Document:

exv10w1

Exhibit
10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This employment agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) has been entered into
with effect as of this 1st day of December 2009 by and between Bluehill ID Services AG,
a company limited by shares under Swiss law, having its registered office at Etzelblickstasse 1,
CH-8834 Schindellegi (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) and Mr. Ayman S. Ashour resident at
Etzelblickstrasse 1, 8834 Schindellegi, Switzerland (hereinafter also referred to as the
“Executive”).

The Company is a service company fully owned by Bluehill ID AG and was set up to provide management
and administrative services to the companies directly or indirectly held and/or controlled by
Bluehill ID AG, an industrial holding company having its registered office at Dufourstrasse 124,
CH-9001 St. Gallen (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Bluehill ID Group”).

The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Executive acts as the Principal of Newton
International Management LLC and that the Executive holds the position of adjunct lecturer at
Suffolk University in Boston.

1. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive shall serve the Company and any of its present and future affiliates, subsidiaries and
group companies in the capacity of CEO and president of the board of directors, as the case may be,
and shall fully and faithfully perform such duties and exercise such powers as are incidental to
such position including those duties set out in the following paragraphs in connection with the
business of the Bluehill ID Group, its affiliates and joint ventures and such other compatible
duties and powers as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the board of directors
of the Company (the “Board of Directors”).

Executive is to have responsibility for the supervision, and direction of the Bluehill ID Group
with the obligation, duty, authority, and power to do all acts and things as are customarily done
by persons holding the position of Executive in companies/corporations of similar size to the
Bluehill ID Group and to do all acts and things as are reasonably necessary for the efficient and
proper operation and development of the Bluehill ID Group.

Such responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited to, (i) reporting to the Boards of
Directors of the Bluehill ID Group, (ii) supervising and directing the senior officers of the
Bluehill ID Group and its affiliates with a view to growing the business of the Bluehill ID Group
and increasing its sales and revenues, (iii) and liaising with the shareholders of Bluehill ID AG
and increasing the existing investor base of Bluehill ID AG.

Executive shall fully and faithfully perform such duties and fulfil such obligations, as are
commensurate with his appointment. Executive shall devote full attention using his best efforts to
apply his skill and experience to perform his duties hereunder and promote the interests of the
business and projects of the Bluehill ID Group.

The Executive acknowledges that he may be required to work beyond the normal work week for the
proper performance of his duties, and that he shall not receive further remuneration in respect of
such additional hours.

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The Executive shall be based in London, England, and the Company shall supply the Executive with
appropriate accommodation, transportation, including a company car, and work permits when in
Switzerland.

The Executive agrees to travel on the Company’s business as may be required for the proper
performance of his duties under this Agreement.

2. TERM

The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall be effective for a three-year period from 1 December
2009 and shall continue until 30 November 2012.

This Agreement and the continuation of Executive’s services to the Company, along with his
positions and titles within the Bluehill ID Group may be renewed at the end of the said Term on
conditions mutually acceptable to the Executive and the Company for an additional three year
period.

If the same are not renewed, this Agreement shall terminate on 30 November 2012 without further
requirement of notice or pay in lieu thereof. The Company will provide notice of at least 1 year
(360) days if it intends to renew this Agreement.

3. COMPENSATION

a) Salary: For services rendered by Executive during the term of this Agreement, the Executive
shall be paid a salary in the amount of CHF 300,000 (less Executive’s share of social costs) per
year, payable in 12 equal monthly instalments with the first instalment becoming due and payable
immediately on 31st December 2009.

b) Bonus: For services rendered by the Executive during the term of this Agreement the Executive
shall be paid an annual bonus (hereinafter referred to as the “Bonus”) depending on EBIT growth
both organic and acquisitive allowing for the equivalent of CHF 300,000 to be received per year
payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Bluehill ID AG with a lock-up or deferral period of 36
months from the date when such Bonus has become due and payable. The exact amount of the Bonus
shall be determined by the compensation committee of the Bluehill ID Group.

c) Peak Bonus: For services rendered by the Executive during the term of this Agreement the
Executive shall be paid a peak bonus (hereinafter referred to as the “Peak Bonus”) on achieving
further growth of the EBIT figure of Bluehill ID AG and the share price of Bluehill ID AG payable
in 36 months options, vesting after 12 months equivalent in number to the Salary and the Bonus. For
example if the annual Salary amounts to CHF 300,000 and the Bonus to CHF 100,000 then the Executive
will be entitled to get the equivalent of CHF 400,000 in share options. Executive acknowledges and
agrees that the exact structure of the Peak Bonus may have to be adjusted to fit with applicable
stock exchange requirements.

4. BENEFITS, PERQUISITES AND BUSINESS EXPENSES

a) The Executive shall be entitled to participate in any future Stock Option Plan of Bluehill ID AG
on such terms as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

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b) The Company shall provide the Executive with a company car in accordance with its policies at
his normal base of business, currently in the UK, with all related expenses covered by the Company.
The Company shall provide the Executive with a monthly car and housing allowance of CHF 1,500 to
cover the Executive’s car and housing expenses in Switzerland.

c) The Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by the
Executive in connection with the conduct of the business of the Bluehill ID Group pursuant to this
Agreement. Such expenses shall be reimbursed within thirty (10) days following presentation of
sufficient evidence of such expenditures.

d) The Company shall provide the Executive with a comprehensive health insurance and plan. These
costs shall be reimbursed by the Company. The Company shall be responsible for the executive
pension plans of the Executive as agreed between the Company and the Executive.

e) The Executive shall be entitled to 5 weeks of paid vacation per annum.

5. TERMINATION

a) Termination by the Company without cause: The Company shall be entitled to terminate this
Agreement at any time without cause by giving the Executive twelve (12) months prior written notice
of the termination but the Company shall be required to continue to pay the Executive’s monthly
salary payments until the earlier of either the expiry of 24 months from the date of such
termination or the then current Term of this Agreement. In the event of termination of this
Agreement hereunder without cause, Executive shall be immediately relieved of all of his
responsibilities and authorities as an officer, director and employee of the Company and as an
officer, director and employee of each and every affiliate in the Company effective as of the date
of termination hereof fixed by the Company. In the event of termination without cause, rights and
benefits of the Executive under the employee benefits plans and programs of the Company including
all bonus payments and company car shall continue until expiry of the then current Term of this
Agreement. If any such benefit or program cannot be so continued, Executive shall be entitled to
receive a cash payment equal to the value of such benefits for such period. The Company expressly
agrees that any change in the scope of authority and responsibly of the Executive mandated by the
Board of Directors which has not been agreed to by the Executive including but not limited
to title or removal from the office of President of the Board of Directors of Bluehill ID AG shall
constitute an act of Termination without cause.

