Document:

Exhibit 10.39

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of November 30, 2010, between US LBM Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Richard Kolaczewski (“Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to employment of Executive with the Company, Executive is required to enter into this Agreement, and to grant the covenants contained herein.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                      Employment.  The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in Section 4 hereof (the “Employment Period”).

 

2.                                      Position and Duties.

 

(a)                                 During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, subject to the power and authority of the board of managers of the Company (the “Board”) to expand or limit the duties, responsibilities, functions and authority, and to overrule actions, of officers of the Company.  During the Employment Period, Executive shall report to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

(b)                                 During the Employment Period, Executive shall, at all times, devote Executive’s entire working time, attention, energies, efforts and skills to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries and shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any other business activity, whether or not for profit, gain or other pecuniary advantages, without the express written permission of the Board.  Executive shall perform Executive’s duties, responsibilities and functions to the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder to the best of Executive’s abilities in a diligent, conscientious, trustworthy, professional and efficient manner and shall comply with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ policies and procedures.  In performing Executive’s duties and exercising Executive’s authority under this Agreement, Executive shall support and implement the business and strategic plans approved from time to time by the Board, shall support and cooperate with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ efforts to expand their businesses and operate profitably and in conformity with the business and strategic plans approved by the Board.

 

 

(c)                                  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(i)                                     “Cause” shall mean with respect to Executive one or more of the following:  (1) the commission of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude or, as reasonably determined by the Board, the commission of any other act or omission involving dishonesty, disloyalty or fraud with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their customers or suppliers, (2) reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, the use of illegal drugs (whether or not at the workplace) or other repeated conduct causing the Company or any of its Subsidiaries substantial public disgrace or disrepute or economic harm, (3) substantial and repeated failure to perform duties reasonably directed by the Board, (4) any act or omission aiding or abetting a competitor, supplier, or customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the material disadvantage or detriment of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (5) breach of fiduciary duty, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or (6) any other material breach of this Agreement.

 

(ii)                                  “Disability” shall mean Executive’s inability to perform the essential duties, responsibilities and functions of Executive’s position with the Company and its Subsidiaries as a result of any mental or physical disability or incapacity even with reasonable accommodations of such disability or incapacity provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries or if providing such accommodations would be unreasonable, all as determined by the Board in its reasonable good faith judgment.  Executive shall cooperate in all respects with the Company if a question arises as to whether Executive has become disabled (including, without limitation, submitting to an examination by a medical doctor or other health care specialists selected by the Company and authorizing such medical doctor or such other health care specialist to discuss Executive’s condition with the Company).

 

(iii)                               “Subsidiaries” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity of which (1) if a corporation, a majority of the economic interests or total voting power of shares of stock entitled (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (2) if a partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity, either (A) a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (B) such Person is a general partner, managing

 

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member or managing director of such partnership, limited liability company, association or other entity.

 

(iv)                              “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.

 

3.                                      Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a)                                 During the Employment Period, Executive’s base salary shall be $225,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”), which salary shall be payable by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices (in effect from time to time).  Executive’s base salary for the second and each subsequent year of the Employment Period shall be adjusted during an annual performance review which shall be conducted every twelve months following Executive’s start date.  Absent a material adverse change in the financial condition of the Company, Executive’s base salary shall not be less than the base salary in the first year of the Employment Period.  Executive’s base salary will be eligible for annual increases based on Executive meeting mutually agreed performance targets established in the preceding year’s performance review.

 

(b)                                 In addition to the Base Salary, during the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to receive bonus compensation for meeting certain mutually agreed annual performance targets (the “Annual Target Bonus”) and other objectives established by the Board from time to time and provided to Executive in writing upon his start date and following each annual performance review.  The issuance of all bonus compensation shall be reasonably determined by the Board.  By way of example, Executive’s Annual Target Bonus is 50% of Executive’s Base Salary.  The actual bonus awarded will determined based upon how close Executive comes to achieving or exceeding the annual performance targets.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Annual Target Bonus payable to Executive for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 will be subject to Executive achieving the “Chief Financial Officer Key Deliverables” listed in Schedule A, attached hereto.

 

(c)                                  During the Employment Period, Executive will be entitled to participate in the equity incentive plan of the Company.  The terms of such participation will be set forth in a separate executive grant agreement to be entered into between Executive and the Company.

 

(d)                                 During the Employment Period, the Company will provide Executive with a car allowance of $800 per month, payable by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices (in effect from time to time).

 

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(e)                                  During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all benefit programs for which senior executives of the Company and its Subsidiaries are generally eligible, including any 401(k) plans, health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and D&O insurance offered by the Company.

