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EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Notes to Financial Statements  
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

NOTE 22 – EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

 

On June 7, 2013, we entered into an Executive Services Agreement (the “Hunt Agreement”) with Rob Hunt, pursuant to which we engaged Mr. Hunt, from the close of business on June 7, 2013 through June 7, 2015, to provide consulting and management services as the President of GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc. Upon Mr. Hunt’s employment by the Company, the Company shall pay Mr. Hunt an annual salary of $75,000 (the “Base Salary”). Such Base Salary shall increase to the annual rate of $100,000 on the first day of the month following the month in which GrowLife’s gross monthly sales reach $840,000. Mr. Hunt shall also be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus (“Bonus”) as follows for its fiscal year 2013: 100% of the Base Salary in effect as of December 31 of the Company’s applicable fiscal year, if GrowLife achieves 150% of sales projections for such fiscal year; 75% of the Base Salary in effect as of December 31 of the Company’s applicable fiscal year, if GrowLife achieves at least 125% but less than 150% of sales projections for such fiscal year; and 50% of the Base Salary in effect as of December 31 of the Company’s applicable fiscal year, if GrowLife achieves at least 100% of sales projections for such fiscal year. The Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Mr. Hunt upon the earlier of (1) the completion of the preparation of the Company’s audited financial statements for such fiscal year and (2) April 1 of the Company’s next fiscal year. Mr. Hunt shall be entitled to receive an annual cash bonus (“Bonus”) as follows for its fiscal year 2014: 100% of the Base Salary in effect as of December 31 of the Company’s applicable fiscal year, if GrowLife achieves 150% of sales projections for such fiscal year; 75% of the Base Salary in effect as of December 31 of the Company’s applicable fiscal year, if GrowLife achieves at least 125% but less than 150% of sales projections for such fiscal year; and 50% of the Base Salary in effect as of December 31 of the Company’s applicable fiscal year, if GrowLife achieves at least 100% of sales projections for such fiscal year. The Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Mr. Hunt upon the earlier of (1) the completion of the preparation of the Company’s audited financial statements for such fiscal year and (2) April 1 of the Company’s next fiscal year. Mr. Hunt shall receive, upon approval by the Company’s Board of Directors, non-qualified options to purchase 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, which is June 7, 2013 and represents the date on which Mr. Hunt became a Director of the Company and President of GrowLife Hydroponics, Inc., vesting in 24 equal monthly installments on the last day of each month commencing from and after June 7, 2013. The Company shall also apply for and obtain “term” life insurance upon the life of Mr. Hunt, effective as of January 1, 2012, in an amount equal to Mr. Hunt’s then current Base Salary. The beneficiary of such policy shall be the person(s) designated by Mr. Hunt. During Mr. Hunt’s term of employment hereunder, the Company shall provide to Mr. Hunt a monthly housing stipend of $1,500. In the event that the Company and Mr. Hunt mutually agree to Mr. Hunt’s relocation to Los Angeles County, California, the Company shall pay Mr. Hunt’s relocation costs, up to a maximum amount of $5,000, and shall pay for reasonable temporary housing for Mr. Hunt and his family for a period of 3 months. During Mr. Hunt’s term of employment hereunder, Mr. Hunt and, to the extent applicable, Mr. Hunt’s dependents and beneficiaries, shall be allowed to enjoy and participate in all benefit plans and programs, including improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter be, available to other executive employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Such benefit plans and programs shall include, without limitation, medical insurance, D&O insurance, and such similar benefits, plans and programs as may be maintained by the Company. During Mr. Hunt’s term of employment hereunder, Mr. Hunt shall be entitled to incur and be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable business expenses. Mr. Hunt’s engagement with the Company may be terminated for the reasons set forth below. To the extent Mr. Hunt serves as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, at the request of the Company’s Board of Directors, Mr. Hunt agrees to resign from his position as a director of the Company within 24 hours after his engagement is terminated. This Agreement shall terminate upon Mr. Hunt’s death (“Death”). The Company shall pay Mr. Hunt’s estate (i) on the date it would have been payable to Mr. Hunt any unpaid Base Salary and accrued vacation, if any, earned prior to Mr. Hunt’s Death, and (ii) any unpaid reimbursements due Mr. Hunt for expenses incurred by Mr. Hunt prior to his Death. If, as a result of Mr. Hunt’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, thereby causing Mr. Hunt to have been absent from the full time performance of substantially all of his material duties with the Company for a continuous period of 180 days, Mr. Hunt’s engagement may be terminated by the Company or by Mr. Hunt for “Disability.” If terminated for disability, the Company shall pay Mr. Hunt: (a) any unpaid Base Salary and accrued vacation, if any, earned prior to the Effective Date of Termination, and (b) any unpaid reimbursements due for expenses incurred prior to the Effective Date of Termination. The Company may terminate Mr. Hunt’s engagement hereunder for Cause. In the event of termination for Cause, Mr. Hunt will be entitled to such Base Salary and accrued vacation, if any, earned through the date of termination which earned amounts shall be payable on the date of termination for Cause, but will not be entitled to any other salary, benefits, bonuses, or other compensation after such date. This Agreement may also be terminated Without Cause by the Company at any time by the delivery to Mr. Hunt of a written notice of termination. Upon such termination, Mr. Hunt shall be entitled to receive the following: (a) such Base Salary and accrued vacation, if any, earned through the date of termination; (b) a termination fee equal to his then-current Base Salary for six equal monthly installments; and (c) his options shall continue to vest in accordance with their terms, and such options shall expire on the latest termination date set forth in the applicable stock option agreements. Mr. Hunt may terminate this Agreement upon 30 days written notice to the Company. In the event Mr. Hunt terminates this Agreement for “Good Reason,” Mr. Hunt shall be entitled to receive: (a) such Base Salary and accrued vacation, if any, earned through the date of termination; (b) a termination fee equal to his then-current Base Salary for six equal monthly installments; and (c) his options shall continue to vest in accordance with their terms, and such options shall expire on the latest termination date set forth in the applicable stock option agreements. In the event Mr. Hunt terminates this Agreement other than for Disability or Good Reason, the Company shall pay Mr. Hunt: (a) such Base Salary and accrued vacation, if any, earned through the date of termination; and (b) any unpaid reimbursements for expenses incurred through the date of termination. 

