Document:

ex103.htm

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 21st day of December, 2015, by and between Eco Sciences Solutions, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the “Company”), and Don L. Taylor, an individual (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive under the title and capacity set forth on Schedule A hereto and the Executive desires to be employed by the Company in such capacity, subject to the terms of this Agreement;

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein below set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Employment Period.  The term of the Executive’s employment by the Company pursuant to this Agreement (the “Employment Period”) shall commence upon the Effective Date as set forth on Schedule A hereto (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue for that period of calendar months from the Effective Date as set forth on Schedule A hereto.  Thereafter, the Employment Period shall automatically renew for successive periods of one (1) year each, unless either party shall have given to the other at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of their intention not to renew the Executive’s employment prior to the end of the Employment Period or the then applicable renewal term, as the case may be.  In any event, the Employment Period may be terminated as provided herein.

 

2. Employment; Duties.

 

(a) General.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company shall employ the Executive to act for the Company during the Employment Period in the capacity set forth on Schedule A hereto, and the Executive hereby accepts such employment.  The duties and responsibilities of the Executive shall include such duties and responsibilities appropriate to such office as the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive, as initially specified on Schedule A attached hereto, with such authority and responsibilities, including Company-wide executive, administrative and finance functions as are normally associated with and appropriate for such position.

 

(b) Executive recognizes that during the period of Executive's employment hereunder, Executive owes an undivided duty of loyalty to the Company, and Executive will use Executive's good faith efforts to promote and develop the business of the Company and its subsidiaries (the Company’s subsidiaries from time to time, together with any other affiliates of the Company, the “Affiliates”). Executive shall devote the required time, attention and skills to the performance of Executive’s services as an executive of the Company.  Recognizing and acknowledging that it is essential for the protection and enhancement of the name and business of the Company and the goodwill pertaining thereto, Executive shall perform the Executive’s duties under this Agreement professionally, in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations and such standards, policies and procedures established by the Company and the industry from time to time.

 

(c) However, the parties agree that:  (i) Executive may devote a reasonable amount of his time to civic, community, or charitable activities and may serve as a director of other corporations (provided that any such other corporation is not a competitor of the Company, as determined by the Board) and to other types of business or public activities not expressly mentioned in this paragraph; and (ii) Executive may participate as a non-employee director, employee and/or investor in other companies and projects as described by Executive to the Board, so long as Executive’s responsibilities with respect thereto do not conflict or interfere with the faithful performance of his duties to the Company.

 

  

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(d) Place of Employment.  The Executive’s services shall be performed at the Company’s office (the “Headquarters”).

 

3. Base Salary.  The Executive shall be entitled to receive a salary from the Company during the Employment Period at a rate per year indicated on Schedule A hereto (the “Base Salary”).  Once the Board has established the initial Base Salary, the Board will evaluate Executive’s annual performance and if warranted shall increase Base Salary by a minimum of ten percent (10%) on each anniversary of the Effective Date , at the Board’s sole discretion.  The parties expressly agree that what the Executive receives now or in the future, in addition to the regular Base Salary, whether this be in the form of benefits or regular or occasional aid/assistance, such as, meals, vehicle, lodging or clothing, occasional bonuses or anything else he receives, during the Employment Period and any renewals thereof, in cash or in kind, shall not be deemed as salary.  However, because the Company is a public company subject to the reporting requirements of, inter alia, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), both parties acknowledge that the Executive’s annual compensation (as determined by the rules of the SEC or any other regulatory body or exchange having jurisdiction), which may include some or all of the foregoing, will be required to be publicly disclosed.

 

4. Bonus.  (a) The Company may pay the Executive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”), at such time and in such amount as may be determined by the Board in its sole discretion.  The Board may or may not determine that all or any portion of the Annual Bonus shall be earned upon the achievement of operational, financial or other milestones (“Milestones”) established by the Board in consultation with the Executive and that all or any portion of any Annual Bonus shall be paid in cash, securities or other property.

 

(b) The Executive shall be eligible to participate in any other bonus or incentive program established by the Company for executives of the Company.

 

	
5.  

