EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Wala, Inc., a Louisiana corporation, (the “Company”) and its successors and assigns, and Xxxx X. Xxxxx, a natural
person (“Executive”) (collectively, the “Parties”), make this EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) as of
November 4, 2015.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the Executive’s talents and abilities will be integral to the
success of the Company and thus wishes to secure the ongoing services of the Executive on the terms and conditions
set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
Company and Executive agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1.
Term of Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby
accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms set forth in this Agreement, for the period to be
known as the “Employment Period”, which shall commence on November 4, 2015 (the “Commencement
Date”) and shall end on the earlier of (a) the five-year anniversary of the Commencement Date, or (b) the
effective date of any termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of this Agreement.
2.
Title; Capacity.
2.1
The Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and President of the Company.
The Executive shall be subject to the supervision of, and shall have such authority as is delegated
to him, by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company and its parent company iGambit
Inc.
2.2. The Executive agrees to undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position of CEO and
President, which may be assigned by the Company’s Board and which may be altered or modified
from time to time by Board of the Company in connection with the conduct of the Company’s
business as well as those duties which are normally and customarily vested in a CEO and
President of a corporation. Executive’s job responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to,
anything reasonably requested or required of Executive on behalf of the Company. The Executive
agrees to abide by the rules, regulations, instructions, personnel practices and policies of the
Company and any changes thereof which may be adopted at any time by the Company and made
known to the Executive during the term of Executive’s employment.
2.3
During the Employment Period, the Executive will devote his full working time (often more than
forty (40) hours per week), efforts and attention to the business of the Company and shall not
devote material time to other business activities except (x) for serving on the Board of Directors
(or equivalent management body) of one other company, (y) with the prior written consent or
direction of the Board or (z) other Permitted Activities (as defined below). Executive covenants
and agrees that for so long as he is employed by the Company, Executive shall not, whether as an
executive, employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, member, stockholder,
corporate officer or director, or in any other individual or representative capacity, for
compensation, engage in or participate in or render material services to any other person or entity,
provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may (a) perform outside
business endeavors, subject to non-competitive agreements between the Company and Executive,
and provided that such outside activity does not materially interfere with the performance of
Executive’s duties, (b) invest in securities of any entity, solely for investment purposes, if (i) such
securities are traded on any national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System, and (ii) Executive does not, directly or indirectly, own
4.9% or more of any class of securities of such entity, and (c) perform or engage in any activities
described in in clause (i) or (ii) of the first sentence of this Section 2.3 (any of the activities
described in clause (a), (b) or (c) being “Permitted Activities”).
2.4
Location. During the Employment Period, Executive shall regularly perform his duties from an
established Company office (the “Office”) at such location as reasonably determined by the
Executive and agreed to by the Board. In addition to spending time at the Office, Executive may
be required to travel from time to time in order to perform his duties hereunder.
3.
Compensation.
3.1
Base Salary. From and after the date hereof until the termination of his employment, Executive
shall be paid an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) of one hundred eighty thousand dollars
($180,000). Executive’s Base Salary shall be payable in installments consistent with the payroll
practices established by the Company with respect to its senior executive employees. This
agreement shall be automatically amended to reflect any salary adjustments that are provided or
required by the Employer's compensation policies. Consideration shall be given on an annual
basis to increase compensation.
3.2
Car Allowance. Executive shall be entitled to a car allowance of eight hundred dollars ($800) per
month, which shall be paid monthly together with Executives salary.
3.3
Bonus and Commission Based On Objectives. The Executive’s annual target for the aggregate
amount of quarterly bonuses will be $45,000.00, paid $11,250 quarterly (“Target Bonus”). The
Executive shall be eligible to receive, additional compensation based upon objectives set by the
Company, (a) stock options, (b) commissions and (c) cash bonuses. Executive acknowledges and
agrees that the granting of any bonus, stock options and commission to the Executive, and the
amount awarded, will be made at the complete and sole discretion of the Board and that he has no
right, guarantee or entitlement to such bonus.