 

On November 3, 2013, we entered into an Executive Services Agreement (the “Scott Agreement”) with Sterling Scott, pursuant to which we engaged Mr. Scott, from the close of business on November 2, 2013 through November 2, 2016, to provide consulting and management services as our Chief Executive Officer. Per the terms of the Scott Agreement, Mr. Scott shall receive an annual salary of $120,000, he shall be eligible for any benefits made generally available by the Company, he shall be eligible to receive any bonuses made generally available by the Company, and he shall be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses incurred while performing his duties as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Scott Agreement also granted Mr. Scott non-qualified options to purchase 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The options include a cashless exercise feature and vest in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments on the last day of each month commencing on October 31, 2013. In the event that the Company’s Board of Directors determines to accept any offers that would when executed result in a change of control transaction involving more than 50% of the issued shares of Company, then vesting of non-qualified options to Mr. Scott shall be accelerated, at the election in writing by the Mr. Scott, to the date on which the Company’s Board of Directors determined to accept such offer. Except in situations where the employment of Mr. Scott is terminated For Cause, By Death or By Disability, in the event that the Company terminates the employment of Mr. Scott at any time, Mr. Scott will be eligible to immediately receive all remaining compensation due under the Scott Agreement. This calculation will be based on the then-current Base Salary of Mr. Scott and the amount of days remaining in the Employment Term. Mr. Scott shall also immediately receive the issuance of five percent (5.0%) of the Company’s common stock on a fully diluted basis, giving effect to the issuance. Mr. Scott shall not be entitled to any severance payments if his employment is terminated For Cause, By Death or By Disability, or if Mr. Scott’s employment is terminated by Mr. Scott. For purposes of the Scott Agreement, “For Cause” shall mean: (i) Mr. Scott commits a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or physical harm to any person; or (ii) Mr. Scott willfully engages in conduct that is in bad faith and materially injurious to the Company, including but not limited to, misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud or embezzlement. The Company may terminate Mr. Scott’s employment For Cause at any time, without any advance notice. The Company shall pay to Mr. Scott all compensation to which Mr. Scott is entitled up through the date of termination, subject to any other rights or remedies of Employer under law; and thereafter all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall cease. Mr. Scott’s employment shall terminate automatically upon his death. The Company shall pay to Mr. Scott’s beneficiaries or estate, as appropriate, any compensation then due and owing. Thereafter all obligations of the Company under the Scott Agreement shall cease. If Mr. Scott becomes eligible for the Company’s long term disability benefits or if, in the sole opinion of the Company, Mr. Scott is unable to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position held by Mr. Scott by reason of any physical or mental impairment for more than ninety (90) consecutive days or more than one hundred and twenty (120) days in any twelve (12) month period, then, to the extent permitted by law, the Company may terminate Mr. Scott’s employment. The Company shall pay to Mr. Scott all compensation to which he is entitled up through the date of termination, and thereafter all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall cease. Mr. Scott may terminate employment with the Company at any time for any reason or no reason at all, upon thirty (30) days’ advance written notice. During such notice period Mr. Scott shall continue to diligently perform all of his duties hereunder. The Company shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to make Mr. Scott’s termination effective at any time prior to the end of such notice period as long as the Company pays Mr. Scott all compensation to which he is entitled up through the last day of the thirty-day notice period. Thereafter all obligations of the Company shall cease.