b) Termination by the Company for cause: The Company shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement
for cause at any time without notice and without any payment in lieu of notice. In the event of
termination for cause, the Company’s obligations hereunder shall immediately cease and terminate
and Executive shall be immediately relieved of all of his responsibilities and authorities as an
officer, director and employee of the Company and as an officer, director and employee of each and
every affiliate in the Company and in such an event there will be no continued monthly fee payments
by the Company to the Executive. For purposes of this paragraph 5(b), “cause” shall include,
without limitation, the following circumstances,

	i)	 	The Executive has committed a criminal offence involving moral
turpitude or has improperly enriched himself at the expense of the
Bluehill ID Group;
	 
	ii)	 	The Executive, in carrying out his duties hereunder, (i) has been
wilfully and grossly negligent, or (ii) has committed wilful and
gross misconduct or, (iii) has failed to

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	 	 	comply with a lawful
instruction or directive from the Board of Directors (and which is
not otherwise cured within thirty (30) days of notice of such
breach);
	 
	iii)	 	The Executive has breached a material term of this Agreement (and
which is not cured within Ninety (90) days);
	 
	iv)	 	The Executive shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement at any
time without cause by giving the Company twelve (12) months prior
written notice of the termination. The Company shall have the right
to require the Executive to continue in his capacity as CEO and
President of the Board during the twelve (12) months period.

Termination of this Agreement for cause shall be effective upon the date of the notice of
termination given to the Executive and the lapse of any applicable cure period without remedy of
the matters set out in such notice.

c) Disability: This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon written notice from the Company in
the event of Executive’s absence or inability to render the services required hereunder due to
disability, illness, incapacity or otherwise for an aggregate of one hundred and eighty (180) days
during any twelve (12) month period, provided that such disability, illness, incapacity or other
cause has not occurred during the execution of the business of the Company by the Executive. In the
event of any such absence or inability, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation
provided for herein for the first three hundred and sixty (360) days thereof, whereafter it shall
only be entitled to receive such compensation, if any, as may be determined by the Board of
Directors. The Company shall also provide the Executive with customary Disability Insurance at no
cost to the Executive.

d) Death: In the event of the death of Executive during the term of this Agreement, the Executive’s
monthly fee payments shall continue to be paid to the Executive through the end of the twelfth
month following the month in which Executive’s death occurs.

e) Effect of Termination: The Executive agrees that, upon termination of this Agreement for any
reason whatsoever, Executive shall thereupon be deemed to have immediately resigned any position
that Executive may have as an officer, director or employee of the Company and each and every
affiliate of the Company. In such event, Executive shall, at the request of the Company or any
affiliate in the Company, forthwith execute any and all documents appropriate to evidence such
resignation. The Executive shall be entitled to any payment in respect of such resignation in
addition to those provided for herein, except as expressly provided for pursuant to any other
agreement entered into with any affiliate in the Company.

f) Survival of Terms: It is expressly agreed that notwithstanding termination of this Agreement for
any reason or cause or in any circumstances whatsoever, such termination shall be without prejudice
to the rights and obligations of the Executive and the Company respectively in relation to the time
up to and including the date of termination and the provisions of paragraphs 3(b), 7 and 8 of this
Agreement, all of which shall remain and continue in full force and effect.

6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

a) The Executive agrees not to disclose, either during the term of this Agreement or at any time
for a period of three years thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company or by

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any affiliate of the Company or not engaged to render services to the Company or to any affiliate
in the Company, any trade secrets or confidential information of or relating to the Company or any
affiliate of the Company obtained by the Executive during the term hereof; provided, however, that
this provision shall not preclude the Executive from the use or disclosure of information known
generally to the public (other than that which the Executive may have disclosed in breach of this
Agreement) or of information required to be disclosed by law or court order applicable to the
Executive or information authorized to be disclosed by the Board of Directors.

b) The Executive also agrees that upon termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever,
Executive will not take, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors, any drawing,
blueprint, specification, report or other document belonging or relating to the Company or to any
affiliate of the Company.

7. NOTICES

Any notices, requests, demands or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be sufficiently given when and if mailed by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, or sent by personal delivery, overnight courier or by facsimile
to the party entitled thereto at the address stated at the beginning of this Agreement or at such
other address as the parties may have specified by similar notice.

Any such notice shall be deemed delivered on the tenth business day following the mailing thereof
if delivered by prepaid post or if given by means of personal delivery on the day of delivery
thereof or if given by means of courier or facsimile transmission on the first business day
following the dispatch thereof.

8. APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement shall be deemed a contract under, and for all purposes shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with, the laws of state of Switzerland.

9. ARBITRATION

Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in relation to this Agreement, including the
validity, invalidity, breach or termination thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance
with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration of the Swiss Chambers of Commerce in force on the
date when the Notice of Arbitration is submitted in accordance with these Rules.

The number of arbitrators shall be one and the seat of the arbitration shall be in the city of
Zurich, Switzerland. The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in the English language.

10. AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION; WAIVER

No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is
authorized by the Company (including any authorized officer or committee of the Board of Directors)
and is in writing signed by the Executive and by a duly authorized representative of the Company.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no waiver by either party hereto of
any breach by the other party of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar breach, condition or provision
at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

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11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters
herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the parties
hereto, relating to such matters.

12. GUARANTEES OF PERFORMANCE

a) Bluehill ID AG hereby guarantees to and in favour of the Executive the due and timely
performance and payment of all obligations, duties and liabilities of the Company under this
Agreement and agrees to perform all obligations and pay all amounts due hereunder to Executive
forthwith upon any breach or failure by the Company or its affiliates in the performance of the
terms and conditions hereof.

b) The Executive hereby guarantees to and in favour of the Company the due and timely performance
of all obligations, duties and responsibilities of the Executive under this Agreement and agrees to
perform all obligations as required hereunder or as the Executive shall be directed by the
Company’s and Bluehill ID’s Board of Directors and by the shareholders’ meetings of the Company and
Bluehill ID AG.

13. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

With the consent of the Executive the rights and obligations of Bluehill ID Services AG under this
Agreement may be transferred to and assumed by Bluehill ID AG.

In witness whereof, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement in three counterparts.

BLUEHILL ID Services AG

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	By:  	/s/ Werner Vogt
 	 

Name: Werner Vogt

Title: Board Member

EXECUTIVE

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	By:  	/s/ Ayman S. Ashour
 	 

Name: Ayman S. Ashour

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Acknowledged and agreed with respect to the Guarantee Undertaking contained in Article 12 a and to
Article 13 of this Agreement.

