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

 

August 16 , 201 8

Date of Report ( Date of earliest event reported )

 

MCORPCX, INC .

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California

000-54918

26-0030631

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

201 Spear Street, Suite 1100, San Francisco, California

94105

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

415-526-2655

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

Not applicable

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

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K 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))

 

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 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

(a)

On August 16, 2018, McorpCX, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a contribution agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary, McorpCX, LLC, pursuant to which the Company has contributed to McorpCX, LLC all of the Company’s right, title and interest in the assets and liabilities related to the Company’s customer experience consulting business, excluding the underlying technology and databases related thereto, which remain with the Company (the “Contribution Agreement”).

 

The foregoing description of the Contribution Agreement is only a summary of its material terms, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Contribution Agreement, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 2.1

 

I TEM 5.02

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

 

(b)

On August 16, 2018, in connection with his appointment as the President of McorpCX, LLC, Michael Hinshaw resigned his position as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hinshaw resigned his executive positions with the Company in order to be able to devote his full-time energies to the Company’s consulting business as President of McorpCX, LLC. Mr. Hinshaw will remain on the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) as the Chairman of the Board.

 

(c)

On August 16, 2018, the Board appointed Gregg Budoi, age 54, as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Budoi, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer will also continue serve in this capacity until a successor is named.

 

Mr. Budoi has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since September 26, 2017. Prior to becoming the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Budoi was from 2014 to 2017 the Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Kalibrate Technologies Plc, a London Stock Exchange (AIM) listed SaaS software and consulting company which recently completed a successful going private transaction with the private equity firm Hanover Investors. Prior to that, from 2007 to 2014 he was a co-founder and former President and CEO of EZ Energy USA, Inc. (“EZ”), a wholesale fuel and retail convenience store company with over $500 million in revenue that was successfully sold to a strategic buyer. EZ utilized a shell parent company domiciled in Israel to raise bond debt and equity through its listing on the Tel Aviv stock exchange,. Mr. Budoi has also been Managing Director at Barnes Wendling Corporate Finance, LLC, a financial advisory firm where from 2006 to 2007 where he established a corporate finance advisory services platform and completed several corporate restructurings as well as M&A and capital raising transactions. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer of his own financial advisory firm, Budoi & Company, Inc. from 2003 to 2006 and was from 1999 to 2003 the Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Finance and Treasurer of Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc., where he led the strategic evaluation and recapitalization process for this publicly traded (American Stock Exchange) chain of over 850 company operated convenience stores and 300 franchisees. Mr. Budoi holds a BS in Business Administration/Finance from Ohio State University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.

 

 

-2-

 

 

 

 

Mr. Budoi has no family relationships with any current director, director nominee, or executive officer of the Company, and there are no transactions or proposed transactions, to which the Company is a party, or intended to be a party, in which Mr. Budoi has, or will have, a material interest subject to disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Mr. Budoi was not appointed as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with any other person.

 

(d)

On August 16, 2018, in connection with his appointment as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer the Board appointed Mr. Budoi to serve on the Board until Company’s 2018 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting or until a successor is elected and qualified. Mr. Budoi has not yet been appointed to serve on a committee of the Board and the Board currently has no intention for to appoint him to any of the current Board committees.

 

(e)

(i) The Company and Mr. Budoi have entered into an executive employment agreement dated August 16, 2018, under which Mr. Budoi will be paid a base salary of $204,000 subject to an adjustment to $300,000 upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company raises an aggregate of at least $5.0 million in connection with the new issuance of any form of equity securities, or (ii) the acquisition of another company with annual revenues that when combined with the Company’s revenues over that previous 12 calendar month period equals $5.0 million or more on an annualized pro forma basis.

 

Mr. Budoi’s employment agreement also provides that Mr. Budoi will be entitled to receive a one-time signing bonus of $100,000 contingent upon the achievement of certain milestone events, including (i) the completion of an equity financing in excess of $5.0 million, (ii) the completion of an acquisition of a new business with annualized revenues (which when combined with the Company’s annual revenues over the previous 12 months) that are in excess of $5.0 million per year, or (iii) the determination by the Board that Mr. Budoi has successfully executed a strategic plan developed by the Board that includes the acquisition and/or disposition of material assets or business operations in a transaction approved by the Board and the Company’s shareholders, if required, in each case to be achieved prior to the one year anniversary of the effective date of Mr. Budoi’s employment agreement.

 

In addition, Mr. Budoi will be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans and receive stock options under the Company’s stock option plan. Mr. Budoi’s employment is for an initial term expiring October 31, 2018 with automatic renewals (subject to right of the Company and Mr. Budoi to elect not to renew) for additional one month periods.

 

 

-3-

 

 

 

 

The foregoing summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete copy of Mr. Budoi’s employment agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1.

 

(ii)     In connection with his appointment as President of McorpCX, LLC, Michael Hinshaw has entered into an executive compensation agreement with McorpCX, LLC under which he will be paid a base salary of $250,000 and will be entitled to receive the following additional incentive remuneration (collectively, “Variable Compensation”):

 

 

Quarterly payments equal to (i) 2.5% of all gross revenues generated by McorpCX, LLC, plus (ii) an additional 2.5% (for a total of 5%) of all gross revenues generated by McorpCX, LLC in excess of $5.0 million per year, and

 

 

An amount up to 10% of the aggregate of all fees received by McorpCX, LLC from existing clients of McorpCX, LLC for projects that were not agreed to as of the effective date of Mr. Hinshaw’s employment agreement (“New Projects”), and for all projects with clients of the McorpCX, LLC that were not clients of the McorpCX, LLC as of the effective date of Mr. Hinshaw’s employment agreement (“New Clients”), where such New Projects or projects from New Clients were originated by Mr. Hinshaw, provided that the aggregate sales commission paid to both Mr. Hinshaw and to other persons related to the same New Project or project from a New Client will not exceed 15% of the total fees received by McorpCX, LLC on such New Project or project from a New Client.

 

In addition, Mr. Hinshaw will be entitled to participate in any deferred compensation plan that may be adopted by McorpCX, LLC reflecting Mr. Hinshaw’s right to receive awards from a share of the deferred compensation pool that will be comprised of up to 50% of the annual cash flow of McorpCX, LLC, which will include net income (i) plus depreciation and amortization expense, (ii) less principal payments made on any indebtedness, and (iii) less any capital expenditures paid in cash during a fiscal year.

 

The initial term of Mr. Hinshaw’s employment is six months from the date of his employment agreement, with automatic renewals (subject to right of McorpCX, LLC and Mr. Hinshaw to elect not to renew) for additional three month periods. McorpCX, LLC may terminate Mr. Hinshaw’s employment without cause (or Mr. Hinshaw can terminate the agreement upon good reason) in which case Mr. Hinshaw is entitled to payment of six months’ salary as severance plus all Variable Compensation earned by Mr. Hinshaw during the previous twelve months.

 

The foregoing summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete copy of Mr. Hinshaw’s compensation agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.2

 

(iii)      In connection with his appointment as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Board granted Gregg Budoi 300,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.30(Canadian). The options vest incrementally in three equal installments on August 16, 2019, August 16, 2020 and August 16, 2021, respectively. The stock options are subject to accelerate vesting in connection with a change in control of the Company, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s stock option plan.

 

 

-4-

 

 

 

 

ITEM 9.01

Exhibits

 

 

2.1

Contribution Agreement between the Company and McorpCX, LLC, dated August 16, 2018

 

 

10.1

Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Budoi, dated August 16, 2018

 

 

10.2

Executive Compensation Agreement between McorpCX, LLC and Mr. Hinshaw, dated August 16, 2018

 

 

-5-

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

   

MCORPCX , INC.

 

     

Date:

August 22, 2018

By:

/s/ Gregg Budoi

   

Name:

Gregg Budoi

   

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

-6-

 

 

 

 

E xhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.

Description

 

 

2.1

Contribution Agreement between the Company and McorpCX, LLC, dated August 16, 2018.

 

10.1

Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Budoi, dated August 16, 2018.

 

10.2

Executive Compensation Agreement between McorpCX, LLC and Mr. Hinshaw, dated August 16, 2018.

 

 

-7-

 

Exhibit 2.1

 

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

This Contribution Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of August 16, 2018, by and between McorpCX, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and McorpCX, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Subsidiary”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Company desires to distribute, convey, assign, transfer and deliver to Subsidiary all of the Company’s right, title and interest in, to and under all of the assets and liabilities specifically related to and/or used exclusively by its customer experience services business (the “Business”), including the assets (collectively, the “Assets”), and the assumption of certain liabilities, obligations or commitments of any kind or nature (whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due) arising out of or related to the Business or the Assets (the “Assumed Liabilities”) and specifically excluding the assumption of certain Liabilities (the “Retained Liabilities”) all of which are described in the attached Exhibit A

 

WHEREAS, in exchange for the Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities, Subsidiary desires to issue to Company all of the equity interests in Subsidiary, such that the Company becomes the sole member of Subsidiary; and

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company and the Member of Subsidiary have each approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.      Contribution of the Assets . Upon the terms of this Agreement, the Company hereby transfers, conveys, assigns and distributes to Subsidiary all of the Company’s right, title and interest in and to all of the Assets, effective as of the date hereof.