3.4
Withholding. The Company will withhold from any salary or bonus payable to Executive under
this Agreement such federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation, and may withhold for other normal deductions for fringe benefits and
as otherwise agreed by the parties.
3.5
Benefits. In addition to the compensation provided herein, Executive shall be entitled to the
benefits available generally to Company executives and other employees pursuant to Company
programs, including, by way of illustration, vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, retirement, any
insurance programs of the Company which may now or, if not terminated, shall hereafter be in
effect, or in any other or additional such programs which may be established by the Company, as
and to the extent any such programs are or may from time to time be in effect, as determined by
the Company and the terms hereof. Executive’s eligibility for and participation in such benefit
plans is governed by the terms and conditions of those plans, and by the policies of Company.
3.6
Business Expenses. Upon submission of itemized expense statements, in the manner as shall be
specified by the Company, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable business
and travel expenses duly incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties under this
Agreement, pursuant to written Company policy and any relevant written policies established by
the Board and provided to Executive.
4.
Employment Termination. The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement
shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following:
4.1
Expiration of the Employment Period in accordance with clause (a) of Section 1.
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4.2
At the election of the Company, for Cause (as hereinafter defined), immediately upon written
notice by the Company to the Executive. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean
the following:
(a)
the demonstrated voluntary unwillingness of the Executive to perform his duties as
reasonably directed by the Company within ten (10) days of receiving written notice
regarding such failed performance from the Company;
(c)
the commission of a crime by the Executive against the Company involving
embezzlement, moral turpitude or fraud;
(d)
conviction of, or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, to a felony charge or any criminal
act involving embezzlement, moral turpitude or fraud;
(e)
a material violation of any Company rule, regulation, procedure or policy, or a breach of
any promise, duty, restriction or obligation under this Agreement, and Executive’s failure
to cure such violation or breach within ten (10) days of receiving written notice regarding
such breach from the Company;
(f)
being under the influence of drugs or alcohol (other than prescription medicine or other
medically-related drugs to the extent that they are taken in accordance with their
directions) during the performance of any of the duties for which Executive is assigned to
perform; provided, however, the foregoing shall not include Executive being under the
influence of alcohol in connection with marketing duties of the Executive such as
entertaining current and prospective vendors, suppliers, partners, clients, customers and
employees of the Company; or
(g)
engaging in behavior that would constitute grounds for liability for harassment or
discrimination (as proscribed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or
any other applicable state or local regulatory body, regulation or law) or other conduct
violative of laws governing the workplace.
4.3
At the election of the Executive for Good Reason. As used in this Agreement, “Good Reason”
shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a material diminution of the
Executive’s title, authority, status, duties or responsibilities; (ii) any reduction in the Executive’s
compensation, including Base Salary, cash bonuses, stock options and car allowances; (iii) a
material breach by the Company of this Agreement; (iv) the Company requires Executive to locate
his office to a location more than 150 miles outside of Shreveport, LA; or (v) the Company
becomes insolvent or bankrupt or files for voluntary bankruptcy or makes an assignment for the
benefit of creditors or consent to the appointment of a trustee or receiver.
4.4
Upon the death or disability of the Executive. As used in this Agreement, the term “disability”
shall mean the inability of the Executive, due to a physical or mental disability, to perform the
essential functions of his position, with or without reasonable accommodation, for a minimum
continuous period of one hundred twenty (120) days, or, if applicable law requires a longer period
of time, the minimum period of time as may be allowed under applicable law.
4.5
At the election of the Executive without Good Reason upon not less than forty-five (45) days prior
written notice of termination.
4.6
At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon not less than forty-five (45) days prior
written notice of termination.
4.7
By mutual agreement of the parties.
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5.
Effect of Termination of Employment.
