EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.3
This
Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is effective as of August 24, 2006 (the
Effective Date”) by and between Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx and Blast Energy Services,
Inc., and its subsidiaries, a California corporation (the
“Company”).
1.
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Duties
and Scope of Employment.
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(a)
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Position.
For the term of his employment under this Agreement (the “Employment”),
the Company agrees to employ the Executive in the position of Vice
President of Eagle Domestic Drilling Operations LLC. The duties and
responsibilities of Executive shall include the duties and
responsibilities for the Executive’s corporate office and position as set
forth in the Company’s bylaws and such other duties and responsibilities
as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and/or Board of Directors may
from time to time reasonably assign to the
Executive.
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(b)
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Obligations
to the Company.
During his Employment, the Executive shall devote his primary focus
and
primary business efforts and time to the Company, The Executive maintains
other business interests and prior obligations outside of the Company
which he currently pursues and which he shall continue during his
employment with the Company. Nothing shall not preclude Executive
from
engaging in appropriate civic, charitable or religious activities
or from
devoting a reasonable amount of time to private investments or from
serving on the boards of directors of companies, including closely
held
companies which are controlled by Executive as long as these activities
or
services do not materially interfere or conflict with Executive’s
responsibilities to, or ability to perform his duties of employment
by,
the Company under this Agreement. The Executive shall comply with
the
Company’s policies and rules as they may be in effect from time to time
during his Employment.
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(c)
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No
Conflicting Obligations.
The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that he is under
no
obligations or commitments, whether contractual or otherwise, that
are
inconsistent with his obligations under this Agreement. The Executive
represents and warrants that he will not use or disclose, in connection
with his employment by the Company, any trade secrets or other proprietary
information or intellectual property in which the Executive or any
other
person has any right, title or interest and that his employment by
the
Company as contemplated by this Agreement will not infringe or violate
the
rights of any other person. The Executive represents and warrants
to the
Company that he has returned all property and confidential information
belonging to any prior employer.
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2.
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Cash
and Incentive
Compensation.
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(a)
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Salary.
The Company shall pay the Executive as compensation for his services
a
base salary at a gross annual rate of not less than $150,000.00.
Such
salary shall be reviewed annually in December with any adjustment
(but in
no event a reduction in salary) to be effective January 1 of the
following
year and payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll
procedures. (The annual compensation specified in the Subsection
(a),
together with any increases in such compensation that the Company
may
grant from time to time, is referred to in this Agreement as “Base
Compensation.”)
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(b)
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Bonus.
The Executive shall be eligible to participate in bonus programs
established by the Board of Directors for management employees. During
the
Employment Period, Executive will be entitled to participate in an
annual
incentive compensation plan of the Company. The Executive’s potential
annual bonus will be up to fifty percent (50%) of his Base Salary
as in
effect for such year, such bonus to be based upon mutually agreeable
milestones determined by the Chief Executive
Officer.
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(c)
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Stock
Award:
Executive will received 1 million shares of restricted stock at the
close
of the acquisition of Eagle Domestic Drilling Operations, LLC. The
restrictions on the 1 million shares will be removed after twelve
(12)
months from the day of closing.
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(d)
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Options.
Executive shall be eligible to be considered for stock option grants
under
the Company’s annual stock option award program as administered by, and at
the discretion of, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
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(e)
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410
(k) Benefit.
Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s 401 (k) Plan
and enjoy the benefits thereof.
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(f)
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Insurance
Coverage Reimbursement.
The Executive will be eligible to participate in Company-sponsored
benefit
plans, including the Company’s medical plan, in the same manner as Company
and any third-party benefit provider make such opportunities available
to
Company’s regular full-time employees, subject to any such third-party
benefit provider’s determination that Executive is eligible to participate
in such plan.
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(g)
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Vacation.
During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to
vacation
each year in accordance with the Company’s policies in effect from time to
time, but in no event less than three
(3)
weeks paid vacation per calendar
year.
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3.
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Business
Expenses.
During his Employment, the Executive shall be authorized to incur
necessary and reasonable travel, entertainment and other business
expenses
in connection with his duties hereunder. The Company shall reimburse
the
Executive for such expenses
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upon
presentation of an itemized account and appropriate supporting documentation,
all in accordance with the Company’s generally applicable policies. The
Executive shall have a car allowance of $1,000.00 per month during the term
of
this Agreement.
