Document:

EXHIBIT
      10.8

     

    CONSULTING
      AGREEMENT

     

    This
      Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st
      day of
      September, 2006, by and between Solera National Bancorp, Inc.,
      a
      corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”),
      and James Perez Foster, an adult individual residing in the State of Colorado
      (the “Consultant”).

     

    WHEREAS,
      the
      Company and the Consultant previously entered into a consulting agreement as
      of
      April 1, 2005, which agreement expired by its terms on May 31, 2006;
      and

     

    WHEREAS,
      the
      Company and the Consultant executed an additional agreement effective the
      1st
      day of
      June, 2006, which agreement expired by its terms on September 1, 2006;
      and

     

    WHEREAS,
      the
      Company desires to enter into this Agreement with the Consultant to retain
      the
      services of the Consultant on the terms and conditions as provided
      herein,

     

    NOW,
      THEREFORE,
      in
      consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this Agreement,
      the parties hereto agree as follows:

     

    1. Engagement.
      The
      Company hereby engages the Consultant and the Consultant hereby agrees to
      render, at the request of the Company, independent advisory and consulting
      services for the Company in connection with the organization of a proposed
      bank
      (the “Bank”), upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. 

     

    2. Term.
      The
      term
      of this Agreement shall begin as of the date of this Agreement and shall
      terminate on the earlier of (i) April 1, 2007; (ii) the date on which the Bank
      receives (and satisfies all conditions to opening for business under) its
      authorization to commence its banking business (the “Certificate of Authority”)
      from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and approval of Insurance
      of
      Accounts from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) the date on
      which
      the Company advises the Consultant that it has abandoned its effort to obtain
      the Certificate of Authority; (iv) the date on which the Consultant receives
      written notice from the Company that it is terminating this Agreement “for
      cause” as hereafter defined; or (v) the death or disability of the Consultant
      (as used herein, the disability of the Consultant shall be deemed to have
      occurred when he has been unable to perform his services under this Agreement
      for a period of forty-five (45) consecutive days or the Consultant has made
      any
      claim under any disability insurance policy. As used herein, “for cause” shall
      be defined as follows: (i) the Consultant’s failure to use diligent and good
      faith efforts to perform the services requested by the Company under this
      Agreement (which failure is not cured within five (5) days following written
      notice to the Consultant); (ii) the Consultant’s willful misconduct or gross
      negligence in the performance of his services hereunder; (iii) the Consultant’s
      conviction of a crime or involvement in any conduct which could, in the judgment
      of the Company, adversely impact on the reputation of the Company or the Bank
      or
      the prospects of the Bank receiving its Certificate of Authority; (iv) receipt
      by the Company of any notification from the Office of the Comptroller of the
      Currency or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation indicating that the
      Consultant would not be an acceptable candidate to be Chairman of the Board
      of
      the Bank.

     

    3. Compensation.
      During
      the term of this Agreement, as compensation for all services rendered by the
      Consultant under this Agreement, the Company shall pay the Consultant the
      following amounts:

     

    (a) Consulting
      Fee.
      The
      Company shall pay the consultant the sum of six thousand two hundred fifty
      dollars ($6,250) per month (prorated for any partial month), which shall be
      paid
      in arrears in two installments of three thousand one hundred twenty-five dollars
      ($3,125) each on the 15th
      and
      30th
      day of
      each calendar month. 

      
        
           

        

        
          -1-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

    (b) Deductions.
      All such
      compensation shall be payable without deduction for federal income, social
      security, or state income taxes or any other amounts.

     

    (c) Deferred
      Compensation.
      Unless
      this Agreement has been terminated or the term has ended pursuant to Paragraph
      2
      hereof, the Company shall cause the Bank, subject to and upon its opening for
      business to the public, to pay, in one lump sum, not later than thirty (30)
      days
      following its opening for business, an amount equal to four hundred sixteen
      dollars and sixty seven cents ($416.67) times the number of months of the term
      of this Agreement representing the accumulated difference of fees paid under
      this Agreement and the annualized amount of compensation, prorated for the
      term
      of this Agreement. The Company shall also cause the Bank, upon its opening
      of
      business to the public, to pay, in one lump sum, not later than thirty (30)
      days
      following its opening for business, all amounts due to the Consultant under
      Section 3(c) of the prior consulting agreements, and the obligations of the
      Company under such section are incorporated herein by reference.

