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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): April 29, 2022

 

Purple Innovation, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001-37523   47-4078206
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

4100 North Chapel Ridge Rd., Suite 200, Lehi, UT   84043
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(801) 756-2600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   PRPL   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR § 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR § 240.12b-2).

 

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.

 

Appointment of Acting Chief Operating Officer

 

On April 29, 2022, Eric Haynor signed an offer letter to become the chief operating officer of the Company, effective June 6, 2022.

 

Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Haynor, age 58, served as the Senior Vice President of Global Industrial Supply Chain for Ecolab, Inc. from 2019 to present. Mr. Haynor has held numerous other leadership positions with Ecolab, Inc. including Vice President of Global Equipment Operations and Global Life Sciences from 2017 to 2019, Vice President of Global Equipment Supply Chain Operations from 2014 to 2017, Vice President of Supply Chain Operations – EMEA from 2009 to 2014, and Vice President of Supply Chain Operations – Asia Pacific from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Haynor received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.

 

Mr. Haynor’s Offer Letter. In connection with his appointment as chief operating officer, Mr. Haynor signed an offer letter (the “Offer Letter”), on April 29, 2022 that makes effective his employment start date on June 6, 2022 . The Offer Letter provides for annual base salary of $475,000 and eligibility for a short -term cash bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary beginning with the year 2022 to be payable in 2023. Mr. Haynor may also participate in the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan beginning in 2023 by being eligible to receive an equity award in the amount of 60% of his base salary at the time of an award, split between time-based RSU’s and performance-based PSU’s. The Company has also agreed to pay Mr. Haynor a $4,000 monthly commuting benefit for the first four months of his employment and moving costs related to his relocation to Utah within six months of his start date.

 

The Company also agreed to grant to Mr. Haynor, effective as of his start date, a one-time equity grant valued at $500,000 based on the market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the day of the grant as an inducement grant outside the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan in accordance with the NASDAQ inducement grant exception found in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). This grant will be awarded in PSUs (65%) and RSUs (35%). The PSUs have a three-year cliff vesting schedule and are contingent upon the stock price hitting certain performance thresholds. The RSU’s have a vesting schedule of 1/3rd vesting every 12 months.

 

The foregoing description of the Offer Letter does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Offer Letter, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

There are no related party transactions between Mr. Haynor and the Company as defined in Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no family relationships between Mr. Haynor and any other director, executive officer or person nominated or chosen to be a director or executive officer of the Company.

 

Item 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE.

 

On May 3, 2022, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Haynor. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

The information in Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

 

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number   Description
10.1   Offer Letter, dated as of April 29, 2022, signed by Eric Haynor.
99.1   Press Release dated May 3, 2022.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

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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.

 

  PURPLE INNOVATION, INC.
(Registrant)
   
Date: May 3, 2022 By: /s/ Bennett Nussbaum
    Bennett Nussbaum
    Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

April 27th 2002

 

Dear Eric,

 

On behalf of Purple Innovation, LLC (“Purple” or the “Company”), it is my pleasure to extend to you this written offer outlining the mutually agreed upon terms of your employment. Key points for your employment and compensation include:

 

Position:

 

Your position will be Chief Operating Officer reporting to Rob DeMartini, Chief Executive Officer. It is anticipated that your start date will be June 6th, 2022.

 

Base Wage:

 

Your base pay will be $475,000 annually, paid on a bi-weekly basis, less deductions required by law. Payable in accordance with normal payroll practices of the Company. This is an exempt position. As an exempt employee, you will not be entitled to overtime pay and your salary is intended to cover all hours worked including any hours worked more than 40 in a workweek or overtime as otherwise defined by applicable state law.

 

Bonus:

 

You will be eligible for an annual short-term cash bonus starting with the year 2022 in accordance with Purple’s short-term cash incentive plan for the applicable year. The bonus target is 50% of your annual base salary for C-Level Executives and the percentage is subject to adjustment, including accelerators, based on both the company’s and your performance as measured against metrics set by the board of directors and your supervisor for the year. Any such bonus will be paid annually in the following calendar year (for example, in 2023 for performance in 2022) after the Company files its annual Form 10-K with the SEC for the applicable year, so long as you continue to be employed and are in good standing on the payment date.

 

For 2022, you are guaranteed an 100% achievement of your short-term cash bonus target (prorated per the number of months worked in 2022). It is expected that this bonus will be paid out in May 2023.

 

Equity:

 

As a C-Level Executive, you will be eligible to participate in the long-term equity incentive plan of the Company, as approved by the board of directors. Under the current plan, you will be eligible in this position to receive an equity award in the amount of 60% of your base salary at the time of an award, split between time-based RSU’s and performance-based PSU’s. You will be eligible to receive such awards beginning in 2023 at the same time and on the same conditions as other similarly situated employees. This plan may be changed by the board of directors and performance metrics are set by the board of directors for each award.