BLUEHILL ID AG

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	By:  	/s/ Daniel S. Wenzel
 	 

Name: Daniel S. Wenzel

Title: Director

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Exhibit 1 to the Employment Agreement between Bluehill ID Services AG and Mr Ayman S. Ashour (the “Agreement”)

 

With effect as of 4 January 2010, and subject to the condition that the voluntary exchange offer by
SCM Microsystems, Inc. for the shares of Bluehill ID AG (the “Exchange Offer”) is being closed in
accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, Bluehill ID Services AG and Ayman S. Ashour
herewith agree to amend the Agreement as follows:

	1.	 	Any and all consideration due in shares of Bluehill ID AG shall be discharged in shares of
SCM Microsystems, Inc. (“SCM Shares”).

	2.	 	Any and all consideration due in options of Bluehill ID AG shall be discharged in exchange
tradable warrants of SCM Microsystems, Inc.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Bluehill ID Services AG and Ayman S. Ashour have executed this Exhibit 1 to the
Agreement in three originals, of which the Parties have taken one each.

	 	 	 	 	 
	Place:
	 	Place: Zurich
	Date:
	 	Date: 30 November 2009
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Bluehill ID Services AG	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Werner Vogt
	 	/s/ Ayman S. Ashour
	 

	 	 
	 	 
	 

	 	Werner Vogt
	 	Ayman S. Ashour
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Title: Board Member	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Place: Wallisellen
	 	Place:
	Date: 22 December 2009
	 	Date:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Acknowledged and agreed:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Bluehill ID AG	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Daniel S. Wenzel	 	 
	 

	 	 
 Daniel
S. Wenzel	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Title: Director	 	 

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Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into between Quanta Services,
Inc., (“Employer”) and Earl C. Austin, Jr. (“Employee”) on this 1st day of January,
2010 (the “Effective Date”).

I. RECITALS

     As of the date of this Agreement, Employer is engaged primarily in the business of specialty
electrical contracting for customers in the electric power, natural gas and oil, telecommunications
and cable television industries, as well as for transportation, commercial and industrial
customers. As such, Employer has developed and continues to develop and use certain trade secret
and otherwise Proprietary and Confidential Information, as hereinafter defined. Employer has spent
a substantial amount of time, effort and money, and will continue to do so in the future, to
develop or acquire such Proprietary and Confidential Information and promote and increase its good
will. Employer and Employee acknowledge and agree that Proprietary and Confidential Information is
an asset of particular and immeasurable value to Employer.

     Pursuant to this Agreement, Employee shall be employed by Employer in a confidential and
fiduciary relationship and such Proprietary and Confidential Information will necessarily be
provided to, communicated to, or acquired by Employee by virtue of his employment with Employer.

     Based upon the above, Employer desires to retain the services of Employee on its own behalf,
as well as on the behalf of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies and, in so doing, protect its
Proprietary and Confidential Information subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

II. DEFINITIONS

     A. For purposes of this Agreement, “Employer” shall mean Quanta Services, Inc., as
well as its predecessors, designees, successors, and past, present and future operating companies,
divisions, subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

     B. As used in this Agreement, “Proprietary and Confidential Information” means any and
all non-public information or data in any form or medium, tangible or intangible, which has
commercial value and which Employer possesses or to which Employer has rights. Proprietary and
Confidential Information includes, by way of example and without limitation, information concerning
Employer’s specific manner of doing business including, but not limited to, the processes, methods
or techniques utilized by Employer, Employer’s customers, marketing strategies and plans, pricing
information, sources of supply and material specifications, Employer’s computer programs, system
documentation, special hardware, related software development, Employer’s business models, manuals,
formulations, equipment, compositions, configurations, know-how, ideas, improvements or inventions.

 

 

     Proprietary and Confidential Information also includes information developed by Employee
during his course of employment with Employer or otherwise relating to Company-Related Inventions
and Developments, as hereinafter defined, as well as other information to which he may be given
access to in connection with his employment.

     C. As used in this Agreement, “Inventions and Developments” means any and all
inventions, developments, creative works and useful ideas of any description whatsoever, whether or
not patentable. Inventions and Developments include, by way of example and without limitation,
discoveries and improvements which consist of or relate to any form of Proprietary and Confidential
Information.

     D. As used in this Agreement, “Company-Related Inventions and Developments” means all
Inventions and Developments which: (a) relate at the time of conception or development to the
actual business of Employer or to its actual research and development or to business or research
and development that is the subject of active planning at the time; (b) result from or relate to
any work performed for Employer, whether or not during normal business hours; (c) are developed on
Employer’s time; or (d) are developed through the use of Employer’s Proprietary and Confidential
Information, equipment and software, or other facilities and resources.

     E. For purposes of this Agreement, “Make,” when used in relation to Inventions and
Developments, includes any one or any combination of: (a) conception; (b) reduction to practice; or
(c) development; and is without regard to whether Employee is a sole or joint inventor.

     F. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” shall include circumstances
where:

          1. Any person or entity, other than Quanta Services, Inc. or an employee benefit plan of
Quanta Services, Inc., acquires directly or indirectly Beneficial Ownership (as defined in Section
13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of any Voting Security of Quanta
Services, Inc. and immediately after such acquisition such person or entity is, directly or
indirectly, the Beneficial Owner of Voting Securities representing fifty percent (50%) or more of
the total voting power of all of the then-outstanding Voting Securities of Quanta Services, Inc.;
or

          2. Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors of Quanta
Services, Inc. (the “Board”), and any new director whose election by the Board or
nomination for election by Quanta Services, Inc.’s stockholders was approved by a vote of a
majority of the directors then still in office who were directors as of the date hereof or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority of the members of the Board; or

          3. The stockholders of Quanta Services, Inc. shall approve a merger, consolidation,
recapitalization or reorganization of Quanta Services, Inc., a reverse stock split of outstanding
Voting Securities, or consummation of any such transaction if stockholder approval is not obtained,
other than any such transaction that would result in at least fifty percent (50%) of

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the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the surviving entity outstanding
immediately after such transaction being Beneficially Owned by at least fifty percent (50%) of the
holders of outstanding voting securities of Quanta Services, Inc. immediately prior to the
transaction, with the voting power of each such continuing holder relative to other such continuing
holders not substantially altered in the transaction; or

          4. The stockholders of Quanta Services, Inc. shall approve a plan of complete liquidation of
Quanta Services, Inc. or an agreement for the sale or disposition by Quanta Services, Inc. of all
or a substantial portion of Quanta Services, Inc.’s assets (i.e., fifty percent (50%) or more of
the total assets of Quanta Services, Inc. ).