     

    (d) Termination
      Payment. If,
      for
      any reason, other than a termination by the Company for Cause, the Company
      terminates this Agreement during its term and without the Employment Agreement
      referenced in Paragraph 10 of this Agreement becoming effective, Consultant
      will
      be entitled to receive a lump sum payment, payable on the date of termination,
      of not less than the greater of (i) one-half of the fees which would have been
      payable for the remaining term of this Agreement from the date of termination
      or
      (ii) $92,500.08.

     

    4. Duties.
      The
      Consultant shall render services conscientiously and shall devote his full
      time,
      attention, efforts and abilities to the establishment of the Bank, including
      without limitation obtaining regulatory approvals, site development activities,
      personnel matters and capital raising activities, at such times during the
      term
      hereof and in such manner as reasonably requested by the Company, and performed
      at such places and at such times as are reasonably convenient to the Company
      and
      the Consultant. The Consultant shall observe all policies and directives
      promulgated from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors.

     

    5. Expenses.
      The
      Consultant shall be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable business
      expenses which were incurred by the Consultant during the performance of his
      services hereunder; provided, any such reimbursement in excess of $250 in any
      month shall require the prior written approval of the Company’s Board of
      Directors or a committee thereof; provided however that any expenses set forth
      in the organizational budget shall be deemed to be approved unless the Company’s
      Board of Directors makes an express determination to the contrary prior to
      the
      time at which the expense is incurred. The Company’s obligation to reimburse the
      Consultant pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to the presentation
      to
      the Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof by the Consultant of an
      itemized account of such expenditures, together with supporting vouchers, in
      accordance with any policies of the Company in effect from time to
      time.

     

    6. Independent
      Contractor.
      It is
      expressly agreed that Consultant is acting as an independent contractor in
      performing services hereunder. The Company shall carry no worker’s compensation
      insurance or any health or accident insurance to cover Consultant. The Company
      shall not pay any contributions to Social Security, unemployment insurance,
      federal or state withholding taxes, nor provide any other contributions or
      benefits which might be expected in an employer-employee
      relationship.

     

    7. Covenant
      Not to Compete.
      The
      Consultant hereby acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature
      of
      the Company’s business and accordingly agrees that, during the term of this
      Agreement, the Consultant will not, except as provided in Paragraph 4 hereof,
      directly or indirectly:

     

    (a) engage
      in
      any business activity related to the business of banking or

      
        
           

        

        
          -2-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

    financial
      services, or the formation of any entity for the purpose of engaging in such
      a
      business (other than on behalf of the Company to the extent that the Consultant
      is then in the employ of or consulting for the Company), whether such engagement
      is as an officer, director, proprietor, employee, partner, member, investor
      (other than as a passive investor in less than one percent (1%) of the
      outstanding capital stock of a publicly traded corporation), consultant,
      advisor, agent or other participant in another business,

     

    (b) assist
      others in engaging in any of the business activities prohibited to the
      Consultant under clause (a) above, or

     

    (c) induce
      employees of the Company to engage in any activities hereby prohibited to the
      Consultant or to terminate their employment.

     

    The
      term
      of this restriction shall be extended for a period of time equal to any period
      of time during which the Consultant violates or fails to observe the provisions
      of this paragraph.

     

    8. No
      Disclosure of Confidential Information.
      The
      Consultant acknowledges that the Company’s trade secrets and private processes,
      as they may exist from time to time, and confidential information concerning
      the
      formation and development of the Bank, the Bank’s planned products, technical
      information regarding the Bank, and data concerning potential customers of
      and
      investors in the Bank are valuable, special, and unique assets of the Company,
      access to and knowledge of which are essential to the performance of the
      Consultant’s duties under this Agreement. In light of the highly competitive
      nature of the industry in which the business of the Company is conducted, the
      Consultant further agrees that all knowledge and information described in the
      preceding sentence not in the public domain and heretofore or in the future
      obtained by the Consultant as a result of his engagement by the Company shall
      be
      considered confidential information. In recognition of this fact, the Consultant
      agrees that the Consultant will not, during or after the term of this Agreement,
      disclose any of such secrets, processes, or information to any person or other
      entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, except as necessary in the
      performance of the Consultant’s duties as a consultant to the Company and then
      only upon a written confidentiality agreement in such form and content as
      requested by the Company from time to time, nor shall Consultant make use of
      any
      of such secrets, processes or information for Consultant’s own purposes or for
      the benefit of any person or other entity (except the Company and its
      subsidiaries, if any) under any circumstances during or after the term of this
      Agreement.