4.
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Term
of Employment.
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(a)
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Term.
This Agreement shall expire on the third anniversary of the Effective
Date, unless otherwise extended by the mutual agreement of Executive
and
the Company; provided,
that this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for additional
one (1)
year terms, after the initial three year term, and shall automatically
be
continued effective as of the subsequent anniversary date of the
Agreement
(a “Renewal Date”) unless the Company or Executive has delivered written
notice of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days
prior
to the relevant Renewal Date.
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(b)
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Basic
Rule.
The Executive’s Employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning
that either the Executive or the Company shall be entitled to terminate
the Executive’s Employment at any time and for any reason, with or without
Cause (in the case of the Company) or Constructive Termination (in
the
case of Executive). Any contrary representations that may have been
made
to the Executive shall be superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement
shall constitute the full and complete agreement between the Executive
and
the Company on the “at will nature of the Executive’s Employment, which
may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by the
Executive and a duly authorized officer of the
Company.
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(c)
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Termination.
The Company or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s Employment at
any time and for any reason (or no reason), and with or without Cause
(in
the case of the Company) or Constructive Termination (in the case
of
Executive), by giving the other party notice in writing. The Executive’s
Employment shall terminate automatically in the event of his
death.
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(d)
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Rights
Upon Termination.
Except as expressly provided in Section 5, upon the termination of
the
Executive’s Employment pursuant to this Section 4, the Executive shall
only be entitled to the compensation, benefits and reimbursements
described in Sections 2 and 3 preceding the effective date of the
termination.
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5.
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Termination
Benefits.
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(a)
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General
Release.
Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, Subsections
(b),
(c), and (d) below shall not apply unless the Employee (i) has executed
a
general release (in a form reasonably prescribed by the Company)
of
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all
known
and unknown claims that he may then have against the Company or persons
affiliated with the Company, and (ii) has agreed not to prosecute any legal
action or other proceeding based upon any of such claims.
(b)
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Severance
Pay.
If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company terminates the
Executive’s Employment for any reason other than Cause, or if the
Executive voluntarily resigns from the Company, (collectively, a
“Termination Event”), then the Company shall pay the Executive his Base
Compensation for the remaining period of the then-current term of
this
Agreement, but not in excess of twelve (12) months.
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(c)
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Disability
or Death.
If
the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company by reason of the
Executive’s Disability or death, the Executive shall be entitled to a
prompt cash payment of a prorated portion of the payments set forth
in
Sections 2(a) and (b) above for the year in which such termination
occurs.
Executive and his eligible dependents shall be entitled to continued
participation so long as he is disabled and is not eligible for coverage
under a successor employer’s plans through the month in which the
Executive attains age 65 in all medical, dental, vision and
hospitalization insurance coverage, and in all other employee welfare
benefit plans, programs and arrangements in which he was participating
on
the date of termination of his employment for Disability on terms
and
conditions that are no less favorable than those applicable, from
time to
time, to senior executives of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Disability” means the Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental
incapacity, to substantially perform his duties and responsibilities
contemplated by this Agreement. In the event of a dispute as to whether
the Executive is disabled, the determination shall be made by a licensed
medical doctor selected by the Company and agreed to by the Executive.
If
the parties cannot agree on a medical doctor, each party shall select
a
medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third who shall
be the
approved medical doctor for this purpose. The Executive agrees to
submit
to such tests and examinations as such medical doctor shall deem
appropriate.
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(d)
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Definition
of “Cause.”
For all purposes under this Agreement, “Cause” shall
mean:
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(i)
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Any
breach of the Invention, Confidential Information and Non-Competition
Agreement referenced in Section 6 hereof between the Executive and
the
Company, as determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company;
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(ii)
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Conviction
of, or a plea of “guilty” or “no contest” to, a felony, or a plea of
“guilty” or “no contest” to a lesser included offense in exchange for
withdrawal of a felony indictment of felony charge by indictment,
in each
case whether arising under the laws of the United States or any state
thereof;
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(iii)
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Any
act or acts of material fraud;
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(iv)
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Violations
of applicable laws, rules or regulations that expose the Company
to
material damages or material
liability
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(v)
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Material
breach by the employee of any material provision of the Employment
Agreement that remains uncorrected for 30 days following written
notice of
such breach to the employee by the
company.
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(e)
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Definition
of “Constructive Termination.”