 

 

 

 

Sign on grant:

 

With the prior approval of the board of directors, on your start date which is anticipated to be on a day trading is allowed under the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, you will be given a one-time equity grant valued at $500,000 based on the market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the day of the grant as an inducement grant outside the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan in accordance with the NASDAQ inducement grant exception found in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).  This grant will be awarded in PSUs (65%) and RSUs (35%). The PSUs have a three-year cliff vesting schedule and are contingent upon the stock price hitting certain performance thresholds.  The RSU’s have a vesting schedule of 1/3rd vesting every 12 months. This one-time grant shall not be made under the Purple Innovation, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan but shall be subject to the terms and conditions of that plan.

 

Responsibilities and Duties:

 

As part of the management team, you will manage Purple’s business. You will be paid by Purple and be subject to Purple’s policies.

 

During your employment with Purple, you will devote your full business time, skill, attention, and best efforts to the performance of your duties, subject to customary carve-outs for charitable or religious activities and management of personal affairs that do not materially interfere with the performance of your duties to the company. You will have such duties and authority as is customary for a C-level executive of a publicly traded company with subsidiaries and as determined from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer. You will comply with all lawful rules, policies, procedures, regulations, and administrative directions as they currently exist and subject to any future modifications by Purple.

 

As the COO, you will be provided with D&O insurance at the company’s expense.

 

Corporate Opportunity:

 

You are required to submit to the Company all business, commercial and investment opportunities or offers presented to you or of which you become aware and that relate to the business of the Company at any time during your employment. Unless approved by the board of directors, you shall not accept or pursue, directly or indirectly, any corporate opportunities on your own behalf.

 

Cooperation:

 

You shall both during and after your employment for the Company cooperate with the Company in any internal investigations or administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings as reasonably request by the Company (including, without limitation, being available upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations, appearing to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process, volunteering all pertinent information and turning over to the Company all relevant documents which are or may come into your possession. The Company will reimburse you for all out-of-pocket costs incurred by you in this regard.

 

Work Schedule and Location:

 

It is understood that this role is a full-time position based in Lehi, UT.

 

Commuting Benefit:

 

Purple will reimburse all airfare and taxi travel costs necessary for your weekly commuting to Purple for a period of 4 months after your start date. Flights should be booked at least two (2) weeks in advance and travel should be coach. In addition, Purple will provide a $4,000 monthly stipend for your first 4 months of employment.

 

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Relocation Costs:

 

Purple will pay moving costs related to your relocation to Utah for services incurred within 6 months of your start date. You will need to provide three (3) bids from nationally reputable movers and Purple and you will jointly agree upon which service to use. As part of the relocation benefit, Purple will reimburse two (2) round-trip coach flights for you and your wife, booked at least two (2) weeks in advance.

 

If needed, Purple will also provide $5,000 (grossed up) to be used for a secondary move (temporary Utah residence to a permanent Utah residence).

 

These relocation costs will be paid only during your employment. If your leave Purple by your own choice or are separated from Purple for cause within 24 months of the start date of your employment, you will be responsible for reimbursing the company the total relocation costs received as of that time.

 

Benefits:

 

During your employment, you will be eligible for Purple employee benefits consistent with the Company’s practices and applicable law and in accordance with the terms of the applicable benefit plans and/or Company policies, as they currently exist and subject to any future modifications in the Company’s discretion, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. These benefits currently include health, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as life insurance. You are eligible for the medical, dental, and vision plan on the first of the month following your date of hire. You are also eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan with a 5% company match on the first of the month following a four-month qualification period.

 

Paid Time Off Allowance:

 

PTO: You will receive 5 weeks of paid time off (PTO) per year. Subject to any future modifications in the Company’s discretion.

 

Wellness/Sick Time: You will be receiving a total of 48 hours of wellness/sick time per year, accrued in accordance with the company’s wellness/sick policy.

 

Holiday: Purple currently provides 10 paid holidays per year.

 

Purple Perks:

 

Free Mattress: You will be eligible for a free Purple mattress of your choice, after 30 days of employment per the company’s policy.

 

Sabbatical: On the anniversary of your 7th year of employment you will be eligible for 4 paid weeks of sabbatical per the company’s policy.

 

Cell Phone Reimbursement: You will receive a $50 monthly stipend toward cell phone reimbursement.

 

Wellness Reimbursement: You will be reimbursed up to $100 per calendar year for any wellness expenses (gym membership, personal equipment, chiropractic care, etc.), subject to any changes in Purple’s current policy.

 

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At-Will Employment:

 

This letter is merely a summary of the principal terms of our employment offer and is not a contract of employment for any definite period of time and does not otherwise confer any contractual rights whatsoever. .In accepting our offer of employment, you certify your understanding that your employment will be on an at-will basis. As an at-will employee, you will be free to terminate your employment with the company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. Similarly, the company is free to conclude its employment relationship with you at any time, with or without cause, or advance notice. At-Will status only may be modified on an individual or collective basis via a written contract or agreement signed by an authorized representative of the Company.

 

As with any employment at will, all compensations, benefits, work assignments, etc. are subject to change in accordance with the needs of the company, with the exception of any vested rights. In addition, Purple will provide you with the necessary materials and equipment to effectively perform the responsibilities of your position. Any equipment, proprietary information, or other materials must be returned to the company upon termination for any reason.