     

    9. Remedies.
      The
      Consultant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedy at law for a breach
      or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Paragraphs 7 and 8 of this
      Agreement would be inadequate. In recognition thereof, if the Consultant
      breaches or threatens to breach any provision of Paragraphs 7 and 8 of this
      Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to equitable relief in the form of
      specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent
      injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available in addition
      to any of its remedies at law. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Company from
      pursuing any other right or remedy available to it for such breach or threatened
      breach.

     

    10. Employment
      Agreement.
      It
      is
      anticipated that the Consultant and the Bank will enter into an Employment
      Agreement having a term of not less than three years in form satisfactory to
      each of the Consultant and the Bank in their reasonable discretion, subject
      to
      the approval of such form by the Bank’s primary regulators and modifications to
      such form as may be required by the regulators, which Employment Agreement
      shall
      be effective as of the date on which the Office of the Comptroller of the
      Currency issues the Certificate of Authority to the Bank and the Federal Deposit
      Insurance Corporation issues approval for Insurance of Accounts.

     

    11. Assignment.
      This
      Agreement is a personal one, being entered into in reliance upon and in
      consideration of the personal skill and qualifications of Consultant. Consultant
      shall

      
        
           

        

        
          -3-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

    therefore
      not voluntarily or by operation of law assign or otherwise transfer the
      obligations incurred on its part pursuant to the terms of this Agreement without
      the prior written consent of Company. Any attempted assignment or transfer
      by
      Consultant of its obligations without such consent shall be wholly
      void.

     

    12. Modification
      of Agreement.
      This
      Agreement may be modified by the parties hereto only by a written supplemental
      agreement executed by both parties.

     

    13. Notice.
      Any
      notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be sufficient if in
      writing, and if sent by any nationally recognized courier service providing
      for
      receipt of delivery, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by fax
      followed by such mail, addressed as follows:

     

    If
      to
      Company:

    

    Robert
      Jay Fenton

    Vice
      President, Solera National Bancorp, Inc.

    5801
      W.
      Alameda Ave., Suite B

    Lakewood,
      CO 80226

    

    If
      to
      Consultant:

     

    James
      Perez Foster

    4695
      Osage Drive 

    Boulder,
      CO 80303

    

    or
      to
      such other address as the parties hereto may specify, in writing, from time
      to
      time.

     

    14. Mediation
      and Arbitration.
      The
      parties agree to mediate, in good faith, any claim arising hereunder and to
      refrain from pursuing arbitration hereunder until the parties have met with
      a
      mediator. The parties agree to select and mediate any claim or controversy
      within sixty (60) days of the date the claim or controversy accrues or
      first arises. The mediator shall be selected by the Company with the
      Consultant’s consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld. The mediator shall
      be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and be experienced in
      the
      arbitration of labor and employment disputes.

     

    The
      parties acknowledge and agree that any claim or controversy arising out of
      or
      relating to this Agreement, or the breach of this Agreement, or any other
      dispute arising out of or relating to the consulting relationship, shall be
      settled by final and binding arbitration in the City of Denver, State of
      Colorado, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
      Arbitration Association in effect on the date the claim or controversy arises.
      The parties further acknowledge and agree that either party must request
      arbitration of any claim or controversy within one hundred twenty (120)
      days of the date the claim or controversy accrues or first arises by giving
      written notice of the party’s request for arbitration by certified U.S. mail or
      personal delivery. Notice shall be effective upon delivery or mailing. Failure
      to give notice of any claim or controversy within one hundred twenty (120)
      days shall constitute a waiver of the claim or controversy.

     

    All
      claims or controversies subject to arbitration shall be submitted to arbitration
      within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date the written notice of a
      request for arbitration is effective. All claims or controversies shall be
      resolved by a panel of three (3) arbitrators who are licensed to practice
      law in the State of Colorado and who are experienced in the arbitration of
      labor
      and employment disputes. These arbitrators shall be selected in accordance
      with
      the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in
      effect at the time the claim or controversy arises. Either party may request
      that

      
        
           

        

        
          -4-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

    the
      arbitration proceeding be stenographically or otherwise recorded by a Certified
      Shorthand Reporter. The arbitrators shall issue a written decision with respect
      to all claims or controversies within thirty (30) days from the date the
      claims or controversies are submitted to arbitration. The parties shall be
      entitled to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding.
      The
      parties acknowledge and agree that each party will bear fifty percent (50%)
      of the cost of the arbitration proceeding. The parties shall be responsible
      for
      paying their own attorneys’ fees and other costs, if any.

