Document:

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Convergent  Communications(TM)                          Proprietary Information

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                         EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

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 Employee Information
 --------------------

 Richard N. Gottbreht                        1018 Deer Clover Way
 ----------------------------------          -----------------------------------
 (Name)                                      Castle Rock, CO 80104
                                             -----------------------------------
 Effective Date:  July 28, 2000              (Address)
 ----------------------------------

1.        Employment.  The Company agrees to employ Employee and Employee hereby
          ----------
agrees to be employed by the Company and/or such of its subsidiaries and
affiliate corporations as determined by the Company on a full-time basis, for
the period and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

2.        Capacity and Duties. Employee shall be employed in the following
          -------------------
capacity for the Company or any of its affiliates in such capacity of equal or
greater responsibility. During his employment, Employee shall perform the duties
and bear the responsibilities commensurate with his position and shall serve the
Company faithfully and to the best of his ability.

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               Title:    Executive Vice President -- Operations
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3.        Compensation and Benefits.
          -------------------------

          3.1  The Company shall pay Employee during the Term of this Agreement
(or, if longer, during the term of Employee's employment with the Company or any
of its affiliates) an annual base salary, payable semi-monthly as follows. The
annual base salary shall be adjustable for merit increases.

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     Annual Base Salary: Two Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000)
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          3.2  In addition to his base salary, the Company, during the Term of
this Agreement, shall pay Employee a performance bonus for each fiscal year of
the Company after the end of the fiscal year, in an exact amount to be
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company. The target bonus will be a
percentage of Employee's annual base salary. This bonus may be adjusted based
upon performance and as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.

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     Target Percentage:  Seventy-Five Percent (75%)
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          3.3  [Intentionally Deleted].

          3.4  In addition to salary as provided above, the Company shall
provide Employee during the Term of this Agreement, with the benefits of such
insurance plans, hospitalization plans, stock plans, retirement plans and other
employee fringe benefits (including sick leave and four (4) weeks annual
vacation time) as shall be generally provided to similar positions within the
Company and for which Employee may be eligible under the terms and conditions
thereof. The Company reserves the right to modify, delete or change its benefits
at any time.

          3.5  Throughout the Term of this Agreement, the Company shall
reimburse Employee for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
Employee in connection with the business of the Company and in performance of
his duties under this Agreement, upon presentation to the Company by Employee of
an itemized accounting of such expenses with reasonable supporting data.

This Employment Services Agreement is further subject to the Employment
Agreement Terms ("Agreement Terms") attached hereto, and, if this box [X] is
marked, Addendum A attached hereto (collectively the "Agreement"). Employee has
read and understands the Agreement Terms and agrees to be bound by those
conditions. Acceptance of this Agreement is contingent upon acceptance by a
representative of the Company duly authorized to execute this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the last date
shown below.

CONVERGENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.              /s/ RICHARD N. GOTTBREHT
                                             --------------------------------
(Company)                                    (Employee)

By: /s/ Joseph R. Zell                       ________________________________
    -------------------------------

Title: Chief Executive Officer
       ----------------------------

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                          Employment Agreement Terms

     The following Employment Agreement Terms are in addition to the terms and
conditions contained in the Employment Services Agreement cover sheet:

4.   Term. The initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the date of this
     ----
Agreement and shall continue for a period of three (3) years. This Agreement
shall continue thereafter from year to year, unless and until either party
terminates the Agreement pursuant to Section 5 below ("Term"). The applicable
provisions of Sections 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 shall remain in full force and effect
as provided and for the time periods specified in such Sections notwithstanding
the termination of this Agreement; all other obligations of either party to the
other under this Agreement shall terminate at the end of the Term.

5.   Termination.
     -----------

     5.1  If, during the Term of this Agreement, Employee dies or is prevented
from performing his duties by reason of illness or incapacity for one hundred
forty (140) days in any one hundred eighty (180) day period, the Company may
terminate this Agreement, upon thirty (30) days prior notice thereof to Employee
or his duly appointed legal representative.

     5.2  The Company or the Employee may terminate this Agreement upon at least
thirty (30) days prior notice to Employee upon the happening of any of the
following events ("Change of Control Event"):

          5.2.1  The sale by the Company of substantially all of its assets to a
single purchaser or associated group of purchasers who are not affiliates of the
Company. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "affiliate" means a
person, firm or corporation that directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the
Company.

          5.2.2  The sale, exchange or other disposition in one transaction of
eighty percent (80%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Company to
or with a person, firm or corporation not then an affiliate of the Company.

          5.2.3  The merger or consolidation of the Company in a transaction not
involving an affiliate of the Company in which the shareholders of the Company
receive less than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting stock of the new
continuing corporation.

          5.2.4  A bona fide decision by the Company to terminate its business
and liquidate its assets (but only if such liquidation is not part of a plan to
carry on the Company's business through its shareholders).

          5.2.5  If Employee's employment is terminated prior to the date on
which a Change of Control Event occurs, and such termination was at the request
of a third party who has taken steps to effect a Change of Control Event or was
otherwise caused by the Change of Control Event, then for all purposes of this
Agreement, a Change of Control Event shall be deemed to have occurred prior to
such termination.