	
Other Benefits

 

(a)           Preferred Stock, Restricted Stock and Stock Option Grants.  During the term of employment, Executive shall be entitled to and not limited to, annual Preferred Stock, Restricted Stock and Stock Option Grants at the discretion of the Board of Directors and under the guidelines as set forth in the Company’s most current Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(b)           Insurance, Deferred Compensation and Other Benefits.  During the Employment Period, the Executive and the Executive’s dependents shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s insurance programs, deferred compensation and any ERISA benefit plans, as the same may be adopted and/or amended from time to time (the “Benefits”).  Additionally, fees charged by professional service providers to accommodate planning, legal structuring and accounting of the Benefits shall be reimbursed by the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to paid personal days on a basis consistent with the Company’s other senior executives, as determined by the Board of Directors.  The Executive shall be bound by all of the policies and procedures established by the Company from time to time.  However, in case any of those policies conflict with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

 

 (c)           Expense Reimbursement.  The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable business, promotional, travel and entertainment expenses incurred or paid by the Executive during the Employment Period in the performance of Executive’s services under this Agreement, provided that the Executive furnishes to the Company appropriate documentation required by the Internal Revenue Code in a timely fashion in connection with such expenses and shall furnish such other documentation and accounting as the Company may from time to time reasonably request.

 

6. Termination; Compensation Due.  The Executive's employment hereunder may terminate, and the Executive’s right to compensation for periods after the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates shall be determined, in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (a) through (e) below:

 

(a)           Voluntary Resignation; Termination without Cause.

 

(i)  Voluntary Resignation.  The Executive may terminate his employment at any time upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company.  In the event of the Executive’s voluntary termination of his employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below), the Company shall have no obligation to make payments to the Executive in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3 or 4 above, except as otherwise required by this Agreement or by applicable law, or to provide the benefits described in Section 5 above, for periods after the date on which the Executive's employment with the Company terminates due to the Executive 's voluntary termination, except for the payment of the Base Salary accrued through the date of such resignation.

 

(ii)  Termination without Cause.  The Executive is an “at will” employee and the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time with or without cause, by delivery to the Executive of a written notice of termination from the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  

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(A) If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, the Company shall (x) continue to pay the Executive the Base Salary (at the rate in effect on the date the Executive’s employment is terminated) until the end of the Severance Period (as defined in Section 6(e) below), (y) with respect to the Bonus, to the extent the Milestones are achieved, pay the Executive the full or a pro rata portion of the Bonus of the Employment Period on the date such Bonus would have been payable to the Executive had the Executive remained employed by the Company, and (z) pay any other accrued compensation and Benefits. The Executive shall not have any further rights under this Agreement or otherwise to receive any other compensation or benefits after such termination of employment.

 

(b)           Immediate Discharge for Cause.  Upon written notice to the Executive, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for “Cause”, and with immediate effect, of any of the following events

 

 (i)  the Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, (i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude or which could reflect negatively upon the Company or otherwise impair or impede its operations;

 

(ii)  the Executive’s engaging in any act of dishonesty (including, without limitation, theft or embezzlement), violence, threat of violence in each case, that is materially injurious to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

(iii)  the Executive’s material breach of a written policy of the Company or the rules of any governmental or regulatory body applicable to the Company; or

 

 (iv) any other willful misconduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates

 

(c)           Discharge for Cause (Curable).  Upon written notice to the Executive, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for “Cause”, and with immediate effect, of any of the following events, if Executive has not cured the item that has been identified to be in breech within a thirty (30) day period:

 

(i) the willful and continued failure or refusal of the Executive to satisfactorily perform the duties reasonably required of him as an employee of the Company as assigned by the Board of Directors;

 

(ii) the Executive’s material breach of a written policy of the Company or the rules of any governmental or regulatory body applicable to the Company; or

 

  (iii) the Executive’s breach of his obligations under Section 7, 8 or 9 of this Agreement.

 

In the event the Executive is terminated for Cause, the Company shall have no obligation to make payments to the Executive in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3 or 4 above, or, except as otherwise required by law, to provide the benefits described in Section 5 above, for periods after the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated on account of the Executive's discharge for Cause except for the then applicable Base Salary accrued through the date of such termination.

 

  

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(c)           Disability. The Company shall have the right, but shall not be obligated to terminate the Executive's employment hereunder in the event the Executive becomes disabled such that he is unable to discharge his duties to the Company for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or one hundred twenty (120) days in any one hundred eighty (180) consecutive day period, provided longer periods are not required under applicable local labor regulations (a "Permanent Disability").  In the event of a termination of employment due to a Permanent Disability, the Company shall be obligated to continue to make payments to the Executive in an amount equal to the then applicable Base Salary for the Severance Period (as defined below) after the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated due to a Permanent Disability.  A determination of a Permanent Disability shall be made by a physician satisfactory to both the Executive and the Company; provided, however, that if the Executive and the Company do not agree on a physician, the Executive and the Company shall each select a physician and those two physicians together shall select a third physician, whose determination as to a Permanent Disability shall be binding on all parties.