 

(f)                                   During the Employment Period, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect, from time to time, with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.

 

(g)                                  All amounts payable to Executive as compensation hereunder shall be subject to all required and customary withholding by the Company.

 

4.                                      Term.

 

(a)                                 The Employment Period will commence on the date of this Agreement and continue until the earlier of:

 

(i)                                     Executive’s death or Disability;

 

(ii)                                  the termination by the Company at any time for Cause;

 

(iii)                               the termination by the Company at any time without Cause;

 

(iv)                              the resignation by Executive; and

 

(v)                                 the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”).

 

(b)                                 Following the Initial Term, the Employment Period will be automatically renewed for successive one-year periods, unless (i) otherwise terminated as set forth in this Agreement or (ii) upon 30 days prior written notice by either the Company or Executive prior to the end of the Initial Term or any successive anniversary date.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s employment with the Company is on an at-will basis, and the Company may terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at anytime for any reason.

 

(c)                                  If the Employment Period is terminated as provided in Section 4(a)(iii) above, Executive shall be entitled, from the date of termination for a period of twelve months thereafter (the “Severance Period”), to continue to receive Executive’s Base Salary payable periodically in the same amounts and at the same intervals as if the Employment Period had not ended, if and only if Executive has

 

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executed and delivered to the Company a general release in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and only so long as Executive has not breached the provisions of Sections 5 and 6 hereof, and Executive shall not be entitled to any other salary, compensation or benefits after termination of the Employment Period, except as specified herein or as otherwise expressly required by applicable law.  The Base Salary payable pursuant to this Section 4(c) shall be payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices.

 

(d)                                 If the Employment Period is terminated as provided in Sections 4(a)(i), 4(a)(ii), 4(a)(iv), or 4(a)(v) above, Executive shall only be entitled to receive Executive’s Base Salary through the date of termination and shall not be entitled to any other salary, compensation or benefits from the Company or its Subsidiaries thereafter, except as otherwise specifically provided for under the Company’s employee benefit plans or as otherwise expressly required by applicable law.

 

(e)                                  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all of Executive’s rights to salary, bonuses, employee benefits and other compensation hereunder which would have accrued or become payable after the termination or expiration of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination or expiration, other than those expressly required under applicable law.  The Company may offset any amounts Executive owes it or its Subsidiaries against any amounts it or its Subsidiaries owes Executive hereunder.

 

(f)                                   In all cases of termination set forth above in Section 4(a), Executive agrees to return to the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, any business equipment (including but not limited to credit cards, computers, printers, fax machines and telephones) that Executive may have received from the Company or such Subsidiaries for use during Executive’s employment.

 

5.                                      Confidentiality; Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement.

 

(a)                                 Executive recognizes and acknowledges that Executive has certain confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets of the Company and its Subsidiaries including, without limitation, customer information, pricing information, financial plans, business plans, business concepts, supplier information, know-how and intellectual property and materials related thereto (the “Confidential Information”).  Executive agrees that Executive will not, directly or indirectly, take commercial or proprietary advantage of or profit from any Confidential Information or disclose Confidential Information to any Person for any reason or purpose whatsoever, except in connection with carrying out Executive’s duties as an employee of the Company, and as is required to be disclosed by an order or by applicable law; provided, that Executive shall be required to provide the Company prompt notice of any such disclosure and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to limit the extent of such disclosure.

 

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(b)                                 Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive is familiar with the Company’s Confidential Information.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if Executive were to provide services to any Person competing with the Company or its Subsidiaries or engaged in a similar business and that such competition by Executive would result in a significant loss of goodwill by the Company and its Subsidiaries.  Therefore, Executive agrees that during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the second anniversary of the date of termination of the Employment Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly own any interest in, manage, control, participate in (whether as an officer, director, manager, employee, partner, equity holder, member, agent, representative or otherwise), consult with, render services for, or in any other manner engage in any business engaged directly or indirectly, anywhere in the United States of America, in the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries is currently conducted or as will be conducted during the term of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                  For so long as Executive has continuing obligations under Section 5(b) above, Executive shall not directly, or indirectly through another Person, (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to leave the employ or services of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any employee or consultant thereof, (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at any time during the six (6) month period immediately prior to the date on which such hiring would take place (it being conclusively presumed by the parties so as to avoid any disputes under this Section 5(c) that any such hiring within such six (6) month period is in violation of clause (i) above) or (iii) call on, solicit or service any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor or other business relation of the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to induce or attempt to induce such Person to cease doing business with, or reduce the amount of business conducted with, the Company or its Subsidiaries, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

(d)                                 For so long as Executive has continuing obligations under Section 5(b) above, Executive shall not, in any communications with the press or other media or any communications with any customer, client or supplier of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries criticize, ridicule or make any statement which disparages or is derogatory of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, managers, or officers.  Executive shall not engage in any form of conduct or make any statements or representations that disparage, portray in a negative light, or otherwise impair the reputation, goodwill or commercial interests of the Company, or its past, present and future Subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, successors, officers, directors, managers, attorneys, agents or employees.