     G. For purposes of this Agreement, “Voting Security” means common stock or other
capital stock of Quanta Services, Inc. entitled generally to vote in the election of directors and
preferred stock and other equity securities (not including options, warrants or similar rights)
convertible into securities entitled generally to vote in the election of directors (whether or not
then convertible).

III. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

     A. Position and Duties. Employee is hereby employed by Employer as President – Natural
Gas and Pipeline Division. As such, Employee shall have responsibilities, duties and authority
reasonably accorded to and expected of a President – Natural Gas and Pipeline Division. Employee
shall devote his full business time, attention and effort to the performance of this Agreement and
to his duties as described herein.

          1. Employee shall faithfully adhere to, execute and fulfill such duties as may reasonably be
assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer of Quanta Services, Inc. or by the Board.

          2. Employee agrees to devote reasonable attention and time to the business and affairs of
Employer and, to the extent necessary, to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Employee
hereunder, to use Employee’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such
responsibilities.

          3. Employee shall not, during the term of his employment hereunder, be engaged in any other
business activity pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage if such activity interferes
with Employee’s duties and responsibilities hereunder. The foregoing limitations shall not be
construed as prohibiting Employee from serving on corporate, civic or charitable boards or
committees, delivering lectures or fulfilling speaking engagements, teaching at educational
institutions, or making personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly
interfere with the performance of Employee’s responsibilities to Employer as set forth in this
Agreement.

          4. In the performance of his duties, Employee shall use his best efforts to adhere to the
legal requirements codified in statutes, ordinances and governmental regulations applicable to
Employer.

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     B. Term. The initial term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and
shall continue for two (2) years, unless terminated sooner pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement (the “Initial Term”). At the expiration of the Initial Term, unless terminated
sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, and each annual anniversary thereafter, this
Agreement will renew automatically for an additional one (1) year period (the “Renewal
Term”) unless either party notifies the other party in writing of its or his intention not to
renew this Agreement (the “Renewal Termination Notice”) not less than ninety (90) days
prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or of any Renewal Term (the Initial Term and any
Renewal Term are referred to collectively as the “Term of Employment”).

          1. Termination upon Death. This Agreement (and all of Employee’s rights and
Employer’s obligations hereunder) shall terminate as of the date of Employee’s death.

          2. Termination upon Disability. If Employee becomes physically or mentally disabled,
whether totally or partially, so that Employee is unable to perform his essential job functions
hereunder for a period aggregating 180 days during any twelve (12) month period, or it is
determined by a physician reasonably selected by Employer that, by reason of physical or mental
disability (“Disability”), Employee shall be unable to perform the essential job functions
required of him hereunder, Employer may, by written notice to Employee, terminate this Agreement,
in which event this Agreement (and all of Employee’s rights and Employer’s obligations hereunder)
shall terminate thirty (30) days after the date upon which Employer shall have given notice to
Employee of its intention to terminate this Agreement because of Disability.

          3. Termination for Cause. Employer may terminate this Agreement for Cause by
providing written notice to Employee of its intention to do so. All of Employee’s rights and
Employer’s obligations hereunder shall terminate as of the date of such notice by Employer, unless
otherwise provided herein. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:

               a. the failure or refusal of Employee to follow the reasonable directives of his supervisor to
whom he reports, or of the Board, which failure or refusal is not cured by Employee within five (5)
business days after Employee has been given written notice thereof;

               b. the willful and continued failure of Employee to perform substantially Employee’s duties
with Employer (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to Disability as defined
above), which willful and continued failure is not cured by Employee within five (5) business days
after Employee has been given written notice thereof;

               c. the violation by Employee of any of Employer’s policies or procedures, which violation is
not cured by Employee within five (5) business days after Employee has been given written notice
thereof;

               d. Employee engaging in conduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to Employer;

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               e. a conviction of, a plea of nolo contendere, a guilty plea, or confession by Employee to, an
act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement or any crime punishable as a felony or any other
crime that involves moral turpitude, unless the conviction is attributable to an act committed
before the date of this Agreement and Employer had actual knowledge of such act prior to its
execution of this Agreement;

               f. Employee’s use of illegal substances or habitual drunkenness;

               g. the breach by Employee of this Agreement if Employee does not cure such breach within five
(5) business days after Employee has been given written notice thereof; or

               h. repeated or continuous acts of gross neglect or gross or willful misconduct that directly
relate to the business of Employer.

          4. Termination for Good Reason. Employee may terminate this Agreement for Good Reason
in the twelve (12) months following a Change in Control by providing written notice to Employer of
his intention to do so. All of Employee’s rights and Employer’s obligations hereunder shall
terminate as of the date of such notice by Employee. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good
Reason” shall mean:

               a. the assignment to Employee of any duties inconsistent with Employee’s position (including
offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated
by Section III.A of this Agreement, or any other action by Employer that results in a diminution in
such position, authority, duties or responsibilities (excluding for this purpose an isolated,
insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith) which is not cured by Employer within
five (5) business days after Employer has been given written notice thereof by Employee;

               b. any requirement that Employee be based at any office or location that results in a
violation of Section III.E of this Agreement;

               c. any failure by Employer to comply with any of the provisions of Section IV of this
Agreement (excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken
in bad faith) which is not cured by Employer within five (5) business days after Employer has been
given written notice thereof by Employee;

               d. any failure by Employer to continue in effect any cash or stock-based incentive or bonus
plan, retirement plan, welfare benefit plan or other compensation, retirement or benefit plan and
policy, unless the aggregate value (as computed by an independent employee benefits consultant
selected by Employer and reasonably acceptable to Employee or Employee’s legal representative) of
all such compensation, retirement or benefit plans and policies provided to Employee is not
materially less than their aggregate value as in effect at any time during the one hundred twenty
(120) day period immediately preceding a Change in Control

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or, if more favorable to Employee, those provided generally at any time after the Change in Control
to other peer employees of the Employer and its affiliated companies.

     C. Notice of Termination. Any termination by Employer for Cause or by Employee for
Good Reason shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination provided to the other party pursuant
to the provisions of Section IX.C of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “Notice
of Termination” means a written notice that: (1) indicates the specific termination provision
or provisions as set forth in this Agreement relied upon by either Employer or Employee; (2) to the
extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide
the basis for termination under the provision or provisions of this Agreement relied upon by either
Employer or Employee; and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date
of receipt of such Notice of Termination, specifies the termination date. The failure by either
Employer or Employee to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that
contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason shall not waive any right of Employer or Employee
or preclude Employer or Employee from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Employer’s
or Employee’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.