 

(d)           Death. The Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate upon the death of the Executive.  The Company shall have no obligation to make payments to the Executive in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3 or 4 above, or, except as otherwise required by law or the terms of any applicable benefit plan, to provide the benefits described in Section 5 above, for periods after the date of the Executive's death except for then applicable Base Salary and accrued but unused PTO pay earned and accrued through the date of death, payable to the Executive or his successor.

 

(e)           Termination for Good Reason.  The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time for Good Reason.  In the event of termination under this Section 6(e), the Company shall pay to the Executive severance in an amount equal to the then applicable Base Salary and earned Bonus for a period equal to the number of months set forth on Schedule A hereto (the “Severance Period”), and subject to the Company’s regular payroll practices and required withholdings. The Executive shall continue to receive all Benefits during the Severance Period.  The Executive shall not have any further rights under this Agreement or otherwise to receive any other compensation or benefits after such resignation.  For the purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following (without Executive’s express written consent):

 

 (i)  removal of the Executive from his position as indicated on Schedule A hereto, or the assignment to the Executive of duties that are significantly different from, and that result in a materially substantial diminution of, the duties that he assumed under this Agreement, within twelve (12) months after or in anticipation of a Change of Control (as defined below);

 

 (ii)  the taking of any action by the Company that would, directly or indirectly, materially reduce the Executive’s benefits without executives prior consent, unless said reduction is pari passu with other senior executives of the Company; or

 

(iii)  a breach by the Company of any material term of this Agreement that is not cured by the Company within 30 days following receipt by the Company of written notice thereof.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (i) the accumulation, whether directly, indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of 50% or more of the shares of the outstanding equity securities of the Company, (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Company in which the Company does not survive as an independent company or upon the consummation of which the holders of the Company’s outstanding equity securities prior to such merger or consolidation own less than 50% of the outstanding equity securities of the Company after such merger or consolidation, or (iii) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control for the purposes of this Agreement: (A) any acquisitions of common stock or securities convertible into common stock directly from the Company, or (B) any acquisition of common stock or securities convertible into common stock by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored by or maintained by the Company.

 

(f)           Notice of Termination.  Any termination of employment by the Company or the Executive shall be communicated by a written ‘‘Notice of Termination’’ to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 14 of this Agreement. In the event of a termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the Notice of Termination shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the date of termination, which date shall be the date of such notice. The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

 

(g)           Resignation from Directorships and Officerships.  The termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason will constitute the Executive’s resignation from (i) any director, officer or employee position the Executive has with the Company or any of its Affiliates, and (ii) all fiduciary positions (including as a trustee) the Executive holds with respect to any employee benefit plans or trusts established by the Company. The Executive agrees that this Agreement shall serve as written notice of resignation in this circumstance, unless otherwise required by any plan or applicable law.

 

  

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7.  

	
Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation.

 

(a) For the duration of the Employment Period and, unless the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, during the Severance Period (the “Non-compete Period”), the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, except as specifically provided in Section 2(c), own, manage, operate, finance or control a directly competitive entity that engages or conducts business in an identical manner to the Company; provided, however, that the Executive may own less than 10% in the aggregate of the outstanding shares of any class of securities of any enterprise other than any such enterprise with which the Company competes or is currently engaged in a joint venture, if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities exchange or have been registered under Section 12(b) or (g) of the Exchange Act.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive shall present to the Board any opportunity within the scope of the prohibited activities described above, and the Company shall not elect to pursue such opportunity within a reasonable time, then the Executive shall be permitted to pursue such opportunity, subject to the requirements of Section 2(c).

 

(b) During the Employment Period and for a period of three (3) months following termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not:

 

(i)  persuade, solicit or hire, or attempt to recruit, persuade, solicit or hire, any employee, or independent contractor of, or consultant to, the Company, or its Affiliates, to leave the employment (or independent contractor relationship) thereof, whether or not any such employee or independent contractor is party to an employment agreement; or

 

(ii)  attempt in any manner to solicit or accept from any customer or client of the Company or any of its Affiliates, with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates had significant contact during the term of the Agreement, business of the kind or competitive with the business done by the Company or any of its Affiliates with such customer or to persuade or attempt to persuade any such customer to cease to do business or to reduce the amount of business which such customer has customarily done or is reasonably expected to do with the Company or any of its Affiliates or if any such customer elects to move its business to a person other than the Company or any of its Affiliates, provide any services (of the kind or competitive with the Business of the Company or any of its Affiliates) for such customer, or have any discussions regarding any such service with such customer, on behalf of such other person.