     

    The
      parties acknowledge and agree that the arbitration provisions set forth herein
      may be specifically enforced by either party, and submission to arbitration
      proceedings compelled, by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties
      further acknowledge and agree that the decision of the arbitrators may be
      specifically enforced by either party in any court of competent
      jurisdiction.

     

    15. Waiver
      of Breach.
      The
      waiver by either party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall
      not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

     

    16. Entire
      Agreement.
      This
      Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject
      matter of this Agreement, and supersedes any prior written or oral arrangements
      with respect to the Consultant’s engagement by the Company.

     

    17. Successors,
      Binding Agreement.
      Subject
      to the restrictions on assignment contained herein, this Agreement shall inure
      to the benefit (including all rights to receive compensation earned hereunder
      prior to death or disability) of and be enforceable by the Consultant’s personal
      or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees,
      devisees, and legatees.

     

    18. Validity.
      The
      invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not
      affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement,
      which shall remain in full force and effect.

     

    19. Applicable
      Law.
      This
      Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic
      laws of the State of Colorado.

     

    20. Headings.
      The
      headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall
      not control or affect the meaning or construction or limit the scope or intent
      of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

      
        
           

        

        
          -5-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

    IN
      WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
      date
      first set forth above.

    

    

    

    
      
        

      

    

    James
      Perez Foster

     

     

    SOLERA
      NATIONAL BANCORP, INC.

     

     

    By: 
      ____________________________________

    Robert
      Fenton, Vice President 

    
      
         

      

        -6-EXHIBIT
      10.9

     

     

    CONSULTING
      AGREEMENT

    
       

      This
        Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st
        day of
        September, 2006, by and between Solera National Bancorp, Inc. f/k/a Patria
        Corporation,
        a
        corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”),
        and Robert Jay Fenton, an adult individual residing in the State of Colorado
        (the “Consultant”).

       

      WHEREAS,
        the
        Company and the Consultant previously entered into a consulting agreement
        as of
        April 1, 2005, which agreement expired by its terms on May 31, 2006;
        and

       

      WHEREAS,
        the
        Company and the Consultant executed an additional agreement effective the
        1st
        day of
        June, 2006 which agreement expired by its terms on September 1, 2006;
        and

       

      WHEREAS,
        the
        Company desires to enter into this Agreement with the Consultant to retain
        the
        services of the Consultant on the terms and conditions as provided
        herein,

       

      NOW,
        THEREFORE,
        in
        consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this Agreement,
        the parties hereto agree as follows:

       

      1. Engagement.
        The
        Company hereby engages the Consultant and the Consultant hereby agrees to
        render, at the request of the Company, independent advisory and consulting
        services for the Company in connection with the organization of a proposed
        bank
        (the “Bank”), upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. 

       

      2. Term.
        The
        term
        of this Agreement shall begin as of the date of this Agreement and shall
        terminate on the earlier of (i) April 1, 2007; (ii) the date on which the
        Bank
        receives (and satisfies all conditions to opening for business under) its
        authorization to commence its banking business (the “Certificate of Authority”)
        from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and approval of Insurance
        of
        Accounts from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) the date on
        which
        the Company advises the Consultant that it has abandoned its effort to obtain
        the Certificate of Authority; (iv) the date on which the Consultant receives
        written notice from the Company that it is terminating this Agreement “for
        cause” as hereafter defined; or (v) the death or disability of the Consultant
        (as used herein, the disability of the Consultant shall be deemed to have
        occurred when he has been unable to perform his services under this Agreement
        for a period of forty-five (45) consecutive days or the Consultant has made
        any
        claim under any disability insurance policy). As used herein, “for cause” shall
        be defined as follows: (i) the Consultant’s failure to use diligent and good
        faith efforts to perform the services requested by the Company under this
        Agreement (which failure is not cured within five (5) days following written
        notice to the Consultant); (ii) the Consultant’s willful misconduct or gross
        negligence in the performance of his services hereunder; (iii) the Consultant’s
        conviction of a crime or involvement in any conduct which could, in the judgment
        of the Company, adversely impact on the reputation of the Company or the
        Bank or
        the prospects of the Bank receiving its Certificate of Authority; (iv) receipt
        by the Company of any notification from the Office of the Comptroller of
        the
        Currency or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation indicating that the
        Consultant would not be an acceptable candidate to be Executive Vice President
        and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank.