 

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(e)                                  If, at the time of enforcement of the covenants contained in this Section 5 (the “Restrictive Covenants”), a court shall hold that the duration, scope or area restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope or area and that the court shall be allowed and directed to revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope and area permitted by law.  Executive has consulted with legal counsel regarding the Restrictive Covenants and based on such consultation has determined and hereby acknowledges that the Restrictive Covenants are reasonable in terms of duration, scope and area restrictions and are necessary to protect the goodwill of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(f)                                   If Executive breaches any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company shall have the following rights and remedies, each of which rights and remedies shall be independent of the others and severally enforceable, and each of which is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Company at law or in equity:  (i) the right and remedy to have the Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction (without posting a bond), it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of the Restrictive Covenants would cause irreparable injury to the Company and its Subsidiaries and that money damages would not provide an adequate remedy to the Company; and (ii) the right and remedy to require such Person to account for and pay over to the Company and its Subsidiaries any profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits derived or received by such Person as the result of any transactions constituting a breach of the Restrictive Covenants.  In the event of any breach or violation by Executive of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the time period of such covenant with respect to such Person shall be tolled until such breach or violation is resolved.

 

6.                                      Inventions and Patents.  Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patent applications, copyrightable work and mask work (whether or not including any Confidential Information) and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether alone or jointly with others) while employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether before or after the date of this Agreement (“Work Product”), belong to the Company or such Subsidiary and Executive hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, all of the above Work Product to the Company or such Subsidiary.

 

7.                                      Executive’s Representations.  Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by

 

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Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound, (ii) Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity and (iii) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms.  Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that Executive has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and that Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

 

8.                                      Indemnification.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company agrees to indemnify Executive and to defend and hold Executive safe and harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities, costs or expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Executive by reason of the fact that Executive is or was serving as an officer or employee of the Company (and, in the sole discretion of the Board, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a representative, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another partnership, corporation, joint venture, limited liability company, trust or other enterprise); provided, that (unless the Board otherwise consents) Executive shall not be indemnified for any expenses, liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to Executive’s fraud, willful misconduct, knowing violation of law, or failure to act in good faith and in a manner which Executive reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that Executive’s conduct was lawful.  Expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by Executive in defending a proceeding shall to the extent of available funds be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking satisfactory to the Board by or on behalf of Executive to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined following arbitration as provided herein that Executive is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.

 

9.                                      Survival.  Sections 3 through 6 and 8 through 23 shall continue to be in full force following the expiration or termination of the Employment Period.

 

10.                               Notices.  All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if delivered in writing in person or by telecopy (or similar electronic means with a copy following by nationally recognized overnight courier) or sent by nationally-recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or at such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties.

 

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Notices to Executive:

 

Richard Kolaczewski
 658 East Sunnyside Avenue
 Libertyville, IL 60048

 

Notices to the Company:

 

US LBM Holdings, LLC
 BlackEagle Partners, L.L.C.
 6905 Telegraph Road, Suite 205
 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
 Telephone No:  (313) 647-5347
 Facsimile No:  (313) 922-2934
 Attn:  Jason Runco and Bryan Tolles

 

with a copy to:

 

Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP
 2290 First National Building
 660 Woodward Avenue
 Detroit, MI 48226
 Telephone No:  (313) 465-7392
 Facsimile No:  (313) 465-7393
 Attn:  Michael D. DuBay

 

or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party.  Any notice under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.

 

11.                               Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

12.                               Complete Agreement.  This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt all prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties or any Subsidiary of the Company and Executive, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

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13.                               No Strict Construction.  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

14.                               Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.  Facsimile counterpart signatures to this Agreement shall be binding and enforceable.

 

15.                               Assignment.  Executive may not assign any of its rights or delegate any of Executive’s performance under this Agreement, except with the prior written consent of the Company, which may be withheld in the Company’s sole discretion.  Any purported assignment of rights or delegation of performance in violation of this Section is void.

 

16.                               Choice of Law.  All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

 

17.                               Amendment and Waiver.  The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company (as approved by the Board) and Executive, and no course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Company’s right to terminate the Employment Period for Cause) shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Agreement.