     D. Date of Termination. According to this Agreement, “Date of Termination”
shall mean: (1) if Employee’s employment is terminated for Cause, or by Employee for Good Reason,
the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein or as required
under this Agreement; (2) if the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Employer other than for
Cause or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which Employer notifies Employee
of such termination; (3) if Employee’s employment is terminated by reason of death, the Date of
Termination shall be the date of the death of Employee; (4) if Employee’s employment is terminated
by reason of Disability, thirty (30) days after Employer has given notice as required under Section
III.B.2 of this Agreement; or (5) if Employee voluntarily terminates his employment, the Date of
Termination shall be the date on which Employee and Employer shall agree to be the Date of
Termination.

     E. Place of Performance. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to
require Employee to relocate from Employee’s present residence to another geographic location in
order to carry out Employee’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, other than normal
business travel consistent with Employee’s duties, responsibilities and position.

IV. COMPENSATION

     A. Annual Base Salary. Employer agrees to compensate and pay Employee, or to cause
Employee to be compensated and paid, an annual base salary of $400,000, payable on the
15th and last day of each calendar month. The Employer is or may be required to
withhold from such gross amount deductions for federal, state or local taxes, F.I.C.A., and such
other taxes required by appropriate governmental agencies. The amount to be paid Employee shall be
net of such amounts withheld.

     On at least an annual basis, Employer will review Employee’s performance and may make
increases to Employee’s annual base salary if, in its sole discretion, any such increase is

6

 

warranted. Such recommended increase would, in all likelihood, require approval by the Board or a
duly constituted committee thereof.

     B. Bonus. Employee shall participate in Employer’s annual and supplemental incentive
bonus plans at a level commensurate with Employee’s position, and subject to adjustment
periodically based on competitive practices of the peer group used by Employer for purposes of
competitive compensation benchmarking. Employee may participate in other current and future
incentive bonus plans as determined by the Board or a duly constituted committee thereof.

     C. Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. Employee shall be entitled to participate
in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs generally
applicable to other peer employees of Employer.

     D. Welfare Benefit Plans. Employer shall, at Employee’s request, pay all premiums for
coverage for Employee and Employee’s dependents, under the welfare benefit plans, practices,
policies and programs provided by Employer including, but not limited to, medical, prescription,
dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans
and programs, generally applicable to other peer employees of Employer.

     E. Reimbursement of Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Employee or cause Employee to
be promptly reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Employee in
furtherance of the business and affairs of Employer including, but not limited to, all travel
expenses and living expenses while away from home on business or at the request of Employer or the
Board. Such reimbursement shall be effected as soon as reasonably practicable after such
expenditures are made, against presentation of signed, itemized expense reports in accordance with
the travel and business expense reimbursement policies of Employer. To the extent any
reimbursement of expenses by Employer is treated as income to Employee, any such payments made in
the taxable year following the taxable year in which the expenses were incurred shall be made by
Employer no later than March 15 of such subsequent taxable year.

     F. Severance Benefits upon Termination. As set forth below, the following obligations
are imposed upon Employer upon termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that to be
entitled to such Severance Benefits, Employee will be required to execute a Confidential Severance
Agreement and Release provided by Employer.

          1. Death. If Employee’s employment is terminated due to his death, Employee shall not
be entitled to any severance benefits under the terms of this Agreement.

          2. Disability. If Employee’s employment is terminated due to his Disability, Employee
shall be entitled to severance benefits of either the Employee’s annual base salary for whatever
time is remaining under the Term of this Agreement or for one (1) year, whichever amount is
greater. Such severance benefits shall be paid to Employee in a lump-sum payment within thirty
(30) days of the Date of Termination.

7

 

          3. Cause. If Employee’s employment is terminated for Cause as defined under this
Agreement, Employee shall not be entitled to any severance benefits under the terms of this
Agreement.

          4. Without Cause. If Employee’s employment is terminated by Employer without Cause
(other than within the twelve (12) months following a Change in Control), Employee shall be
entitled to severance benefits of either the Employee’s annual base salary for whatever time is
remaining under the Term of this Agreement or for one (1) year, whichever amount is greater. Such
severance benefits shall be paid to Employee in a lump-sum payment within thirty (30) days of the
Date of Termination.

          5. Resignation by Employee. If Employee resigns his employment without Good Reason,
Employee shall not be entitled to any severance benefits under the terms of this Agreement.

     G. Severance Benefits upon Change in Control.

          1. Termination without Cause. In the event Employee is terminated without Cause by
Employer within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, Employee shall be entitled to the
following:

               a. a lump-sum payment due on the Date of Termination, of a sum equal to three (3) times
Employee’s base salary at the rate then in effect; and

               b. a lump-sum payment due on the Date of Termination, of a sum equal to three (3) times the
highest bonus paid to Employee in the three (3) years preceding Employee’s termination under
Employer’s annual incentive bonus plan; and

               c. for a period of three (3) years following Employee’s termination, or such longer period as
may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, continuation of
benefit coverage for Employee and Employee’s dependents at least equal to those that would have
been provided to the same in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described
in Section IV.D of this Agreement if Employee’s employment had not been terminated or, if more
favorable to Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peers of
Employee; provided, however, that if Employee becomes reemployed with another employer and is
eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the
medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such
other plan during such applicable period of eligibility. For purposes of determining eligibility
of Employee for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, Employee
shall be considered to have remained employed until the third anniversary date of the Date of
Termination and to have retired on the last day of such period.

          2. Termination by Employee with Good Reason. In the event Employee terminates his
employment for Good Reason within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, Employee shall
be entitled to:

8

 

               a. a lump-sum payment due on the Date of Termination, of a sum equal to three (3) times
Employee’s base salary at the rate then in effect; and

               b. a lump-sum payment due on the Date of Termination, of a sum equal to three (3) times the
highest bonus paid to Employee in the three (3) years preceding Employee’s termination under
Employer’s annual incentive bonus plan; and

               c. for a period of three (3) years following Employee’s termination, or such longer period as
may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, continuation of
benefit coverage for Employee and Employee’s dependents at least equal to those that would have
been provided to the same in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described
in Section IV.D of this Agreement if Employee’s employment had not been terminated or, if more
favorable to Employee, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peers of
Employee; provided, however, that if Employee becomes reemployed with another employer and is
eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the
medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such
other plan during such applicable period of eligibility. For purposes of determining eligibility
of Employee for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, Employee
shall be considered to have remained employed until the third anniversary date of the Date of
Termination and to have retired on the last day of such period.

