Executive agrees never to use or disclose Confidential Information before it has become publicly known, through no fault of his own, unless required by compulsory legal process. The Executive’s nondisclosure obligation under this Section 11 includes, without limitation, statements to individuals or groups, the media, the press, online media sites, and on social media accounts (including, by way of example only, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and the like). The Executive also agrees that, if he is ever asked to disclose any Confidential Information pursuant to legal process or otherwise, he will immediately contact the Company’s chief executive officer to seek the Company’s express written consent to such disclosure prior to such disclosure.

 

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12. Non-disparagement. The Executive agrees that he shall make no statements, remarks or comments, orally or in writing, publicly or privately, to any third party that would constitute actionable defamation with regard to the Company, its predecessors, direct and indirect affiliates, related companies, or any of their current or former respective management, officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees, agents, or representatives, or any of their products, services, divisions, or the Company’s business. In consideration of the Executive’s obligations under this Separation Agreement, the Company agrees, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, that it shall refrain from making any statements or comments to any third party that would constitute actionable defamation with regard to the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12, neither the Company nor the Executive will be restricted from providing information about the other as required by a court or governmental agency or by applicable law.

 

a. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, should he breach any of his confidentiality obligations in Section 11 or his non-disparagement obligations in Section 12 of this Separation Agreement, this will constitute a material injury to the Company, and that he will thus be required to forfeit the full amount of the Separation Payment back to the Company, as well as pay to the Company any legal fees incurred in addressing these issues.

 

13. Severability. If at any time after the date of the execution of this Separation Agreement any provision of this Separation Agreement shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force and effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision shall have no effect upon, and shall not impair the enforceability of, any other provision of this Separation Agreement, provided, however, that if Section 7 is held to be illegal, void or unenforceable in whole or in part, the Executive agrees to promptly execute a valid general release and waiver in favor of the Company and the Releasees.

 

14. Voluntary Agreement.

 

a. The Executive acknowledges that: before signing this Separation Agreement, he was given at least twenty-one (21) days in which to review and consider it; he has, in fact, carefully reviewed this Separation Agreement; and that he is entering into it voluntarily and of his own free will. By signing this Separation Agreement, the Executive acknowledges that, if he executed this Separation Agreement before the end of the 21-day period, such early execution was completely voluntary, and he had reasonable and ample time in which to review this Separation Agreement.

 

b. The Executive agrees that, for a period of seven (7) days after he signs this Separation Agreement, he has the right to revoke it by providing notice in writing delivered to the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer, Gayle Harris, at ___________. This Separation Agreement will not become fully effective and enforceable until after the expiration of the seven-day revocation period (the “Effective Date”).

 

b. The Executive understands that the expiration of the seven-day period after he signs this Separation Agreement confirms that he did not revoke his assent to this Separation Agreement, and, therefore, that it is fully effective and enforceable.

 

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15. No Admission. The Executive understands and agrees that the making of this Separation Agreement is not intended, and shall not be construed, as an admission that the Company and the Releasees, or any person now or previously employed by or associated with the Company and the Releasees, have violated any federal, state or local law, ordinance, regulation, public policy or common law rule, or have committed any wrong whatsoever against the Executive. This Separation Agreement shall be deemed to fall within the protection afforded to settlements, compromises and offers to compromise by applicable law.

 

16. Complete Agreement. This Separation Agreement represents the complete understanding between the Executive and the Company concerning the subject matter of this Separation Agreement, and no other promises or agreements concerning the subject matter of this Separation Agreement shall be binding unless reduced to writing and signed by the Executive and the Company. The Executive and the Company agree that this Separation Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings of the Parties, whether oral or written, concerning the subject matter of this Separation Agreement.

 

17. No Oral Modification. This Separation Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by the Executive and the Company’s chief executive officer.

 

18. Drafting. Should any provision of this Separation Agreement require interpretation or construction, it is agreed by the Executive and the Company that the person interpreting or construing this Separation Agreement shall not apply a presumption against one Party by reason of the rule of construction that a document is to be construed more strictly against the party who prepared the document.