 

18.                               Insurance.  The Company may, at its discretion, apply for and procure in its own name and for its own benefit life and/or disability insurance on Executive in any amount or amounts considered advisable.  Executive agrees to cooperate in any medical or other examination, supply any information and execute and deliver any applications or other instruments in writing as may be reasonably necessary to obtain and constitute such insurance.  Executive hereby represents that Executive has no reason to believe that Executive’s life is not insurable at rates now prevailing for healthy men or women, as applicable, of Executive’s age.

 

19.                               Indemnification and Reimbursement of Payments on Behalf of Executive.  The Company and its respective Subsidiaries shall be entitled to deduct or withhold from any amounts owing from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to Executive any federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes, excise tax, or employment taxes (“Taxes”) imposed with respect to Executive’s compensation or other payments from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Executive’s ownership interest in the Company

 

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(including, without limitation, wages, bonuses, dividends, the receipt or exercise of equity options and/or the receipt or vesting of restricted equity).  In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not make such deductions or withholdings, Executive shall indemnify the Company and its Subsidiaries for any amounts paid with respect to any such Taxes, together with any interest, penalties and related expenses thereto.

 

20.                               Executive’s Cooperation.  During the Employment Period, Executive shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries in any internal investigation or administrative, regulatory or judicial proceeding as reasonably requested by the Company (including, without limitation, Executive being available to the Company upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the Company’s request to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process, volunteering to the Company all pertinent information and turning over to the Company all relevant documents which are or may come into Executive’s possession, all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s other permitted activities and commitments).  In the event the Company requires Executive’s cooperation in accordance with this Section, the Company shall reimburse Executive solely for reasonable travel expenses (including lodging and meals, upon submission of receipts).

 

21.                               Remedies.  Each of the parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages and costs (including reasonable attorney’s fees) caused by any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor.  The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages would not be an adequate remedy for Executive’s breach of any term or provision of this Agreement and that the Company in its sole discretion may seek specific performance and/or other injunctive relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement

 

22.                               Arbitration.  Any disagreement, claim or controversy between the parties hereto arising from this Agreement shall be settled by binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in Chicago (unless the AAA requires the arbitration be held elsewhere), in accordance with Rules of the AAA.  Judgment upon any award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  In addition to the remedies provided by the Rules of the AAA, the prevailing party in any such disagreement, claim or controversy brought to AAA for resolution shall be entitled to reimbursement of his or its attorneys’ fees and costs associated with pursuing, or defending against, such disagreement, claim or controversy.

 

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23.                               Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing herein, expressed or implied, shall create or establish any third party beneficiary hereto nor confer upon any person not a party to this Agreement, any rights or remedies, including without limitation, any right to employment or continued employment for any specified period, of any nature or kind whatsoever, under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(Signature page follows)

 

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

 

	
 
    	
Company:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
US LBM Holdings, LLC
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ L.T. Gibson
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
L.T. Gibson
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
President and Chief Executive   Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Executive:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Richard Kolaczewski
    
	
 
    	
Richard Kolaczewski,   individually
    

 

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SCHEDULE A

 

Chief Financial Officer Key Deliverables

 

The following are the key deliverables for the first three months as the Chief Financial Officer of US LBM Holdings, LLC.

 

Action Items:

 

·                  Develop monthly board reporting package.  Work with LT Gibson, Brian Hein and BlackEagle Partners to standardize the components of the package.  Monthly reporting will include, at a minimum, income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, sales and margins by product and customer, headcount, lean manufacturing metrics (safety, quality, delivery, cost), and a management discussion and analysis.

 

·                  Implement monthly operational reviews with division presidents and formalize the division reporting package.  Work with LT Gibson, Brian Hein and division presidents to present the key performance indicators and monthly financial results by division.  Apply the use of already identified fixed and variable costs analysis to the income statements for each location and corresponding division.

 

·                  By prioritizing areas of opportunity, establish clear and concise goals by division with action items to attain those goals.  Utilize a systematized approach in working with division presidents to communicate the management of key metrics and the related effect on working capital and financial results.

 

·                  Manage the weekly cash flow forecasts continually refining for accuracy.

 

·                  Understand the company’s inventory management system and develop areas for opportunity by evaluating the ordering process, parameters for establishing inventory levels, automatic ordering prompts, etc.

 

·                  Work with division presidents to develop a system for managing sales force efficiency across all markets.  This should include profitability by salesperson as well as identifying opportunities for additional (or fewer) sales staff.

 

·                  Identify any other areas of improving the management of working capital through analysis of vendors and customers.