     5.3  The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time for gross
negligence or willful non-performance by Employee of any duty as an employee of
the Company which continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written
notice specifying such negligence or non-performance.

     5.4  The Company may terminate this Agreement immediately upon the
intentional commission of a violation of any federal law, rule or regulation, or
any theft, fraud, embezzlement or similar crime involving the commission of any
felony, or for a material breach of any obligation or covenant created by or
under this Agreement.

     5.5  Company or Employee may terminate this Agreement without cause upon at
least thirty (30) days prior notice.

     5.6  Termination Fees. In the event that this Agreement is terminated
          ----------------
pursuant to this Section 5, Company shall pay Employee a Termination Fee as
described below.

          5.6.1  If this Agreement is terminated by (a) the Company under
subsections 5.1, 5.2 or 5.5 above, or (b) by the Employee for Good Reason (as
defined below) within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control Event as
described in subsection 5.2 above, then (1) the Company shall continue to pay
Employee's monthly base salary, as shall be in effect on the termination date,
for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of termination; (2)
the Company shall provide Employee with benefits coverage, including, without
limitation, coverage under life, medical, dental and vision, but excluding
disability plans, for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of
termination; (3) the Company shall pay Employee any incentive bonus earned by
Employee pursuant to Section 3.2, if any, and (4) vesting of Employee's stock
options, if any, shall be accelerated such that all stock options granted to
Employee will vest as of the date of termination.

          5.6.2  For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean,
without the Employee's express

Initials: ________________                                Date: ________________

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                          Employment Agreement Terms

written consent, the occurrence within twelve (12) months after a Change of
Control Event of any of the following circumstances, unless in the case of
clauses (i), (v), or (vi), such circumstances are fully corrected within five
(5) days following notice to the Company:

               (i).    The assignment to the Employee of any duties usually
performed by an employee or individual of status subordinate to that of the
Employee's position, or a substantial alteration in the nature or status of the
Employee's responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to a Change
of Control Event;

               (ii).   A reduction by the Company in the Employee's annual base
salary as then in effect;

               (iii).  A new Company requirement is instituted which requires
the Employee to change his work location to a location greater than fifty (50)
miles from Employee's work location immediately prior to the institution of the
requirement, but not including a requirement that the Employee travel on the
Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with his present
business travel obligations;

               (iv).   The failure by the Company, without the Employee's
consent, to pay to the Employee any portion of his compensation, or to pay to
the Employee any portion of an installment of deferred compensation under any
deferred compensation program of the Company within seven (7) days of the date
such compensation is due, unless such failure to pay is reasonably in dispute by
the Company;

               (v).    The failure by the Company to continue in effect any
compensation plan in which the Employee participates immediately prior to the
Change of Control Event which is material to the Employee's total compensation,
or any substitute plans adopted prior to the Change of Control Event, unless an
equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan)
has been made with respect to such plan in connection with the Change of Control
Event, or the failure by the Company to continue the Employee's participation
therein;

               (vi).   The failure by the Company to continue to provide the
Employee with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by the Employee
under any of the Company's pension, life insurance, medical, health and
accident, or disability plan in which the Employee was participating at the time
of a Change of Control Event; the taking of any action by the Company which
would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive
the Employee of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by the Employee at the time
of the Change of Control Event; or the failure by the Company to provide the
Employee with the number of paid vacation days to which the Employee is entitled
pursuant to the greater of (a) this Agreement or (b) the basis of years of
service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy
in effect at the time of the Change of Control Event.

     The Employee's right to terminate his employment pursuant to this
subsection shall not be affected by his incapacity due to physical or mental
illness. The Employee's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or
a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason
hereunder.

          5.6.3  No Termination Fee shall be paid to Employee in the event that
this Agreement is terminated for any other reason, including, without
limitation, pursuant to subsections 5.3 and 5.4 herein.

     5.7 In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to subsection
5.2 or by the Company pursuant to subsection 5.5, Employee shall have a period
of twelve (12) months from the date of termination in which to exercise
Employee's vested stock options.

6.   Covenant Not to Compete.
     -----------------------

     6.1  During the Term of this Agreement (or, if longer, during the term of
Employee's employment with the Company or any of its affiliates) and for a
period of twenty-four (24) months after termination of this Agreement (or, if
later, termination of Employee's employment with the Company or any of its
affiliates), Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate,
control, be employed by, or participate in the ownership, management, operation
or control of a business that is engaged in the same business as the Company
within any area or at any location constituting, during the term of Employee's
employment and/or at the time Employee's employment is terminated, a Relevant
Area. For the purposes of this Section 6, including all subsections of this
Section 6, the business in which the Company is engaged in is the voice and data
communications business, including local and long distance services, network
integration, network monitoring, customer premise equipment, network equipment
leasing, Internet web site design, ecommerce applications and other Internet
related services, and which other services the Company provides, whether or not
the Company is authorized to provide and actually provides such services during
the term of Employee's employment ("Services"). The "Relevant Area" shall be
defined for the purposes of this Agreement as any area located within, or within
fifty (50) miles of, the legal boundaries or limits of any city within which the

Initials: ________________                                Date: ________________

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                          Employment Agreement Terms

Company or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate thereof is providing Services,
has commenced the acquisition of any authorizations, rights of way or facilities
or has commenced the construction of facilities for the purpose of providing
Services, or the Company has publicly announced or privately disclosed in
writing to Employee that it plans to provide Services.