 

2.      Acceptance and Assumption . Subsidiary does hereby irrevocably accept such transfer, conveyance, assignment and distribution of the Assets.

 

3.      Assignment and Assumption of the Assumed Liabilities .

 

(a)     Upon the terms of this Agreement, Company hereby transfers, conveys, assigns and distributes to Subsidiary all of the Company’s covenants, agreements, commitments, duties and obligations under, in connection with and relating to the Assumed Liabilities, effective as of the date hereof.

 

(b)     Subsidiary does hereby assume all of the Assumed Liabilities and all of the Company’s covenants, agreements, commitments, duties and obligations under, in connection with or relating to such Assumed Liabilities.

 

(c)     Subsidiary covenants and agrees to pay, perform, discharge and satisfy when due all of the Company’s covenants, agreements, commitments, duties and obligations under, in connection with or relating to the Assumed Liabilities.

 

4.      No Assignment or Assumption of Retained Liabilities . For purposes of clarity, Subsidiary does not hereby assume any of the Retained Liabilities or any of the Company’s covenants, agreements, commitments, duties or obligations under, in connection with or relating to the Retained Liabilities.

 

 

 

 

5.    Assignment of Contracts . To the extent that the Company’s rights under any contract or license to be transferred, conveyed, assigned and distributed to Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement may not be assigned to Subsidiary without the consent of a third party which has not been obtained prior to the date hereof, this Agreement shall not constitute a transfer, conveyance, assignment or distribution, or an attempted transfer, conveyance, assignment or distribution of the same if such transfer, conveyance, assignment or distribution, or attempted transfer, conveyance, assignment or distribution would constitute a breach thereof or be unlawful, and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any such required consent(s) as promptly as possible. If any such consent shall not be obtained or if any attempted assignment would be ineffective or would impair Subsidiary’s rights under the contract or license in question so that Subsidiary would not in effectively acquire the benefit of all such rights, the Company, to the maximum extent permitted by law and the contract or license, shall act after the date hereof as Subsidiary’s agent in order to obtain for it the benefits thereunder and shall cooperate, to the maximum extent permitted by law and the contract or license, with Subsidiary in any other reasonable arrangement designed to provide such benefits to Subsidiary.

 

6.      Representations and Warranties . Neither the Company, nor any other person on the Company’s behalf, has made or makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Assets and the Assumed Liabilities, either oral or written, whether arising by law or otherwise, all of which are expressly disclaimed.

 

7.      Further Assurances . Each party covenants that at any time, and from time to time, after the date hereof, it will execute such additional instruments and take such actions as may be reasonable requested by the other party to confirm, perfect or otherwise carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.

 

8.      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission or by means of portable document format (pdf) transmission) in one or more counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

9.      Governing Law . This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction that might be applied because of the conflicts of laws principles of the State of California.

 

 

[The R emainder of T his P age I ntentionally L eft B lank ; Signature Page Follows. ]

 

2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

COMPANY:

 

McorpCX, Inc., a California corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gregg R Budoi 

 

 

By: Gregg R Budoi, CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBSIDIARY :

 

McorpCX, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Michael Hinshaw

 

 

By: Michael Hinshaw, Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution Agreement

Signature Page

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Business Assets [draft to be updated with final June 30 Balance Sheet & updated list of Assets]

 

McorpCX LLC Acquisition Assets List

Names and Domains

All of the Company’s assumed names and domains

Mcorp Consulting

Touchpoint Mapping

Touchpoint Metrics

McorpCX

All trademarks, trade names and DBAs, including all Mcorp-related names.

Registration #2962824; Touchpoint Mapping

Registration #3220929; Loyalty Mapping

Registration #3660627; Touchpoint Metrics

 

Physical Assets - related to the consulting business and its employees

Computers and Hardware

Furniture and Equipment

Leased Real Estate and Leasehold Improvements

Purchased (Installed) Software

 

Information Technology – shared use of certain IT equipment and software

IT assets owned or leased, related to the consulting business and its employees including:

Surface Pro 3

Dell E7450

Precision T3620

Optiplex 3040

Latitude E7480

All registered domains and URL’s (with the exception of petroportfolio.com), including:

brandmappingworkshop.com

brandtouchpoints.com

customerexperiencemapping.com

customerexperienceworkshop.com

customertouchpoints.com

innovatecx.org

journeymapme.com

loyaltymapping.com

marketingtouchpoints.com

[?] public co website

mcorpconsulting.com

mcorpconsulting.info

[?]

mcorpmail.com

mcorponline.com

theloyaltyaudit.com

touchpointinsights.com

touchpointmap.com

touchpointmapping.com

touchpointmetrics.com

 

 

 

 

touchpointmetrics.net

tpmetrics.com

Third party computer software and other intellectual property used or acquired in support of consulting services offered.

McorpCX, Inc. shall own any databases and will offer a royalty free perpetual license to McorpCX, LLC for the use of the databases.

All licensed and deployed desktop software related to the CX consulting business and its employees

 

Employees, Vendors and Contractors

The employment, consulting, nondisclosure, non-solicitation or noncompetition agreements with any of the employees or contractors and vendor, supplier and contractor supply and service agreements all of which are related to the CX consulting business.

 

 

Licenses and Permits

All governmental (U.S., state, county) licenses, permits or consents that are assignable to McorpCX, LLC that may include:

Business license / City of San Anselmo 

CA Secretary of State 

Washington State All license agreements for commercial (e.g. installed, licensed SaaS) software, relating to the consulting business and shared licenses may be arranged as needed to support McorpCX, Inc. that may include:     

Workamajig

Box

Hubspot

Qualtrics

Digsite

All customer experience related industry related memberships, licenses and certifications

 

Material Contracts and Agreements that relate to the CX consulting business:

All distribution agreements, sales representative agreements, marketing agreements, and supply agreements

The Company’s standard quote, master service agreement, statement of work, purchase order, proposals, invoices, contracts and other forms.

All nondisclosure agreements to which the Company is a party.

All other material contracts and agreements, both active and inactive

 

Services and Strategies that relate to the CX consulting business

All methodological and process know-how, processes, ideas, inventions (whether patentable or not), schematics and trade secrets

All existing services and services under development.

All marketing, sales and other business strategies and plans, including any business or commercial information of a confidential nature

 

Customer Contacts, Contracts and Information that relate to the CX consulting business

All consulting agreements, licenses or assignments of intellectual property to or from the Company.

All customer and prospect lists (potential or actual) and other customer-related information

All proposals and presentations

All Non-Disclosure, Master Service, SOWs and other contractual Agreements

All customer supply and service agreements.

 

 

 

 

Sales and Marketing Information related to the CX consulting business

All sales and sales pipeline information, including committed (booked), outstanding (proposals), expected, and in-process/discovery

All sales process and tracking materials, e.g. SFA software, lead scoring, etc.

All marketing technology, including marketing database, forms and templates

All surveys and market research reports developed by or relevant to the Company and its business or services.

All advertising, sales and marketing-related materials

 

Sales and Marketing Materials related to the CX consulting business

All first and third-party published articles, reviews, reports and other assessments of the Company's commercial (consulting-related) activities

All company-maintained/branded social-media, including:

Twitter

LinkedIn

All text, drawings, photographs, graphics, designs, plans, and presentations

[public co and need links to/from www.mcorpcx.com and these will be shared websites] All company-created marketing and sales-related content, including:

Articles

Case Studies

Webinars

Presentations

Videos

White papers

All licensed analyst reports, including:

ALM Media Content

Aberdeen Group Content

 

 

 

 

McorpCX, Inc.

                       

Balance Sheet

 

PRELIMINARY

 
    6/30/2018  
           

Allocation

 
         

Retained

Liabilities

   

Assumed

Liabilities

 
Amount     Amount    

MCX

PubSo

    McorpCX LLC
SubCo
 

Assets

                       

Current Assets

                       

Wells Fargo - US Business Checking

    189,763               189,763  

BMO - CDN Checking

    262               262  

BMO - USD Checking

    4,266       4,266          

BMO - Investment Certificates

    1,144,000       1,144,000          

Accounts Receivable

    585,843               585,843  

Total Current Assets

    1,924,134       1,148,266       775,868  

Fixed Assets

                       

Fixed Assets

                       

Furniture and Equipment

    31,731               31,731  

Furniture and Equipment: Accumulated Depreciation

    (31,731 )             (31,731 )

Computers and Hardware

    62,154               62,154  

Computers and Hardware:Accumulated Depreciation

    (56,983 )             (56,983 )

Software

    38,646               38,646  

Software: Accumulated Depreciation

    (38,646 )             (38,646 )

Equipment

    2,359               2,359  

Equipment: Accumulated Depreciation

    (2,359 )             (2,359 )

Leasehold Improvements

    99,246               99,246  

Leasehold Improvements: Accumulated Depreciation

    (99,246 )             (99,246 )

Real Estate

    85,000       85,000          

Real Estate Improvements

    4,000       4,000          

Real Estate Improvements: Accumulated Depreciation

    (4,000 )     (4,000 )        

Total Fixed Assets

    90,171       85,000       5,171  

Other Assets

                       

Other Assets

                       

Deposits

    3,474               3,474  

Prepaid Expenses

    24,999       0       24,999  

Intangible Assets

                       