 

·                  In concert with the entire management team, fully understand the development of the 2011 monthly budget.  Budget targets will include, at a minimum, income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, liquidity, covenants, and headcount by individual location.Exhibit 10.40

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

 

This SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (the “Agreement”), dated as of December 20 , 2016, is entered into by and between US LBM Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), Richard Kolaczewski (the “Executive”), and, for the limited purposes of Section 4, LBM Acquisition, LLC (“LBM Acquisition”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company are parties to an Employment Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2010, (the “Employment Agreement”), with capitalized terms used herein without definition having the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Executive departed from all positions with the Company and its affiliates effective as of November 4, 2016 (the “Termination Date”);

 

WHEREAS, the Executive currently holds 257,361.20 Common Units of LBM Acquisition and 697,846.335 Override Units of LBM Acquisition, with the Override Units consisting of 174,461.584 Operating Units and 523,385.751 Value Units, each having a Benchmark Amount of $12.00 (with “Common Units”, “Operating Units”, “Value Units” and “Override Units” as defined in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of LBM Acquisition, LLC dated as of August 20, 2015 (the “LLC Agreement”)); and

 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company desire to specify, as well as settle and conclude, the Executive’s rights and obligations in connection with the Executive’s employment with, and separation from, the Company and its affiliates.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

 

1.             Termination of Employment.

 

(a)           Generally.  The Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that (x) the Executive shall no longer be an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates from and after the Termination Date and (y) such termination shall be treated as without “Cause” for purposes of the Employment Agreement.  Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Executive is executing and delivering to the Company the resignation letter attached hereto as Exhibit

 

 

A, and the Executive shall hereafter execute promptly such other documents evidencing any other resignations as the Company shall reasonably request.  The Executive acknowledges that, from and after the Termination Date, the Executive shall no longer be authorized to conduct business on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates, including but not limited to entering into contracts on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

(b)           Accrued Payments/Notice Pay; Vacation Pay.  On the next regular payroll date following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive $14,403.95 in earned but unused vacation time.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive confirms that the Company has paid the Executive all of the Executive’s earned wages through the Termination Date payable in accordance with Company policy.

 

(c)           No Disagreements.  By entering into this Agreement, the Executive confirms that the Executive has no disagreement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates on any matter relating to the operations, policies or practices of any of them and no knowledge of any failure of any of them or any of their employees, officers, directors or shareholders at any time to have complied with any legal or regulatory requirements applicable to any of the foregoing persons or individuals.

 

(d)           Continuing Indemnification.  Following the Termination Date, the Company will continue to provide the Executive with the director or officer indemnification set forth in Section 8 of the Employment Agreement and under any other agreement with the Company or any of its affiliates, including as set forth in the organizational documents of any such entity.

 

(e)           Reference Checks.  The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause reference checks to be referred to the Chief Executive Officer and the response thereto to be solely (1) the Executive’s tenure with the Company, (2) his final position and final rate of base salary; (3) that he resigned from the Company effective as of the Termination Date; and (4) that he was an employee in good standing at the Termination Date.

 

2.             Separation Compensation.

 

(a)           Subject to the Executive’s execution and delivery of the release of claims attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Release of Claims”) within thirty (30) days following the Termination Date, the Executive shall, pursuant to the terms of Section 4(c) of the Employment Agreement, become entitled to receive severance pay of $312,085.54 (which is equal to twelve (12) months of the Executive’s current base salary), payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices over the twelve (12) months following the Termination Date.  The first installment of the severance pay shall be paid on the first payroll date following the date on which the Release of Claims is effective and irrevocable and shall include any installments of

 

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severance pay that would have been payable had the Release of Claims been effective and irrevocable on the Termination Date.

 

(b)           Following the Termination Date, and except as provided in this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to (x) vested employee benefits under the Company’s employee benefit plans to which the Executive is entitled as a former employee (provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, the benefits set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement are in lieu of, and not in addition to, any severance or termination benefits payable under any plan or arrangement sponsored or agreed to by the Company or of its affiliates), (y) reimbursement of any business expenses properly incurred prior to the Termination Date under the Company’s expense reimbursement policy and (z) any benefits (e.g., COBRA continuation coverage) to which he is entitled under applicable law.  Should the Executive elect COBRA coverage, the Company agrees to reimburse executive up to a maximum of $4,000 (the “Limited Reimbursement Amount”) for Executive’s documented out of pocket cost incurred in connection with the Company’s Executive Physical program taken at the Mayo Clinic.  It is expressly understood and agreed that should Executive undertake such Executive Physical the Company shall have no liability whatsoever for any costs, fees or other expenses incurred by the Executive in connection therewith except to the extent of the Limited Reimbursement Amount.