  

On November 3, 2013, we entered into an Executive Services Agreement (the “Genesi Agreement”) with John Genesi, pursuant to which we engaged Mr. Genesi, from the close of business on November 2, 2013 through November 2, 2016, to provide consulting and management services as our Chief Financial Officer. Per the terms of the Genesi Agreement, Mr. Genesi shall receive an annual salary of $100,000, he shall be eligible for any benefits made generally available by the Company, he shall be eligible to receive any bonuses made generally available by the Company, and he shall be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses incurred while performing his duties as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The Genesi Agreement also granted Mr. Genesi non-qualified options to purchase 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of one share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The options include a cashless exercise feature and vest in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments on the last day of each month commencing on October 31, 2013. In the event that the Company’s Board of Directors determines to accept any offers that would when executed result in a change of control transaction involving more than 50% of the issued shares of Company, then vesting of non-qualified options to Mr. Genesi shall be accelerated, at the election in writing by the Mr. Genesi, to the date on which the Company’s Board of Directors determined to accept such offer. Except in situations where the employment of Mr. Genesi is terminated For Cause, By Death or By Disability, in the event that the Company terminates the employment of Mr. Genesi at any time, Mr. Genesi will be eligible to immediately receive all remaining compensation due under the Genesi Agreement. This calculation will be based on the then-current Base Salary of Mr. Genesi and the amount of days remaining in the Employment Term. Mr. Genesi shall also immediately receive the issuance of two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the Company’s common stock on a fully diluted basis, giving effect to the issuance. Mr. Genesi shall not be entitled to any severance payments if his employment is terminated For Cause, By Death or By Disability, or if Mr. Genesi’s employment is terminated by Mr. Genesi. For purposes of the Genesi Agreement, “For Cause” shall mean: (i) Mr. Genesi commits a crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or physical harm to any person; or (ii) Mr. Genesi willfully engages in conduct that is in bad faith and materially injurious to the Company, including but not limited to, misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud or embezzlement. The Company may terminate Mr. Genesi’s employment For Cause at any time, without any advance notice. The Company shall pay to Mr. Genesi all compensation to which Mr. Genesi is entitled up through the date of termination, subject to any other rights or remedies of Employer under law; and thereafter all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall cease. Mr. Genesi’s employment shall terminate automatically upon his death. The Company shall pay to Mr. Genesi’s beneficiaries or estate, as appropriate, any compensation then due and owing. Thereafter all obligations of the Company under the Genesi Agreement shall cease. If Mr. Genesi becomes eligible for the Company’s long term disability benefits or if, in the sole opinion of the Company, Mr. Genesi is unable to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position held by Mr. Genesi by reason of any physical or mental impairment for more than ninety (90) consecutive days or more than one hundred and twenty (120) days in any twelve (12) month period, then, to the extent permitted by law, the Company may terminate Mr. Genesi’s employment. The Company shall pay to Mr. Genesi all compensation to which he is entitled up through the date of termination, and thereafter all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall cease. Mr. Genesi may terminate employment with the Company at any time for any reason or no reason at all, upon thirty (30) days’ advance written notice. During such notice period Mr. Genesi shall continue to diligently perform all of his duties hereunder. The Company shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to make Mr. Genesi’s termination effective at any time prior to the end of such notice period as long as the Company pays Mr. Genesi all compensation to which he is entitled up through the last day of the thirty-day notice period. Thereafter all obligations of the Company shall cease.

 