       

      3. Compensation.
        During
        the term of this Agreement, as compensation for all services rendered by
        the
        Consultant under this Agreement, the Company shall pay the Consultant the
        following amounts:

       

      (a) Consulting
        Fee.
        The
        Company shall pay the consultant the sum of nine thousand nine hundred ninety
        two dollars and thirty cents ($9,992.30) per month (prorated for any partial
        month), which shall be paid in arrears in two installments of four thousand
        nine
        hundred ninety six and fifteen cents ($4,996.15) each on the 15th
        and
        30th
        day of
        each calendar month.

      
        
           

        

        
           

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

         

      

      (b) Deductions.
        All such
        compensation shall be payable without deduction for federal income, social
        security, or state income taxes or any other amounts.

       

      (c) Deferred
        Compensation.
        If this
        Agreement terminates pursuant to Paragraph 2 (ii) hereof, the Company shall
        cause the Bank, subject to and upon its opening for business to the public,
        to
        pay, in one lump sum, not later than thirty (30) days following its opening
        for
        business, an amount equal to five thousand ninety-one dollars and three cents
        ($5,091.03) times the number of months of the term of this Agreement
        representing the accumulated difference of fees paid under this Agreement
        and
        the annualized amount of compensation, prorated for the term of this Agreement.
        The Company shall also cause the Bank, upon its opening of business to the
        public, to pay, in one lump sum, not later than thirty (30) days following
        its
        opening for business, $102,000 due to the Consultant under Section 3(c) of
        the
        prior consulting agreements, and the obligations of the Company under such
        section are incorporated herein by reference.

       

      (d) Termination
        Payment. If,
        for
        any reason, other than a termination by the Company for Cause, the Company
        terminates this Agreement during its term or does not renew the Agreement
        at the
        expiration of its Term on terms and conditions mutually acceptable to the
        Company and the Consultant, and without the Employment Agreement referenced
        in
        Paragraph 10 of this Agreement becoming effective, Consultant will be entitled
        to receive a lump sum payment, payable on the date of termination, of not
        less
        than the greater of (i) one-half of the fees which would have been payable
        for
        the remaining term of this Agreement from the date of termination or (ii)
        $167,614.11.

       

      4. Duties.
        The
        Consultant shall render services conscientiously and shall devote his full
        time,
        attention, efforts and abilities to the establishment of the Bank, including
        without limitation obtaining regulatory approvals, site development activities,
        personnel matters and capital raising activities, at such times during the
        term
        hereof and in such manner as reasonably requested by the Company, and performed
        at such places and at such times as are reasonably convenient to the Company
        and
        the Consultant. The Consultant shall observe all policies and directives
        promulgated from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors.

       

      5. Expenses.
        The
        Consultant shall be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable business
        expenses which were incurred by the Consultant during the performance of
        his
        services hereunder; provided, any such reimbursement in excess of $250 in
        any
        month shall require the prior written approval of the Company’s Board of
        Directors or a committee thereof; provided however that any expenses set
        forth
        in the organizational budget shall be deemed to be approved unless the Company’s
        Board of Directors makes an express determination to the contrary prior to
        the
        time at which the expense is incurred. The Company’s obligation to reimburse the
        Consultant pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to the presentation
        to
        the Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof by the Consultant of an
        itemized account of such expenditures, together with supporting vouchers,
        in
        accordance with any policies of the Company in effect from time to
        time.

       

      6. Independent
        Contractor.
        It is
        expressly agreed that Consultant is acting as an independent contractor in
        performing services hereunder. The Company shall carry no worker’s compensation
        insurance or any health or accident insurance to cover Consultant. The Company
        shall not pay any contributions to Social Security, unemployment insurance,
        federal or state withholding taxes, nor provide any other contributions or
        benefits which might be expected in an employer-employee
        relationship.