For all purposes under this Agreement, Constructive Termination shall
mean
the voluntary resignation of the Executive within 60 days
following;
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(i)
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The
failure of the Executive to be elected or reelected to any of the
positions described in Section 1(a) or his removal from any such
position
without his written consent.
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(ii)
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A
material diminution in the Executive’s duties or the assignment of him of
any duties inconsistent with the Executive’s position and status as Vice
President of the Company.
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(iii)
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A
change in the Executive’s reporting
relationship.
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(iv)
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A
reduction in the Executive’s Base Compensation without his
consent;
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(v)
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Receipt
of notice from Company that the Executive’s principal workplace will be
relocated by more than 50 miles without his written
consent;
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(vi)
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A
breach by the Company of any of its material obligations to the Executive
under this Agreement; or
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(vii)
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The
failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any
successor to all or substantially all of the assets or business of
the
Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement within 15 days
after
a merger, consolidation, sale or similar
transaction.
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6.
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Invention,
Confidential Information and Non-Competition
Agreement.
The Executive has entered into an Invention, Confidential Information
and
Non-Competition Agreement with the Company, in the form attached
hereto as
Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
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7.
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Successors.
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(a) Company’s
Successors.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon any successor (whether direct or indirect and
whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise)
to
all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets. For all
purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” shall include any successor to
the Company’s business and/or assets which becomes bound by this
Agreement.
(b)
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Executives
Successors.
This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure
to
the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executive’s personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs,
distributees, devisees and
legatees.
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8.
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Miscellaneous
Provisions.
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(a)
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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 him at the home address which
he 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 its
Secretary.
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(b)
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Modifications
and Waivers.
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.
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(c)
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Indemnification.
To
the fullest extent permitted by the indemnification provisions of
the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company in effect as
of the
date of this Agreement, and indemnification provision of the laws
of the
jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation in effect from time to time,
the Company and any of its successors or assigns shall indemnify
the
Executive as a director, senior officer or employee of the Company
against
all liabilities and reasonable expenses that may be incurred in any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, and
shall pay
for the reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in the defense
of or
participation in any proceeding to which the Executive is a party
because
of his service to the Company. The rights of the Executive under
this
indemnification provision shall survive the termination of employment
and
the Company shall procure the same in the event it is acquired or
for any
reason there become a successor to its obligations under this
Agreement.
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(d)
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Whole
Agreement.
This Agreement and the Invention, Confidential Information and
Non-Competition Agreement between the Company and Executive
contain
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the
entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
No other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written
and whether express or implied) which are not expressly set forth in such
agreements have been made or entered into by either party with respect to the
subject matter hereof.
(e)
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Withholding
Taxes.
All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction
to
reflect taxes or other charges required to be withheld by
law.
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(f)
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Choice
of Law and Severability.
This Agreement is executed by the parties in the State of Texas and
shall
be interpreted in accordance with the laws of such State (except
their
provisions governing the choice of law). If any provision of this
Agreement becomes or is deemed invalid, illegal or unenforceable
in any
jurisdiction by reason of the scope, extent or duration of its coverage,
then such provision shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary
to
conform to applicable law so as to be valid and enforceable or, if
such
provision cannot be so amended without materially altering the intention
of the parties, then such provision shall be stricken and the remainder
of
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. Should there
ever
occur any conflict between any provision contained in this Agreement
and
any present or future statue, law, ordinance or regulation contrary
to
which the parties have no legal right to contract, then the latter
shall
prevail but the provision of this Agreement affected thereby shall
be
curtailed and limited only to the extent necessary to bring it into
compliance with applicable law. All the other terms and provisions
of this
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without impairment
or
limitation.
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(g)
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Arbitration.
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement
or
the breach thereof, or the Executive’s Employment or the termination
thereof, shall be settled in Houston, Texas, by arbitration in accordance
with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes
of the
American Arbitration Association. The decision of the arbitrator
shall be
final and binding on the parties, and judgment on the award rendered
by
the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
The parties hereby agree that the arbitrator shall be empowered to
enter
an equitable decree mandating specific enforcement of the terms of
this
Agreement. The Company and the Executive shall share equally all
fees and
expenses of the arbitrator. The Executive hereby consents to personal
jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State
of Texas
for any action or proceeding arising from or relating to this Agreement
or
relating to any arbitration in which the parties are
participants.
