CLSK 8-K
Cleanspark, Inc. (CLSK)
8-K
2025-09-08
For: 2025-09-04
View Original
Added on
April 12, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Explanatory Note
On August 11, 2025, CleanSpark, Inc. (the “Company”) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Original Report”) announcing the appointment of S. Mathew Schultz as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. This Current Report on Form 8-K, among other things, supplements the Company’s disclosure under Item 5.02 of the Original Report in respect of Mr. Schultz’ compensation.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors, Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Realignment of Leadership Team
On September 8, 2025, the Company announced that effective September 4, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved the following changes to executive titles:
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Gary A. Vecchiarelli, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, has also been appointed as the Company’s President. Mr. Vecchiarelli will retain his title as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
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Scott E. Garrison, formerly the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as the Company’s Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer.
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Taylor Monnig, the Company’s Chief Technology Officer, has also been appointed as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Monnig will retain his title as Chief Technology Officer.
Biographical information regarding each of Mr. Vecchiarelli, Mr. Garrison, and Mr. Monnig is set forth in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22, 2025, and such information is incorporated by reference herein. There are no family relationships between any of Mr. Vecchiarelli, Mr. Garrison, or Mr. Monnig and any of the Company’s directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer. None of Mr. Vecchiarelli, Mr. Garrison or Mr. Monnig is a participant in, nor is any of Mr. Vecchiarelli, Mr. Garrison, or Mr. Monnig to be a participant in, any related-person transaction or proposed related-person transaction required to be disclosed by Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in connection with his respective appointment.
Entry into Employment Agreements
Effective September 4, 2025, the Company entered into an employment agreement with each of Mr. Schultz, Mr. Vecchiarelli, Mr. Garrison, Mr. Monnig, and with Brian J. Carson, the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer (the “Employment Agreements”). The Employment Agreements supersede all prior employment agreements entered into between the Company and each of Mr. Schultz, Mr. Vecchiarelli, Mr. Garrison, Mr. Monnig, and Mr. Carson (each, an “Executive”).
The base salaries, bonus targets, bitcoin payments and RSU grants described in this section and in the section entitled “Performance and Retention RSU Grants” were approved by the Board following the Committee’s review of benchmark data provided by the Company’s independent compensation consultant. In approving the below described compensation packages, the Committee and the Board sought to ensure that total annual direct compensation of the Executives will be competitive relative to the Company’s peers in its industry and in the broader energy and technology sectors. In determining the compensation packages set forth in the new Employment Agreements and making the performance and retention RSU grants discussed below, the Committee and the Board also considered Mr. Schultz’s agreement to accept the role of Chief Executive Officer and the increase in duties and responsibilities of each of the other Executives following the departure of the Company’s prior Chief Executive Officer and the leadership realignment described above. The Committee and the Board also sought to adjust compensation to take into account the Company’s recent achievements and to reinforce the near-term accountability and long-term alignment between Executive reward and the Company’s financial outcomes, including by expanding the use of bitcoin as an element of the Executive compensation program.
The Employment Agreements provide for the base salaries set forth in the below table, payable according to the Company’s normal payroll practices, which amount will be reviewed periodically and is subject to adjustment by the Board or the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board.
In addition, each Executive will be entitled to receive (i) an annual discretionary target cash bonus up to the percentage of his base salary set forth in the below table, paid at the sole discretion of the Committee (provided that the Committee anticipates setting performance criteria upon which to base its determination), and (ii) the number of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) set forth in the below table, which will vest in three equal installments on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date.
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Name |
Annual Base Salary |
FY 2025 Annual Bonus Target Percentage |
FY 2025 Annual Bonus Target Amount |
Number of RSUs |
S. Matthew Schultz |
$950,000 |
up to 200% |
$1,900,000 |
627,753 |
Gary A. Vecchiarelli |
$650,000 |
up to 150% |
$975,000 |
429,515 |
Scott E. Garrison |
$600,000 |
up to 150% |
$900,000 |
396,476 |
Taylor Monnig |
$600,000 |
up to 150% |
$900,000 |
396,476 |
Brian J. Carson |
$425,000 |
up to 75% |
$318,750 |
280,837 |
In addition, Mr. Schultz will receive 1.2 bitcoin per month. The other Executives will receive their pro rata share of a bitcoin pool of 1.247 bitcoin per month established by the Company. Such Executive’s pro rata share will be calculated by multiplying the monthly bitcoin pool by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of base salary paid to the Executive for the applicable month and the denominator of which is the sum of base salaries paid to all participants in the bitcoin pool for such month, as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). The bitcoin compensation described above will be adjusted for halving, and will cease if the Company no longer mines bitcoin.