Organization Costs

    1,377       1,377          

Organization Costs:Accumulated Amortization

    (1,377 )     (1,377 )        

LinkedIn Grp

    2,500               2,500  

LinkedIn Grp:Accumulated Amortization

    (2,500 )             (2,500 )

Investment in PersonaDrive

    5,000       5,000          

Investment in PersonaDrive: Accumulated Amortization

    (5,000 )     (5,000 )        

ALM Media Content Distribution Rights

    25,000               25,000  

ALM Content Distribution Rights: Accumulated Depreciation

    (25,000 )             (25,000 )

SaaS Product Development

    800,806       800,806          

SaaS Product Development:Accumulated Amortization

    (596,149 )     (596,149 )        

Web Development Costs

    70,188               70,188  

Web Development Costs: Accumulated Amortization

    (70,188 )             (70,188 )

Total Other Assets

    233,130       204,657       28,473  

Total Assets

    2,247,435       1,437,923       809,512  

Liabilities and Capital

                       

Liabilities

                       

Current Liabilities

                       

Accounts Payable

    341,173               341,173  

AMEX

    (750 )             (750 )

First Bankcard 9440

                    0  

First Bankcard 1400

    0               0  

Deferred Revenue

                       

Deferred Revenue - SaaS Product

    0       0          

Deferred Revenue - Pro Services

    0               0  

Deferred Revenue - Product Income: Other

    27,504       0       27,504  

Accrued Payroll Taxes

    (0 )             (0 )

Other Accrued Liabilities

    3,275               3,275  
                         

Total Current Liabilities

    371,202       0       371,202  

Total Liabilities

    371,202       0       371,202  

Capital

                       

APIC

    5,833,501       5,395,191       438,310  

APIC-Employee Stock Options

    601,364       601,364          

Retained Earnings

    (4,422,957 )     (4,422,957 )        

Net Income

    (135,675 )     (135,675 )        

Total Capital

    1,876,233       1,437,923       438,310  

Total Liabilities and Capital

    2,247,435       1,437,923       809,512  

Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

 

This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of August 16, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Gregg Budoi (the “Executive”) and McorpCX, Inc. (the “Company” and together with the Executive, the “Parties”).

 

The Company desires the employment of the Executive with the Company and Executive desires to engage in such employment relationship, on the basis of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.      Duties and Scope of Employment . The Company shall employ Executive in the position of Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive accepts such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Executive agrees to undertake and perform all duties required as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer as may from time-to-time reasonably be determined and assigned to him by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), which includes the general supervision, management, organization, administration and operation of the Company and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, the development and implementation of the Company’s strategic goals, and the specific duties outlined in Schedule A attached hereto. The Board shall have the right to revise such duties and responsibilities from time to time, as they deem necessary or appropriate. Executive shall perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to him faithfully, diligently, professionally, and in the best interests of the Company. Executive shall at all time perform such duties in compliance with any and all laws, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to the Company of which Executive is aware. Executive shall also adhere to and obey all written rules and policies governing the conduct of the Company’s employees as may be established and modified from time-to-time. It is understood by the Parties that the Executive will be serving as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis in order to lead the Company through an evaluation of strategic options.    

 

2.      Executive Services . During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the Board; provided, however, that Executive may engage in non-competitive business or charitable activities so long as such activities do not materially interfere with Executive’s responsibilities to the Company. Any board of director positions with other business or charitable entities entered into after the Effective Date shall be subject to the prior approval of the Board. It is understood that Executive may continue his role as an advisory board member and consultant for each of Lariat Partners LP and Offen Petroleum LLC so long as this does not restrict Executive’s ability to perform his duties outlined on Schedule A.

 

3.      Employment Term . Unless otherwise terminated earlier as provided in Section 5, Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until October 31, 2018 (the “Initial Term”), provided that this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-month periods unless either the Company or the Executive provide written notice to the other of its intention not to renew the Agreement at least ten (10) days prior to the end of any monthly term (each such additional month being an “Extended Term”, and collectively with the Initial Term being the “Employment Term”).

 

 

 

 

4.     Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a)      Base Salary . The Company shall pay Executive as compensation for Executive’s services an annualized base salary of $204,000 (Two Hundred and Four Thousand)subject to an adjustment to $300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand) per annum upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Company raises an aggregate of at least $5,000,000 in connection with new issuance of any form of equity securities, including but not limited to classes of common equity shares, preferred stock or convertible bonds or warrants associated with debt in the capital of the Company, or (ii) the acquisition of another company with revenues over the twelve calendar months immediately prior to such acquisition that when combined with the Company’s revenues over that same twelve calendar month period equals $5,000,000 or more on an annualized pro forma basis. Such salary shall be subject to applicable tax withholding and shall be paid periodically in accordance with normal Company payroll practices. The base salary may be increased, but not decreased pursuant to annual review by the Compensation Committee of the Board in accordance with this Agreement. Executive shall also be entitled to indemnification from the Company for claims asserted against Executive in connection with Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder and shall be covered under the officer and director liability policy maintained by the Company.

 

(b)      First Year Bonus . Executive will be entitled to receive a one-time signing bonus of One Hundred Thousand Dollar ($100,000.00), subject to applicable tax withholding and paid at the time of Executive’s first regularly scheduled paycheck after the one or two year anniversary of the Effective Date in accordance with normal Company payroll practices, without regard to any waiting period applicable to bonuses granted to Company employees, if prior to the one year anniversary of the Effective Date, any of the following events occur: (i) the Company raises an aggregate of at least $5,000,000 in connection with new issuance of any form of equity securities, including but not limited to classes of common equity shares, preferred stock or convertible bonds or warrants associated with debt in the capital of the Company, (ii) the acquisition of another company with revenues over the twelve calendar months immediately prior to such acquisition that when combined with the Company’s revenues over that same twelve calendar month period equals $5,000,000 or more on an annualized pro forma basis, or (iii) the Board determines that the Executive has successfully executed a strategic plan developed by the Board, which includes, amongst other corporate actions, the completion by the Company of a material acquisition and/or disposition of assets or business operations in a transaction approved by the Board and the Company’s shareholders, as needed.

 

(c)      Benefits . Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans (“Plans”) that are available or may become available to other employees of the Company. The adoption and maintenance of such Plans are to be at the discretion of the Company, subject in each case to the generally applicable terms and conditions of the Plan or applicable program and to the determination of any committee administering such Plan or program. Employee may work remotely up to one hundred percent (100%) of his time providing it does not interfere with the goals and objectives of the Company. To the extent adopted and maintained by the Company, such benefits shall include participation in the Company’s group medical, life, disability, and retirement plans, and any supplemental plans available to senior executives of the Company from time to time. Executive will accrue one day of sick leave per month, for a total of twelve (12) sick days per year. Executive also will be entitled to accrue paid vacation time of four (4) weeks each calendar year, in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, with the timing and duration of specific vacations mutually and reasonably agreed to by the Parties. Executive may accrue a maximum of four (4) weeks of vacation pay each calendar year and, once the maximum is reached, Executive will not accrue any additional vacation time until the total accrued vacation falls below the maximum, at which point Executive will begin to accrue additional vacation time. The Company reserves the right to change or terminate its employee benefit plans and programs at any time pursuant to any notice provisions in such plans. To the extent that the Company cannot administer a health plan (medical, vision and dental), then the Company shall reimburse the Employee for 80% of the amount of medical insurance premiums that the Employee would need to pay to cover himself and his family.

 

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(d)      Relocation Benefits . No relocation benefits will be paid under this Agreement.

 

(e)    Business Expenses . The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business 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.

 

(f)      Stock Options/Equity Awards . Subject to Board approval, availability under the Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”) or any successor equity incentive plan, and any required shareholder approval or approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (which the Company shall use its best efforts to obtain, if needed), the Company will, (i) within four (4) business days of the Effective Date, grant the Executive stock options (“Stock Options”) exercisable into three hundred thousand (300,000) shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms of the Option Plan, The exercise price of all the Stock Options granted to the Executive will be the fair market value of the Company common stock as of the date of the grant of such Stock Options as determined by the Board consistent with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC “) Sec. 409A and other applicable statutes. All Stock Options shall be subject to a three (3) year vesting period, with one third of the Stock Options vesting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date of the Stock Options (the “Grant Date”), an additional one-third of the Stock Options vesting on the two year anniversary of the Grant Date, and the remaining one third of the Stock Options vesting on the three year anniversary of the Grant Date; provided that if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause, or by the Executive with Good Reason (where no Change in Control has taken place), the number of Stock Options subject to vesting through the twelve months (12) following the date of termination of employment (the “Termination Date”) shall become vested as of the Termination Date, while all remaining unvested Stock Options shall be forfeited. All unvested Stock Options also shall be forfeited upon a termination of employment by the Company for Cause or a termination by Executive without Good Reason. If a Change in Control has taken place, all unvested Stock Options shall become immediately vested as of the effective date of the Change in Control.

 

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5.      Termination of Employment .