 

19. Successors and Assigns. This Separation Agreement is binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and the Releasees, and its and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

20. Tax Consequences. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payments and any other consideration provided to the Executive or made on his behalf under the terms of this Separation Agreement. The Executive agrees and understands that he is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the payments and any other consideration provided hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. The Executive further agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) the Executive’s failure to pay or delayed payment of, federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

21. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned representative of the Company has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Separation Agreement. The Executive represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his/her own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him/her to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Separation Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

 

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22. No Representations. The Executive represents that he has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Separation Agreement. The Executive has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Separation Agreement.

 

23. No Waiver. The failure of the Company to insist upon the performance of any of the terms and conditions in this Separation Agreement, or the failure to prosecute any breach of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed thereafter as a waiver of any such terms or conditions. This entire Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or failure of performance had occurred.

 

24. Attorneys’ Fees. Except with regard to a legal action challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, in the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Separation Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.

 

25. ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, AND ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK BEFORE THE JUDICIAL ARBITRATION & MEDIATION SERVICES, INC. (“JAMS”), PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”). THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH NEW YORK LAW, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL NEW YORK LAW TO ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY CONFLICT-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF ANY JURISDICTION. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE JAMS RULES CONFLICT WITH NEW YORK LAW, NEW YORK LAW SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS PARAGRAPH CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN.

 

26. Governing Law. This Separation Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of law.

 

27. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and also by facsimile, scan or other electronic means, and each counterpart, facsimile or electronic copy shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

28. Section Headings. The Section headings (e.g., “Counterparts”) used in this Separation Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing this Separation Agreement.

 

CAUTION—THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT CONTAINS A
RELEASE OF CLAIMS. READ THIS AGREEMENT

CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.

 

[The remainder of this page is purposefully blank; the execution page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

 

1847 HOLDINGS LLC  
   
By: /s/ Ellery W. Roberts  
Name: Ellery W. Roberts  
Title: Founder and CEO  
   
Dated: Sept. 4, 2021  

 

JAY AMOND  
   
Signed:  /s/ Jay Amond  
   
Dated: Sept. 6, 2021  

 

 

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Exhibit 10.2

 

1847 HOLDINGS LLC

590 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor

New York, NY 10022

 

September 7, 2021

 

Ms. Vernice Howard

___________________

___________________

 

Dear Vernice:

 

It is my privilege and pleasure to offer you the position of Chief Financial Officer with 1847 Holdings LLC (the “Company”), subject to the terms herein. As the Chief Financial Officer, your responsibilities include the Company’s financial reporting requirements, as well as the financials of the Company’s portfolio companies. I am confident that your strategic vision, operational expertise and commitment to our culture and values will be a tremendous asset to the executive leadership team and the organization. The details of your offer are as follows:

 

BASE SALARY. You will be entitled to an annual base salary of $240,000, consisting of $80,000 for each of the Company’s three portfolio companies, up to a maximum aggregate annual base salary of $300,000 upon the addition of a fourth portfolio company. The base salary will be paid by-weekly with standard payroll deductions and less applicable taxes. The base salary will be reviewed annually as part of the performance review process and the establishment of annual EBITDA budgets, and salary increases, if any, will be determined based on merit, performance, additional/changing responsibilities and the Company’s financial health and performance. Due to the Company’s current corporate partnership structure, your salary and benefits will be administered by one of the Company’s portfolio companies, which will be reimbursed through inter-company payments as determined by the Company and the portfolio companies.

 

ANNUAL BONUS. You will be eligible for an annual bonus of up to 50% of your applicable base salary. You will work with the board of directors of the Company to agree upon metrics in excess of present earnings targets to achieve maximum annual bonus potential. You must be actively employed at the time of payment in order to receive this bonus.

 

BENEFITS. You will be permitted, if and to the extent eligible, to participate in all employee benefit plans, policies and practices now or hereafter maintained by or on behalf of the Company and the portfolio companies, commensurate your position with the Company. The Company will provide paid medical insurance. If you do not qualify for the Company’s medical insurance plan, or if you wish to get independent medical insurance, you will be reimbursed up to the amount the Company would have paid for you to join the Company’s medical insurance plan. You will be permitted to participate in the Company’s equity incentive plan when and if such plan is adopted by the board of directors of the Company at a level that is consistent with your position with the Company. The determination of the equity award shall be in the discretion of the board of directors of the Company.