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(h)
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No
Assignment.
This Agreement and all rights and obligations of the Executive hereunder
are personal to the Executive and may not be transferred or assigned
by
the Executive at any time. The Company may assign its rights under
this
Agreement to any entity that assumes the Company’s obligations hereunder
in
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connection
with any sale or transfer of all or substantial portion of the Company’s assets
to such entity.
(i)
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Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each
of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.
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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.
/s/
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Xx.
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XXXXXXX
X. XXXXXXXX, Xx.
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By:
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Name:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Title:
President and Co-CEO
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EXHIBIT
A
Invention,
Confidential Information and Non-Competition Agreement
CONFIDENTIALITY
AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT, entered into this 25th
day of
August, 2006, by and between Blast
Energy Services, Inc.
a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of California.,
("Disclosing Party"), and Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx.,
("Receiving Party"). Disclosing Party and Receiving Party are sometimes herein
individually called a “Party” and collectively called the
“Parties”.
1. Disclosure
of Confidential Information.
The
Disclosing Party is willing, in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this
Agreement, to disclose to the Receiving Party certain confidential information,
which is proprietary, relating to the abrasive fluid jetting and other technical
information, (“Technology”), which may be in tangible, intangible or electronic
form, together with any notes, memoranda, analyses, evaluations, charts,
drawings or summaries derived therefrom. The foregoing is herein referred to,
individually or collectively as the context may require, as the "Confidential
Information". The
obligation of Disclosing Party to disclose Confidential Information to Receiving
Party is subject to applicable provisions of agreements that Disclosing Party
has with third parties.
2. Confidentiality
Obligation and Non-Competition.
In
consideration of the disclosure of Confidential Information referred to in
Paragraph 1 hereof, the Receiving Party agrees that the Confidential Information
shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be sold, traded, published
or
otherwise disclosed to anyone in any manner whatsoever, including by means
of
photocopy or reproduction, without the Disclosing Party's prior written consent,
except as provided in Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 below.
3. Confidentiality
Exceptions.
The
Receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information without the Disclosing
Party's prior written consent only to the extent such information:
(A)
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is
already known to the Receiving Party as of the date of disclosure
hereunder;
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(B)
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is
already in possession of the public or becomes available to the public
other than through the act or omission of the Receiving
Party;
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(C)
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is
required to be disclosed under applicable law or by a governmental
order,
decree, regulation or rule (provided that the Receiving Party shall
give
written notice to the Disclosing Party prior to such disclosure);
or
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(D)
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is
acquired independently from a third party that represents that it
has the
right to disclose such information at the time it is acquired by
the
Receiving Party.
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4. Disclosure
to Affiliated Companies.
The
Receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information without the Disclosing
Party's prior written consent to an Affiliated Company (as hereinafter defined),
provided that the Receiving Party guarantees the adherence of such Affiliated
Company to the terms of this Agreement. "Affiliated
Company"
shall
mean any company or legal entity which (a) controls either directly or
indirectly a Party, or (b) which is controlled directly or
indirectly
by such Party, or (c) is directly or indirectly controlled by a company or
entity that directly or indirectly controls such Party. "Control"
means
the right to exercise more than 50% or more of the voting rights of such
company.
5. Other
Permitted Disclosures.
The
Receiving Party shall be entitled to disclose the Confidential Information
without the Disclosing Party's prior written consent to such of the following
persons who have a clear need to know in order to evaluate the Area of
Operations:
(A) employees,
officers and directors of the Receiving Party;
(B) employees,
officers and directors of an Affiliated Company;
(C)
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any
professional consultant or agent retained by the Receiving Party
for the
purpose of evaluating the Confidential Information;
or
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(D)
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any
bank, financial institution or person that finances the participation
by
Receiving Party or an Affiliate of Receiving Party of the Technology,
including any professional consultant retained by such entity for
the
purpose of evaluating the Confidential
Information.
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Prior
to
making any such disclosures to persons under subparagraphs (C) and (D) above,
however, the Receiving Party shall obtain from each such person an undertaking
of confidentiality, with substantially the same content as this
Agreement.
6. Use
of Confidential Information by Receiving Party.
The
Receiving Party and its Affiliated Companies, if any, shall use or permit the
use of the Confidential Information disclosed under Paragraphs 4 or 5 above
to
evaluate the Area of Operations and determine whether to enter into a
participation with Disclosing Party or one of its Affiliates for evaluation
of
the Technology.