 

Drug/Alcohol Testing:

 

By accepting this offer: You acknowledge yourself as being free of inappropriate drug or alcohol use; you agree to submit to a drug/alcohol screening test as a condition of employment, and you accept that Purple has a smoke-free workplace policy and a drug/alcohol-free workplace program which could include ongoing random or comprehensive testing of all employees or single employees.

 

Offer Conditions:

 

This offer is contingent upon successful results of a lawful background check and drug screen, and your execution of an agreement to protect the intellectual property and other rights of Purple and its affiliated companies. Consideration of any background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job as well as any limitations pursuant to applicable law. By signing below, you acknowledge that you will be required to execute any necessary consents to perform such checks.

 

This letter supersedes any prior or subsequent oral or written representations regarding the terms of potential employment with the Company. By signing below, you acknowledge that you are not relying on any representations other than those set forth in this letter.

 

I am confident that you will find this position both challenging and rewarding. We look forward to your contributions and success with Purple. If the terms set forth in this letter are acceptable to you, please sign and date the letter and return. You will then be asked to complete several pre-employment steps, which will be sent by our HR Ops team.

 

Welcome to Purple!

 

Sincerely,

 

Rob DeMartini 

Chief Executive Officer

 

I accept this employment offer:

 

/s/ Eric Haynor 29 April 2022
Eric Haynor 

 

Estimated Employment Start Date: June 6th 2002.

 

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Purple Appoints Eric Haynor as Chief Operating Officer
Haynor Brings Significant Supply Chain Experience and Track Record of Operational Efficiency
 

Lehi, Utah, May 3, 2022 – Purple Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPL) (“Purple”), a comfort innovation company known for creating the “World’s First No Pressure® Mattress,” today announced the appointment of Eric Haynor as its Chief Operating Officer, effective June 6, 2022. Mr. Haynor will oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, playing a key role in supporting Purple’s future growth plans through supply chain and manufacturing efficiency.

 

“Eric’s 30-year track record of end-to-end supply chain management excellence will be a welcome addition for our young company,” said Rob DeMartini, Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to advance the early stages of our turnaround journey, Eric will play a significant role in returning Purple to operational excellence; a key part of our long-range profitability plan. We are very confident in Eric’s abilities to help us mature our operational activities and unlock the underlying value of our organization.” 

 

Most recently, Mr. Haynor served as Senior Vice President of Global Industrial Supply Chain at Ecolab, Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, where he had direct responsibility for North American supply chain operations. In this role, he had end-to-end supply chain accountability for the industrial business group. Prior to that, Mr. Haynor held several progressively senior roles within Ecolab Inc.’s supply chain group, including VP of Global Equipment Operations and Global Life Sciences, VP of Supply Chain Operations for EMEA, and VP of Supply Chain Operations for Asia Pacific.

 

“I am thrilled to join Purple at such a critical juncture in the company’s history,” said Haynor. “As Purple’s product sophistication and brand reach has grown, so has the need for a more wholistic approach to the end-to-end supply chain. I look forward to joining the team at Purple and helping to take the next step forward in operational excellence.”

 

Haynor earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. 

 

Inducement Equity Grant 

 

Upon the effectiveness of his appointment, Mr. Haynor will receive an equity grant valued at $500,000 based on the market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. This grant will consist of PSUs (65%) and RSUs (35%). The PSUs will have a three-year cliff vesting schedule and are contingent on the stock price hitting certain performance targets. The RSUs have a vesting schedule of 1/3rd vesting every 12 months. This grant is an inducement grant outside of the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan in accordance with the NASDAQ inducement grant exception found in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

 

About Purple

 

Purple is a digitally-native vertical brand with a mission to help people feel and live better through innovative comfort solutions. We design and manufacture a variety of innovative, premium, branded comfort products, including mattresses, pillows, cushions, frames, sheets and more. Our products are the result of over 30 years of innovation and investment in proprietary and patented comfort technologies and the development of our own manufacturing processes. Our proprietary gel technology, Hyper-Elastic Polymer®, underpins many of our comfort products and provides a range of benefits that differentiate our offerings from other competitors’ products. We market and sell our products through our direct-to-consumer online channels, traditional retail partners, third-party online retailers and our owned retail showrooms. For more information on Purple, visit purple.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

 Certain statements made in this release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements about operational improvements and the Company’s long-range profitability. Statements based on historical data are not intended and should not be understood to indicate the Company’s expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events or determinations. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could influence the realization of forward-looking statements include the risk factors outlined in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022, as amended by our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1 filed with the SEC on March 16, 2022 and in our other filings with the SEC. Many of these risks and uncertainties have been, and will be, exacerbated by the COVID–19 pandemic and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

Investor Contact:
Brendon Frey, ICR
brendon.frey@icrinc.com
203-682-8200

 

Purple Innovation, Inc.
Gina Balistreri
Senior Public Relations Manager
gina.b@purple.com 
414-213-4460