     6.2  During the Term of this Agreement (or, if longer, during the term of
Employee's employment with the Company or any of its affiliates) and for a
period of twenty-four (24) months after termination of this Agreement (or, if
longer, termination of Employee's employment with the Company or any of its
affiliates), Employee shall not (i) directly or indirectly cause or attempt to
cause any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates to leave the employ
of the Company or any affiliate, (ii) in any way interfere with the relationship
between the Company and any employee or between an affiliate and any employee of
the affiliate, (iii) directly or indirectly hire any employee of the Company or
any affiliate to work for any organization of which Employee is an officer,
director, employee, consultant, independent contractor or owner of an equity or
other financial interest, or (iv) interfere or attempt to interfere with any
transaction in which the Company or any of its affiliates was involved during
the Term of this Agreement or Employee's employment, which ever is longer.

     6.3  Employee agrees that, because of the nature and sensitivity of the
information to which he will be privy and because of the nature and national and
international scope of the Company's business, the restrictions in this Section
6 are fair and reasonable.

7.   Confidential Information.
     ------------------------

     7.1  The relationship between the Company and Employee is one of confidence
and trust. This relationship and the rights granted and duties imposed by this
Section shall continue until a date two (2) years from the date Employee's
employment is terminated.

     7.2  As used in this Agreement (i) "Confidential Information" means
information disclosed to or acquired by Employee about the Company's plans,
products, processes and services including the Services and any Relevant Area,
including information relating to research, development, inventions,
manufacturing, purchasing, accounting, engineering, marketing, merchandising,
selling, pricing and tariffed or contractual terms, customer lists and prospect
lists or other market information, with respect to any of the Company's then
current business activities; and (ii) "Inventions" means any inventions,
discoveries, concepts and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, without
limitation, processes, methods, formulas, and techniques (as well as related
improvements and knowledge) that are based on or related to Confidential
Information, that pertain in any manner to the Company's then currently used
technology, expertise or business and that are made or conceived by Employee,
either solely or jointly with others, and while employed by the Company or
within six (6) months thereafter, whether or not made or conceived during
working hours or with the use of the Company's facilities, materials or
personnel.

     7.3  Employee agrees that he shall at no time during the term of his
employment or at any time for a period of two (2) years thereafter disclose any
Confidential Information, Inventions or component thereof to any person, firm or
corporation to any extent or for any reason or purpose or use any Confidential
Information or component thereof for any purpose other than the conduct of the
Company's business.

     7.4  Any Confidential Information, Invention or component thereof that is
directly or indirectly originated, developed or perfected to any degree by
Employee during the term of his employment by the Company shall be and remain
the sole property of the Company and shall be deemed trade secrets of the
Company.

     7.5  Upon termination of Employee's employment pursuant to any of the
provisions herein, Employee or his legal representative shall deliver to the
Company all originals and all duplicates and/or copies of all documents,
records, notebooks, and similar repositories of or containing Confidential
Information or subject matter then in his possession, whether prepared by him or
not.

     7.6  Employee agrees that the covenants and agreements contained in this
Section 7 are fair and reasonable and that no waiver or modification of this
Section or any covenant or condition set forth herein shall be valid unless set
forth in writing and duly executed by the parties hereto. Employee agrees to
execute such separate and further confidentiality agreements embodying and
enlarging upon the provisions of this Section 7 as the Company may reasonably
request.

8.   Injunctive Relief. Upon a breach or threatened breach by Employee of any of
     -----------------
the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement, the Company shall be
entitled to an injunction restraining Employee from such breach without a
showing of damage as irreparable harm. Nothing herein shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies for such breach or
threatened breach, including recovery of damages from Employee.

Initials: ________________                                Date: ________________

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                          Employment Agreement Terms

9.   No Waiver.  A waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this
     ---------
Agreement by Employee shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any
subsequent or other breach by Employee.

10.  Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties that the
     ------------
provisions of this Agreement shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible
under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which
enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision or portion of
this Agreement shall be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, this
Agreement shall be deemed amended to delete therefrom the portion thus
adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such deletion to apply only with
respect to the operation of such Section in the particular jurisdiction in which
such adjudication is made.

11.  Notices. All communications, requests, consents and other notices provided
     -------
for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if mailed by
first class mail, postage prepaid, certified or return receipt requested to the
addresses set forth herein, or last known address and received by the intended
party. If the mailing is returned to the sender due to an incorrect address, the
correct address must be obtained in order for the communication to be received
and completed.

