Executive Employment Agreement - RoomSystems Inc. and Stephen M. Nelson
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is by and among
Stephen M. Nelson ("EXECUTIVE") and RoomSystems, Inc., a Nevada corporation
("EMPLOYER"). Executive and Employer are collectively referred to herein as the
"Parties".
R E C I T A L S:
WHEREAS, Employer's board of directors (the "BOARD") desires to employ
Executive in an executive capacity and the Executive desires to be employed in
such capacity.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions
hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
TERM
1.1 EMPLOYMENT. Employer employs Executive and Executive accepts
employment under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
1.2 TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be for twenty-four (24) months
with an open option thereon as set forth herein and shall be effective as of
July 1, 2000 and shall terminate on June 30, 2002, unless extended by mutual
agreement of the Parties. Upon mutual agreement of the Parties, this Agreement
may be extended for an additional period upon written notice given to Executive
not less than three (3) months prior to the termination of this Agreement.
A. OPTION TERM. Upon mutual agreement of the Parties, and upon the
condition that there is no breach of any condition or term of this Agreement at
the time of exercise, this Agreement may be extended for an additional twelve
(12) months on the same terms and conditions of this Agreement, unless modified
or amended upon the written consent of Employer and Executive.
ARTICLE II
COMPENSATION
2.1 COMPENSATION. For all services rendered by Executive, Employer shall
pay Executive the salary of $110,000 per year commencing on July 1, 2000. Salary
payments shall be subject to withholding and other applicable taxes.
A. SALARY ADJUSTMENT. Employer and Executive recognize that certain
"Events" (as defined in the following paragraph) may occur which will cause a
salary increase. Upon the occurrence of any one of the Events listed in the
following paragraph, Executive's salary shall be increased to $125,000 per year
during the term of this
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Agreement. Such increase shall be automatic upon the occurrence of any one of
the Events listed below.
B. DEFINITION OF "EVENTS." For purposes of this Agreement and
particularly, the salary increase described in the immediately preceding
paragraph, any one of the following shall be considered an "Event":
i. MERGER. A merger with a third party entity, whereby at least
fifty-one percent (51%) of Employer's outstanding common stock is merged with
such entity.
ii. SALE/ACQUISITION. A sale or acquisition of at least
fifty-one percent (51%) of Employer's outstanding common stock or the sale of
all or substantially all of Employer's assets to a third party entity.
iii. DEBT FACILITY. A debt facility is established providing
Employer a debt facility of at least $6 million.
iv. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. Employer closes an initial public
offering of its common stock.
2.2 EARNED MONETARY BONUSES. Executive shall be entitled to an annual cash
bonus in accordance with Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference (the "ANNUAL CASH BONUS"). Executive's performance shall be reviewed
annually to determine the payment of bonuses, if any, in addition to the Annual
Cash Bonus.
2.3 AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE. Executive shall be entitled to an automobile
allowance of $400 per month, payable in twenty-six (26) bi-weekly payments of
$184.62. Employer shall pay Executive's automobile insurance and reasonable
maintenance.
2.4 STOCK OPTION CONSIDERATION. Executive, as partial consideration for
his services, shall be entitled to receive options to purchase common stock in
accordance with Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
2.5 EXECUTIVE BENEFITS. In addition to the foregoing, Executive shall be
entitled to the following benefits:
A. HEALTH INSURANCE. Employer shall provide and pay for health,
dental and life insurance for Executive and his family with an insurance carrier
of Employer's choice. The benefits offered under this paragraph shall include a
standard executive health and life insurance program.
B. EXPENSES. Executive may incur reasonable expenses for promoting
Employer's business, including expenses for entertainment, travel and similar
items. Employer will reimburse Executive for all such reasonable expenses upon
Executive's presentation of an itemized account of such expenditures. Employer
shall provide Executive with a Diner's Club, American Express or other credit
card for his use in promoting and representing Employer.
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C. VACATIONS. Executive shall be entitled each year to "Flexible
Time Off" ("FTO") commensurate with a "Grade I" Executive, as described in
Employer's EXECUTIVE HANDBOOK.
2.6 MOVING ALLOWANCE. Executive shall receive a moving allowance in the
amount of $5,000 consisting of (a) $1,500 of temporary living expenses, and (b)
$3,500 of moving expenses.
ARTICLE III
DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE
3.1 DUTIES. Executive is engaged as Chief Operating Officer. Executive
shall have authority over the research and development, manufacturing and field
operation departments, and shall supervise and direct all employees in these
departments according to business plans and strategies provided by Employer,
reporting only to the Chief Executive Officer. The precise services of Executive
may be extended or curtailed by mutual agreement of Employer and Executive from
time to time.