 

 

 

 

VACATION. You will receive four weeks of vacation per calendar year and seven Company holidays per fiscal year.

 

SEVERANCE. If you are terminated by the Company without cause, you will be entitled, subject to your execution of a release in form and substance acceptable to the Company, to 6 months of base compensation, which will be paid in lump sum within two weeks of the separation date.

 

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT. We expect you to observe any contractual or legal obligations that you owe to any previous employer. Please advise us of any restrictive covenants, non-solicitation covenants, or other contractual or legal obligations you owe to your previous employer.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY. You shall not, directly or indirectly, disclose to any person or entity who is not authorized by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate to receive such information, or use or appropriate for your own benefit or for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate, any documents or other papers relating to the Company’s business or the customers of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate, including, without limitation, files, business relationships and accounts, pricing policies, customer lists, computer software and hardware, or any other materials relating to the Company’s business or the customers of the Company or any affiliate of the Company or any trade secrets or confidential information, including, without limitation, any business or operational methods, drawings, sketches, designs or product concepts, know-how, marketing plans or strategies, product development techniques or plans, business acquisition plans, financial or other performance data, personnel and other policies of the Company or any affiliate of the Company, whether generated by you or by any other person, except as required in the course of performing your duties hereunder or with the express written consent of the Company; provided, however, that the confidential information shall not include any information readily ascertainable from public or published information, or trade sources or independent third parties (other than as a direct or indirect result of unauthorized disclosure by you). This confidentiality provision shall survive the termination of this offer letter and the cessation of your employment.

 

NON-COMPETITION. During your employment hereunder, you shall not engage, directly or indirectly, as an employee, officer, director, partner, manager, consultant, agent, owner (other than a minority shareholder or other equity interest of not more than 1% of a company whose equity interests are publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock exchange or over- the-counter) or in any other capacity, in any business or entity that is in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. You will also devote 100% of your work time to the Company. For a one year period following the termination of your employment for any reason or without reason, you shall not in any capacity (whether in the capacity as an employee, officer, director, partner, manager, consultant, agent or owner) engage with any business or entity that is in competition with the Company.

 

NON-SOLICITATION. For a two year period following the termination of your employment for any reason or without reason, you shall not solicit or induce any person who was an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or related companies on the date of your termination or within three months prior to leaving your employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or related companies to leave their employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or related companies.

 

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CONTINGENT OFFER. This offer is contingent upon the favorable completion of a drug and alcohol screening, background screening, and reference checks, along with proper documentation of your legal ability to work in the United States.

 

AT-WILL EMOLOYMENT. Your employment is at-will and will begin with the Company on a date mutually agreed upon.

 

RESIGNATION. You agree to provide the Company with 90 days’ notice prior to resigning from or otherwise terminating your employment with the Company.

 

SEVERABILITY; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE: If any term or other provision of this offer letter is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms or provisions of this offer letter shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this offer letter so as to effectuate the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. Each party acknowledges and agrees that a breach or threatened breach of this offer letter would cause irreparable damage to the other party and that the injured party may not have an adequate remedy at law. Therefore, the obligations of the parties under this offer letter shall be enforceable by a decree of specific performance issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, be cumulative and not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which any party may have under this offer letter or otherwise. The parties further agree that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach or violation by a party, the other party will not assert the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

MISCELLANEOUS: Facsimile execution and delivery of this offer letter is legal, valid and binding execution and delivery for all purposes. This offer letter shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This offer letter constitutes the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, to the extent they related in any way to the subject matter hereof. This offer letter may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. This offer letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. No amendment of any provision of this offer letter shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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While every member of our team is critical to our success, your role of Chief Financial Officer is one that I look to for significant contributions. I look forward to welcoming you to the team, working with you and positioning the Company for a successful future! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (703) 234-8834.

 

Regards,

 

1847 Holdings LLC  
   
/s/ Ellery Roberts  
Name: Ellery Roberts  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:

 

/s/ Vernice Howard   September 7, 2021
Vernice Howard   Date

 

Please return a signed copy of this offer letter as formal acceptance of your ability to perform the requirements of the position. Your employment with the Company is considered “at will” and can be terminated by you at any time. The Company also reserves the same right.

 

 

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