 

The Executive recognizes and agrees that because a violation by the Executive of his obligations under this Section 7 will cause irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult to quantify and for which money damages would be inadequate, the Company shall have the right to injunctive relief to prevent or restrain any such violation, without the necessity of posting a bond. The Executive expressly agrees that the character, duration and scope of the covenant not to compete are reasonable in light of the circumstances as they exist at the date upon which this Agreement has been executed.  However, should a determination nonetheless be made by a court of competent jurisdiction at a later date that the character, duration or geographical scope of the covenant not to compete is unreasonable in light of the circumstances as they then exist, then it is the intention of the Executive, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other, that the covenant not to compete shall be construed by the court in such a manner as to impose only those restrictions on the conduct of the Executive which are reasonable in light of the circumstances as they then exist and necessary to assure the Company of the intended benefit of the covenant not to compete.

 

         8. Inventions and Patents.  Unless any inventions, innovations, improvements, know-how, plans, development, methods, designs, analyses, specifications, software, drawings, reports and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice) are presented to the Board of Directors by Executive and approved by the Board of Directors for Ownership by Executive, the Executive acknowledges that all inventions, innovations, improvements, know-how, plans, development, methods, designs, analyses, specifications, software, drawings, reports and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice) which related to any of the Company’s actual or proposed business activities and which are created, designed or conceived, developed or made by the Executive during the Executive’s past or future employment by the Company or any Affiliates, or any predecessor thereof (“Work Product”), belong to the Company, or its Affiliates, as applicable.  Any copyrightable work falling within the definition of Work Product shall be deemed a “work made for hire” and ownership of all right title and interest shall rest in the Company.  The Executive hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the full extent permitted by law, all right, title and interest in the Work Product, on a worldwide basis, to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not automatically vest in the Company under applicable law.  The Executive will promptly disclose any such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions requested by the Company (whether during or after employment) to establish and confirm ownership of such Work Product by the Company (including without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney and other instruments).

 

  

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9.  

	
Confidentiality Covenants.

 

(a)           The Executive understands that the Company and/or its Affiliates, from time to time, may impart to the Executive confidential information, whether such information is written, oral or graphic.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information, which is used in the business of the Company or its Affiliates and (i) is proprietary to, about or created by the Company or its Affiliates, (ii) gives the Company or its Affiliates some competitive business advantage or the opportunity of obtaining such advantage or the disclosure of which could be detrimental to the interests of the Company or its Affiliates, (iii) is designated as Confidential Information by the Company or its Affiliates, is known by the Executive to be considered confidential by the Company or its Affiliates, or from all the relevant circumstances should reasonably be assumed by the Executive to be confidential and proprietary to the Company or its Affiliates, or (iv) is not generally known by non-Company personnel.  Such Confidential Information includes, without limitation, the following types of information and other information of a similar nature (whether or not reduced to writing or designated as confidential):

 

(i)  Internal personnel and financial information of the Company or its Affiliates, vendor information (including vendor characteristics, services, prices, lists and agreements), purchasing and internal cost information, internal service and operational manuals, and the manner and methods of conducting the business of the Company or its Affiliates;

 

(ii)  Marketing and development plans, price and cost data, price and fee amounts, pricing and billing policies, bidding, quoting procedures, marketing techniques, forecasts and forecast assumptions and volumes, and future plans and potential strategies (including, without limitation, all information relating to any acquisition prospect and the identity of any key contact within the organization of any acquisition prospect) of the Company or its Affiliates which have been or are being discussed;

 

(iii)  Names of customers and their representatives, contracts (including their contents and parties), customer services, and the type, quantity, specifications and content of products and services purchased, leased, licensed or received by customers of the Company or its Affiliates; and

 

(iv)  Confidential and proprietary information provided to the Company or its Affiliates by any actual or potential customer, government agency or other third party (including businesses, consultants and other entities and individuals).

 

The Executive hereby acknowledges the Company’s exclusive ownership of such Confidential Information.

 

(b)           The Executive agrees as follows: (1) only to use the Confidential Information to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates; (2) only to communicate the Confidential Information to fellow employees, agents and representatives on a need-to-know basis; and (3) not to otherwise disclose or use any Confidential Information, except as may be required by law or otherwise authorized by the Board. Upon demand by the Company or upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive will deliver to the Company all manuals, photographs, recordings and any other instrument or device by which, through which or on which Confidential Information has been recorded and/or preserved, which are in the Executive’s possession, custody or control.

 

10. Representation.  The Executive hereby represents that the Executive’s entry into this Employment Agreement and performance of the services hereunder will not violate the terms or conditions of any other agreement to which the Executive is a party.