          3. Limitation on Severance Benefits. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event that it shall be determined (as herein after provided) that any
payment or distribution by Employer or any of its affiliates to or for the benefit of Employee,
whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program, or arrangement
including, without limitation, any stock option, restricted stock, stock appreciation right or
similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on, or the vesting or exercisability
of, any of the foregoing (individually and collectively, a “Payment”), would be subject,
but for the application of this Section IV.G.3 to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), or any successor provision thereto (hereinafter
the “Excise Tax”), by reason of being considered “contingent on a change in ownership or
control” of Employer, within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, or any successor provision
thereto, then:

               a. if the After-Tax Payment Amount would be greater by reducing the amount of the Payment
otherwise payable to Employee to the minimum extent necessary (but in no event less than zero) so
that, after such reduction, no portion of the Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, then the
Payment shall be so reduced; and

               b. if the After-Tax Payment Amount would be greater without the reduction then there shall be
no reduction in the Payment.

9

 

     As used in this Section IV.G.3, “After-Tax Payment Amount” means the difference of the
amount of the Payment, less the amount of the Excise Tax, if any, imposed upon the Payment.

     H. Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any other provision to
the contrary, if the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Employer (the
“Committee”) determines in its discretion that severance payments due under this Agreement
constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, and that the
Employee is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the
regulations and other guidance issued thereunder, then such severance payments shall commence on
the first payroll date of the seventh month following the month in which the Employee’s termination
occurs (with the first such payment being a lump sum equal to the aggregate severance payments the
Employee would have received during the prior six-month period if no such delay had been imposed).
For purposes of this Agreement, whether the Employee is a “specified employee” will be determined
in accordance with the written procedures adopted by the Committee which are incorporated by
reference herein.

V. COMPANY-RELATED INVENTIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS

     A. Records of Inventions. Employee shall keep complete and current written records of
Inventions and Developments made during the course of his employment with Employer and promptly
disclose all such Inventions and Developments in writing to Employer so that it may adequately
determine its rights in such Inventions and Developments. Employee shall supplement any such
disclosure to the extent Employer may request. If Employee has any doubt as to whether or not to
disclose any Inventions and Developments, Employee shall disclose the same to Employer.

     B. Ownership of Inventions. All Company-Related Inventions and Developments made by
Employee during the term of his employment with Employer shall be the sole and exclusive property
of Employer. Employee shall assign, and does hereby assign, his entire right, title and interest
in such Company-Related Inventions and Developments to Employer. Employer’s ownership and the
foregoing assignment shall apply, without limitation, to all rights under the patent, copyright,
and trade secret laws of any jurisdiction relating to Company-Related Inventions and Developments.
If Employee asserts any property right in any Inventions and Developments made by Employee during
the term of his employment with Employer, Employee shall promptly notify Employer of the same in
writing.

     C. Cooperation with Employer. Employee shall assist and fully cooperate with Employer
in obtaining and maintaining the fullest measure of legal protection which Employer elects to
obtain and maintain for Inventions and Developments in which Employer has a property right.
Employee shall execute any lawful document requested by Employer relating to obtaining and
maintaining legal protection for any said Inventions and Developments including, but not limited
to, executing applications, assignments, oaths, declarations and affidavits. Employee shall make
himself available for interviews, depositions and testimony relating to any said Inventions and
Developments. These obligations shall survive the termination of Employee’s employment with
Employer, provided that Employer shall compensate Employee at a reasonable rate after such
termination for time actually spent by Employee at the Employer’s requests on

10

 

such assistance. In the event Employer is unable for any reason whatsoever to secure Employee’s
signature to any document reasonably necessary or appropriate for any of the foregoing purposes
including, but not limited to, renewals, extensions, continuations, divisions or continuations in
part, in a timely manner, Employee irrevocably designates and appoints Employer and its duly
authorized officers and agents as his agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for Employee and on his
behalf, but only for purposes of executing and filing any such document and doing all other
lawfully permitted acts to accomplish the foregoing purposes with the same legal force and effect
as if executed by Employee.

     D. Pre-employment Inventions. Employee shall completely identify on Exhibit A
attached hereto, without disclosing any trade secret or other proprietary and confidential
information, all Inventions and Developments made by Employee prior to his employment with Employer
or prior to execution of this Agreement in which Employee has an ownership interest and which is
not the subject matter of an issued patent or a printed publication at the time Employee executes
this Agreement.

     E. Disclosure of Inventions after Termination. Employee shall promptly and completely
disclose in writing to Employer’s law department all Company-Related Inventions and Developments
made by Employee during the one (1) year immediately following Employee’s termination of
employment, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, for the purposes of determining Employer’s rights
in each such invention. It will be presumed that Company-Related Inventions and Developments
conceived by Employee which are reduced to practice within one (1) year after termination of
Employee’s employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, were conceived during the term of
Employee’s employment with Employer unless Employee is able to establish a later conception date by
clear and convincing evidence.

VI. OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

     A. Obligations of Employer.

          1. Employer shall provide Employee, during his employment, with valuable Proprietary and
Confidential Information for the purpose of assisting Employee in the performance of his job
requirements and responsibilities with Employer. In addition, Employer shall provide to Employee,
during his employment, with the equipment, materials and facilities necessary to assist Employee in
the performance of his job requirements and responsibilities with Employer.

          2. Employer shall provide Employee with any and all specialized training necessary to assist
Employee in the performance of his job requirements and responsibilities with Employer including,
but not limited to, training relating to Employer’s cost structures, methods of operation,
Employer’s products and marketing techniques, Employer’s business strategies, plans and models.

11

 

     B. Obligations of Employee.

          1. Nondisclosure of Proprietary and Confidential Information. Both during and after
the termination of employment, whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary, Employee shall
keep in confidence and trust all Proprietary and Confidential Information. Both during and after
the termination of employment, whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary, Employee shall
not use or disclose Proprietary or Confidential Information without the written consent of
Employer, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing his duties to Employer.

          2. Return of Proprietary and Confidential Information. All documents and tangible
things embodying or containing Proprietary and Confidential Information are Employer’s exclusive
property. Employee shall be provided with or given access to such Proprietary and Confidential
Information solely for performing his duties of employment with Employer. Employee shall protect
the confidentiality of their content and shall return all such Proprietary and Confidential
Information, including all copies, facsimile and specimens of them in any other tangible forms in
Employee’s possession, custody or control to Employer before leaving the employment of Employer for
any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary.

          3. Confidential Information from Previous Employment. Employee shall not disclose or
use during his employment with Employer any proprietary and confidential information which Employee
has acquired as a result of any previous employment or under a contractual obligation of
confidentiality before his employment with Employer and, furthermore, Employee shall not bring to
the premises of Employer any copies or other tangible embodiments of any such proprietary and
confidential information. On Schedule B attached hereto and made an integral part of this
Agreement, Employee shall completely identify all prior obligations (whether written or oral) such
as confidentiality agreements or covenants restricting future employment which Employee has entered
into which might in any way restrict his use or disclosure of information or engagement in any
business. Employee shall provide Employer with true and complete copies of any agreements listed
on Schedule B and represents that his employment with Employer and the performance of his duties
for Employer will not violate any obligations Employee may have to any such previous employer or
other party.