 

3.             Transition Services.  For a period of twelve (12) months following the Termination Date (the “Transition Period”), in a non-employee capacity, the Executive shall assist with projects as may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer that are consistent with the duties and responsibilities of the Executive prior to his Termination Date, including providing such consents and confirmations as may be reasonably requested by the Company’s external auditors in connection with periodic audit processes.  During the Transition Period, the Executive shall make himself reasonably available in person, by telephone or via electronic mail (the manner depending on the demands of the specific projects) to consult, advise and assist in connection with such projects as may be assigned to him but shall not report to the Company’s offices unless otherwise directed.  Any such cooperation required from the Executive shall be reasonable and shall take into account any responsibilities to which the Executive is subject to a subsequent employer or otherwise.

 

4.             Treatment of Equity and Advisory Agreement Fee Sharing.

 

(a)           The equity awards grantee to the Executive prior to the Termination Date shall be treated as follows:

 

(i)            Override Units.  LBM Acquisition and the Executive agree that (i) notwithstanding Section 8.2(a)(ii) of the LLC Agreement, following the Termination Date, the Executive shall retain 43,615.396 of the 174,461.584 Operating Units held by him immediately prior to the Termination Date (the “Retained Operating Units”), and (ii) as of the Termination Date, all Override

 

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Units other than the Retained Operating Units were forfeited pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(iii) of the LLC Agreement.

 

(ii)           Common Units.  LBM Acquisition and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the Common Units owned by the Executive are fully vested and non-forfeitable and that such Common Units, together with the Retained Operating Units, shall continue to be held following the date of this Agreement consistent with the terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement.  The Executive acknowledges that, following the Termination Date, he shall be an Inactive Management Member (as such term is defined in the LLC Agreement).

 

5.             Restrictive Covenant Certification.  The Executive hereby confirms that the Executive is in compliance with the terms and conditions of (a) Section 4.6 of the LLC Agreement and (b) Section 5 of the Employment Agreement (clause (a) and (b), collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) and (c) the material terms of any other individual agreement between the Executive and the Company and its affiliates.  The Executive and the Company hereby agree that the Restrictive Covenants are hereby incorporated by reference herein and shall continue to apply following the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with their terms, except that the duration of Section 5(b) of the Employment Agreement shall be extended to the second (2nd) anniversary of the Termination Date.  The Executive hereby further agrees and acknowledges that, as one of the remedies available to the Company for breach of the Restrictive Covenants under the Employment Agreement (as modified hereby) and the LLC Agreement, the continued payment of, and retention of, the payments set forth in Section 2 hereof shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with the Restrictive Covenants during the period that they are applicable (i.e., prior to and for twelve (12) months following the date on which the final installment of severance is paid).  The Executive acknowledges that the Restrictive Covenants include (but are not limited to) covenants related to the preservation of confidential information, nondisparagement of (among others) the Company and its affiliates, officers and directors and noncompetition with the business of the Company and its affiliates.  The Executive agrees that Kelso & Company, the investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company and the directors, managers, officers or employees of Kelso & Company (collectively, the “Kelso Persons”) shall be included in the protections provided under Section 5(d) of the Employment Agreement and shall be entitled, independently of the Company, to enforce such provision with respect to these additional persons.

 

In addition, the Company confirms to the Executive that the Executive’s provision of Related Services does not, standing alone violate the Restrictive Covenants.  For this purpose, “Related Services” consists of services to ,(x) a manufacturer that provides goods to third parties of the same type that other manufacturers provide to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (y) a private equity firm that has invested in or intends to invest in the same business lines as the Company and its subsidiaries provided that in each case that such Related Services will not involve or constitute in any way (i) direct

 

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distribution to the Company’s and/or its subsidiaries’ customers or (ii) direct competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries in any market in which the Company operates.  If the Executive intends to provide Related Services to any person, the Executive will provide advance notice to the Company of the Related Services, and the Company shall reasonably promptly advise the Executive of its view as to whether the Related Services violate the Restrictive Covenants.

 

In addition, notwithstanding the confidentiality provisions of Section 4.6(b) of the LLC Agreement or Section 5(a) of the Employment Agreement, the Executive shall not be (1) prohibited from providing truthful testimony or accurate information in connection with any investigation being conducted into the business or operations of the Company and its affiliates by any government agency or other regulator that is responsible for enforcing a law on behalf of the government or otherwise providing information to the appropriate government regulatory agency or body regarding conduct or action undertaken or omitted to be taken by the Company or its affiliates that the Executive reasonably believes is illegal or in material non-compliance with any financial disclosure or other regulatory requirement applicable to the Company or any affiliate or (2) required to obtain the approval of, or give notice to, the Company or any of its employees or representatives to take any action permitted under clause (1).