7. Responsibility
to Ensure Confidentiality.
The
Receiving Party shall be responsible for ensuring that all persons to whom
the
Confidential Information is disclosed under this Agreement shall keep such
information confidential and shall not disclose or divulge the same to any
unauthorized person. Neither Party shall be liable in an action initiated by
one
against the other for special, indirect or consequential damages resulting
from
or arising out of this Agreement, including, without limitation, loss of profit
or business interruptions, however it may be caused.
8. Ownership
of Confidential Information.
The
Confidential Information shall remain the property of the Disclosing Party,
and
the Disclosing Party may demand the return thereof at any time upon giving
written notice to the Receiving Party. Within 10 days of receipt of such notice,
the Receiving Party shall return all of the original Confidential Information
and shall destroy all copies and reproductions (both written and electronic)
in
its possession and in the possession of persons to whom it was disclosed
pursuant to Paragraphs 4 and 5 hereof. .
9. Further
Agreements.
If the
Parties agree to participate in further agreements, which include
confidentiality provisions, then this Agreement shall terminate automatically
on
the date the Receiving Party enters into a further agreement with Disclosing
Party or one of its Affiliates that contains provisions covering the
confidentiality of data for the Technology. Unless earlier
terminated
under the preceding sentence, the confidentiality obligations set forth in
this
Agreement shall terminate two (2) years after the date of this
Agreement.
10. Right
to Disclose Confidential Information.
The
Disclosing Party hereby represents and warrants that it has the right and
authority to disclose the Confidential Information to the Receiving Party,
subject to the terms of agreements of Disclosing Party with third parties
relating to the Confidential Information. The Disclosing Party, however, makes
no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the quality,
accuracy and completeness of the Confidential Information disclosed hereunder,
and the Receiving Party expressly acknowledges the inherent risk of error in
the
acquisition, processing and interpretation of geological and geophysical data.
The Disclosing Party, its Affiliated Companies, their officers, directors and
employees shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to the use of or
reliance upon the Confidential Information by the Receiving Party.
11 General
Provisions.
(A) Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws
of
the State of Texas, without regard to principles of conflicts of law that would
refer the matter to the laws of another jurisdiction.
(A) Dispute
Resolution.
Any
dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any question
regarding its existence, validity or termination, which cannot be amicably
resolved by the Parties, shall be settled by arbitration before three
arbitrators, one to be appointed by each Party and the two so appointed shall
appoint the third arbitrator, in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association as amended from time to time. Arbitration
shall
be held in Houston, Texas, and judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. A dispute
shall be deemed to have arisen when either Party notifies the other Party in
writing to that effect. Each Party shall share equally in the costs of any
arbitration, however, each Party shall pay its own costs and attorney fees
irrespective of which Party prevails in the arbitration.
(C)
Approval
of Offers. Unless
otherwise expressly stated in writing, any prior or future proposals or offers
made in the course of the Parties’ discussions are implicitly subject to all
necessary management and government approvals and may be withdrawn by either
Party at any time. Nothing contained herein is intended to confer upon Receiving
Party any right whatsoever to Disclosing Party’s interests. Receiving Party
agrees with Disclosing Party that neither the review of Confidential Information
nor the granting of access thereto creates any obligation on Receiving Party
or
Disclosing Party to acquire or dispose of, respectively, any interest in their
operations.
(D). Further
Agreements.
Unless
otherwise expressly stated in writing, any prior or future proposals or offers
made in the course of the Parties' discussions are implicitly subject to all
necessary management and other approvals and may be withdrawn by either Party
at
any time. Nothing contained herein is intended to confer upon the Receiving
Party any right whatsoever to the Disclosing Party's interest in their
operations.
(E). Amendments
to Agreement.
No
amendments, changes or modifications to this Agreement shall be valid except
if
the same are in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of each
of the Parties hereto.
(E) Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement comprises the full and complete agreement of the Parties hereto with
respect to the disclosure of the Confidential Information and supersedes and
cancels all prior communications, understandings and agreements between the
Parties hereto, whether written or oral, expressed or implied.
(F) Notices.