 

11. Arbitration.  In the event of any breach arising from the performance of this Agreement, either party may request arbitration.  In such event, the parties will submit to arbitration by a qualified arbitrator with the definition and laws of the State of Nevada.  Such arbitration shall be final and binding on both parties.

 

  

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12. Governing Law/Jurisdiction.  This Agreement and any disputes or controversies arising hereunder shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the internal laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

13. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes and cancels (i) any and all previous agreements, written and oral, regarding the subject matter hereof between the parties hereto.  This Agreement shall not be changed, altered, modified or amended, except by a written agreement signed by both parties hereto.

 

14. Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for or contemplated hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered to the party to whom addressed or when sent by telecopy (if promptly confirmed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed) to the parties, their successors in interest, or their assignees at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may designate by written notice in the manner aforesaid:

 

(a)           to the Company at:

Eco Science Solutions, Inc.

1135 Makawao Ave, Suite 103-188

Makawao, HI 96768

(b)           to the Executive at:

Address listed on Schedule A attached hereto.

All such notices, requests and other communications will (i) if delivered personally to the address as provided in this Section, be deemed given upon delivery, (ii) if delivered by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number as provided for in this Section, be deemed given upon facsimile confirmation, (iii) if delivered by mail in the manner described above to the address as provided for in this Section, be deemed given on the earlier of the fifth business day following mailing or upon receipt and (iv) if delivered by overnight courier to the address as provided in this Section, be deemed given on the earlier of the first business day following the date sent by such overnight courier or upon receipt (in each case regardless of whether such notice, request or other communication is received by any other person to whom a copy of such notice is to be delivered pursuant to this Section).  Either party may, by notice given to the other party in accordance with this Section, designate another address or person for receipt of notices hereunder.

 

15. Severability.  If any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or under any circumstance, shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such terms to the persons or under circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable, shall be considered severable and shall not be affected thereby, and each term of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.  The invalid or unenforceable provisions shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed amended and given such interpretation as to achieve the economic intent of this Agreement.

 

16. Waiver.  The failure of any party to insist in any one instance or more upon strict performance of any of the terms and conditions hereof, or to exercise any right or privilege herein conferred, shall not be construed as a waiver of such terms, conditions, rights or privileges, but same shall continue to remain in full force and effect.  Any waiver by any party of any violation of, breach of or default under any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not be construed as, or constitute, a continuing waiver of such provision, or waiver of any other violation of, breach of or default under any other provision of this Agreement.

 

  

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17. Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and any successors and assigns of the Company.  Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Executive.  The Company may assign this Agreement and its right and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part.  For purposes of this Agreement, successors and assigns shall include, but not be limited to, any individual, corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity that acquires a majority of the stock or assets of the Company by sale, merger, consolidation, liquidation, or other form of transfer.  In such a case, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform  if no such succession had taken place.  Without limiting the foregoing, unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Company” includes all Affiliates of the Company.

 

18. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.  Signatures may be given by facsimile or other electronic transmission, and such signatures shall be fully binding on the party sending the same.

 

19. Headings.  Headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to have any substantive effect.

 

20. Opportunity to Seek Advice.  The Executive acknowledges and confirms that he has had the opportunity to seek such legal, financial and other advice and representation as he has deemed appropriate in connection with this Agreement, that the Executive is fully aware of its legal effect, and that Executive has entered into it freely based on the Executive’s judgment and not on any representations or promises other than those contained in this Agreement.

 

21. Withholding and Payroll Practices.  All salary, severance payments, bonuses or benefits payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be net of any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law and shall be paid in the ordinary course pursuant to the Company’s then existing payroll practices.

 

[The next page is the signature page]

 

  

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

 

EXECUTIVE

 

By:                                                      

Name: Don Lee Taylor

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

ECO SCIENCE SOLUTIONS, INC.

 

By:                                                      

Name: Jeffery Lee Taylor

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

  

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Schedule A

 

	
1.  

	
Effective Date: December 21, 2015

 

	
2.  

	
Employment Period:  24 months

 

	
3.  

	
Employment

 

	
a.  

	
Title: Don Lee Taylor, Chief Financial Officer

 

b. Executive Duties:

 

Executive’s duties and responsibilities shall generally include all rights, duties and responsibilities customarily associated with the executive position of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.  During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall report directly to the Board of Directors of the Company. Executive shall have the following specific duties and obligations:

 

	
·  

	
Oversee all aspects of the finances of the Company;

 

	
·  

	
Receive regular and direct reports from all executive officers of the Company;

 

	
·  

	
Advise the Board of Directors of the Company regarding all aspects of the finances of the Company;

 

	
·  

	
Direct, as a primary resource, all communications regarding the financial affairs of the Company to the media, community and industry resources and all other outside concerns;

 

	
·  

	
Develop and advance meaningful vision, strategies and objectives that drive and direct the financial affairs of the Company; and

 

	
·  

	
Motivate all officers, managers and Executives in the development of an appropriate business culture and ethic.