 

6.             Acknowledgments and Release.  The Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that, subject to payment of the amounts expressly provided for or referenced in this Agreement, the Executive will have received full payment for all services rendered on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates.  In consideration of the Company’s commitments pursuant to Section 2, the Executive shall execute the Release of Claims attached hereto as Exhibit B and deliver the executed Release of Claims to the Company simultaneously with the Executive’s execution and delivery of this Agreement.  The Executive agrees and acknowledges that none of the payments to which the Executive is entitled by reason of the operation of this Agreement shall be payable to the Executive unless and until the Executive shall have executed and delivered such Release of Claims.

 

7.             Company Property.  To the extent that the Executive has not already done so as of the date of this Agreement, promptly following the Termination Date, the Executive shall return to the Company (i) all property of the Company and its affiliates in the Executive’s possession, including without limitation memoranda, photographs, records, reports, manuals, drawings, blueprints, prototypes, notes, documents, drawings, specifications, software, media and other materials, including any copies thereof (including electronically recorded copies) and (ii) any keys, equipment (such as blackberries, cell phones and computers), identification and credit cards belonging to the Company and its affiliates.  The Executive agrees to provide his personal laptop and cell phone to the Company at such time or times as are reasonably requested for the purposes of removing any confidential information therefrom.

 

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8.             Notices.  Notices under this Agreement will be provided in accordance with Section 10 of the Employment Agreement, which is incorporated herein as if set forth fully herein.

 

9.             Miscellaneous.  The Executive agrees that the payments to be paid and provided under this Agreement shall be in full and final satisfaction of the obligations of the Company and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates in respect of the Executive’s termination of employment from the Company and its affiliates, including without limitation under the Employment Agreement.  The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Executive that it has been duly authorized to enter into this Agreement.  Section 16 of the Employment Agreement (relating to governing law and dispute resolution) is incorporated herein as if set forth fully herein.  This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by the Company and the Executive.  This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators (in the case of the Executive) and assigns.  In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.  The Company shall withhold from any payment under this Agreement any federal, state or local taxes required to be withheld.  This Agreement may be executed by electronic means and in counterparts (including by pdf file), each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[signature page follows]

 

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

 

	
 
    	
US LBM HOLDINGS, LLC
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Brian Hein
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Brian Hein
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
VP Corporate Controller
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
EXECUTIVE
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Richard Kolaczewski
    
	
 
    	
Richard Kolaczewski
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Solely for purposes of   Section 4:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
LBM ACQUISITION, LLC
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/ Matthew Edgerton
    	
 
    
	
Name:
    	
Matthew Edgerton
    	
 
    
	
Title
    	
Vice President
    	
 
    

 

[Signature Page to Separation Agreement]

 

 

Exhibit A

 

US LBM Holdings, LLC 
 1000 Corporate Grove Drive 
 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 
 Attention: General Counsel

 

Letter of Resignation

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

I, Richard Kolaczewski, hereby resign from all officer and director positions held at US LBM Holdings, LLC and all its subsidiaries or affiliates, in each ease effective as of the close of business on November 4, 2016, provided, that such resignations shall not prejudice any of my rights under the Separation Agreement and Release, dated as of November 4, 2016 to which US LBM Holdings, LLC and I are parties.

 

	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Richard Kolaczewski
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Acknowledged and Agreed:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
On behalf of US LBM   HOLDINGS, LLC and its affiliates
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Name:
    	
Brian Hein
    	
 
    
	
Title:
    	
VP Corporate Controller
    	
 
    

 

 

Exhibit B

 

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

1.             General Release.  In consideration of the payments and benefits to be made under the Separation Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2016 (the “Separation  Agreement”), by and among Richard Kolaczewski (the “Executive”), and US LBM Holdings, LLC (the “Company”), the Executive, with the intention of binding the Executive and the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby release, remise, acquit and forever discharge the Company, and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the “Company Affiliated Group”), the Kelso Persons (as defined in the Separation Agreement) and the present and former officers, directors, executives, agents, shareholders, members, attorneys, employees, employee benefits plans (and the fiduciaries thereof), and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Released Parties”), of and from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, complaints, charges, demands, rights, damages, debts, sums of money, accounts, financial obligations, suits, expenses, attorneys’ fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise and whether now known, unknown, suspected or unsuspected which the Executive, individually or as a member or a class, now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held, against any Released Party (an “Action”), including, without limitation, arising out of or in connection with the Executive’s service as an employee, officer and/or director to any member of the Company Affiliated Group (or the predecessors thereof), including (i) the termination of such service in any such capacity, (ii) for severance or vacation benefits, unsaid wages, salary or incentive payments, (iii) for breach of contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic opportunity, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional harm or other tort and (iv) for any violation of applicable state and local labor and employment laws (including, without limitation, all laws concerning harassment, discrimination, retaliation and other unlawful or unfair labor and employment practices), any and all Actions based on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and any and all Actions arising under the civil rights laws of any federal, state or local jurisdiction, including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), excepting only:

 

(a)           rights of the Executive under the Separation Agreement;

 

(b)           the right of the Executive to receive benefits required to be provided in accordance with applicable law;

 

(c)           rights to indemnification the Executive may have (i) under applicable corporate law, (ii) under the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of

 

 

the Company or any of its affiliates or (iii) as an insured under any director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy now or previously in force;

 

(d)           claims for benefits under any health, disability, retirement, supplemental retirement, deferred compensation, life insurance or other, similar employee benefit plan or arrangement of the Company Affiliated Group, excluding severance pay or termination benefits except as provided in the Separation Agreement;

 

(e)           the right of the Executive in respect of the Common Units owned by the Executive and Retained Operating Units (as these terms are defined under the Separation Agreement); and

 

(f)            claims for the reimbursement of unreimbursed business expenses incurred prior to the date of termination pursuant to applicable policy of the Company Affiliated Group.

 

2.             No Admissions, Complaints or Other Claims.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release of Claims is not to be construed in any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by any Released Party, any such liability being expressly denied.  The Executive also acknowledges and agrees that the Executive has not, with respect to any transaction or state of facts existing prior to the date hereof, (i) filed any Actions against any Released Party with any governmental agency, court or tribunal or (ii) assigned or transferred any Action to a third party.

 

3.             Application to all Forms of Relief.  This Release of Claims applies to any relief no matter how called, including, without limitation, wages, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive damages for pain or suffering, costs and attorney’s fees and expenses.

 

4.             Specific Waiver.  The Executive specifically acknowledges that the Executive’s acceptance of the terms of this Release of Claims is, among other things, a specific waiver of any and all Actions under Title VII, ADEA, ADA and any state or local law or regulation in respect of discrimination of any kind; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed, nor does anything herein purport, to be a waiver of any right or Action which by law the Executive is not permitted to waive, except that, with respect to any such right or Action under Title VII, ADEA, ADA and any state or local law or regulation in respect of discrimination, the Executive does waive any right to money damages.

 

5.             Voluntariness.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive is relying solely upon the Executive’s own judgment; that the Executive is over eighteen years of age and is legally competent to sign this Release of Claims; that the Executive is signing this Release of Claims of the Executive’s own free will; that the Executive has read and understood the Release of Claims before signing it; and that the Executive is

 

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signing this Release of Claims in exchange for consideration that the Executive believes is satisfactory and adequate.  The Executive also acknowledges and agrees that the Executive has been informed of the right to consult with legal counsel and has been encouraged and advised to do so before signing this Release of Claims.

 

6.             Complete Agreement/Severability.  This Release of Claims constitutes the complete and final agreement between the parties and supersedes and replaces all prior or contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, or discussions relating to the subject matter of this Release of Claims.  All provisions and portions of this Release of Claims are severable.  If any provision or portion of this Release of Claims or the application of any provision or portion of this Release of Claims shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent or for any reason, all other provisions and portions of this Release of Claims shall remain in full force and shall continue to be enforceable to the fullest and greatest extent permitted by law.

 

7.             Acceptance and Revocability.  The Executive acknowledges that the Executive has been given a period of 21 days within which to consider this Release of Claims, unless applicable law requires a longer period, in which case the Executive shall be advised of such longer period and such longer period shall apply.  The Executive may accept this Release of Claims at any time within this period of time by signing the Release of Claims and returning it to the Employer.  This Release of Claims shall not become effective or enforceable until seven calendar days after the Executive signs it.  The Executive may revoke the Executive’s acceptance of this Release of Claims at any time within that seven calendar day period by sending written notice to the Employer.  Such notice must be received by the Employer within the seven calendar day period in order to be effective and, if so received, would void this Release of Claims for all purposes.

 

8.             Governing Law.  Except for issues or matters as to which U.S.  Federal law is applicable, this Release of Claims shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

[signature page follows]

 

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ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Richard Kolaczewski
    
	
 
    	
Richard Kolaczewski
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Dated: 12/20/16
    

 

12

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