Any
notice given hereunder by either Party shall be given in writing and shall
be
delivered in person, or sent by facsimile, or mailed by first class or
registered mail, postage prepaid, and shall be considered to have been well
and
sufficiently given when received by the Party to whom it is addressed as
follows. Each Party shall have the right to change its address at any time
and/or designate that copies of all notices be directed to another person at
another address, by giving written notice thereof to the other
Party.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
duly authorized representatives of the Parties have caused this Agreement to
be
executed on the date first written above.
BLAST
ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
By:
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
RECEIVING
PARTY
By:
/s/
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Xx.
EMPLOYEE
CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
In
consideration of my employment or continued employment by Blast Energy Services
(the "Company"), together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, and any
subsidiaries or affiliates which hereafter may be formed or acquired, and in
recognition of the fact that as an employee of Blast Energy Services I will
have
access to Blast Energy Services’ customers and to confidential and valuable
business information of Blast Energy Services and its parent company, if
applicable, together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, and any subsidiaries
or affiliates which hereafter may be formed or acquired, I hereby agree as
follows:
1.
Blast
Energy Services’ Business. Blast Energy Services’ Business is providing drilling
and communications services to the oil and gas industry. Blast Energy Services
is committed to quality and service in every aspect of its business. I
understand that Blast Energy Services looks to and expects from its employees
a
high level of competence, cooperation, loyalty, integrity, initiative, and
resourcefulness. I understand that as an employee of Blast Energy Services,
I
will have substantial contact with Blast Energy Services’ customers and
potential customers.
I
further
understand that all business and fees, including consulting, risk management
and
other services produced or transacted through my efforts, shall be the sole
property of Blast Energy Services, and that I shall have no right to share
in
any commission or fee resulting from the conduct of such business other than
as
compensation referred to in the paragraph entitled "Compensation and Benefits"
hereof. All checks or bank drafts received by me from any customer or account
shall be made payable to Blast Energy Services, and all premiums, commissions,
or fees that I may collect shall be in the name of and on behalf of Blast Energy
Services.
2.
Duties
of Employee. I shall comply with all Company rules, procedures, and standards
governing the conduct of employees and their access to and use of Blast Energy
Services’ property, equipment, and facilities. I understand that Blast Energy
Services will make reasonable efforts to inform me of the rules, standards,
and
procedures which are in effect from time to time and which apply to
me.
3.
Compensation and Benefits. I shall receive the compensation as is mutually
agreed upon, which may be adjusted from time to time, as full compensation
for
services performed under this Agreement. In addition, I may participate in
such
employee benefit plans and receive such other fringe benefits, subject to the
same eligibility requirements, as are afforded other Company employees in my
job
classification. I understand that these employee benefit plans and fringe
benefits may be amended, enlarged, or diminished by Blast Energy Services from
time to time, at its discretion.
4.
Management of Blast Energy Services. Blast Energy Services may manage and direct
its business affairs as it sees fit, including, without limitation, the
assignment of duties and responsibilities, the assignment of sales territories,
notwithstanding any employee's individual interest in or expectation regarding
a
particular business location or customer account.
5.
Termination of Employment. My employment may be terminated by Blast Energy
Services or me at any time, with or without notice or cause. Upon termination
of
my employment, I shall be entitled to receive incentive payments in accordance
with the provisions of Blast Energy Services’ Incentive Plan, as it may be
modified by Blast Energy Services from time to time, less any adjustments for
amounts owed by me to Blast Energy Services. I understand that I may also
receive additional compensation at the discretion of Blast Energy Services
and
in accordance with the published Company Personnel Policy on Termination
Pay.
6.
Agreement Not to Compete with Blast Energy Services.
A.
As
long as I am employed by Blast Energy Services, I shall not participate directly
or indirectly, in any capacity, in any business or activity that is in
competition with Blast Energy Services.
B.
In
consideration of my employment rights under this Agreement and in recognition
of
the fact that I will have access to the confidential information of Blast Energy
Services and that Blast Energy Services’ relationships with its customers and
potential customers constitute a substantial part of its goodwill, I agree
that
for One (1) year from and after termination of my employment, for any reason,
unless acting with Blast Energy Services’ express prior written consent, I shall
not, directly or indirectly, in any capacity, solicit or accept business from,
provide consulting services of any kind to, or perform any of the services
offered by Blast Energy Services, for any of Blast Energy Services’ customers or
prospects with whom I had business dealings in the year next preceding the
termination of my employment.