 

(a)          Termination by Company for Cause; Voluntary Termination . Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in the manner set forth in this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below) by the Company or voluntarily by Executive (i) the Company shall pay Executive any unpaid base salary due for periods prior to the Termination Date; (ii) the Company shall pay Executive all of Executive’s accrued and unused vacation through the Termination Date; and (iii) following submission of proper expense reports by Executive, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by Executive in connection with the business of the Company prior to termination. These payments shall be made promptly upon termination and within the Company’s next regularly scheduled payroll. 

 

(b)      Termination by Company without Cause . The Company may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause upon thirty (30) days written notice to Executive. If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates other than voluntarily by Executive or for Cause, and Executive signs and does not revoke a Release as defined below, then, subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 7, Executive shall be entitled to:

 

(i)     Receive severance pay (less applicable withholding taxes) at a rate equal to his base salary, as then in effect, for a period of 90 days from the date of such termination, to be paid either periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll policies or in a lump sum payable within thirty (30) days of the Termination Date, at the Executive’s election, as long as such severance payment is made in compliance with Sections 16(j) and (k). No severance payment will be made which is not compliant with IRC Section 409A and IRC Section 280G.

 

(ii)     Continuation of certain legally-allowed health (i.e., medical, vision and dental) coverage and benefits as in effect for the Executive on the day immediately preceding the day of the Executive’s termination of employment; provided, however, that (a) the Executive constitutes a qualified beneficiary, as defined in Section 4980B(g)(1) of the IRC; and (b) Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with Company-paid health coverage until the earlier of (i) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, or (ii) three (3) months from the Termination Date and Executive shall pay the same contribution for the COBRA coverage as of the time of termination and the Company shall subsidize the balance of the premiums.

 

(iii)     Any Stock Options subject to vesting through the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date shall become vested as of the Termination Date, while all remaining unvested Stock Options shall be forfeited.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is terminated by the Company for failure to meet the expectations of the Board concerning the performance of the Executive’s duties outlined in this Agreement, but in the determination of the Board the Executive has made a good faith effort to perform such duties and has not taken any action or made any omission that would otherwise fall under the definition of “Cause” under Section 13(a)(i)-(iv) below, then the severance pay outlined in (i) through (iii) herein above shall be limited to three (3) months.

 

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(c)      Death . In the event of Executive’s death while employed hereunder, Executive’s beneficiary (or such other person(s) specified by will or the laws of descent and distribution) will receive (i) continuing payments of severance pay (less applicable withholding taxes) at a rate equal to Executive’s base salary for a period of ninety (90) days from Executive’s death, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll policies, (ii) Company-paid COBRA benefits as specified in Section 5(b)(ii) above for ninety (90) days from Executive’s death, and (iii) subject to the terms of the Option Plan, have the right to exercise the vested Stock Options under the Option Plan which are vested as of the date of Executive’s death for one (1) year following Executive’s death.

 

(d)      Disability . In the event of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company due to “Disability” (as defined herein), Executive shall be entitled to continuing payments of base salary (less applicable withholding taxes) until Executive is eligible for long-term disability payments under the Company’s group disability policy; provided, however, that in no event shall such period of continued base salary exceed 90 days following termination.

 

(e)      Termination by Executive for Good Reason . If Executive terminates employment with the Company for “Good Reason” (as defined herein) within thirty (30) days of a Good Reason event, and Executive signs and does not revoke a mutual Release, then, subject to Executive’s compliance with the applicable terms of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the same benefits that he would receive in Section 5(b) above.

 

(f)     Specified Employee . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under IRC Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered deferred compensation under IRC Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service” (as defined for purposes of IRC Section 409A and corresponding regulations), such payment shall be made on the date which is the earlier of the following: (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the date of this Amendment (the “Delay Period”), to the extent required under IRC Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments delayed pursuant to this Section 5(f) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum, without interest, and all remaining payments due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

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6.      No Impediment to Agreement . Unless otherwise approved by the Board under Section 2 above, Executive hereby represents to the Company that Executive is not, as of the date hereof, and will not be during Executive’s employment with the Company, employed under contract, oral or written, by any other person, firm or entity, and is not and will not be bound by the provisions of any restrictive covenant or confidentiality agreement which would constitute an impediment to, or restriction upon, Executive’s ability to enter this Agreement and to perform the duties of Executive’s employment. It is understood that Executive may continue his role as an advisory board member and consultant for Lariat Partners LP and Offen Petroleum LLC so long as this does not restrict Executive’s ability to perform his duties outlined on Schedule A.

 

7.    Assignment of Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement . Executive acknowledges that by reason of his employment, he will have access to the Company’s trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information, including but not limited to: confidential processes and technology, long range plans, marketing plans, supplier relationships, contract terms, compensation information, membership and customer data, financial information, pricing and costs information. Executive agrees, as a condition to Executive’s employment with the Company and the effectiveness of this Agreement, to execute the Company’s form of Intellectual Property Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided, however, to the extent there is any inconsistency between such agreement and this Agreement, this Agreement shall control.

 

8.    Injunction . Executive agrees that an injunction may be granted by the Superior Court of San Francisco, California, or by any other court or courts having jurisdiction, restraining him from violation of the terms of this Agreement, upon any breach or threatened breach. This shall not limit Company from any other relief or damages to which it may be entitled as a result of Executive’s breach of this Agreement.

 

9.    Alternative Dispute Resolution . Except in connection with an event subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, in which case Executive is not required to offer to engage in formal mediation prior to filing any action or claim against the Company, Executive agrees that prior to filing any action or claim against Company, or any of its respective employees, he will offer to engage in formal mediation to resolve any disputes that may arise between Executive or the Company regarding Executive’s employment, the termination of employment, and/or this Agreement. Each party shall bear its own costs of mediation.

 

10.   Arbitration .

 

(a)     Any disputes, controversies or claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement (except disputes, controversies or claims arising after the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company, in which case the provisions of this Section 10 will be in applicable) for that the parties cannot resolve themselves, including disputes, controversies or claims pertaining to the general application, validity, construction, interpretation or enforceability of this Agreement and including any dispute relating to Executive’s employment or termination of employment (collectively, “Disputes”), will be settled exclusively by final and binding arbitration, before a single arbitrator, under the provisions the Federal Arbitration Act, and in accordance with the employment rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association or, if the parties agree, the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (“JAMS”). The term Disputes includes any claims based on violation of Law, such as claims for discrimination or civil rights violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, or similar statutes. The term Disputes excludes (a) claims for workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and any matter within the jurisdiction of the California Labor Commissioner or equivalent state agency with jurisdiction over wage claims, (b) any breach or alleged breach of Section 5, and (c) any request for equitable relief, including injunctive relief. Except as provided in this section, arbitration will be the exclusive method of resolving any Dispute, and both the Company and Executive are giving up any right they may otherwise have to a judge or jury deciding such Dispute.

 

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(b)     The arbitration will provide for (i) reasonable written discovery and depositions as provided by the California Code of Civil Procedure and (ii) a written decision by the arbitrator that includes the essential findings and conclusions upon which the decision is based. The Company will be responsible for payment of the tribunal costs relating to such arbitration; except in such Disputes where Executive asserts a claim under a state or federal statute prohibiting discrimination in employment or similar statutory, constitutional or public policy claim, or unless required otherwise by applicable Law (“Statutory Claim”). In Disputes where Executive asserts a Statutory claim, Executive will be required to pay only the initial filing fee to the extent such filing fee does not exceed the fee to file a complaint in state or federal court. The Company will pay the balance of the arbitrator’s fees and administrative costs. Each party will separately pay for its respective attorneys’ fees and expenses; provided, however, that the Arbitrator may award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party as allowed by law. All rights, causes of action, remedies and defenses available under California and federal law and equity are available to the parties hereto, and will be applicable as though in a court of law, including the right to file a motion for summary judgment. Any competent court having jurisdiction thereof may enter judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator.

 

(c)     This agreement to resolve any Disputes by binding arbitration will extend to claims against any Affiliate of a party, and, when acting within such capacity, any officer, director, shareholder, employee or agent of a party, or of any of the above, and will apply as well to claims arising out of state and federal statutes and local ordinances as well as to claims arising under the common law. The remedial authority of the arbitrator will be the same as, but no greater than, what would be the remedial power of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and their Dispute. This mutual arbitration agreement does not prohibit or limit either Executive or the Company’s right to seek equitable relief from a court including injunctive relief, a temporary restraining order, or other interim or conservatory relief, pending the resolution of a Dispute by arbitration.

 

(d)     The arbitrator will render an award and written opinion, and the award will be final and binding upon the parties. If any of the provisions of this Section are determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such determination will not affect the validity of the remainder of this Section or this Agreement, and this Section and this Agreement will be reformed to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section to the greatest extent possible and to ensure that the resolution of all Disputes between the parties, including those arising out of statutory claims, will be resolved by neutral, binding arbitration. If a court should find that this section’s arbitration provisions are not absolutely binding, then the parties intend any arbitration decision and award to be fully admissible in evidence in any subsequent action, given great weight by any finder of fact, and treated as determinative to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

(e)     Unless mutually agreed by the parties, arbitration will take place in San Francisco, CA.

 

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(f)     If a party institutes any legal action or administrative proceeding against the other with respect to any claim waived by this Agreement or pursue any arbitrable dispute by any method other than arbitration, the responding party will recover from the initiating party all damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred as a result of such action.