5.1
Termination for Cause, at Election of Executive without Good Reason or Upon Mutual Agreement
of the Parties. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to
Section 4.2, at the election of the Executive without Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.5, or upon
mutual agreement of the parties pursuant to Section 4.7, the Company shall pay to the Executive,
upon the effective termination date, the compensation and benefits otherwise payable to him under
Section 3 of this Agreement through the last day of his actual employment by the Company
prorated on a daily basis for the partial year worked. Any cash bonuses which are based upon
periodic performance milestones shall be appropriately prorated and payable upon termination.
No further compensation shall be paid.
5.2
Termination Upon Expiration. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the
expiration of the Employment Period pursuant to Section 4.1, the Company shall pay to Executive,
upon the effective termination date, the compensation and benefits otherwise payable to him under
Section 3 of this Agreement through the last day of his actual employment by the Company, as
well as such Base Salary and cash bonuses which would have been payable to him under Section 3
if employed upon the same terms and conditions for an additional six (6) months. Any cash
bonuses which are based upon periodic performance milestones shall be appropriately prorated
and payable upon termination.
5.3
Termination Upon Disability. In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated upon
disability pursuant to Section 4.4, the Company shall pay to Executive, upon the effective
termination date, the compensation and benefits otherwise payable to him under Section 3 of this
Agreement through the last day of his actual employment by the Company, as well as such Base
Salary and cash bonuses which would have been payable to him under Section 3 if employed upon
the same terms and conditions for the greater of (i) twenty-four (24) months, or (ii) the number of
months remaining between the effective termination date and the five-year anniversary of the
Commencement Date. Any cash bonuses which are based upon periodic performance milestones
shall be appropriately prorated and payable upon termination.
5.4
Termination at Election of Executive for Good Reason or Without Cause. In the event the
Executive’s employment is terminated at the election of the Executive for Good Reason pursuant
to Section 4.3, or without Cause pursuant to Section 4.6, the Company shall pay to Executive,
upon the effective termination date, the compensation and benefits otherwise payable to him under
Section 3 of this Agreement through the last day of his actual employment by the Company, as
well as such Base Salary and cash bonuses which would have been payable to him under Section 3
if employed upon the same terms and conditions for the greater of (i) twenty-four (24) months, or
(ii) the number of months remaining between the effective termination date and the five-year
anniversary of the Commencement Date. In addition, all amounts remaining owed under the
Promissory Note payable by the Company to the Executive, dated June 30, 2015, for the principal
sum of $626,265.95 (the “Note”), shall be accelerated and shall become immediately due and
payable upon the effective termination date.
With the exception of the amounts remaining owed under the Note which become immediately
due and payable, the Executive shall not be entitled to any of the pay described in this Section 5.4
unless and until the Executive executes and delivers to the Company a release in form and
substance acceptable to the Company and substantially similar to the release attached hereto as
Exhibit A by which the Executive releases the Company from any obligations and liabilities
related to his employment or termination of employment, except for the Company’s obligations
with respect to the payment of continuing salary under this Section 5.4. The parties hereto
acknowledge and agree that the compensation to be provided under this Section 5.4 is to be
provided in consideration for the above-specified release, including a release under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act.
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5.5
Termination for Death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by death pursuant to Section
4.4, the Company shall pay to the estate of the Executive the compensation and benefits otherwise
payable to him under Section 3 of this Agreement through the last day of his actual employment
by the Company, as well as such Base Salary and cash bonuses which would have been payable to
him under Section 3 if employed upon the same terms and conditions for the greater of (i) twenty-
four (24) months, or (ii) the number of months remaining between the effective termination date
and the five-year anniversary of the Commencement Date.
5.6
Executive’s Duties Upon Termination.
(a)
Cooperation. After notice of termination for Good Reason from the Executive, or without
Cause from the Company under Section 4.6, Executive shall, at the Company’s expense and
subject to Executive’s professional availability, reasonably cooperate with the Company, as
reasonably requested by the Company, to effect a transition of Executive’s responsibilities
during such 45-day notice period and to reasonably ensure that the Company is aware of all
matters being handled by Executive.