          4. Conflict of Interest. Employee shall not engage in outside employment or other
activities in the course of which Employee would use or might be tempted or induced to use
Employer’s Proprietary and Confidential Information in other than Employer’s own interest.

          5. Agreement not to Compete/Solicit.

               a. Non-Compete. Employee agrees that during the term of his employment with Employer,
and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of employment with Employer, whether
voluntary or involuntary, he shall not, without Employer’s written consent, directly or indirectly,
for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, persons, company, partnership,
corporation or business venture of any nature:

12

 

                    (i) engage, as an officer, director, shareholder, owner, partner, joint venturer or in a
managerial capacity, whether as an employee, independent contractor, consultant, advisor or sales
representative, in any specialty contracting business for customers in the electric power, gas,
telecommunications or cable television industries, or transportation, commercial and industrial
customers, within the United States, or within 100 miles of any other geographic area in which
Employer (including any of Employer’s direct or indirect subsidiaries) conduct business, including
any territory serviced by Employer (including any of its subsidiaries) (the “Territory”);

                    (ii) call upon any person or entity which is, at that time, or which has been, within one (1)
year prior to that time, a customer of Employer within the Territory for the purpose of soliciting
or selling products or services in competition with Employer; or

                    (iii) call upon any prospective acquisition candidate, on Employee’s own behalf or on behalf
of any competitor, which candidate was, to Employee’s actual knowledge after due inquiry, either
called upon by Employer or for which Employer made an acquisition analysis for the purpose of
acquiring such entity.

               b. Non-Solicitation. Employee agrees that during the term of his employment with
Employer, and for a period of one (1) year after the termination of employment with Employer,
whether voluntary or involuntary, he shall not, without Employer’s written consent, employ, hire,
solicit, induce or identify for employment or attempt to employ, hire, solicit, induce or identify
for employment, directly or indirectly, any employee(s) of Employer to leave his or her employment
and become an employee, consultant or representative of any other entity including, but not limited
to, Employee’s new employer, if any.

               c. Publicly Traded Securities. The provisions of Section VI.B.5 of this Agreement
shall not prevent Employee from acquiring or holding publicly traded stock or other public
securities of a competing company, so long as Employee’s ownership does not exceed two percent (2%)
of the outstanding securities of such company.

               d. Agreement to Inform Subsequent Employers. For a period of one (1) year after the
termination of Employee’s employment with Employer, whether voluntary or involuntary, Employee
agrees to inform each new employer, prior to accepting employment, of the existence of this
Agreement and provide that employer with a copy of this Agreement.

               e. Reasonableness of Restrictions. Employee acknowledges that the restrictions set
forth in Section VI.B.5 of this Agreement are intended to protect Employer’s legitimate business
interests and its Proprietary and Confidential Information and established relationships and good
will. Employee acknowledges that the time, geographic and scope of activity limitations set forth
herein are reasonable and necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate business interests. However,
if in any judicial proceeding a court shall refuse to enforce this Agreement as written, whether
because the time limitation is too long or because the restrictions contained herein are more
extensive (whether as to geographic area, scope of activity or otherwise) than is necessary to
protect the legitimate business interests of Employer, it is

13

 

expressly understood and agreed between the parties hereto that this Agreement is deemed modified
to the extent necessary to permit this Agreement to be enforced in any such proceedings.

               f. Ability to Obtain Other Employment. Employee acknowledges that in the event of his
termination, or expiration of his employment with Employer, Employee’s knowledge, experience and
capabilities are such that Employee can obtain employment in business activities which are of a
different and non-competing nature than those performed in the course of his employment with
Employer or in the geographic areas outside of the Territory; and that the enforcement of a remedy
hereunder including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, will not prevent Employee from earning
a reasonable livelihood.

               g. Injunctive Relief. Employee acknowledges that compliance with Section VI.B of this
Agreement is necessary to protect the good will and other legitimate business interests of Employer
and that a breach of any or all of these provisions will give rise to irreparable and continuing
injury to Employer which is not adequately compensable in monetary damages or at law. Accordingly,
Employee agrees that Employer, its successors and assigns, may obtain injunctive relief against the
breach or threatened breach of any or all of these provisions, in addition to any other legal or
equitable remedies which may be available to Employer at law or in equity or under this Agreement.

     Employee further acknowledges that it would be difficult to measure any damages caused to
Employer which might result from any breach by Employee of any promises set forth in this Agreement
and that, in any event, money damages would be an inadequate remedy for such breach. Accordingly,
Employee acknowledges and agrees that if he breaches or threatens to breach any portion of this
Agreement, Employer shall be entitled, in addition to all other remedies that it may have, to an
injunction or other appropriate equitable relief to restrain any such breach without showing or
proving any actual damage to Employer, as well as to be relieved of any obligation to provide
further payment or benefits to Employee or Employee’s dependents.

               h. Other Remedies. If Employee violates and/or breaches this Agreement, Employer
shall be entitled to an accounting and repayment of all lost profits, compensation, commissions,
remuneration or benefits that Employee directly or indirectly has realized or may realize as a
result of any such violation or breach. Employer shall also be entitled to recover for all lost
sales, profits, commissions, good will and customers caused by Employee’s improper acts, in
addition to and not in limitation of any injunctive relief or other rights or remedies that
Employer is or may be entitled to at law or in equity or under this Agreement.

               i. Costs. Employee acknowledges that should it become necessary for Employer to file
suit to enforce the provisions contained herein, and any court of competent jurisdiction awards
Employer any damages and/or an injunction due to the acts of Employee, then Employer shall be
entitled to recover its reasonable costs incurred in conducting the suit including, but not limited
to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses.

14

 

          6. Nondisparagement. Employee acknowledges and agrees that both during and after his
employment with Employer, whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary, Employee shall not
disparage, denigrate or comment negatively upon, either orally or in writing, either Employer or
any of its officers, directors or representatives, to or in the presence of any person or entity
unless compelled to act by a valid subpoena or other legal mandate; provided, however, if Employee
receives such a valid subpoena or legal mandate, he shall provide Employer with written notice of
the same at least five (5) business days prior to the date on which Employee is required to make
the disclosure.

VII. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL

EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE HEREBY VOLUNTARILY, KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO
TRIAL BY JURY TO ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, AS WELL AS TO ALL CLAIMS
ARISING OUT OF EMPLOYEE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH EMPLOYER OR TERMINATION THEREFROM INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO:

     A. Any and all claims and causes of action arising under contract, tort or other common law
including, without limitation, breach of contract, fraud, estoppel, misrepresentation, express or
implied duties of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful discharge, discrimination, retaliation,
harassment, negligence, gross negligence, false imprisonment, assault and battery, conspiracy,
intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, slander, libel, defamation and invasion
of privacy.