 

(g)     This Section 10 shall not be applicable in connection with any disputes, controversies or claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement that arise or occur after the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company, and that none of the Parties are bound by this Section 10 in the event of a Change in Control of the Company.

 

11.   Non-Disparagement. Executive will not, directly or indirectly, make any disparaging, derogatory, negative or knowingly false statement about the Company or its equity holders, control persons, agents, successors and permitted assigns or any of their respective businesses, operations, financial condition or prospects, except as required by applicable law or order or as required in filing a charge with a government agency or complying with its investigation. This section will not prevent either party from making truthful statements in any judicial or governmental proceeding to enforce this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to legally compelled testimony.

 

12.   Fees . The prevailing party shall be entitled to its costs and attorney’s fees incurred in any litigation relating to the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement, provided that a party’s right to fees and costs in connection with a wage or other statutory employment claim shall be governed exclusively by applicable state or federal law.

 

13.   Definitions .

 

(a)      Cause . For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” is defined as any of the following: (i) fraud, illegal conduct, misappropriation or embezzlement on the part of Executive which results in material loss, damage or injury to the Company, (ii) a material breach of this Agreement (including any documents incorporated herein by reference) by Executive, (iii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude, or (iv) conduct by Executive which constitutes willful, wanton or grossly negligent neglect of duties. Conduct will not be willful or grossly negligent if done, or not done, by Executive in good faith and with reasonable belief that action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Any termination for “Cause” hereunder must be determined by a vote of the Board, with Executive first having been given specific written explanation of the basis for the “Cause” determination and an opportunity to appear before the Board prior to final Board action. If the Company wishes to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause, it shall first give Executive thirty (30) days prior written notice of the circumstances constituting Cause and an opportunity to cure unless the circumstances are not subject to being cured.

 

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(b)      Chang e in Control . For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the “Exchange Act”) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subclause (i) the acquisition of additional securities by any one Person who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities of the Company will not be considered a Corporate Transaction; (ii) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (except for a sale or disposition of such assets to a subsidiary of the Company) ; (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (iv) any other transaction which qualifies as a “corporate transaction” under Section 424(a) of the IRC wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of the Company) or (v) a change in the effective control of the Company that occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by members of the Board whose appointment or election is not endorsed by as majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Corporate Transaction unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of IRC Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.

 

(c)      Disability . For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” is defined as Executive’s inability to perform his essential employment duties with or without reasonable accommodation, for 180 days (in the aggregate) in any one-year period as determined by concurrence of Executive’s attending physician and an independent physician selected by the Company, and failing concurrence of such physicians, then by an independent physician which they together select.

 

(d)      Good Reason . For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following: (i) A material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (ii) Executive is no longer holding the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and member of the Board of Directors or has a material reduction in position, status, duties or responsibilities, or is assigned duties materially inconsistent with his position, which shall include any assignment to an affiliate under Section 16(h) below that results in Executive reporting to someone other than the Board, or any new parent company, or no longer having the role as Chief Executive Officer of the resulting parent company; (iii) Executive’s compensation, outlined in article 4 above, is reduced, to include a commensurate level of participation in the Company’s then available incentive stock plan as that of this Agreement date, (iv) the Company experiences a Change in Control, and/or (v) the Executive is no longer permitted to work remotely and is required to relocate his residence more than sixty (60) miles from Cleveland, Ohio. If the Executive wishes to terminate his employment for Good Reason, it shall first give Company twenty-five (25) days prior written notice of the circumstances constituting Good Reason and an opportunity to cure unless the circumstances are not subject to being cured.

 

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(e)      Release . For purposes of this Agreement, “Release” is defined as a full and complete release of all claims of Executive against the Company, known or unknown on the date of its execution, in form and substance acceptable to the Company.

 

14.   Successors; Personal Services . The services and duties to be performed by the Executive hereunder are personal and may not be assigned or delegated. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and representatives.

 

15.   Notice . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Executive, mailed notices shall be addressed to Executive at the home address, which Executive most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall be directed to the attention of Chair of the Board.

 

16.   Miscellaneous Provisions .

 

(a)      Waiver . No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

 

(b)    Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the related Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, and the Company’s Intellectual Property Agreement, shall supersede and replace all prior agreements or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof (including, but not limited to the consulting agreement dated [ ] between the Company and the Executive), and no agreement, representations or understandings (whether oral or written or whether express or implied) which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with respect to the relevant matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any of the 2018 Plan, the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award, Restricted Stock Unit Agreement or Intellectual Property Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

 

(c)      Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws of the State of California without reference to any choice of law rules. The parties expressly stipulate that any litigation under this Agreement shall be brought in the state courts of San Francisco County, California or in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco, California. The parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction and venue of these courts.

 

(d)    Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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(e)    No Assignment of Benefits . The rights of any person to payments or benefits under this Agreement shall not be made subject to option or assignment, either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, including (without limitation) bankruptcy, garnishment, attachment or other creditor’s process, and any action in violation of this subsection shall be void.

 

(f)      No Duty to Mitigate . Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

 

(g)      Employment Taxes . All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of all applicable income, health insurance and employment taxes.

 

(h)      Assignment by Company . The Company may assign its rights under this Agreement to an affiliate (as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), and an affiliate may assign its rights under this Agreement to another affiliate of the Company or to the Company. In the case of any such assignment, the term “Company” when used in a section of this Agreement shall mean the corporation that actually employs the Executive.

 

(i)      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(j)      IRC Section  409A Compliance . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with IRC Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. To the extent that any payment or benefit described in this Agreement constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” under IRC Section 409A (or is intended to qualify for an exemption under IRC Section 409A) and such payment or benefit is payable upon Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, then the phrase “termination of employment,” “termination of this Agreement” and other similar phrases in this Agreement will be deemed to mean a “separation from service,” as defined in accordance with IRC Section 409A and corresponding Treasury regulations. Additionally, to the extent that any reimbursements under this Agreement are subject to the provisions of IRC Section 409A , any such reimbursements payable to Executive will be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, the amount of the expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. The Company makes no representation or warranty and will have no liability to Executive or any other person with respect to whether any provision of this Agreement fails to comply with IRC Section 409A or fails to satisfy an intended exemption from IRC Section 409A. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by IRC Section 409A.

 

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(k)      IRC Section 280G . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit to be paid or provided by the Company or its affiliates to the Executive or the Executive’s benefit pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Covered Payments”) would be an “excess parachute payment,” within the meaning of Section 280G of the IRC, but for this Section 16(k), then the Covered Payments shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary (but in no event less than zero) so that no portion of any Covered Payments, as so reduced, constitutes an excess parachute payment, but only if and to the extent that such reduction will also result in, after taking into account all state, local and federal taxes applicable to the Executive (computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), including any taxes payable pursuant to Section 4999 of the IRC (and any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed under any successor provision or by any taxing authority), greater after-tax proceeds to the Executive than the after-tax proceeds to the Executive computed without regard to any such reduction. The determination of whether any reduction in such Covered Payments is required pursuant to this Section 16(k) shall be made by a firm of independent certified public accountants or a law firm selected by the Company. In the event that any Covered Payment is required to be reduced pursuant to this Section 16(k), the Executive shall be entitled to designate the payments and/or benefits to be so reduced in order to give effect to this Section 16(k). The Company shall provide the Executive with all information reasonably requested by the Executive to permit the Executive to make such designation. In the event that the Executive fails to make such designation within ten (10) business days of the date on which he is notified of the determination that a reduction in Covered Payments is required under this Section 16(k), the Company may affect such reduction in any manner it deems appropriate.

 

(l)      Clawback Provisions . Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based compensation, or any other compensation, paid to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company and pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ r emainder of page intentionally left blank ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMPANY: McorpCX, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/  Mathew Kruchko

[Sign Here]

 

 

 

 

 

Its:

Board Member

 

     

 

 

EXECUTIVE:   

/s/  Gregg Budoi

[Sign Here]

 

Gregg Budoi

 

 

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SCHEDULE A

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE

COMPANY

 

1.

Subject to the overall control, direction and policies of the Board, the president and chief executive officer (“CEO”) is responsible for the general supervision, management, organization, administration and operation of the Company and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, and, subject to anything to the contrary herein, has all powers necessary to carry out his or her responsibilities. The CEO will work cooperatively with the Board to develop and implement the strategic goals of the Company. The Board will primarily act as a key driver of the development of the strategy and the CEO will be primarily responsible for the execution of the strategy. 