C.
I
agree not to go into business as a direct competitor of Company within the
United States of America for a period of twelve (12) months following the
expiration or termination of this agreement or following termination of
employment and notwithstanding the cause or reason for termination.
7.
Unauthorized Disclosure of Confidential Information. While employed by Blast
Energy Services and thereafter, I shall not, directly or indirectly, disclose
to
anyone outside of Blast Energy Services any Confidential Information or use
any
Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) other than pursuant to my
employment by and for the benefit of Blast Energy Services.
The
term
"Confidential Information" as used throughout this Agreement means any and
all
trade secrets and any and all data or information not generally known outside
of
Blast Energy Services whether prepared or developed by or for Blast Energy
Services or received by Blast Energy Services from any outside source. Without
limiting the scope of this definition, Confidential Information includes: any
customer files, customer lists, any business, marketing, financial or sales
record, data, plan, or survey; and any other record or information relating
to
the present or future business, product, or service of Blast Energy Services.
All Confidential Information and copies thereof are the sole property of Blast
Energy Services.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the term Confidential Information shall not apply to information
that Blast Energy Services has voluntarily disclosed to the public without
restriction, or which has otherwise lawfully entered the public
domain.
8.
Prior
Obligations. I have informed Blast Energy Services in writing of any and all
continuing obligations that require me to withhold or not disclose any
information or that limits my opportunity or capacity to compete with any
previous employer.
9.
Employee's Obligation to Cooperate. At any time upon request of Blast Energy
Services, at Blast Energy Services’ expense, I shall execute all documents and
perform all lawful acts Blast Energy Services considers necessary or advisable
to secure its rights hereunder and to carry out the intent of this
agreement.
10.
Return of Property. At any time upon request of Blast Energy Services, and
upon
termination of my employment, I shall return promptly to Blast Energy Services,
all copies of all Confidential Information or Developments, and all records,
files, blanks, forms, materials, supplies, and any other materials furnished,
used, or generated by me during the course of my employment, and any copies
of
the foregoing, all of which I recognize to be the sole property of Blast Energy
Services.
11.
Special Remedies. I recognize that money damages alone would not adequately
compensate Blast Energy Services in the event of a breach by me of this
Agreement, and I therefore agree that, in addition to all other remedies
available to Blast Energy Services at law or in equity, Blast Energy Services
shall be entitled to injunctive relief for the enforcement hereof. Failure
by
Blast Energy Services to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms,
covenants, or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such terms,
covenants, or conditions.
12.
Miscellaneous Provisions. (Check appropriate paragraph. Have employee
initial)
[
]
This
Agreement contains the entire and only agreement between me and Blast Energy
Services respecting the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings between us as to the subject matter hereof; and
no
modification shall be binding upon me or Blast Energy Services unless made
in
writing and signed by me and an authorized officer of Blast Energy Services.
Initials:
____________
[
X ]
I
acknowledge that there may be more than one agreement between me and Blast
Energy Services respecting the subject matter hereof. In this event, this
Agreement will be treated as an integral part of the sum of these agreements.
In
the case of duplication, respecting the subject matter hereof, my obligations
shall consist of the sum of my obligations within said agreements. I am fully
responsible for notifying Blast Energy Services of any conflict between said
agreements immediately upon my discovery of such. No modifications shall be
binding upon Blast Energy Services or me unless made in writing and signed
by me
and an authorized officer of Blast Energy Services.
Initials:
RT
My
obligations under this Agreement shall survive the termination of my employment
with Blast Energy Services regardless of the manner of or reasons for such
termination, and regardless of whether such termination constitutes a breach
of
this Agreement or of any other agreement I may have with Blast Energy Services.
If any provisions of this Agreement are held or deemed unenforceable or too
broad to permit enforcement of such provision to its full extent, then such
provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law. If any
of
the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed to be illegal or invalid,
the validity of any other provision hereof shall not be affected
thereby.
This
Agreement shall be governed and construed according to the laws of the State
of
California and shall be deemed to be effective as of the first day of my
employment by Blast Energy Services.
BY
SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF
ITS
PROVISIONS AND THAT I AGREE TO BE FULLY BOUND BY THE SAME.
Employee:
/s/
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx. Date:
8/24/06
Accepted
by: /s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx President
& Co-CEO Date:
8/24/06
(Name
of
Officer) Title