(a) Return of Company Property. Within seven (7) days after the termination of Executive’s
employment under this Agreement for any reason, Executive will return all Company
property in Executive’s possession to the Company.
5.7
Survival. The provisions of Sections 5, 6, 7 and 15 shall survive the termination of Executive’s
employment for any reason.
6.
Non-Competition and Conflicts of Interest.
6.1
During the Employment Period and, thereafter, until two (2) years after the termination or
expiration of the Employment Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, in any capacity
whatsoever (other than as the holder of not more than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding
stock of a publicly held company), either on Executive’s own behalf or as a partner, officer,
director, Executive, agent, or consultant of any other person or entity, do or attempt to do any of
the following:
(a)
(i) engage in the business of providing software and services relating to IT solutions
specializing in security and network technology products, services, and support to
customers and related services, (ii) provide services to, or for the benefit of, any person or
entity to whom Executive or Company, including Company’s Parent and any affiliates,
provided services, sold, offered to sell or solicited orders, contracts, or accounts for
services during one (1) year immediately prior to the termination of Executive’s
employment, or (iii) provide services to, or for the benefit of, any person or entity who
provides services of a kind or nature substantially similar to the services performed by
Company; or
(b)
solicit, encourage, or induce any current or prospective clients, customers, suppliers,
vendors, or contractors of the Company to terminate or decrease any business
relationship with the Company or not to proceed with, or enter into, any business
relationship with the Company, nor shall Executive otherwise materially adversely
interfere with any business relationship between the Company and any of its current or
prospective franchisees, clients, customers, suppliers, vendors, or contractors; or
(c)
solicit, recruit, encourage or induce any partner, officer, director, Executive, agent,
consultant or independent contractor of the Company to terminate his/her employment or
relationship with the Company, or otherwise materially adversely interfere with or disrupt
the Company’s relationship with any partner, officer, director, Executive, agent, or
consultant.
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6.3
The parties agree that the relevant public policy aspects of covenants not to compete have been
discussed, and that every effort has been made to limit the restrictions placed upon the Executive
to those that are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate interests.
6.4
Executive recognizes, acknowledges and agrees that much of the Company’s business is
conducted over the Internet, and that the Internet poses special concerns and considerations with
respect to covenants not to compete, including the fact that limiting the geographic scope of any
restrictions placed upon Executive would not adequately protect Company’s legitimate interests.
The Executive also recognizes, acknowledges and agrees that Company’s business is global in
scope and that the time period and scope of the foregoing restrictions are reasonable and necessary
for the protection of Company’s valid business interests. The Executive further recognizes,
acknowledges and agrees that if his employment with Company terminates for any valid or other
reason, the Executive can earn a livelihood without violating any of the restrictions contained in
this Section.
6.5
If any restriction set forth in this Section 6 is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be
unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of
activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the
maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable.
6.6
The restrictions contained in this Section 6 are necessary for the protection of the business and
goodwill of Company and are considered by Executive to be reasonable for such purpose.
Executive recognizes, acknowledges and agrees that any breach by him of any of the provisions
contained in this Section 6 may cause Company immediate, material and irreparable injury and
damage, and there is no adequate remedy at law for such breach. Accordingly, in the event of a
breach of any of the provisions of this Section 6 by Executive, in addition to any other remedies it
may have at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled immediately to seek enforcement of this
Section 6 in a court of competent jurisdiction by means of a decree of specific performance, an
injunction without the posting of a bond or the requirement of any other guarantee, and any other
form of equitable relief. This provision is not a waiver of any other rights which Company may
have under this Agreement, including the right to recover money damages.