 

Specifically, the CEO shall have the following duties, powers and authorities:

 

 

(i)

to make changes in the management organization of the Company as he shall consider appropriate and as shall be consistent with the policies established from time to time by the Board;

 

 

(ii)

to prescribe the duties and responsibilities of all officers and employees of the Company, other than the Chairman of the Board;

 

 

(iii)

to employ and discharge employees of the Company other than those whose appointments are made or confirmed by the Board;

 

 

(iv)

to recommend to the Board the employment or dismissal or change in office of any officer of the Company whose appointments are made or confirmed by the Board;

 

 

(v)

to suspend from duty an officer of the Company other than the Chairman of the Board and to report to the Board on any such suspension;

 

 

(vi)

to delegate to the vice-presidents and department heads such power and authority to carry out their duties as he considers necessary or desirable;

 

 

(vii)

to submit to the Board:

 

 

(i)

annual capital and operating plans of the Company;

 

 

(ii)

longer term capital and operating plans of the Company;

 

 

(iii)

proposals for commitments, capital expenditures, mergers and acquisitions, disposition of assets and financing in excess of the limits of his or her authority; and

 

 

(iv)

such other information and materials as the Board may require from time to time;

 

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(viii)

to assist and work with the Board to develop management strategies and business plans and ensure that such strategies and plans are appropriately represented to the Board;

 

 

(ix)

to assist and work with the Board and other senior management of the Company to oversee and monitor the progress of the implementation of the Company’s management strategies and business plans;

 

 

(x)

to provide the Board with such information respecting the Company and its business and affairs as they may require for the due performance of their duties and functions;

 

 

(xi)

to plan and provide for management development and succession within the Company and to report at least annually thereon to the Board;

 

 

(xii)

to play an active role in marketing and obtaining new shareholders and maintaining and managing relations with current shareholders;

 

 

(xiii)

to act as a spokesman for the Company and work cooperatively with the Board to maintain the Company’s relations with the securityholders, investment analysts, public, government and industry and arrange for the Company to be appropriately represented in its relations with other companies and individuals with which it is associated in joint ventures or by way of investment;

 

 

(xiv)

to ensure the Company is operating in the parameters of the law and appropriate ethical and moral standards;

 

 

(xv)

to ensure that the principal risks of the Company have been identified and systems have been put in place to manage these risks and to report to the Board regarding the same;

 

 

(xvi)

to ensure the suitability and integrity of the Company’s internal control systems; and

 

 

(xvii)

to establish, in consultation with the Board and/or appropriate Board committees, such policies and practice statements as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the Company’s business.

 

1.1

These powers and authorities are subject to:

 

 

(i)

any requirement of law or the by-laws of the Company that any action must be taken by the Board of directors or by the security holders; and

 

 

(ii)

any specific limitation by the Board.

 

1.2

The CEO is authorized to delegate such of his powers and authorities as he sees fit, together with power to authorize subdelegation.

 

1.3

The CEO shall devote his full time, effort and energies to the business and affairs of the Company and shall not without the prior approval of the Board act as a director of, or consultant or advisor to, any other firm or corporation (other than existing non-executive directorships at the date hereof, charitable organizations, foundations and personal and familial investment and holding companies or firms), unless the same is affiliated or associated with the Company or unless the Company has a substantial interest therein. Notwithstanding, it is understood that Executive may continue his role as an advisory board member and consultant for Lariat Partners LP and Offen Petroleum LLC so long as this does not restrict Executive’s ability to perform his duties outlined herein.

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

 

Employee Intellectual Property Agreement

 

 

 

[attached]

 

 

16

Exhibit 10.2

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

 

 

This Executive Compensation Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of August 16, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Michael Hinshaw (the “Executive”), McorpCX, LLC (the “Company” and together with the Executive, the “Parties”).

 

The Company desires the continuing employment of the Executive and Executive desires to continue such employment, on the basis of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1.      Duties and Scope of Employment . The Company shall employ Executive in the position of President, and Executive accepts such employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Executive agrees to undertake and perform all duties required as President, as may from time-to-time reasonably be determined and assigned to him by the Board of Managers (the “Board”) of the Company, or its designee, which includes the general supervision, management, organization, administration and operation of the Company in the ordinary course of business and the specific duties outlined in Schedule “A” attached hereto. The Board or the Board’s designee shall have the right to reasonably revise such duties and responsibilities from time to time, as they deem necessary or appropriate. Executive shall perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to him faithfully, diligently, professionally, and in the best interests of the Company. Executive shall at all times perform such duties in compliance with any and all laws, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to the Company of which Executive is aware. Executive shall also adhere to and obey all written rules and policies governing the conduct of the Company’s employees as may be established and modified from time-to-time.

 

2.      Exclusive Services . During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity that would result in direct competition with the services offered by the Company, without the prior approval of the Board. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Executive may engage in any non-competitive business or charitable activities, whether for compensation or without compensation, without the prior approval of the Board, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with Executive’s responsibilities to the Company or directly compete with the products and services offered by the Company. Such activities shall include, but are not limited to: public speaking, teaching or training in both academic and non-academic settings, executive coaching, non-compensatory advisory functions with entities that do not compete with the Company, director positions with chartable entities or businesses that do not compete with the goods and services offered by the Company, participation on executive or advisory boards, and writing (the “Non-Competitive Activities”). Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that all activities performed by Executive other than those which would specifically and directly compete with the product and service offerings of Company shall be considered Non-Competitive Activities and will not require prior Board approval. By way of example and not limitation, Executive’s participation in a speaking event covering customer experience-related topics would be considered a Non-Competitive Activity despite the fact that Company’s business includes customer experience services.

 

 

 

 

3.      Employment Term . Unless otherwise terminated earlier as provided in Section 5, Executive’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for a period of six (6) months (the “Initial Term”); provided that this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive three-month periods beginning upon completion of the Initial Term and renewing on each anniversary thereafter unless either the Company or the Executive provide written notice to the other of its intention not to renew the Agreement at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of any three-month term (each such additional three-month period being an “Extended Term”, and collectively with the Initial Term being the “Employment Term”).

 

4.      Compensation and Benefits .

 

(a)      Base Salary . The Company shall pay Executive as compensation for Executive’s services an annualized base salary of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00). Such salary shall be subject to applicable tax withholding and shall be paid periodically in accordance with normal Company payroll practices. The base salary may be increased pursuant to annual review by the Board in accordance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding any such increase following an annual review, the base salary shall be increased to account for an indexed cost of living adjustment, but in any event no less than a two percent (2%) increase per year. Executive shall also be entitled to indemnification from the Company for claims asserted against Executive in connection with Executive’s performance of his duties and shall be covered under any officer and director liability insurance policy maintained by the Company.

 

(b)      Variable Compensation . In addition to the base salary, Executive will receive variable compensation under this Agreement as set forth below (collectively, the “Variable Compensation”):

 

(i)      Gross Revenue Payment : Executive shall receive quarterly payments based on the Company’s gross revenue as follows: (A) 2.5% of all gross revenue recognized by the Company in the Company’s financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles in any fiscal year, plus (B) an additional 2.5% (for a total of 5%) of all gross revenue recognized by the Company in excess of $5,000,000.00 in any fiscal year. Such compensation shall be calculated on a quarterly basis for the Company’s first three fiscal quarters by multiplying the total gross revenue for each fiscal quarter by 2.5%, with the Company making a corresponding payment to Executive within 30 days following the end of each of the Company’s first three fiscal quarters. Upon completion of each full fiscal year after the Effective Date, the Company will calculate the total compensation owed to the Executive under this Section 4(b)(i) by multiplying the total gross revenue recognized by the Company in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles by 2.5% plus the product of any gross revenue recognized by the Company in excess of $5,000,000.00 during the last completed fiscal year multiplied by an additional 2.5%, less all amounts previously paid to Executive under this Section 4(b)(i) in the first three fiscal quarters of such fiscal year. All amounts owed to the Executive under this annual calculation shall be paid within 90 days after each fiscal year end.

 

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(ii)      Sales Commission : Executive shall also receive an amount up to 10% of the aggregate of all fees received by the Company from existing clients of the Company for projects that were not agreed to as of the Effective Date (“New Projects”), and for all projects with clients of the Company that were not clients of the Company as of the Effective Date (“New Clients”)where such New Projects or projects from New Clients were originated by Mr. Hinshaw, , provided that the Executive acknowledges that the aggregate sales commission paid to both the Executive under this Section 4(b)(ii) and to other persons related to the same New Project or project from a New Client will not exceed 15% of the total fees received by the Company on such New Project or project from a New Client (the “Sales Commission Cap”). The compensation payable to the Executive in this Section 4(b)(ii) shall be paid to Executive within 15 days of the Company’s receipt of fees from either New Clients or fees related to New Projects.

 

(iii) Benefits . Executive shall be eligible to participate in any employee benefit plans (‘Plans”) that are available or may become available to other employees of the Company. The adoption and maintenance of such Plans are at the discretion of the Board, subject in each case to the generally applicable terms and conditions of the Plan or applicable program and to the determination of any committee administering such Plan or program. Executive may work virtually up to one hundred percent (100%) of his time providing it does not interfere with the goals and objectives of the Company. To the extent adopted and maintained by the Company, benefits to be received by the Executive shall include participation in the Company’s group medical, life, disability, and retirement plans, and any supplemental plans available to senior executives of the Company from time-to-time. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive shall be explicitly eligible to participate in any group medical insurance program that covers Company employees in existence as of the Effective Date or offered any time thereafter at the level available for employees who have been employed with the Company for at least five (5) years. Further, Executive shall be eligible to take paid time off in accordance with Company’s policies governing vacation and sick leave.

 

(c)      Relocation Benefits . No relocation benefits will be paid under this Agreement.