12.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and
     -------------
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

13.  Assignment. The Company may assign its rights and obligations under this
     ----------
Agreement to any affiliate of the Company or, subject to the provisions of
Section 5, to any acquirer of substantially all of the business of the Company,
and all covenants and agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by or against any such assignee. Neither this Agreement nor any
rights or duties hereunder may be assigned or delegated by Employee.

14.  Amendments. No provision of this Agreement shall be altered, amended,
     ----------
revoked or waived except by an instrument in writing, signed by each party to
this Agreement.

15.  Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall
     --------------
be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns.

16.  Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
     -------------------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

17.  Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and
     ----------------
understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements
or representations by or between the parties, whether written or oral, which
relate in any way to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation,
any previously executed employment agreements or amendments thereto.

18.  Arbitration. Any dispute arising out of this Agreement, the Employee's
     -----------
application for employment, the Employee's relationship with the Company, or the
Employee's employment or separation from employment shall be subject to
arbitration pursuant to the Company's arbitration procedures. The Employee
acknowledges that a copy of the procedures has been delivered to and read by the
Employee prior to the time he/she executed this Agreement. It is understood that
all sections of the Arbitration Procedures apply, except those sections
pertaining to at-will employment, which are superseded by this Employment
Agreement.

Initials: ________________                                Date: ________________

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Convergent CommunicationS(TM)                            Proprietary Information

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                  ADDENDUM A TO EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

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1.   Additional Provisions. The Company and Employee agree to the following
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additions, changes and amendments to the Employment Services Agreement and the
Agreement Terms:

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Section Reference        Additions, Changes or Amendments
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3.6 (new)                Subject to receiving Board of Director approval,
                         Employee shall be granted the option to purchase up to
                         150,000 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant
                         to the Company's Employee Stock Incentive Plan. Vesting
                         of the option shall be as to 25% of the total grant
                         each year beginning on the first anniversary of the
                         date of grant of the option. The exercise price of the
                         option will be equal to the market value of the
                         Company's common stock as shown on the Nasdaq National
                         Market at the close of trading on the date of grant.

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2.   Part of Agreement. This Addendum is a part of the Employment Services
     -----------------
Agreement executed on the same date as this Addendum.

3.   Other Terms and Conditions. All other terms and conditions of the Agreement
     --------------------------
shall remain in full force and effect, as if fully stated herein.

4.   Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms, and other defined terms, shall have
     -----------------
the same meaning as that accorded to them in the Agreement, unless the context
requires otherwise.

5.   Conflict. If there are any conflicting terms or conditions between the
     --------
terms and conditions of this Addendum and the terms and conditions of the
Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Addendum shall control.

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Initials: ________________                                Date: ________________<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10

                         SEVERANCE PROTECTION AGREEMENT

       THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 10th day of  July 2000, by and between
Barrett Resources Corporation (the "Company") and Joseph N. Jaggers (the
"Executive").

       WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") recognizes
that the possibility of a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) exists and
that the threat or the occurrence of a Change in Control can result in
significant distractions of its key management personnel because of the
uncertainties inherent in such a situation;

       WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is essential and in the best
interest of the Company and its stockholders to retain the services of the
Executive in the event of a threat or occurrence of a Change in Control and to
ensure his continued dedication and efforts in such event without undue concern
for his personal financial and employment security; and

       WHEREAS, in order to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the
Company, particularly in the event of a threat or the occurrence of a Change in
Control, the Company desires to enter into this Agreement with the Executive to
provide the Executive with certain benefits in the event his employment is
terminated as a result of, or in connection with, a Change in Control and to
provide the Executive with certain other benefits whether or not the Executive's
employment is terminated.

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective agreements of the
parties contained herein, it is agreed as follows:

     1.  Term of Agreement.  This Agreement shall commence as of the date hereof
         -----------------
and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2000; provided, however, that on
December 31, 2000 and on each anniversary thereof, the term of this Agreement
shall automatically be extended for one year unless either the Company or the
Executive shall have given written notice to the other prior thereto that the
term of this Agreement shall not be so extended; and provided, further, however,
that notwithstanding any such notice by the Company not to extend, the term of
this Agreement shall not expire prior to the expiration of thirty-six (36)
months after the occurrence of a Change in Control.

     2.  Definitions.
         -----------

          2.1.  Accrued Compensation.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Accrued
                --------------------
  Compensation" shall mean an amount which shall include all amounts earned or
  accrued through the "Termination Date" (as hereinafter defined) but not paid
  as of the Termination Date including (i) base salary, (ii) reimbursement for
  reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the Executive on behalf of the
  Company during the
<PAGE>

  period ending on the Termination Date, (iii) vacation and sick leave pay (to
  the extent provided by Company policy or applicable law), and (iv) bonuses and
  incentive compensation.

          2.2.  Base Amount.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Base Amount"
                -----------
  shall mean the greater of (a) the Executive's annual base salary at the rate
  in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control and (b) the Executive's
  annual base salary at the rate in effect on the Termination Date, and shall
  include all amounts of his base salary that are deferred under the qualified
  and non-qualified employee benefit plans of the Company or any other agreement
  or arrangement.

