Opinion ID: 146068
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The March Toward Termination

Text: The parties began conducting business under the Agreement in August 2004. On March 20, 2007, Giannini and Baran had a conversation, memorialized later the same day in an e-mail that described Dogswell's desired key performance metrics. Dogswell requested a reduced commission rate, that Profit Pet hire more employees, file certain reports with Dogswell, set up a meeting for a Dogswell employee with Pet Supplies Plus, and acquire an invitation for Dogswell to a Pet Supplies Plus open house (Doc. No. 37, Ex. D). Baran responded on April 17, 2007 by affirming his satisfaction with the current Agreement and rejecting the suggestion that he hire additional staff or take a reduced commission. Giannini replied immediately with another e-mail, reiterating his desire that Profit Pet work with Pet Supplies Plus, hire a new employee, and expanda major thing that we need to be added to continue to grow with you. He concluded the e-mail with: I want to continue working with you, but if we are going to grow together, we need to have you grow your business. We have been growing our business ... We ask you to do the same with a larger staff. Baran e-mailed a response explaining that his job is to sell, and that he was not in a position to hire a new employee. Dogswell terminated the business relationship by e-mail on June 18, 2007, followed the next day with a letter indicating Dogswell would pay Profit Pet all commissions earned through the end of June. Neither communication referenced the Agreement.