On December 4, 2013, we entered into an Executive Services Agreement (the “Hegyi Agreement”) with Marco Hegyi, pursuant to which we engaged Mr. Hegyi, from the close of business on December 4, 2013 through December 4, 2016, to provide consulting and management services as our President. Per the terms of the Hegyi Agreement, Mr. Hegyi will establish a Company in Seattle, Washington while also maintaining operations in the Southern California area. Mr. Hegyi’s annual compensation is $150,000 for the first year of the Term; $250,000 for the second year of the Term; and $250,000 for the third year of the Term. Mr. Hegyi is also entitled to receive an annual bonus equal to four percent (4%) of the Company’s EBITDA for that year. The annual bonus shall be paid no later than 31 days (i.e., by January 31st) following the end of each calendar year. Mr. Hegyi’s first annual bonus will be calculated based on the Company’s EBITDA for calendar year 2014, with such bonus payable on or before January 31, 2015. If Mr. Hegyi’s employment is terminated for any reason prior to the expiration of the Term, as applicable, his annual bonus will be prorated for that year based on the number of days worked in that year. At the commencement of Mr. Hegyi’s employment, he (or to a trust or other related or affiliated entity designated by Mr. Hegyi for estate planning purposes) is entitled to a Warrant to purchase up to 25,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.08 per share (the “Hegyi Warrant”) (see “NOTE 20 – STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICT”). The warrants shall be exercisable for a period of 10 years commencing on the date on which the Company completes the increase in the number of its authorized shares of common stock. Immediately after the execution of the Hegyi agreement, the Company will increase its authorized shares in an amount sufficient to have authorized shares of common stock available for the full exercise of Hegyi’s warrant to purchase up to 25,000,000 shares of common stock. The Company undertakes to: (1) have the Board of the Company vote to amend its certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized shares of common stock in the Company by a sufficient amount to provide for the Hegyi Warrant to be immediately exercisable for 25,000,000 shares of common stock, subject to shareholder approval; (2) have the Board reserve up to 25,000,000 shares of common stock for exercise of the Hegyi Warrant, subject to the completion of the increase in authorized shares, and (3) prepare a Company proxy statement for and hold a meeting of the shareholders of the Company to vote to approve the amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized shares. If an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation increasing the authorized shares has not been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware within six (6) months from the date of the Hegyi Agreement, then such failures shall be a Change of Control event. The Company will also reimburse Mr. Hegyi for all reasonable and necessary travel and other out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties and responsibilities, subject to and consistent with the Company’s business expense reimbursement policies in effect from time to time, including an itemized list of the expenses incurred and appropriate receipts and supporting documentation. Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to participate in all group employment benefits that are offered by the Company to the Company’s senior executives and management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility requirements. In addition, the Company will purchase and maintain during the Term a “key manager” insurance policy on Mr. Hegyi’s life in the amount of $4,000,000, paid as $2,000,000 payable to Mr. Hegyi’s named heirs or estate as the beneficiary, and $2,000,000 payable to the Company. If, prior to the expiration of the Term, the Company terminates Mr. Hegyi’s employment for “Cause”, or if Mr. Hegyi voluntarily terminates his employment without “Good Reason”, or if Mr. Hegyi’s employment is terminated by reason of his death, then all of the Company’s obligations hereunder shall cease immediately, and Mr. Hegyi will not be entitled to any further compensation beyond any pro-rated base salary due and bonus amounts earned through the effective date of termination. Mr. Hegyi will also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred prior to the date of termination for which he was not previously reimbursed. If the Company terminates Mr. Hegyi’s employment at any time prior to the expiration of the Term without Cause, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates his employment at any time for “Good Reason” or due to a “Disability”, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to receive: (i) his base salary amount through the end of the Term; and (ii) his annual bonus amount for each year during the remainder of the Term, which bonus amount shall be equal to the greater of (A) the annual bonus amount for the immediately preceding year, or (B) the bonus amount that would have been earned for the year of termination, absent such termination. If there has been a “Change in Control” and the Company (or its successor or the surviving entity) terminates Mr. Hegyi’s employment without Cause as part of or in connection with such Change in Control (including any such termination occurring within one (1) month prior to the effective date of such Change in Control), then in addition to the benefits set forth above, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to the following: (i) an increase of $300,000 in his annual base salary amount (or an additional $25,000 per month) through the end of the Term; plus (ii) a gross-up in the annual base salary amount each year to account for and to offset any tax that may be due by Mr. Hegyi on any payments received or to be received by Mr. Hegyi under this Agreement that would result in a “parachute payment” as described in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If the Company (or its successor or the surviving entity) terminates Mr. Hegyi’s employment without Cause within twelve (12) months after the effective date of any Change in Control, or if Mr. Hegyi terminates his employment for Good Reason within twelve (12) months after the effective date of any Change in Control, then in addition to the benefits set forth above, Mr. Hegyi will be entitled to the following: (i) an increase of $300,000 in his annual base salary amount (or an additional $25,000 per month), which increased annual base salary amount shall be paid for the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years following the Change in Control, whichever is longer; (ii) a gross-up in the annual base salary amount each year to account for and to offset any tax that may be due by Mr. Hegyi on any payments received or to be received by Mr. Hegyi under this Letter Agreement that would result in a “parachute payment” as described in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (iii) payment of Mr. Hegyi’s annual bonus amount as set forth above for each year during the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years following the Change in Control, whichever is longer; and (iv) health insurance coverage provided for and paid by the Company for the remainder of the Term or for two (2) years following the Change in Control, whichever is longer.