          2.3.  Bonus Amount.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Bonus Amount"
                ------------
  shall mean the greater of the Executive's most recent annual bonus paid during
  the twelve months preceding a Change in Control and the Executive's most
  recent annual bonus paid during the twelve months preceding the Termination
  Date.

          2.4.  Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of
                -----
  employment is for "Cause" if the Executive has been convicted of a felony
  involving moral turpitude or the termination is evidenced by a resolution
  adopted in good faith by two-thirds of the Board that the Executive (a)
  intentionally and continually failed substantially to perform his reasonably
  assigned duties with the Company (other than a failure resulting from the
  Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness or from the
  Executive's assignment of duties that would constitute "Good Reason" as
  hereinafter defined) which failure continued for a period of at least thirty
  days after a written notice of demand for substantial performance has been
  delivered to the Executive specifying the manner in which the Executive has
  failed substantially to perform, or (b) intentionally engaged in conduct which
  is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company; provided, however,
  that no termination of the Executive's employment shall be for Cause until (x)
  there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a written notice
  setting forth that the Executive was guilty of the conduct set forth in this
  Section 2.4 and specifying the particulars thereof in detail, and (y) the
  Executive shall have been provided an opportunity to be heard in person by the
  Board (with the assistance of the Executive's counsel if the Executive so
  desires).  Neither an act nor a failure to act, on the Executive's part shall
  be considered "intentional" unless the Executive has acted or failed to act
  with a lack of good faith and with a lack of reasonable belief that the
  Executive's action or failure to act was in the best interest of the Company.
  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, no
  failure to perform by the Executive after a Notice of Termination is given by
  the Executive shall constitute Cause for purposes of this Agreement.

          2.5.  Change in Control.  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in
                -----------------
  Control" shall mean any of the following events:

                                       2
<PAGE>

                (a)   An acquisition (other than directly from the Company) of
     any voting securities of the Company (the "Voting Securities") by any
     "Person" (as the term person is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"))
     immediately after which such Person has "Beneficial Ownership" (within the
     meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of thirty percent or
     more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding Voting
     Securities; provided, however, that in determining whether a Change in
     Control has occurred, Voting Securities which are acquired in a "Non-
     Control Acquisition" (as hereinafter defined) shall not constitute an
     acquisition which would cause a Change in Control. A "Non-Control
     Acquisition" shall mean an acquisition by (1) an employee benefit plan (or
     a trust forming a part thereof) maintained by (x) the Company or (y) any
     corporation or other Person of which a majority of its voting power or its
     equity securities or equity interest is owned directly or indirectly by the
     Company (a "Subsidiary"), (2) the Company or any Subsidiary, or (3) any
     Person in connection with a "Non-Control Transaction."

                (b)   The individuals who, as of the date hereof, are members of
     the Board (the "Incumbent Board"), cease for any reason to constitute at
     least two-thirds of the Board; provided, however, that if the election, or
     nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, of any new director
     was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the then Incumbent Board,
     such new director shall, for purposes of this Agreement, be considered as a
     member of the Incumbent Board; provided, further, however, that no
     individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such
     individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or
     threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a-11 promulgated
     under the 1934 Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies
     or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a "Proxy
     Contest") including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle
     any Election Contest or Proxy Contest; or

                (c)   Approval by stockholders of the Company of:

                      (1)   A merger, consolidation or reorganization involving
          the Company, unless

                            (A) the stockholders of the Company, immediately
             before such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own, directly
             or indirectly, immediately following such merger, consolidation or
             reorganization, at least sixty percent of the combined voting power
             of the outstanding Voting Securities of the corporation resulting
             from such merger or consolidation or reorganization (the "Surviving
             Corporation") in substantially the same proportion as their
             ownership of the Voting

                                       3
<PAGE>

             Securities immediately before such merger, consolidation or
             reorganization, and

                            (B) the individuals who were members of the
             Incumbent Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement
             providing for such merger, consolidation or reorganization
             constitute at least two-thirds of the members of the board of
             directors of the Surviving Corporation or a corporation
             beneficially owning, directly or indirectly, a majority of the
             Voting Securities of the Surviving Corporation, and

                            (C) no Person (other than the Company, any
             Subsidiary, any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part
             thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving Corporation or
             any Subsidiary, or any Person who, immediately prior to such
             merger, consolidation or reorganization had Beneficial Ownership of
             thirty percent or more of the then outstanding Voting Securities)
             owns, directly or indirectly, thirty percent or more of the
             combined voting power of the Surviving Corporation's then
             outstanding voting securities, and

                            (D) a transaction described in clauses (A) through
             (C) shall herein be referred to as a "Non-Control Transaction";

                      (2)   A complete liquidation or dissolution of the
          Company; or

                      (3)   An agreement for the sale or other disposition of
          all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person
          (other than a transfer to a Subsidiary).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur
solely because any Person (the "Subject Person") acquired Beneficial Ownership
of more than the permitted amount of the outstanding Voting Securities as a
result of the acquisition of Voting Securities by the Company which, by reducing
the number of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportional number
of shares Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, provided that if a Change in
Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the
acquisition of Voting Securities by the Company, and after such share
acquisition by the Company, the Subject Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of
any additional Voting Securities which increases the percentage of the then
outstanding Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Subject Person, then a
Change in Control shall occur.