       

      7. Covenant
        Not to Compete.
        The
        Consultant hereby acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature
        of
        the Company’s business and accordingly agrees that, during

      
        
           

        

        
          -2-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

       

      the
        term
        of this Agreement, the Consultant will not, except as provided in Paragraph
        4
        hereof, directly or indirectly:

       

      (a) engage
        in
        any business activity related to the business of banking or financial services,
        or the formation of any entity for the purpose of engaging in such a business
        (other than on behalf of the Company to the extent that the Consultant is
        then
        in the employ of or consulting for the Company), whether such engagement
        is as
        an officer, director, proprietor, employee, partner, member, investor (other
        than as a passive investor in less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding
        capital stock of a publicly traded corporation), consultant, advisor, agent
        or
        other participant in another business,

       

      (b) assist
        others in engaging in any of the business activities prohibited to the
        Consultant under clause (a) above, or

       

      (c) induce
        employees of the Company to engage in any activities hereby prohibited to
        the
        Consultant or to terminate their employment.

       

      The
        term
        of this restriction shall be extended for a period of time equal to any period
        of time during which the Consultant violates or fails to observe the provisions
        of this paragraph.

       

      8. No
        Disclosure of Confidential Information.
        The
        Consultant acknowledges that the Company’s trade secrets and private processes,
        as they may exist from time to time, and confidential information concerning
        the
        formation and development of the Bank, the Bank’s planned products, technical
        information regarding the Bank, and data concerning potential customers of
        and
        investors in the Bank are valuable, special, and unique assets of the Company,
        access to and knowledge of which are essential to the performance of the
        Consultant’s duties under this Agreement. In light of the highly competitive
        nature of the industry in which the business of the Company is conducted,
        the
        Consultant further agrees that all knowledge and information described in
        the
        preceding sentence not in the public domain and heretofore or in the future
        obtained by the Consultant as a result of his engagement by the Company shall
        be
        considered confidential information. In recognition of this fact, the Consultant
        agrees that the Consultant will not, during or after the term of this Agreement,
        disclose any of such secrets, processes, or information to any person or
        other
        entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, except as necessary in the
        performance of the Consultant’s duties as a consultant to the Company and then
        only upon a written confidentiality agreement in such form and content as
        requested by the Company from time to time, nor shall Consultant make use
        of any
        of such secrets, processes or information for Consultant’s own purposes or for
        the benefit of any person or other entity (except the Company and its
        subsidiaries, if any) under any circumstances during or after the term of
        this
        Agreement.

       

      9. Remedies.
        The
        Consultant acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedy at law for a breach
        or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Paragraphs 7 and 8 of this
        Agreement would be inadequate. In recognition thereof, if the Consultant
        breaches or threatens to breach any provision of Paragraphs 7 and 8 of this
        Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to equitable relief in the form
        of
        specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent
        injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available in addition
        to any of its remedies at law. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Company
        from
        pursuing any other right or remedy available to it for such breach or threatened
        breach.

       

      10. Employment
        Agreement.
        It
        is
        anticipated that the Consultant and the Bank will enter into an Employment
        Agreement having a term of not less than three years in form satisfactory
        to
        each of the Consultant and the Bank in their reasonable discretion, subject
        to
        the approval of such form by the Bank’s primary regulators and modifications to
        such form as may be required by the regulators, which Employment Agreement
        shall
        be effective as of the date on which the Office of the Comptroller of
        the

      
        
           

        

        
          -3-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

       

      Currency
        issues the Certificate of Authority to the Bank and the Federal Deposit
        Insurance Corporation issues approval for Insurance of Accounts.

       

      11. Assignment.
        This
        Agreement is a personal one, being entered into in reliance upon and in
        consideration of the personal skill and qualifications of Consultant. Consultant
        shall therefore not voluntarily or by operation of law assign or otherwise
        transfer the obligations incurred on its part pursuant to the terms of this
        Agreement without the prior written consent of Company. Any attempted assignment
        or transfer by Consultant of its obligations without such consent shall be
        wholly void.

       

      12. Modification
        of Agreement.
        This
        Agreement may be modified by the parties hereto only by a written supplemental
        agreement executed by both parties.

       

      13. Notice.
        Any
        notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be sufficient if
        in
        writing, and if sent by any nationally recognized courier service providing
        for
        receipt of delivery, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by
        fax
        followed by such mail, addressed as follows:

       

      If
        to
        Company:

      

      James
        Foster

      Chairman,
        Solera National Bancorp, Inc.