3.2 EXTENT OF SERVICES. Executive shall devote his full-time (not less
than 40 hours per week), ability and attention to the business of the Company as
is necessary to fulfill his duties, and shall perform all such duties in a
professional, ethical and businesslike manner. Executive will not, either during
the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter,
directly or indirectly engage in any other business, either as an Executive,
employer, consultant, principal, officer, director, advisor, or in any other
business capacity, which is competitive with the business of the Company,
without the express written consent of the Company. Furthermore, the Board may
require that Executive account for his time spent performing his duties
hereunder at any time. Upon such notice, Executive shall account for his time
and deliver such accounting to the Board until further notified. Based upon such
records, the Board, in its sole discretion, may adjust Executive's FTO and/or
salary during such period accordingly.
3.3 ENGAGING IN OTHER EMPLOYMENT. Executive hereby agrees to undertake the
responsibilities for and devote his productive time, abilities, and attention to
the business of Employer during the term of this Agreement.
3.4 REGULATIONS. Executive agrees to comply with all federal, state and
local laws, ordinances, and regulations in the conduct of his business on behalf
of Employer.
3.5 EXECUTIVE AS A SHAREHOLDER OF EMPLOYER. Employer recognizes that
Executive is an option holder of Employer. Executive may be issued shares of
common stock of Employer in the future as a result of a purchase or bonus
("EXECUTIVE'S SHARES").
3.6 ACCOUNTABILITY. Executive shall be directly responsible solely to the
Board.
ARTICLE IV
DUTIES OF EMPLOYER
4.1 PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION AND PROVISION OF BENEFITS. During the term
hereof, Employer agrees to pay all compensation, benefits, allowances and FTO
due Executive as set forth herein.
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4.2 WORKING FACILITIES. Employer shall provide offices, stenographic help
and such other facilities and services as are suitable to his position and
appropriate for the performance of his duties.
ARTICLE V
DISABILITY; DEATH DURING EMPLOYMENT
5.1 DISABILITY. If Executive is unable to perform his services by reason
of illness or incapacity for a period of more than one (1) month, the
compensation thereafter payable to him during the continued period of such
illness or incapacity for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months shall be
sixty percent (60%) of Executive's then existing salary. Executive's full
compensation shall be reinstated upon his recovery. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary, Employer may terminate this Agreement at any time after Executive
shall be absent from his employment, for whatever cause, for a continuous period
of more than twelve (12) months, and the obligations of Employer shall thereupon
terminate. If it is determined, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, that
Executive is disabled or incapacitated and cannot discharge the duties and
responsibilities contemplated hereunder, Employer shall have the right to hire
an Executive to replace him in whatever position he may have at that time.
A. DISABILITY INSURANCE. In lieu of the foregoing, Employer may
obtain disability insurance for Executive. Should this occur, paragraph 5.1
above shall be null and void and the terms of said disability insurance shall
govern, so long as the terms in such policy are equal to or greater than the
terms outlined in Section 5.1 above.
5.2 DEATH DURING EMPLOYMENT. If Executive dies during the term of
employment, Employer shall pay to the estate of Executive the compensation which
would otherwise be payable to Executive up to the end of the month in which
death occurs. In addition, Employer shall pay a sum equal to two (2) years
salary payable in three (3) equal monthly installments after the death of
Executive to the spouse of Executive or if he is not survived by his spouse,
then to Executive's heirs in equal shares, or if there are no such surviving
heirs, to the estate of Executive.
ARTICLE VI
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION; TRADE SECRETS; PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
6.1 CONFIDENTIALITY. Executive hereby acknowledges that he has received
information regarding the business of Employer, including but not limited to
customer lists, product information, business strategy, executive agreements,
all of which is confidential information (the "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION"). The
Parties hereto recognize and acknowledge that the Confidential Information is
proprietary and integral to Employer's business and Executive agrees to keep
such Confidential Information confidential and not disclose the same to any
third person, corporation and/or entity for a period of three (3) years
subsequent to the termination of this Agreement or termination of Executive as
an Executive of Employer, whether such termination is with or without cause.
6.2 PRODUCTS. All products relating to Employer's business, designed,
improved or enhanced by Executive, will be the sole property of Employer and
Executive will not be allowed to possess or use them unless Employer agrees in
writing thereto. Whenever requested to do so by Employer, Executive will execute
any and all applications,
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assignments or other instruments that Employer deems necessary to protect
Employer's interests therein. Executive's obligations hereunder shall survive
the termination of Executive's employment with respect to inventions,
discoveries and improvements conceived or made by Executive during the term of
Executive's employment described in this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
NON-COMPETITION
7.1 NON-COMPETITION. During Executive's term of employment set forth in
this Agreement, and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive will not
directly or indirectly be an owner, partner, director, manager, officer or
Executive or otherwise render services or be associated with any business that
competes with Employer.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
8.1 TERMINATION WITH CAUSE. Employer may terminate Executive with cause
upon providing thirty (30) days' advance written notice to Executive. Upon
termination with cause, Executive shall be entitled to cash compensation equal
to the greater of the following: (i) twelve (12) months of his then existing
salary, or (ii) the remainder of the salary due under this Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement, termination "with cause" shall be for any of the
following:
A. Any breach of any material obligations owed to Employer;
B. Failure to follow the directive of the Company's board of
directors; or
C. Conviction of a felony or any act involving moral turpitude.
In the event of termination with cause, all cash compensation, as referred to
above, shall be paid to Executive on a bimonthly basis.
8.2 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. Employer may terminate Executive without
cause upon providing thirty (30) days advance written notice to Executive. Upon
termination without cause by Employer, Executive shall be entitled to cash
compensation equal to the greater of the following: (A) the remainder of the
salary due under this Agreement; or (B) the then existing base salary of
Executive for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of termination
without cause. In the event of termination without cause, all cash compensation,
as referred to above, shall be paid to Executive on a bimonthly basis.
8.3 PURCHASE OF THE EXECUTIVE'S SHARES. Upon termination, Executive's
Shares shall be dealt with as follows:
A. TERMINATION WITH CAUSE. Upon termination with cause, Employer
shall purchase Executive's Shares for one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the
average closing price, as quoted on the NASDAQ SmallCap, National Market or any
other national securities exchange, for the ninety (90) day period preceding the
date of termination; or if Employer's common stock is not quoted or otherwise
traded on a national securities exchange, then Employer shall purchase the
Executive's Shares for one hundred twenty
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percent (120%) of the average price of all private sales of common stock by
Employer to third Parties for the ninety (90) day period preceding the date of
termination with cause (referred to herein as the "STOCK PURCHASE PRICE"). The
Stock Purchase Price shall be paid to Executive in twenty-four (24) equal
monthly payments, commencing thirty (30) days after the date of termination with
cause.
B. TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. If Executive is terminated without
cause, Executive shall have the sole discretion to either (i) sell the
Executive's Shares to Employer at the Stock Purchase Price; or (ii) retain
ownership of the Executive's Shares. Executive shall notify Employer within
thirty (30) days of termination without cause of his election hereunder. Should
Executive elect to sell the Executive's Shares to Employer for the Stock
Purchase Price, Executive shall so notify Employer and Employer shall remit the
entire amount of the Stock Purchase Price to Executive within ninety (90) days
of the date of notification hereunder.
8.4 TERMINATION UPON SALE OF BUSINESS. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, Employer may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written
notice upon the occurrence of any of the following events, which any one event
will be treated as a termination without cause for purposes of severance
allowance pursuant to this Agreement.
A. The sale by Employer of substantially all of its assets to a
single purchaser or a group of associated purchasers;
B. The sale, exchange or other disposition, in one transaction, of
more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding common stock of the Employer;
C. A decision by Employer to terminate its business and liquidate
its assets; or the merger or consolidation of Employer in a transaction in which
the shareholders of Employer receive more than fifty percent (50%) of the
outstanding voting shares of the new or continuing corporation.
D. Notwithstanding the foregoing, should Employer agree to sell all
or substantially all of its assets, Employer shall purchase Executive's Shares
for an amount equal to the greater of the Stock Purchase Price or the same price
sold by shareholders of Employer.
8.5 EXERCISE OF OPTIONS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK. As of July 12, 2000,
Executive holds options to purchase 53,598 shares of common stock of Employer.
Executive was issued options to purchase 53,598 shares of common stock of
Employer pursuant to Employer's 2000 Stock Option Plan ("2000 STOCK OPTION
PLAN"), and will receive additional options to purchase shares of common stock
(Executive's options to purchase 53,598 shares of common stock of Employer as
well as the additional options to be issued to Executive are collectively
referred to hereinafter as the "NELSON OPTIONS") under the 2000 Stock Option
Plan as determined by Employer's Compensation Committee. Notwithstanding the
terms of the 2000 Stock Option Plan, the Nelson Options are subject to the
following terms and conditions:
A. TERMINATION WITH CAUSE. Should Employer terminate Executive
pursuant to paragraph 8.1 hereof, Executive shall retain the Nelson Options and
shall have the irrevocable right to exercise all of the Nelson Options through
the final date on
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which the Nelson Options may be exercised by Executive, as set forth on the
written stock option grants evidencing the Nelson Options.
B. TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. Should Employer terminate Executive
pursuant to paragraph 8.2 hereof, (i) Executive shall retain the Nelson Options
and shall have the irrevocable right to exercise all of the Nelson Options
through the final date on which the Nelson Options may be exercised by
Executive, as set forth on the written stock option grants evidencing the Nelson
Options, (ii) the Company shall pay the aggregate exercise price on all Nelson
Options exercised by Executive, and (iii) the Company shall pay all applicable
state and federal personal income tax incurred by Executive as a result of the
Company paying the exercise price on the Nelson Options exercised by Executive.
C. TERMINATION UPON SALE OF THE BUSINESS. Should Employer terminate
Executive pursuant to paragraph 8.4 hereof, (i) Executive shall retain the
Nelson Options and shall have the irrevocable right to exercise all of the
Nelson Options through the final date on which the Nelson Options may be
exercised by Executive, as set forth on the written stock option grants
evidencing the Nelson Options, (ii) the Company shall pay the aggregate exercise
price on all Nelson Options exercised by Executive, and (iii) the Company shall
pay all applicable state and federal personal income tax incurred by Executive
as a result of the Company paying the exercise price on the Nelson Options
exercised by Executive.
D. PAYMENT OF EXERCISE PRICE AND RELATED INCOME TAX UPON CONCLUSION
OF THE AGREEMENT. If Executive is employed by Employer upon the conclusion of
this Agreement, (i) Executive shall retain the Nelson Options and shall have the
irrevocable right to exercise all of the Nelson Options through the final date
on which the Nelson Options may be exercised by Executive, as set forth on the
written stock option grants evidencing the Nelson Options, (ii) the Company
shall pay the aggregate exercise price on all Nelson Options exercised by
Executive, and (iii) the Company shall pay all applicable state and federal
personal income tax incurred by Executive as a result of the Company paying the
exercise price on the Nelson Options exercised by Executive.
E. RESIGNATION BY EXECUTIVE. If Executive resigns prior to the
conclusion of this Agreement, Executive shall retain the Nelson Options and
shall have the irrevocable right to exercise all of the Nelson Options through
the final date on which the Nelson Options may be exercised by Executive, as set
forth on the written stock option grants evidencing the Nelson Options.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver by Employer of breach of any provisions
of this Agreement by Executive shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of
any subsequent breach by Executive. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing
and signed by an authorized officer of Employer.
9.2 ASSIGNMENT. Executive acknowledges that the services to be rendered by
him are unique and personal. Accordingly, Executive may not assign any of his
rights under
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this Agreement. The rights and obligations of Employer under this Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and
assigns of Employer.
9.3 MODIFICATION. This Agreement may not be modified, changed or altered
orally but only by an agreement in writing signed by the party against an
enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge as
sought.
9.4. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under
the laws of the State of Nevada.
9.5 INTEGRATION CLAUSE. This instrument contains the entire agreement
between the Parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior written and/or oral
agreements. This Agreement may be altered or modified only in writing signed by
the Parties hereto.
9.6 NOTICES. Any notice required or desired to be given under this
Agreement shall be deemed given if in writing sent by certified mail to the
Parties at each party's last known address.
9.7 ATTORNEYS' FEES. Should any party seek the enforcement of any term of
this Agreement, the prevailing party thereunder shall be entitled to attorneys'
fees and costs for the enforcement of such term or provision.
9.8 ARBITRATION. In the event of any dispute arising under this Agreement,
including any dispute regarding the nature, scope or quality of services
provided by either party hereto, its is hereby agreed that such dispute shall be
resolved by binding arbitration to be conducted by the American Arbitration, to
be arbitrated in accordance with its rules and regulations and procedures in Las
Vegas, Nevada. In the event of any such arbitration, pending resolution of the
arbitration and the award of costs by the arbitrator, each party hereto shall
advance one-half of the amounts, if any, requested by the arbitrator and/or the
sponsoring organization.
EMPLOYEE
/s/ STEPHEN M. NELSON
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STEPHEN M. NELSON
EMPLOYER
BY: /s/ STEVEN L. SUNYICH
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STEVEN L. SUNYICH
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT
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EXHIBIT "A"
ANNUAL CASH BONUS
The formula for determining the annual cash bonus for Executive is as
follows:
1. ANNUAL CASH BONUS POOL: The Annual Cash Bonus Pool (the "POOL") for
determining the total amount available for the executive officers of the Company
is as follows: the Pool shall be comprised of two percent (2%) of Employer's
fiscal year gross revenues, and five percent (5%) of Employer's fiscal year net
income.
2. EXECUTIVE'S PARTICIPATION: Executive shall be entitled to receive,
on an annual basis, not less than seventeen and eighty-one hundred percent
(17.81%) of the Pool.
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EXHIBIT "B"
OPTIONS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
Executive shall receive, on an annual basis, options to purchase common
stock in an amount to be determined by the Company's Compensation Committee.
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