                (d)   Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to
     the contrary, if the Executive's employment is terminated prior to a Change
     in Control

                                       4
<PAGE>

     and the Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (i) was at
     the request of a third party who has indicated an intention or taken steps
     reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control and who effectuates a
     Change in Control (a "Third Party") or (ii) otherwise occurred in
     connection with, or in anticipation of, a Change in Control which actually
     occurs, then for all purposes of this Agreement, the date of a Change in
     Control with respect to the Executive shall mean the date immediately prior
     to the date of such termination of the Executive's employment.

          2.6.  Company.  For purposes of this Agreement, the "Company" shall
                -------
  include the Company's "Successors and Assigns" (as hereinafter defined).

          2.7.  Disability.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall
                ----------
  mean a physical or mental infirmity which impairs the Executive's ability to
  substantially perform his duties with the Company for a period of one hundred
  eighty consecutive days and the Executive has not returned to his full time
  employment prior to the Termination Date as stated in the "Notice of
  Termination" (as hereinafter defined).

          2.8.  Good Reason.
                -----------

                (a)   For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean
     the occurrence after a Change in Control of any of the events or conditions
     described in subsections (1) through (9) hereof:

                      (1)   a change in the Executive's status, title,
          position or responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities)
          which, in the Executive's reasonable judgment, represents an adverse
          change from his status, title, position or responsibilities as in
          effect at any time within ninety days preceding the date of a Change
          in Control or at any time thereafter; the assignment to the Executive
          of any duties or responsibilities which, in the Executive's reasonable
          judgment, are inconsistent with his status, title, position or
          responsibilities as in effect at any time within ninety days preceding
          the date of a Change in Control or at any time thereafter; or any
          removal of the Executive from or failure to reappoint or reelect him
          to any of such offices or positions, except in connection with the
          termination of his employment for Disability, Cause, as a result of
          his death or by the Executive other than for Good Reason,
          provided, however, that, for purposes of this Section 2.8(a)(1), the
          fact that a Change in Control has occurred, in and of itself, shall
          not be deemed to constitute Good Reason;

                      (2)   a reduction in the Executive's base salary or any
          failure to pay the Executive any compensation or benefits to which he
          is entitled within five days of notice thereof;

                                       5
<PAGE>

                      (3)   the Company's requiring the Executive to be based
          at any place outside a 25-mile radius from his current place of
          employment, except for reasonably required travel on the Company's
          business which is not materially greater than such travel requirements
          prior to the Change in Control;

                      (4)   the failure by the Company to provide the
          Executive with compensation and benefits, in the aggregate, at least
          equal (in terms of benefit levels and/or reward opportunities) to
          those provided for under each other employee benefit plan, program and
          practice in which the Executive was participating at any time within
          ninety days preceding the date of a Change in Control or at any time
          thereafter;

                      (5)   the insolvency or the filing (by any party,
          including the Company) of a petition for bankruptcy of the Company,
          which petition is not dismissed within sixty days;

                      (6)   any material breach by the Company of any
          provision of this Agreement;

                      (7)   any purported termination of the Executive's
          employment for Cause by the Company which does not comply with the
          terms of Section 2.4;

                      (8)   any event or occurrence constituting "good reason,"
          as it may be defined in any agreement between the Executive and the
          Company or any of its affiliates; or

                      (9)   the failure of the Company to obtain an agreement,
          satisfactory to the Executive, from any Successors and Assigns to
          assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section
          7 hereof.

                (b)   Any event or condition described in Section 2.8(a)(1)
     through (9) which occurs prior to a Change in Control but which the
     Executive reasonably demonstrates (1) was at the request of a Third Party,
     or (2) otherwise arose in connection with, or in anticipation of, a Change
     in Control which actually occurs, shall constitute Good Reason for purposes
     of this Agreement notwithstanding that it occurred prior to the Change in
     Control.

                (c)   The Executive's right to terminate his employment
     pursuant to this Section 2.8 shall not be affected by his incapacity due to
     a Disability

          2.9.  Notice of Termination.  For purposes of this Agreement,
                ---------------------
  following a Change in Control, "Notice of Termination" shall mean a written
  notice of termination from the Company of the Executive's employment which
  indicates the specific

                                       6
<PAGE>

  termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and which sets 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.

          2.10. Successors and Assigns.  For purposes of this Agreement,
                ----------------------
  "Successors and Assigns" shall mean a corporation or other entity acquiring
  all or substantially all the assets and business of the Company whether by
  operation of law or otherwise, and any affiliate of such Successors and
  Assigns.

          2.11. Termination Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Termination
                ----------------
  Date" shall mean (a) in the case of the Executive's death, his date of death,
  (b) in the case of Good Reason, the last day of his employment, and (b) in all
  other cases, the date specified in the Notice of Termination; provided,
  however, that if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for
  Cause or due to Disability, the date specified in the Notice of Termination
  shall be at least 30 days from the date the Notice of Termination is given to
  the Executive, provided that in the case of Disability the Executive shall not
  have returned to the full-time performance of his duties during such period of
  at least 30 days.

