Dear Prospective Member
I would like to welcome and thank you for your interest in The Fremont Group. The Fremont Group is a non-profit organization with the mission to bring quality and affordable professional services to all small business owners. Our members play an important part in this mission through their donations, referrals and support.
We are a membership organization which means that we are supported by individuals and companies who support our mission. The nominal membership fee entitles you to significant discounts on our already reasonable fees for Success Partnerships. The membership fees can be paid in full or broken into monthly payments.
Advisory Board of Directors Program ©
What is this all about?
The Fremont Group has developed a program called the Advisory Board of Directors Program (ABDP). In our ABDP we match you with your Success Partner. In many cases your Success Partner is local! ABDP’s flexibility is designed to meet the needs of any small business owner. By choosing from one of our three retainer options you will determine how intensively you want to work with your Success Partner. The program is designed to be a long-term relationship between you and your Success Partners that is flexible enough to address pressing issues and at other times to merely oversee your operations.
How do we start?
To work with us you must first become a member of The Fremont Group. You choose your membership level and the discount that you desire. Complete the application form and request a Annual Business Physical with our Success Partner. The Business Physical provides the opportunity for a “mutual interview” where you both determine if a long-term relationship is desirable. Through the process you meet your Success Partner and they meet you and your staff. They become familiar with your company, review your financial statements, meet and receive input from employees, and with your input develop an Action Plan for implementation. Together you will choose a retainer plan that meets your needs.
How do we work together after we start?
Implementation is provided in three ways—on-site, by telephone and the web and off-site. All on-site work performed by your local Advisor is scheduled in “half-day” sessions. A “half-day” session consists of 2-4 hours spent on-site. Telephone Consultations are half-hour, scheduled telephone conversations. Work will also be performed by consultants on an hourly basis off-site, by the consulting staff in their offices. You will choose the number of local half-day sessions per month and control the off-site billing amounts.
How much does this cost?
You will receive full disclosure of all fees in the Professional Services Agreement. The amount of the discount depends upon your membership level. It is a three month agreement.
Will I be responsible for travel expenses?
Unless your Success Partner is local, you pay a travel deposit of $500. The balance of their expenses is paid on the day the Success Consultant leaves. You are responsible for the actual airfare (lowest available), hotel, rental car and seventy-five dollars per day per diem. One day trips are possible, two or more days are better and spreads the travel over more hours of work.
How do I pay?
There are two choices of payment: (1) The preferred method of payment is by credit card or draft through PayPal; second is to pay by check or wire transfer. PayPal payments are made through our the payment icon here on the web site. Checks should be faxed to 303 750 2376 prior to mailing to The Fremont Group; 12142 E Amherst Circle; Suite 1000, Aurora CO 80014. Any payments made in any other method will not be applied to your account. All payments must be made directly to The Fremont Group.
Anything else I need to know?
Each month Fremont will request and Client will (not optional) provide a letter on their stationary summarizing their opinion of the services provided. Letters are for quality control and may be used for reference. Letters must clearly state any lack of satisfaction regarding the services.
How can I stop?
Our experience has shown that it requires a long-term relationship to obtain real benefits and therefore we have structured our engagements in that manner. It is also necessary to spread the investment over a period of time so that your cash flow can absorb the cost. You can terminate at any time, however fees paid are non-refundable if you terminate without cause. Be sure that you discuss this with us and fully understand this before you start your engagement.