 

	
4.  

	
Base Salary: Gross annual amount of $105,000, paid on the last day of each month. Depending on the performance of the Company, the Base Salary may be accrued month-over-month until cash flow allows for payment.

 

	
5.  

	
Bonus. Variable dollar amount determined by the Board of Directors, paid annually upon Milestones set by the Board of Directors during the Annual Operating Planning Session, which is to be conducted and completed no later than December 1, or the nearest non-holiday working day in the month of December, of every year prior to the upcoming year, commencing December 1, 2016.  

 

	
6.  

	
Paid Time Off:  2 weeks per year

 

  

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7.  

	
Other Benefits: Determined by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

 

	
8.  

	
Severance Period: 2 months

 

	
9.  

	
Executive Mailing Address:

 

271 Hiolani St.

Pukalani, HA 96768

  

11ex104.htm

January 1, 2016

 

Eco Sciences Solutions, Inc. Jeffery Taylor, CEO

1135 Makawao Ave

Suite 103-188

Makawao, HI 96768

 

 Dear Jeffery,

 

The purpose of this letter (the “Agreement”) is to confirm a technology licensing and marketing support agreement between Separation Degrees – One, Inc. (“SDOI”) and Eco Sciences Solutions, Inc. (“ESSI”) commencing on January 4, 2016 to pursue mutual beneficial opportunities that result in the development, licensing / acquisition of, and management of on- going technology solutions and marketing campaigns for ESSI’s initiatives (“BUSINESS”) as outlined below.

 

Section 1. Initiatives; Roles & Responsibilities. SDOI and ESSI’s respective roles and responsibilities related to this Agreement for each initiative of the BUSINESS shall be outlined in subsequent addendums that will address each specific initiative opportunity.

 

Section 2. Compensation. In addition to any defined and mutually agreed upon development and licensing fees paid to SDOI by ESSI, SDOI and ESSI shall pursue revenue sharing opportunities from all revenues generated from the BUSINESS. SDOI and ESSI shall split NET PROFITS (NET PROFITS is defined as Gross Profits less Cost of Acquisition on any media spend by either party) that are generated from any and all opportunities developed from the BUSINESS. Revenue sharing percentages from the BUSINESS shall be established in each subsequent addendum hereafter.

 

SDOI will be issued Series A Preferred Stock initially equal to the current total authorized common shares outstanding of 650,000,000. Additionally, if ESSI were to increase it authorized shares outstanding, the Series A Preferred Stock issued to SDOI would be adjusted within 2 business days to equal the new amount of common stock authorized. ESSI is prohibited to create any new class of Preferred or Common Stock without written consent of SDOI.

 

Section 3. Expenses. SDOI and ESSI will be responsible for their respective expenses related to the operations of their respective business entities (office, personnel, travel, etc.). In the event that either SDOI and ESSI provides capital to fund (“BUSINESS EXPENSE”) an initiative related to the BUSINESS that is mutually agreed upon in advance by both parties, then the amount of the BUSINESS EXPENSE shall be reimbursed to the contributing party out of GROSS PROFITS.

	
 

	
Separation Degrees – One, Inc.

77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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Section 4. Payment of Fees and Expenses. Payment of development and licensing fees shall be defined in each subsequent addendum that is related to the specific initiative opportunity.

 

Section 5. Ownership of Work. ESSI shall retain ownership to the existing products and services related to the BUSINESS; provided, however, that SDOI shall retain exclusive, full ownership of all proprietary processes, technology development, analysis tools, graphical images and drawings, lead generation and demand generation development tools and web assets, and any other items that are part of SDOI’s work that have been developed for the BUSINESS and its related initiatives.

 

Section 6. Confidentiality. Each party to this Agreement shall maintain as strictly confidential and not disclose to any third party any financial or other proprietary information (the “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION”) provided that party by the other party to this Agreement.

The non-disclosing party shall be excepted from the obligations of this section with respect to any portion of CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION to the extent that portion of CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

 

(a) is within the knowledge of the non-disclosing party prior to the Start Date of this Agreement;

 

(b) or is within the public domain or enters the public domain through no fault of the non-disclosing party;

 

(c) or is rightfully disclosed to the non-disclosing party by a third party without obligation of confidentiality, but only to the extent rightfully permitted by the third party.