     B. Any and all claims and causes of action arising under any federal, state or local law,
regulation or ordinance, including, without limitation, claims arising under Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and all corresponding state laws.

     C. Any and all claims and causes of action for wages, employee benefits, vacation pay,
severance pay, pension or profit sharing benefits, health or welfare benefits, bonus compensation,
commissions, deferred compensation or other remuneration, employment benefits or compensation, past
or future loss of pay or benefits or expenses.

VIII. CHOICE OF LAW

     Employer and Employee acknowledge and agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted, governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflict
of laws principles or rules thereof.

     Employer and Employee irrevocably and unconditionally agree that any legal suit, action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, as well as to all claims arising out of
Employee’s employment with Employer or termination therefrom, shall be brought in either the
Federal District Court for the Southern District of Texas—Houston Division or in a judicial

15

 

district court of Harris County, Texas (hereinafter referred to as the “Texas Courts”). In
that regard, Employer and Employee waive, to the fullest extent allowed, any objection which
Employer or Employee may have to the venue of any such proceeding being brought in the Texas
Courts, and any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Texas Courts has been
brought in an inconvenient forum. In addition, Employer and Employee irrevocably and
unconditionally submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Texas Courts in any such suit, action
or proceeding. Employer and Employee acknowledge and agree that a judgment in any suit, action or
proceeding brought in the Texas Courts shall be conclusive and binding on each and may be enforced
in any other courts to whose jurisdiction Employer or Employee is or may be subject to, by suit
upon such judgment.

IX. MISCELLANEOUS

     A. Publicity Release. By executing this Agreement, Employee forever gives Employer,
its successors, assigns, licensees and any other designees, the absolute right and permission,
throughout the world: (1) to copyright (and to renew and extend any copyright), use, reuse, publish
and republish photographic portraits and pictures, motion or still, of Employee, or in which
Employee may be included, in whole or in part, or composite or distorted character in any form,
whether heretofore taken or to be taken in the future, in conjunction with Employee’s own or a
fictitious name or title (which Employee now has or may have in the future), or reproductions
thereof, in color or otherwise, made through any media at any place, for art, advertising, trade or
any other purpose whatsoever; and (2) to record, reproduce, amplify, simulate, “double” and/or
“dub” Employee’s voice and transmit the same by any mechanical or electronic means, for any purpose
whatsoever. Employee further consents to the use of any printed matter giving Employee, or not
giving Employee, a credit, in the sole discretion of any of the aforementioned parties to whom this
authorization and release is given, in conjunction therewith. Employee waives any right he may
have to inspect and/or approve the finished product or the advertising copy or printed matter that
may be used in connection therewith, or the use to which it may be applied.

     B. Withholding. Employer may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement
such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation.

     C. Notices. All notices, consents, requests, instructions, approvals and other
communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be addressed as
follows:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	To Employer:
	 	Quanta Services, Inc.
	 

	 	 	 	1360 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 2100
	 

	 	 	 	Houston, Texas 77056
	 

	 	 	 	Attention: General Counsel
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	To Employee:
	 	Earl C. Austin, Jr.
	 

	 	 	 	10 Estancia Place
	 

	 	 	 	Spring, Texas 77389

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Notice shall be deemed given and effective: (1) upon receipt, if delivered personally; or (2) three
(3) days after it has been deposited in the U.S. mail, addressed as required above, and sent via
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Employer and/or Employee
may change the address for notice purposes by notifying the other of such change in accordance with
this Section IX.C.

     D. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, inoperative
or unenforceable for any reason, it shall be modified rather than voided, if possible, in order to
achieve the intent of the parties hereto to the maximum extent possible. In any event, if any
provision this Agreement is held to be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable for any reason, the
other provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed valid and operative and, so far as is reasonable
and possible, effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the provision or provisions held
invalid or inoperative.

     E. Survival of Certain Obligations. The obligations of the parties set forth in this
Agreement that by their terms extend beyond or survive the termination of this Agreement, whether
voluntarily or involuntarily, will not be affected or diminished in any way by the termination of
this Agreement.

     F. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for purposes of reference
and convenience only and are not intended in any way to describe, interpret, define or limit the
extent or intent of this Agreement.

     G. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any other agreements, written or oral,
between Employer and Employee, including the Employment Agreement by and between North Houston Pole
Line Corp. and Earl C. Austin, Jr. dated August 15, 2001, as amended, and Employee has no oral
representations, understandings or agreements with Employer or any of its officers, directors or
representatives covering the same subject matter as this Agreement. This written Agreement is the
final, complete and exclusive statement and expression of the agreement between Employer and
Employee and of all the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement cannot be modified, varied,
contradicted or supplement by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements.

     H. Amendment/Waiver. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be modified or
amended except by written instrument signed by a duly authorized officer of Employer and by
Employee. No term of this Agreement may be waived other than by written instrument signed by the
party waiving the benefit of such term. Any such waiver shall constitute a waiver only with
respect to the specific matter described in such written instrument and shall in no way impair the
rights of the party granting such waiver in any other respect or at any other time. Neither the
waiver by Employer or Employee of a breach of or a default under any of the provisions of this
Agreement, nor the failure by either Employer or Employee, on one or more occasions, to enforce any
of the provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder, shall be
construed as a waiver of any other breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any
such provisions, rights or privileges hereunder.

17

 

     I. Assignment. This Agreement is personal to the parties and neither party may assign
any rights or obligations under the same without the prior written consent of the other; provided,
however, that in the event of a sale of Employer’s business to a third party (whether by sale of
all or a majority of Employer’s issued and outstanding equity securities, by a merger or
reorganization, or by a sale of all or substantially of Employer’s assets), then this Agreement may
be assigned by Employer to such third party purchaser without the prior written consent of
Employee, provided that such third party purchaser agrees to assume and abide by all of Employer’s
obligations set forth in this Agreement and provides written notice thereof to Employee.

     J. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two (2) or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

18

 

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

QUANTA SERVICES, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

Name: 

	 	/s/ JOHN R. COLSON
 

John R. Colson
	 	 
	Title:

	 	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	EMPLOYEE:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/ EARL C. AUSTIN, JR.	 	 
	 	 	 
	Earl C. Austin, Jr.	 	 

19

 

EXHIBIT A

Pre-Employment Inventions

None

20

 

EXHIBIT B

Agreements or Covenants Regarding Confidentiality

or Restricting Future Employment of Employee

None

21

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