 

(d)    Business Expenses . The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, including Company and client-related travel and reimbursable expenses, costs associated with the purchase and/or maintenance of technology or equipment required for the performance of Executive’s job duties or in connection with the business of the Company, and other expenses incurred by Executive all of which will be in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

 

(e)      Deferred Compensation The Executive will be entitled to participate in any deferred compensation plan that may be adopted by the Company, reflecting Executive’s right to receive awards from a share of the deferred compensation pool that shall be comprised of up to fifty percent (50%) of Company’s annual cash flow (which cash flow shall be defined as net income plus depreciation and amortization expense, less principal payments made on any indebtedness, less any capital expenditures paid in cash during a fiscal year) held in reserve for the payment of executive/management bonuses. All awards granted under a deferred compensation plan will be subject to the terms and conditions of the final deferred compensation plan to be adopted by Company’s Board.

 

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5.      Termination of Employment .

 

(a)     Termination by Company for Cause; Voluntary Termination . Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in the manner set forth in this Agreement. In the event Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below) by the Company or voluntarily by Executive (i) the Company shall pay Executive any unpaid base salary due for periods prior to the Termination Date; (ii) the Company shall pay Executive all of Executive’s accrued and unused vacation through the Termination Date; and (iii) following submission of proper expense reports by Executive, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by Executive in connection with the business of the Company prior to termination. These payments shall be made promptly upon termination in the Company’s next regularly scheduled payroll. 

 

(b)      Termination by Company without Cause . The Company may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause upon sixty (60) days written notice to Executive. If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates other than voluntarily by Executive or for Cause, then, subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 7, Executive shall be entitled to:

 

(i)     Receive severance pay (less applicable withholding taxes) at a rate equal Executive’s then current base salary as of the termination date for the six (6) months following the termination date plus an amount equal to the aggregate Variable Compensation earned by Executive pursuant to Section 4(b) above during the 12-month period prior to termination date; provided that, if Executive is terminated within the first twelve (12) months following commencement of employment, the Variable Compensation aspect of the severance pay shall be the average Variable Compensation calculated over the period of Executive’s actual employment multiplied by a factor the result of which would be 12 (e.g., average Variable Compensation over 2 months would be multiplied by 6; average Variable Compensation over 6 months would be multiplied by 2, etc.). Subject to compliance with Section 5(f) below, and in particular the provisions of IRC Section 409A, any severance payment due to the Executive under this Section 5(b) shall be paid in a single, lump sum payment or otherwise at Executive’s direction, and in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is terminated by the Company for failure to meet the expectations of the Board concerning the performance of the Executive’s duties outlined in this Agreement, but in the determination of the Board the Executive has made a good faith effort to perform such duties and has not taken any action or made any omission that would otherwise fall under the definition of “Cause” under Section 13(a)(i)-(iv) below, then the severance pay outlined herein above shall be limited to six (6) months.

 

(ii)     Continuation of any legally-allowed health (i.e., medical, vision and dental) coverage and benefits as in effect for the Executive on the day immediately preceding the day of the Executive’s termination of employment; provided, however, that (a) the Executive constitutes a qualified beneficiary, as defined in Section 4980B(g)(1) of the IRC; and (b) Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with Company-paid health coverage until the earlier of (i) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, or (ii) twelve (12) months from the Termination Date.

 

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(c)      Death . In the event of Executive’s death while employed hereunder, Executive’s beneficiary (or such other person(s) specified by will or the laws of descent and distribution) will receive (i) continuing payments of severance pay (less applicable withholding taxes) at a rate equal to Executive’s base salary for a period of ninety (90) days from Executive’s death, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll policies, and (ii) any Company-paid COBRA benefits as specified in Section 5(b)(ii) above for ninety (90) days from Executive’s death.

 

(d)    Disability . In the event of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company due to “Disability” (as defined herein), Executive shall be entitled to continuing payments of base salary (less applicable withholding taxes) until Executive is eligible for long-term disability payments under the Company’s group disability policy; provided, however, that in no event shall such period of continued base salary exceed 180 days following termination.

 

(e)      Termination by Executive for Good Reason . If Executive terminates employment with the Company for “Good Reason” (as defined herein) within ninety (90) days of a Good Reason event, then, subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 7, Executive shall be entitled to the same benefits that he would receive in Section 5(b) above.

 

(f) Specified Employee . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under IRC Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered deferred compensation under IRC Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service” (as defined for purposes of IRC Section 409A and corresponding regulations), such payment shall be made on the date which is the earlier of the following: (i) the expiration of the six (6) month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (ii) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the date of this Agreement (the “Delay Period”), to the extent required under IRC Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments delayed pursuant to this Section 5(f) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum, without interest, and all remaining payments due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

6.      No Impediment to Agreement . Subject to Section 2 above, Executive hereby represents to the Company that Executive is not, as of the date hereof, and will not be during Executive’s employment with the Company, employed under contract, oral or written, by any other person, firm or entity that directly competes with Company, and is not and will not be bound by the provisions of any restrictive covenant or confidentiality agreement which would constitute an impediment to, or restriction upon, Executive’s ability to enter this Agreement and to perform the duties of Executive’s employment.

 

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7.      Assignment of Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement . Executive acknowledges that by reason of his employment, he will have access to the Company’s trade secrets, confidential, and proprietary information, including but not limited to: confidential processes and technology, long range plans, marketing plans, supplier relationships, contract terms, compensation information, membership and customer data, financial information, pricing and costs information. Executive agrees, as a condition to Executive’s employment with the Company and the effectiveness of this Agreement, to execute the Company’s form of Employee Intellectual Property Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided, however, to the extent there is any inconsistency between such agreement and this Agreement, the Employee Intellectual Property Agreement shall control with respect to questions regarding ownership and/or rights in confidential information and intellectual property.

 

8.      Injunction . Executive agrees that an injunction may be granted by the Superior Court of San Francisco County, California, or by any other court or courts having jurisdiction, restraining him from violation of the terms of this Agreement, upon any breach or threatened breach. This shall not limit Company from any other relief or damages to which it may be entitled as a result of Executive’s breach of this Agreement.

 

9.      Alternative Dispute Resolution . Except in connection with an event subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, in which case Executive is not required to offer to engage in formal mediation prior to filing any action or claim against the Company, Executive agrees that prior to filing any action or claim against the Company, the Company or any of its respective employees, he will offer to engage in formal mediation to resolve any disputes that may arise between Executive and the Company regarding Executive’s employment, the termination of employment, and/or this Agreement. Each party shall bear its own costs of mediation.

 

10.    Arbitration .

 

(a)     Any disputes, controversies or claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement (except disputes, controversies or claims arising after the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company, in which case the provisions of this Section 10 will be in applicable) which the parties cannot resolve themselves, including disputes, controversies or claims pertaining to the general application, validity, construction, interpretation or enforceability of this Agreement and including any dispute relating to Executive’s employment or termination of employment (collectively, “Disputes”), will be settled exclusively by final and binding arbitration, before a single arbitrator, under the provisions the Federal Arbitration Act, and in accordance with the employment rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association or, if the parties agree, the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (“JAMS”). The term Disputes includes any claims based on violation of Law, such as claims for discrimination or civil rights violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, or similar statutes. The term Disputes excludes (a) claims for workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and any matter within the jurisdiction of the California Labor Commissioner or equivalent state agency with jurisdiction over wage claims, (b) any breach or alleged breach of Section 5, and (c) any request for equitable relief, including injunctive relief. Except as provided in this section, arbitration will be the exclusive method of resolving any Dispute, and both the Company and Executive are giving up any right they may otherwise have to a judge or jury deciding such Dispute.

 

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(b)     The arbitration will provide for (i) reasonable written discovery and depositions as provided by the California Code of Civil Procedure and (ii) a written decision by the arbitrator that includes the essential findings and conclusions upon which the decision is based. The Company will be responsible for payment of the tribunal costs relating to such arbitration; except in such Disputes where Executive asserts a claim under a state or federal statute prohibiting discrimination in employment or similar statutory, constitutional or public policy claim, or unless required otherwise by applicable Law (“Statutory Claim”). In Disputes where Executive asserts a Statutory claim, Executive will be required to pay only the initial filing fee to the extent such filing fee does not exceed the fee to file a complaint in state or federal court. The Company will pay the balance of the arbitrator’s fees and administrative costs. Each party will separately pay for its respective attorneys’ fees and expenses; provided, however, that the Arbitrator may award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party as allowed by law. All rights, causes of action, remedies and defenses available under California and federal law and equity are available to the parties hereto, and will be applicable as though in a court of law, including the right to file a motion for summary judgment. Any competent court having jurisdiction thereof may enter judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator.

 

(c)     This agreement to resolve any Disputes by binding arbitration will extend to claims against any Affiliate of a party, and, when acting within such capacity, any officer, director, shareholder, employee or agent of a party, or of any of the above, and will apply as well to claims arising out of state and federal statutes and local ordinances as well as to claims arising under the common law. The remedial authority of the arbitrator will be the same as, but no greater than, what would be the remedial power of a court having jurisdiction over the parties and their Dispute. This mutual arbitration agreement does not prohibit or limit either Executive or the Company’s right to seek equitable relief from a court including injunctive relief, a temporary restraining order, or other interim or conservatory relief, pending the resolution of a Dispute by arbitration.