     3.   Termination of Employment.
          -------------------------

          3.1   Severance Pay and Benefits.  If, during the term of this
                --------------------------
  Agreement, the Executive shall cease to be employed by Company within thirty-
  six (36) months following a Change in Control, the Executive shall be entitled
  to the following compensation and benefits:

                (a)   If the Executive's employment with the Company shall be
     terminated: (i) by the Company for Cause or Disability; (ii) by reason of
     the Executive's death; (iii) by the Executive other than for Good Reason;
     or (iv) after the Executive has reached his or her Normal Retirement Date
     (as that term is defined as of the date hereof in the Company's 401(k)
     Plan), the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Compensation.

                (b)   If the Executive's employment with the Company shall be
     terminated before the Executive's death and Normal Retirement Date either
     (i) by the Company other than for Cause or Disability or (ii) by the
     Executive for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the
     following:

                      (1)   the Company shall pay the Executive all Accrued
          Compensation;

                      (2)   the Company shall pay the Executive as severance
          pay and in lieu of any further compensation for periods subsequent to
          the

                                       7
<PAGE>

          Termination Date, in a single payment an amount in cash equal to
          three times the sum of (A) the Base Amount and (B) the Bonus Amount;
          and

                      (3)   for a period of  thirty-six (36) months following
          the Termination Date (the "Continuation Period"), the Company shall at
          its expense continue on behalf of the Executive and his dependents and
          beneficiaries the medical, dental and hospitalization benefits
          provided (x) to the Executive at any time during the thirty (30) day
          period prior to the Change in Control or at any time thereafter or (y)
          to other similarly situated executives who continue in the employ of
          the Company during the Continuation Period. The coverage and benefits
          (including deductibles and costs) provided in this Section 3.1(b)(3)
          during the Continuation Period shall be no less favorable to the
          Executive and his dependents and beneficiaries, than the most
          favorable of such coverages and benefits during any of the periods
          referred to in clauses (x) and (y) above. The Company's obligation
          hereunder with respect to the foregoing benefits shall be limited to
          the extent that the Executive obtains any such benefits pursuant to a
          subsequent employer's benefit plans, in which case the Company may
          reduce the coverage of any benefits it is required to provide the
          Executive hereunder as long as the aggregate coverages and benefits of
          the combined benefit plans is no less favorable to the Executive than
          the coverages and benefits required to be provided hereunder. This
          subsection (3) shall not be interpreted so as to limit any benefits to
          which the Executive, his dependents or beneficiaries may be entitled
          under any of the Company's employee benefit plans, programs or
          practices following the Executive's termination of employment,
          including without limitation, retiree medical and life insurance
          benefits;

          3.2   Payment Form.  The amounts provided for in Sections 3.1(a) and
                ------------
  3.1(b)(1) and (2) shall be paid in a single lump sum cash payment within 10
  business days after the Executive's Termination Date (or earlier, if required
  by applicable law).

          3.3   No mitigation.  The Executive shall not be required to mitigate
                -------------
  the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other
  employment or otherwise and no such payment shall be offset or reduced by the
  amount of any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive in any
  subsequent employment except as provided in Section 3.1(b)(3).

          3.4   Other severance arrangements.  If the Executive is entitled to
                ----------------------------
  severance pay and benefits pursuant to this Agreement following a Change in
  Control, the following shall apply:

                (a)   The severance pay and benefits provided for in this
     Section 3 shall be reduced by the amount of any other severance or
     termination pay to which

                                       8
<PAGE>

     the Executive may be entitled under any agreement with the Company or any
     of its Affiliates.

                (b)   The Executive's entitlement to any other compensation or
     benefits or any indemnification shall be determined in accordance with the
     Company's employee benefit plans and other applicable programs, policies
     and practices or any indemnification agreement then in effect.

     4.   Notice of Termination.  Following a Change in Control, any purported
          ---------------------
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company shall be communicated
by Notice of Termination to the Executive.  For purposes of this Agreement, no
such purported termination shall be effective without such Notice of
Termination.

     5.   Excise Tax Limitation.
          ---------------------

          5.1   Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
  contrary, to the extent that the payments and benefits provided under this
  Agreement and benefits provided to, or for the benefit of, the Executive under
  any other Company plan or agreement (such payments or benefits are
  collectively referred to as the "Payments") would be subject to the excise tax
  (the "Excise Tax") imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of
  1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Payments shall be reduced (but not below
  zero) if and to the extent necessary so that no Payment to be made or benefit
  to be provided to the Executive shall be subject to the Excise Tax (such
  reduced amount is hereinafter referred to as the "Limited Payment Amount").
  Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice specifying a
  different order to the Company to effectuate the foregoing, the Company shall
  reduce or eliminate the Payments, by first reducing or eliminating the portion
  of the Payments which are not payable in cash and then by reducing or
  eliminating cash payments, in each case in reverse order beginning with
  payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the
  Determination (as hereinafter defined).  Any notice given by the Executive
  pursuant to the preceding sentence shall take precedence over the provisions
  of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing the Executive's rights
  and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