 

The obligations of the non-disclosing party under this section with regard to any portion of CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION shall continue for a term of twelve (12) months from the Start Date of this Agreement, or until one of the exceptions identified above applies to that portion of CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

 

Section 7. Term; Termination of Engagement.

 

(a) SDOI’s engagement and all rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall commence upon SDOI’s receipt of a signed copy of the Agreement, of which has a start date of December 15, 2015.  The Term of the Engagement shall be one (1) year with automatic one (1) year renewals (“ENGAGEMENT TERM”). The Term of each Initiative as outlined in their respective Addendum shall be one (1) year from the launch date of each initiative (“INITIATIVE INITIAL TERM”), with automatic one (1) year renewals (“INITIATIVE RENEWAL TERM”).

	
 

	
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77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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(b) Either SDOI or ESSI may terminate this engagement at any time, with or without cause, upon a ninety (90) day advance written notice; provided, however, that notwithstanding any such termination, SDOI and ESSI shall continue to share compensation as outlined in the subsequent Addendums for each initiative that has launched for the INITIATIVE INITIAL TERM, and if the initiative has been renewed, then for the INITIATIVE RENEWAL TERM.

 

In addition to the foregoing, the provisions in this Agreement related to indemnification shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 8. Successors and Assigns. The benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto and of the indemnified parties hereunder and their successors and permitted assigns and representatives, and the obligations and liabilities assumed in this Agreement by the parties hereto shall be binding upon their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 9. Indemnity. The indemnification provisions attached hereto as Exhibit A are incorporated herein and made a part hereof.

 

Section 10. Arbitration. Unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise in writing, all claims, disputes or other matters in question between the Parties to this Agreement, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof, shall be subject to and decided by arbitration, in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on each party, and judgment upon the arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over the matter. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflicts of laws rules thereof, and any arbitration shall be brought in Orange County, California using California laws.

 

Section 11. Force Majeure. Any failure or delay by either the ESSI or SDOI in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement is not a default or breach of the Agreement or a ground for termination under this Agreement to the extent the failure or delay is due to elements of nature or acts of God, acts of war, terrorism, riots, revolutions, legal actions, strikes or other factors beyond the reasonable control of a party (each, a “Force Majeure Event”). The party failing or delaying due to a Force Majeure Event agrees to give notice to the other party which describes the Force Majeure Event and includes a good faith estimate as to the impact of the Force Majeure Event upon its responsibilities under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any scheduling changes. If the Force Majeure Event causes all or a portion of the services to be delayed, or otherwise causes a failure to comply with this Agreement, and continues to occur for more than thirty (30) days after notice of the Force Majeure Event the Term shall be extended for the specific time delay.

	
 

	
Separation Degrees – One, Inc.

77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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Section 12. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) ESSI expressly acknowledges that all opinions and advice (written or oral) given by SDOI to ESSI in connection with SDOI’s work related to the BUSINESS are intended solely for the benefit and use of ESSI.

 

(b) ESSI shall be under no obligation to enter into or execute any transaction, partnership or other agreement or arrangement with any party as a result of this Agreement and the entry into any transaction; partnership or other agreement or arrangement shall be in the sole discretion of ESSI.

 

(c) ESSI acknowledges that SDOI’s work does not represent and guarantee any success for the BUSINESS.

 

(d) ESSI is a sophisticated business enterprise that has engaged SDOI for the limited purposes set forth in this Agreement, and the parties acknowledge and agree that their respective rights and obligations are contractual in nature. In the event of any business transaction or engagement, each party disclaims an intention to impose fiduciary obligations on the other by virtue of the engagement contemplated by the Agreement, and each party agrees that there is no fiduciary relationship between them.

 

(e) ESSI represents and warrants to SDOI that SDOI's engagement hereunder has been duly authorized and approved by all corporate action by ESSI and this letter Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by ESSI and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of ESSI. SDOI represents and warrants to ESSI that SDOI’s engagement hereunder has been duly authorized and approved by all necessary corporate action by SDOI and this letter Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by SDOI and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of SDOI.

 

(f) SDOI shall have the right to include ESSI and the BUSINESS’s name, logo and any non-confidential information relating to the engagement in SDOI’s website and marketing materials.

 

(g) The ESSI acknowledges that it is not relying on the advice of SDOI for tax, legal or accounting matters it is seeking, and will rely on the advice of its own professionals and advisors for such matters.

 

(h) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, which together shall constitute the same agreement.

	
 

	
Separation Degrees – One, Inc.