6.7
The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not bound by any
restrictive covenants and has no prior or other obligations or commitments of any kind that would
in any way prevent, restrict, hinder or interfere with Executive’s acceptance of employment or the
performance of all duties and services hereunder to the fullest extent of the Executive’s ability and
knowledge. The Executive agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company for any liability
the Company may incur as the result of the existence of any such covenants, obligations or
commitments.
6.8
Executive agrees to comply with all rules and policies of the Company relating to conflicts of
interest which are disclosed to Executive by the Company, specifically including but not limited to
the following:
(a)
Executive will promptly notify the Company of any conflicts of interest or excessive gifts
or offers of gifts or remuneration from clients, suppliers, or others doing or seeking to do
business with the Company;
(b)
Executive will promptly inform the Company of any business opportunities that come to
the attention of Executive that relate to the existing or prospective business of the
Company and will not personally participate in any such opportunities without the prior
written consent of the Company;
(c)
Executive will not engage in any act involving dishonesty, bad faith or lack of integrity or
candor with respect to the Company;
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(d)
Executive will not engage in any act or omission that materially injures the business or
affairs of the Company, monetarily or otherwise; and
(e)
Executive will not engage in any other employment or business activity during working
hours or at Executive’s work location.
7.
Proprietary Information and Developments.
7.1
Proprietary Information.
(a)
Executive agrees that all information and know-how, regardless of whether in writing, of
a private, secret or confidential nature concerning the Company’s business or financial
affairs (collectively, “Proprietary Information”) is and shall be the exclusive property of
the Company. By way of illustration, but not limitation, Proprietary Information may
include information about Company’s methods of operation, manufacturing, selling,
marketing, promoting or otherwise providing products, goods or services, trade secrets,
inventions, processes, techniques, projects, developments, plans, financial data, personnel
data, computer programs, and existing or potential customers, suppliers, officers,
directors, agents, vendors, owners, shareholders, contractors, partners, representatives,
advisors, and consultants of Company. Executive will not disclose any Proprietary
Information or the terms of this Agreement (collectively, “Confidential Information”) to
any person outside the Company or use the same for any unauthorized purposes, and will
not use or aid others in obtaining or using any such Confidential Information without
written approval by an officer of the Company, either during or after his employment,
unless and until such Confidential Information has become public knowledge without
fault by the Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may disclose any
Confidential Information (i) for the benefit of the Company and as necessary to perform
the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, (ii) when required by law and then only
after consultation with the Company or unless such information is in the public domain,
and/or (iii) which relates to the terms of this Agreement to any financial or legal advisors,
or family members, of Executive.
(b)
Executive agrees that all files, letters, memoranda, reports, records, data, sketches,
drawings, notebooks, computer programs, or other written, photographic, electronic or
other tangible material containing Proprietary Information, whether created by the
Executive or others, which shall come into his custody or possession, shall be and are the
exclusive property of the Company to be used by the Executive only in the performance
of his duties for the Company and for the benefit of Company in connection with the
performance of those duties, and immediately upon the termination of the Executive’s
employment, or at any other time upon request of the Company, the Executive shall
return to the Company all such Proprietary Information of the Company.
(c)
Executive agrees that his obligation not to disclose or use information, know-how and
records of the types set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, also extends to such types
of information, know-how, records and tangible property of affiliates of the Company,
customers of the Company or suppliers to the Company or other third parties who may
have disclosed or entrusted the same to the Company or to the Executive in the course of
the Company’s business.
8.
Company Property. All correspondence, records, documents, software, promotional materials, and other
Company property, including all copies, which come into the Executive’s possession by, through or in the
course of his employment, regardless of the source and whether created by the Executive, are the sole and
exclusive property of the Company, and immediately upon the termination of the Executive’s employment,
the Executive shall return to the Company all such property of the Company.
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9.
Notices. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
effective upon delivery personally, by facsimile or by overnight mail, or upon deposit in the United States
Post Office, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address last
known, or at such other address or addresses as either party shall designate to the other in accordance with
this Section 9.
10.