          5.2  The determination of whether the Payments shall be reduced to the
  Limited Payment Amount pursuant to this Agreement and the amount of such
  Limited Payment Amount shall be made, at the Company's expense, by an
  accounting firm selected by the Executive which is one of the six largest
  accounting firms in the United States (the "Accounting Firm").  The Accounting
  Firm shall provide its determination (the "Determination"), together with
  detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Company and the
  Executive within ten days of the Termination Date, if applicable, or such
  other time as requested by the Company or by the Executive (provided the
  Executive reasonably believes that any of the Payments

                                       9
<PAGE>

  may be subject to the Excise Tax) and if the Accounting Firm determines that
  no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive with respect to the Payments, it
  shall furnish the Executive with an opinion reasonably acceptable to the
  Executive that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such
  Payments. The Determination shall be binding, final and conclusive upon the
  Company and the Executive.

     6.   Successors; Binding Agreement.
          -----------------------------

          6.1.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
  benefit of the Company, its Successors and Assigns, and the Company shall
  require any Successors and Assigns 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 it if no such succession or assignment had taken
  place.

          6.2.  Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall
  be assignable or transferable by the Executive, his beneficiaries or legal
  representatives, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
  Executive's legal personal representative.

     7.   Fees and Expenses.  The Company shall pay all legal fees and related
          -----------------
expenses (including the costs of experts, evidence and counsel) reasonably
incurred by the Executive as they become due as a result of (a) the Executive
seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement
(including, but not limited to, any such fees and expenses incurred in
connection with the Dispute, and (b) the Executive's hearing before the Board as
contemplated in Section 2.4 of this Agreement; provided, however, that the
                                               --------  -------
circumstances set forth in clause (a) (other than as a result of the Executive's
termination of employment under circumstances described in Section 2.5(d))
occurred on or after a Change in Control.

     8.   Notice.  For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
          ------
communications provided for in the Agreement (including the Notice of
Termination) shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, by overnight courier or by facsimile, addressed to the
respective addresses and facsimile numbers last given by each party to the
other, provided that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the
attention of the Board with a copy to the Secretary of the Company.  All notices
and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery
thereof or on the third business day after the mailing thereof, except that
notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

     9.   Non-exclusivity of Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or
          -------------------------
limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any benefit, bonus,
incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company (except for any
severance or termination

                                       10
<PAGE>

policies, plans, programs or practices) and for which the Executive may qualify,
nor shall anything herein limit or reduce such rights as the Executive may have
under any other agreements with the Company (except for any severance or
termination agreement). Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive
is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Company shall
be payable in accordance with such plan or program, except as explicitly
modified by this Agreement.

     10.  No Guaranteed Employment.  The Executive and the Company acknowledge
          ------------------------
that, except as may otherwise be provided under any other written agreement
between the Executive and the Company, the employment of the Executive by the
Company is "at will" and may be terminated by either the Executive or the
Company at any time.

     11.  Settlement of Claims.  The Company's obligation to make the payments
          --------------------
provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations
hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without
limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which
the Company may have against the Executive or others.

     12.  Mutual Non-Disparagement.  The Company, its affiliates and
          ------------------------
subsidiaries agree and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause their
respective executive officers and directors to agree, that they will not make or
publish any statement critical of the Executive, or in any way adversely
affecting or otherwise maligning the Executive's reputation. The Executive
agrees that it will not make or publish any statement critical of the Company,
its affiliates and their respective executive officers and directors, or in any
way adversely affecting or otherwise maligning the business or reputation of any
member of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective
officers, directors and employees.

     13.  Miscellaneous.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived
          -------------
or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in
writing and signed by the Executive and the Company.  No waiver by either party
hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance
with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other
party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions
at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.  No agreement or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not expressly set
forth in this Agreement.

     14.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and
          -------------
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado without giving
effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.  Any action brought by any
party to this Agreement

                                       11
<PAGE>

shall be brought and maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction in the City
and County of Denver in the State of Colorado.

     15.  Severability.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed
          ------------
severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof, and, in
such event, such provision shall be changed and interpreted so as to best
accomplish the objectives of such invalid or unenforceable provision within the
limits of applicable law or applicable court decisions.

     16.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
          ----------------
between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements, if any,
understandings and arrangements, oral or written, between the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed by its duly authorized officer and the Executive has executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                              By  /s/ Peter A. Dea
                                  -----------------
                                  Peter Dea
                                  Chief Executive Officer
                                  Barrett Resources Corp.

                              By: /s/ Joseph N. Jaggers
                                  ----------------------
                                  Joseph N. Jaggers

ATTEST:                       By: /s/ Eugene A. Lang
                                  -------------------
                                  Eugene A. Lang
                                  Secretary
                                  Barrett Resources Corp.

                                       12

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