 

(d)     The arbitrator will render an award and written opinion, and the award will be final and binding upon the parties. If any of the provisions of this Section are determined to be unlawful or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, such determination will not affect the validity of the remainder of this Section or this Agreement, and this Section and this Agreement will be reformed to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section to the greatest extent possible and to ensure that the resolution of all Disputes between the parties, including those arising out of statutory claims, will be resolved by neutral, binding arbitration. If a court should find that this section’s arbitration provisions are not absolutely binding, then the parties intend any arbitration decision and award to be fully admissible in evidence in any subsequent action, given great weight by any finder of fact, and treated as determinative to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

(e)     Unless mutually agreed by the parties, arbitration will take place in San Francisco, CA.

 

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(f)     If a party institutes any legal action or administrative proceeding against the other with respect to any claim waived by this Agreement or pursue any arbitrable dispute by any method other than arbitration, the responding party will recover from the initiating party all damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred as a result of such action.

 

(g)     This Section 10 shall not be applicable in connection with any disputes, controversies or claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement that arise or occur after the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company, and that none of the Parties are bound by this Section 10 in the event of a Change in Control of the Company.

 

11.     Non-Disparagement. Executive will not, directly or indirectly, make any disparaging, derogatory, negative or knowingly false statement about the Company or their respective equity holders, control persons, agents, successors and permitted assigns or any of their respective businesses, operations, financial condition or prospects, except as required by applicable law or order or as required in filing a charge with a government agency or complying with its investigation. This section will not prevent either party from making truthful statements in any judicial or governmental proceeding to enforce this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to legally compelled testimony.

 

12.     Fees . The prevailing party shall be entitled to its costs and attorney’s fees incurred in any litigation relating to the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement, provided that a party’s right to fees and costs in connection with a wage or other statutory employment claim shall be governed exclusively by applicable state or federal law.

 

13.      Definitions .

 

(a)      Cause . For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” is defined as any of the following: (i) fraud, illegal conduct, misappropriation or embezzlement on the part of Executive which results in material loss, damage or injury to the Company, (ii) a material breach of this Agreement (including any documents incorporated herein by reference) by Executive, (iii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude, or (iv) conduct by Executive which constitutes willful, wanton or grossly negligent neglect of duties. Conduct will not be willful or grossly negligent if done, or not done, by Executive in good faith and with reasonable belief that action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Any termination for “Cause” hereunder must be determined by a vote of the Board, with Executive first having been given specific written explanation of the basis for the “Cause” determination and an opportunity to appear before the Board prior to final Board action. If the Company wishes to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause, it shall first give Executive forty-five (45) days prior written notice of the circumstances constituting Cause and an opportunity to cure unless the circumstances are not subject to being cured.

 

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(b)      Change in Control . For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the “Exchange Act”) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities or membership interest; provided, however, that for purposes of this subclause (i) the acquisition of additional securities or membership interest by any one Person who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities or membership interests of the Company will not be considered a Corporate Transaction; (ii) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (except for a sale or disposition of such assets to a subsidiary of the Company); (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or company, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities or membership interests of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (iv) any other transaction which qualifies as a “corporate transaction” under Section 424(a) of the IRC wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of the Company). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Corporate Transaction unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of IRC Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.

 

(c)      Disability . For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” is defined as Executive’s inability to perform his essential employment duties, with or without reasonable accommodation for 180 days (in the aggregate) in any one-year period as determined by concurrence of Executive’s attending physician and an independent physician selected by the Company, and failing concurrence of such physicians, then by an independent physician which they together select.

 

(d)    Good Reason . For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” is defined as the occurrence of any of the following: (i) A material breach of this Agreement by the Company; (ii) Executive has a material reduction in position, status, duties or responsibilities, or is assigned duties materially inconsistent with his position as outlined in Schedule A, (iii) Executive’s base salary is reduced, (iv) Company fails to offer a formalized deferred compensation plan prior to February 28, 2019 under which Executive is eligible to participate in accordance with Section 4. If the Executive wishes to terminate his employment for Good Reason, he shall first give Company twenty-five (25) days prior written notice of the circumstances constituting Good Reason and an opportunity to cure unless the circumstances are not subject to being cured.

 

14.      Successors; Personal Services . The services and duties to be performed by the Executive hereunder are personal and may not be assigned or delegated. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and representatives.

 

15.      Notice . Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Executive, mailed notices shall be addressed to Executive at the home address, which Executive most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall be directed to the attention of the Board.

 

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16.      Miscellaneous Provisions .

 

(a)      Waiver . No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

 

(b)      Entire Agreement . This Agreement, including all exhibits and schedules attached hereto shall supersede and replace all prior agreements or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof, and no agreement, representations or understandings (whether oral or written or whether express or implied) which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with respect to the relevant matter hereof. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreements or understandings, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

 

(c)      Choice of Law . The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws of the State of California without reference to any choice of law rules. The parties expressly stipulate that any litigation under this Agreement shall be brought in the state courts of San Francisco County, California or in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco, California. The parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction and venue of these courts.

 

(d)    Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(e)      No Assignment of Benefits . The rights of any person to payments or benefits under this Agreement shall not be made subject to option or assignment, either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, including (without limitation) bankruptcy, garnishment, attachment or other creditor’s process, and any action in violation of this subsection shall be void.

 

(f)      No Duty to Mitigate . Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

 

(g)    Payment Method. All amounts owed to the Executive under this Agreement will be paid directly to the Executive or alternatively to a separate entity upon the written direction of the Executive.

 

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(h)      Employment Taxes . All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of all applicable income, health insurance and employment taxes.

 

(i)      Assignment by Company . The Company may assign its rights under this Agreement to an affiliate (as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), and an affiliate may assign its rights under this Agreement to another affiliate of the Company or to the Company. In the case of any such assignment, the term “Company” when used in a section of this Agreement shall mean the corporation that actually employs the Executive.

 

(j)      Exclusivity . Each of the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is being entered exclusively between the Executive and the Company, and that none of the respective affiliates of any of the Parties, including but not limited to the sole member of the Company, McorpCX, Inc., will be bound by any of the terms of this Agreement.

 

(k)    Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(l)    Code Section 409A Compliance . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with IRC Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. To the extent that any payment or benefit described in this Agreement constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” under IRC Section 409A (or is intended to qualify for an exemption under IRC Section 409A) and such payment or benefit is payable upon Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, then the phrase “termination of employment,” “termination of this Agreement” and other similar phrases in this Agreement will be deemed to mean a “separation from service,” as defined in accordance with IRC Section 409A and corresponding Treasury regulations. Additionally, to the extent that any reimbursements under this Agreement are subject to the provisions of IRC Section 409A , any such reimbursements payable to Executive will be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, the amount of the expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. The Company makes no representation or warranty and will have no liability to Executive or any other person with respect to whether any provision of this Agreement fails to comply with IRC Section 409A or fails to satisfy an intended exemption from IRC Section 409A. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by IRC Section 409A.

 

(k)      IRC Section 280G . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit to be paid or provided by the Company or its affiliates to the Executive or the Executive’s benefit pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Covered Payments”) would be an “excess parachute payment,” within the meaning of Section 280G of the IRC, but for this Section 16(k), then the Covered Payments shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary (but in no event less than zero) so that no portion of any Covered Payments, as so reduced, constitutes an excess parachute payment, but only if and to the extent that such reduction will also result in, after taking into account all state, local and federal taxes applicable to the Executive (computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), including any taxes payable pursuant to Section 4999 of the IRC (and any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed under any successor provision or by any taxing authority), greater after-tax proceeds to the Executive than the after-tax proceeds to the Executive computed without regard to any such reduction. The determination of whether any reduction in such Covered Payments is required pursuant to this Section 16(k) shall be made by a firm of independent certified public accountants or a law firm selected by the Company. In the event that any Covered Payment is required to be reduced pursuant to this Section 16(k), the Executive shall be entitled to designate the payments and/or benefits to be so reduced in order to give effect to this Section 16(k). The Company shall provide the Executive with all information reasonably requested by the Executive to permit the Executive to make such designation. In the event that the Executive fails to make such designation within ten (10) business days of the date on which he is notified of the determination that a reduction in Covered Payments is required under this Section 16(k), the Company may affect such reduction in any manner it deems appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

[r emainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMPANY:  MCORPCX , LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Gregg R Budoi

[Sign Here]

 

Gregg R. Budoi, Board Member

 

    

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

/s/  Michael Hinshaw

[Sign Here]

 

Michael Hinshaw

 

 

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SCHEDULE “A”

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE

COMPANY

 

 

Manage all operations of the Company in adherence to the Limited Liability Company Agreement for McorpCX, LLC.

 

Dedicate a substantial portion of Executive’s professional time to the management of the operations of the Company, but in no event less than such amount of time as may be required to adequately perform the required duties and responsibilities of the Executive’s position with the Company. Materially meet the financial metrics established within the annually Board approved operating budget as defined and agreed to by the Board and the Executive

 

Hire/fire employees or contractors sufficient to meet the business plan objectives

 

Market the Company and its services to the Board directed customer/client segments

 

Through ongoing thought leadership activities, continue to promote the Company as a leader in the various markets and for the various segments that the company intends to and does pursue as prospective sources of new business and/or industry influence.

 

Protect all intellectual property and client relationships

 

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Exhibit “A”

 

EMPLOYEE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AGREEMENT

 

(attached)

 

 

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