Pronouns. Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used in this Agreement shall include the
corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular forms of nouns and pronouns shall
include the plural, and vice versa.
11.
Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter
of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by
both the Company and the Executive.
12.
Severability. This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that a
court holds any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that, if
allowed by law, that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law,
judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the
rest of this Agreement. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and
the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum
permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement. Any such prohibition or unenforceability in
any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
13.
Governing Law. The validity and construction of this Agreement or of any of its terms or provisions shall
be determined under the laws of the State of Louisiana, regardless of any principles of conflicts of laws or
choice of laws of any jurisdiction. Except as set out in Section 15 below, the state courts of the State of
Louisiana and, if the jurisdictional prerequisites exist at the time, the United States District Court for
Louisiana, shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any dispute or controversy
arising under or concerning this Agreement.
14.
Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of both parties and
their respective successors and assigns, including any corporation with which or into which the Company
may be merged or which may succeed to its assets or business, provided, however, that the obligations of
the Executive are personal and shall not be assigned by him/her. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive
has the right to assign to any third party any right to receive any bonus payment set forth in Section 3.2 of
this Agreement, and any consideration payable upon death or disability of the Executive may be assigned to
his estate or legal representatives.
15.
Arbitration.
15.1
Executive and the Company agree that any controversy, dispute or claim directly or indirectly
arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, or arising out of or relating to
the employment of the Executive, or the termination thereof, shall be resolved either as provided
for by applicable law, or, at the option of either party, by impartial binding arbitration. In the
event that either party demands arbitration, Executive and the Company agree that such arbitration
shall be the exclusive, final and binding forum for the ultimate resolution of such claims, subject
to any rights of appeal that either party may have under the Federal Arbitration Act and/or under
applicable state law dealing with the review of arbitration decisions. Specifically, this Agreement
is intended to include, but is not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, any wage and hour or wage
payment or collection law, or any other federal, state, or local law, regulation or ordinance
regarding employment. It also includes, but is not limited to, all claims for breach of contract or
wrongful discharge, breach of express or implied promises or covenants of good faith and fair
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dealing, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, defamation, or any loss, expense,
or claim whatsoever resulting from or related to Executive’s employment.
15.2
Executive and the Company understand and acknowledge that this Agreement means that neither
can pursue an action against the other in a court of law regarding any employment dispute, except
for claims involving workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment benefits, and except as set
forth elsewhere in this Agreement, in the event that either party notifies the other of its demand for
arbitration under this Agreement. The parties also agree that the obligation to arbitrate any dispute
is fully enforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act, and that a judgment upon any such award
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over such claims. The parties further understand
that this Agreement does not alter any of the substantive rights that the parties may have under
law, including the Executive’s statutory right to file a charge with an administrative agency for
investigative purposes or other action by the agency, nor does it limit or restrict Executive’s ability
to participate or assist any agency in its investigation, processing or handling of any charge. This
Agreement simply transfers final resolution of a party’s right to seek relief from either a judge or a
jury to a speedy and impartial arbitrator for the mutual benefit of both parties, when arbitration is
demanded.
15.3
In the event that Executive or the Company initially elects to file suit in any court, the other party
will have 60 days from the date that it is formally served with a summons and copy of the suit to
notify the party filing suit of the non-filing party’s demand for arbitration. In that case, the suit
must be dismissed by consent of the parties or by the court on motion, and arbitration commenced
with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). In situations where suit has not been filed,
either Executive or the Company may initiate arbitration by serving a written demand for
arbitration upon the other party and the AAA. Such a demand must be served within the same
limitations period that would apply if the action were pursued in court. Any claim which is not
timely made will be deemed waived.