      5801
        W.
        Alameda Ave., Suite B

      Lakewood,
        CO 80226

       

      If
        to
        Consultant:

       

      Robert
        Jay Fenton

      876
        Wolverine Ct.

      Castle
        Rock, CO 80108

      

      or
        to
        such other address as the parties hereto may specify, in writing, from time
        to
        time.

       

      14. Mediation
        and Arbitration.
        The
        parties agree to mediate, in good faith, any claim arising hereunder and
        to
        refrain from pursuing arbitration hereunder until the parties have met with
        a
        mediator. The parties agree to select and mediate any claim or controversy
        within sixty (60) days of the date the claim or controversy accrues or
        first arises. The mediator shall be selected by the Company with the
        Consultant’s consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld. The mediator shall
        be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and be experienced in
        the
        arbitration of labor and employment disputes.

       

      The
        parties acknowledge and agree that any claim or controversy arising out of
        or
        relating to this Agreement, or the breach of this Agreement, or any other
        dispute arising out of or relating to the consulting relationship, shall
        be
        settled by final and binding arbitration in the City of Denver, State of
        Colorado, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
        Arbitration Association in effect on the date the claim or controversy arises.
        The parties further acknowledge and agree that either party must request
        arbitration of any claim or controversy within one hundred twenty (120)
        days of the date the claim or controversy accrues or first arises by giving
        written notice of the party’s request for arbitration by certified U.S. mail or
        personal delivery. Notice shall be effective upon delivery or
        mailing.

      
        
           

        

        
          -4-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

       

      Failure
        to give notice of any claim or controversy within one hundred twenty (120)
        days shall constitute a waiver of the claim or controversy.

       

      All
        claims or controversies subject to arbitration shall be submitted to arbitration
        within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date the written notice of a
        request for arbitration is effective. All claims or controversies shall be
        resolved by a panel of three (3) arbitrators who are licensed to practice
        law in the State of Colorado and who are experienced in the arbitration of
        labor
        and employment disputes. These arbitrators shall be selected in accordance
        with
        the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association
        in
        effect at the time the claim or controversy arises. Either party may request
        that the arbitration proceeding be stenographically or otherwise recorded
        by a
        Certified Shorthand Reporter. The arbitrators shall issue a written decision
        with respect to all claims or controversies within thirty (30) days from
        the date the claims or controversies are submitted to arbitration. The parties
        shall be entitled to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration
        proceeding. The parties acknowledge and agree that each party will bear fifty
        percent (50%) of the cost of the arbitration proceeding. The parties shall
        be responsible for paying their own attorneys’ fees and other costs, if
        any.

       

      The
        parties acknowledge and agree that the arbitration provisions set forth herein
        may be specifically enforced by either party, and submission to arbitration
        proceedings compelled, by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties
        further acknowledge and agree that the decision of the arbitrators may be
        specifically enforced by either party in any court of competent
        jurisdiction.

       

      15. Waiver
        of Breach.
        The
        waiver by either party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall
        not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

       

      16. Entire
        Agreement.
        This
        Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject
        matter of this Agreement, and supersedes any prior written or oral arrangements
        with respect to the Consultant’s engagement by the Company.

       

      17. Successors,
        Binding Agreement.
        Subject
        to the restrictions on assignment contained herein, this Agreement shall
        inure
        to the benefit (including all rights to receive compensation earned hereunder
        prior to death or disability) of and be enforceable by the Consultant’s personal
        or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees,
        devisees, and legatees.

       

      18. Validity.
        The
        invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not
        affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement,
        which shall remain in full force and effect.

       

      19. Applicable
        Law.
        This
        Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic
        laws of the State of Colorado.

       

      20. Headings.
        The
        headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are for convenience only and
        shall
        not control or affect the meaning or construction or limit the scope or intent
        of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

      
        
           

        

        
          -5-

          
            

          

        

        
           

        

      

       

      IN
        WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
        date
        first set forth above.

       

       

      
        
          

        

      

      Robert
        Jay Fenton

       

       

      SOLERA
        NATIONAL BANCORP, INC.

       

       

      By: 
        __________________________________

      James
        Foster, Chairman

      
        
           

        

          -6-

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