77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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***

This Agreement and the exhibit attached hereto shall constitute the full scope of the relationship between SDOI and ESSI. Please sign this letter at the place indicated below, whereupon it will constitute our mutually binding agreement with respect to the matters contained herein.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

SEPARATION DEGREES – ONE, INC.

 

	
By:   

	
Gannon Giguiere

              CEO

 

Agreed to and accepted:

 

ECO SCIENCES SOLUTIONS, INC.

 

 

	
By:

	
Jeffery Taylor

              CEO

	
 

	
Separation Degrees – One, Inc.

77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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EXHIBIT A – INDEMNIFICATION PROVISION

 

 

Eco Sciences Solutions, Inc. (“ESSI”) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Eventure Interactive, Inc. (“SDOI”) and its affiliated entities, partners, employees, consultants, legal counsel, agents, members, managers, representatives, and agents (collectively the   “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, obligations, penalties, judgments, awards, liabilities, costs, expenses and disbursements (and any and all actions, suits, proceedings and investigations in respect thereof and any and all reasonable legal and other costs, expenses and disbursements in giving testimony or furnishing documents in response to a subpoena or otherwise), including, without limitation, the reasonable costs, expenses and disbursements, as and when incurred, of investigating, preparing or defending  any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether or not in connection with litigation in which any of the Indemnified Parties is a party), directly or indirectly, caused by, relating to, based upon, arising out of, or in connection with, the Indemnified Parties’ performance or nonperformance of its obligations under the letter agreement between ESSI and SDOI to which these provisions are attached and form a part (the “Agreement”); provided, however, that ESSI shall not be obligated to indemnify, defend or hold harmless Indemnified Parties for losses, claims, damages, obligations, penalties, judgments, awards, liabilities, costs, expenses and disbursements suffered by or paid by Indemnified Parties as a result of acts or omissions of Indemnified Parties which have been made or not made in bad faith or which constitute willful misconduct.

 

These indemnification provisions shall be in addition to any liability, which ESSI may otherwise have to Indemnified Parties. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution, if a claim for indemnification pursuant to these indemnification provisions is made but it is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, even though the express provisions hereof provide for indemnification in such case, then ESSI, on the one hand, and the applicable Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, shall contribute to the losses involved in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by ESSI, on the one hand, and the applicable Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, (ii) the relative fault of ESSI, on the one hand, and the applicable Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, in connection with the statements, acts or omissions which resulted in such losses, and (iii) relevant equitable considerations. Neither termination nor completion of the engagement of SDOI under this Agreement, shall affect these indemnification provisions which shall then remain operative and in full force and effect.

 

The foregoing provisions are in addition to any rights the parties may have at common law or otherwise and shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of any successor, assigns, and personal representatives of the indemnifying party and each indemnified party. The provisions

	
 

	
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of this Exhibit shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of SDOI or (ii) the completion or termination of the engagement.

	
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ADDENDUM 1 TO AGREEMENT

 

 

This document is in reference to a contract agreement dated January 1, 2016, between Separation Degrees – One, Inc. (“SDOI”) and Eco Sciences Solutions, Inc. (“ESSI”).

 

May it be known that the undersigned parties, for good consideration, do hereby agree to make the following changes and / or additions that are outlined below. These additions shall be made valid as if they are included in the original stated contract.

 

Stated Contract for:

 

The issuance and DWAC of $35,000 worth of S-8 shares in ESSI Common Stock (issued at a 30% discount to the market close price on the date of payment due (the 1st of every month), or a share price of $0.01 whichever is greater), to SDOI for ongoing project planned technical development/maintenance, production and staging server administration, ongoing marketing services and monthly advertising management. DWAC distribution is to occur on or before the 1st business day of each calendar month for services provided by SDOI.

 

The issuance of 500,000 shares in Common Stock, with Piggy Back Registration Rights for the acquisition of SDOI’s discrete communications software platform, including custom developed libraries name “Communications Platform Asset Purchase Agreement, Dated January 4, 2016. DWAC distribution is to occur on or before the March 1, 2016. Both parties agree that SDOI has the right to request that the shares owed to them be delivered in increments less than the total amount of 500,000.

 

No other terms or conditions of the above mentioned contract shall be negated or changed as a result of this here stated addendum.

	
 

	
Separation Degrees – One, Inc.

77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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Agreed to and accepted:

 

SEPARATION DEGREES – ONE, INC.

 

 

	
  

	
By:

	
Gannon Giguiere

CEO

ECO SCIENCES SOLUTIONS, INC.

 

 

	
By:

	
Jeffery Taylor

CEO

	
 

	
Separation Degrees – One, Inc.

77 Geary Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA * 94108 CONFIDENTIAL * Technology Licensing and Marketing Agreement

  

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