15.4
Any arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the American Arbitration Association
National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, effective September 15, 2005, and
any amendments or revisions thereto (“AAA Rules”). A copy of the AAA Rules may be obtained
upon request. The dispute shall be heard and determined by one arbitrator and that arbitrator shall
be a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. The arbitrator may grant any remedy or
relief that would have been available to the parties had the matter been heard in court. Unless
otherwise mutually agreed upon, the arbitration shall be heard within 25 miles of the Executive’s
current or most recent place of employment. The Company will pay any filing or other
administrative fees that exceed $100.00 (One Hundred Dollars), and that are required by AAA for
the cost of providing administrative services. All other expenses of the arbitrator, including
required travel, shall be borne by the Company. As provided by the AAA Rules, the arbitrator
shall have the authority to order such discovery as the arbitrator considers necessary to a full and
fair exploration of the issues in dispute, consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration. The
parties shall bear their own costs and attorneys’ fees incurred during this discovery process, as
well as during the arbitration.
15.5
The parties understand and agree that this Section 15, concerning arbitration, shall not include any
controversies or claims related to any agreements or provisions (including provisions in this
Agreement) respecting confidentiality, proprietary information, non-competition, non-solicitation,
trade secrets, or breaches of fiduciary obligations by Executive, which shall not be subject to
arbitration.
15.6
Executive has been advised of his right to consult with an attorney prior to entering into this
Agreement.
16.
I.R.C. 409A. Unless otherwise expressly provided, any payment of compensation by Company to
Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall be made within two and one-half months
(2½ months) after the later of the end of the calendar year of the Company’s fiscal year in which
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Executive’s right to such payment vests (i.e., is not subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” for purposes
of Code Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”)). To the extent that any
severance payments come within the definition of “involuntary severance” under Code Section 409A, such
amounts up to the lesser of two times the Executive’s annual compensation for the year preceding the year
of termination or two times the 401(a)(17) limit for the year of termination, shall be excluded from
“deferred compensation” as allowed under Code Section 409A, and shall not be subject to the following
Code Section 409A compliance requirements. All payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation”
(within the meaning of Section 409A) are intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A,
and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Neither party individually or in combination may
accelerate any such deferred payment, except in compliance with Code Section 409A, and no amount shall
be paid prior to the earliest date on which it is permitted to be paid under Code Section 409A. In the event
that Executive is determined to be a “key employee” (as defined in Code Section 416(i) (without regard to
paragraph (5) thereof)) of Company at a time when its stock is deemed to be publicly traded on an
established securities market, payments determined to be “nonqualified deferred compensation” payable
following termination of employment shall be made no earlier than the earlier of (i) the last day of the sixth
(6th) complete calendar month following such termination of employment, or (ii) Executive’s death,
consistent with the provisions of Code Section 409A. Any payment delayed by reason of the prior sentence
shall be paid out in a single lump sum at the end of such required delay period in order to catch up to the
original payment schedule. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no amendment may be made
to this Agreement if it would cause the Agreement or any payment hereunder not to be in compliance with
Code Section 409A.
17.
Miscellaneous.
17.1
No delay or omission by the Company or the Executive in exercising any right under this
Agreement shall operate as a waiver of that or any other right. A waiver or consent given by the
Company or the Executive on any one occasion shall be effective only in that instance and shall
not be construed as a bar or waiver of any right on any other occasion.
17.2
The headings of the sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no
way define, limit or affect the scope or substance of any section of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement.
By: Wala, Inc.
Signature
Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Chairman
Date
Date
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EXHIBIT A
GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and conditions set forth herein, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Wala, Inc. (the “Company”)
and Xxxx Xxxxx (the “Executive”) agree as follows:
1.
The Company shall continue to pay Executive compensation pursuant to Section 5.4 of the
Employment Agreement between him and the Company (“Employment Agreement”) as a result of termination
without Cause (as defined in Section 4.2) or at the election of the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section
4.3). Executive agrees that he shall not be entitled to any other or further compensation, remuneration, benefits,
reimbursement, payments, options, stock, or other equity issue of or from the Company arising as a result of
Executive’s employment by the Company. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Executive is entitled to all
amounts remaining owed under the Promissory Note payable by the Company to the Executive, dated June 30,
2015, for the principal sum of $626,265.95 and all other amounts owed by the Company to the Executive which do
not constitute compensation, remuneration, benefits, reimbursement, payments, options, stock, or other equity issue
of or from Company arising as a result of Executive’s employment by the Company.
2.
Executive, deeming this General Release Agreement to be fair, reasonable, and equitable, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, agrees to and hereby does, forever and irrevocably fully release and discharge
Company (including any subsidiary or affiliated entities, and its and their respective officers, directors, Executives,
agents, predecessors, successors, purchasers, assigns, and representatives) from any and all grievances, liens, suits,
judgments, claims, demands, debts, defenses, actions or causes of action, obligations, damages, and liabilities
whatsoever which Executive now has, has had, or may have, whether the same be known or unknown, at law, in
equity, or mixed, in any way arising out of or relating in any way to any matter, act, occurrence, or transaction
before the date of this General Release Agreement, including but not limited to his employment with Company, and
his separation from Company. This is a General Release. Executive expressly acknowledges that this General
Release includes, but is not limited to, his release of any tort and contract claims, arbitration claims, claims under
any local, state or federal wage and hour law, wage collection law or labor relations law, and claims of age, race,
sex, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, retaliation or any other claim of employment
discrimination, under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991 as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq.), the Age
Discrimination In Employment Act (29 U.S.C. §§ 621 et seq.), the Americans With Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C.
§§ 12101 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq.), and any other law prohibiting
employment discrimination or relating to employment. Also, Executive understands that this General Release
Agreement is not an admission of liability under any statute or otherwise by Company, and that Company does not
admit but denies any violation of his legal rights, and that he shall not be regarded as a prevailing party for any
purpose, including but not limited to, determining responsibility for or entitlement to attorneys’ fees, under any
statute or otherwise. This General Release does not apply to any obligations of the Company under the Employment
Agreement which survive termination or expiration of the Employment Agreement, including without limitation its
obligations under Section 5.
3.
Executive agrees that every term of this General Release Agreement, including, but not limited to,
the fact that an agreement has been reached and the amount paid, shall be treated by Executive as strictly
confidential, and expressly covenants not to display, publish, disseminate, or disclose the terms of this General
Release Agreement to any person or entity.
4.
All correspondence, records, documents, software, promotional materials, and other Company
property, including all copies, which come into the Executive’s possession by, through or in the course of his
employment, regardless of the source and whether created by the Executive, are the sole and exclusive property of
the Company, and immediately upon the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall return to
the Company all such property of the Company.
5.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that he will continue to be bound by the terms and conditions
set forth in Sections 6, 7, and 15 of his Employment Agreement with the Company, notwithstanding this General
Release Agreement.
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Executive has been advised to read this General Release Agreement carefully. This offer will be held open
for 21 days. Executive’s signing this General Release Agreement will acknowledge that he was advised to consult
with legal counsel prior to executing this Agreement.
Executive’s signature below, in front of a notary, confirms his acceptance and agreement.
Executive may revoke this General Release Agreement at any time within seven days after he has signed
this General Release Agreement. Revocation shall be made by delivering written notice of revocation to iGambit
Inc., 0000 X Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 and must be received no later than the seventh day
after he signs the General Release Agreement. This General Release Agreement shall not become effective or
enforceable until the revocation period has expired and only provided he has not exercised his right to revocation.
WALA INC.
By:
Title:
Date:
Executive’s signature below will indicate that he is entering into this General Release Agreement
freely and with a full understanding of its terms. No changes to this General Release Agreement will be valid
unless in writing and signed by both the Executive and the Company.
Date:
The undersigned hereby certifies that the above-named person appeared before me personally, signed this
document, and verified that this document was being signed freely and voluntarily, with full knowledge of its effect.
My Commission Expires
Notary Public
12