The Employment Agreements can be terminated (i) for cause by the Company, (ii) by the Company for any reason (other than for cause), (iii) by the Executive without good reason upon 30 days’ advance prior written notice (which the Company may accelerate), or (iv) by the Executive for good reason after having notified the Company of the event alleged to constitute good reason and providing the Company an opportunity to cure such event for a period of 30 days. Furthermore, the Executive, (i) upon termination of the Executive by the Company for cause or his resignation without good reason, or upon termination of the Executive’s Employment Agreement upon death or disability, will be entitled to receive the accrued and unpaid portion of his base salary, the Executive’s applicable bitcoin payment for that month, any reimbursement for business travel and other expenses to which he is entitled under the Employment Agreement, a lump sum payment for any accrued but unused PTO and such employee benefits (including equity compensation), if any, to which the Executive may be entitled under the Company’s employee benefit plans as of the date of the Executive’s termination; and (ii) upon termination by the Company other than for “cause” or the Executive’s resignation for “good reason,” upon signing and returning an effective release of claims, shall be entitled to receive (w) severance equal to twelve months base salary, paid over twelve months, (x) a lump sum bonus equal to such Executive’s target annual bonus, (y) monthly COBRA reimbursement for the Executive and his dependents until the earliest of (A) the twelve-month anniversary of the date of the Executive’s termination, (B) the date he is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage, and (C) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible to receive coverage from another employer, and (z) the vesting of certain unvested restricted stock units as set forth in greater detail in the Employment Agreements.
The Employment Agreements also provide that, if an Executive is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason” in the period commencing ninety days before the occurrence of a Company Transaction (as defined in the Company’s 2017 Incentive Plan) and ending twelve months after the occurrence of a Company Transaction, any equity awards that don’t otherwise vest in connection with such Company Transaction will vest upon the later of the occurrence of the Company Transaction and the return of an effective release of claims.
The foregoing description of the Employment Agreements does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Employment Agreements, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.1 to 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Performance and Retention RSU Grants
On September 4, 2025, the Board also approved the following grants of RSUs for each Executive, with 50% of the grant comprised of RSUs designed to compensate such Executive for his performance in fiscal year 2025 (the “Performance RSUs”), and the other 50% of the grant comprised of RSUs designed to promote the retention of such Executive through the CEO transition period (the “Retention RSUs”) and beyond. In evaluating the performance of the Executives, the Board considered the key foundational principals underlying the compensation philosophy including operational and financial efficiency and ensuring responsible growth towards profitability while maintaining an industry-leading balance sheet. The Company grew significantly in all monthly reported metrics in fiscal year 2025, managed costs and achieved growth that was higher than originally budgeted, closed the acquisition of GRIID Infrastructure, Inc. in October 2024, completed an offering of $650 million aggregate principal amount of 0% coupon convertible notes, upsized the Company’s line of credit with Coinbase, and achieved 50 EH/s of self-operating hash, an industry first.
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Name |
Number of Performance RSUs |
Number of Retention RSUs |
S. Matthew Schultz |
1,729,000 |
1,729,000 |
Gary A. Vecchiarelli |
557,000 |
557,000 |
Scott E. Garrison |
361,000 |
361,000 |
Taylor Monnig |
361,000 |
361,000 |
Brian J. Carson |
131,000 |
131,000 |
25% of the Performance RSUs will vest on September 9, 2025. The remaining 75% of the Performance RSUs will vest in six equal semi-annual installments commencing on February 13, 2026. The Retention RSUs will vest in three equal installments on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date.
On October 1, 2024, the Board approved a long-term incentive plan (the “2025 LTIP”) that would have provided for the grant of RSUs in connection with the Company’s achievement of certain key performance indicator (“KPI”) targets. The KPI targets were never finalized and approved by the Board, and as such RSUs were never issued pursuant to the 2025 LTIP.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On September 8, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing the realignment of the leadership team. A copy of the press release is furnished with this Report as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Act, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
Description |
10.1 |
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10.2 |
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10.3 |
Employment Agreement by and between CleanSpark, Inc. and Scott E. Garrison, dated September 4, 2025. |
10.4 |
Employment Agreement by and between CleanSpark, Inc. and Taylor Monnig, dated September 4, 2025. |
10.5 |
Employment Agreement by and between CleanSpark, Inc. and Brian J. Carson, dated September 4, 2025. |
99.1 |
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104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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CLEANSPARK, INC. |
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Date: |
September 8, 2025 |
By: |
/s/ Leighton R. Koehler |
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Leighton R. Koehler, General Counsel |
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EXHIBIT 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 4, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company Group”), and S. Matthew Schultz (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself of the continued services of Executive by continuing to engage Executive to perform services as an employee of the Company under the terms hereof; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.
POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a)
During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), Executive shall serve as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In this capacity, Executive shall report to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and have the duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Company reasonably shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with Executive’s position as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
(b)
During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s time, energy and skill and Executive’s best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Board, other for profit companies, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments so long as such activities in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.
2.
EMPLOYMENT TERM. The Company agrees to employ Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for a term commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until terminated in accordance with Section 5 hereof, subject to Section 6 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
3.
COMPENSATION.
(a)
BASE SALARY. The Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $950,000 (“Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Board (or a committee thereof).
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(b)
BITCOIN COMPENSATION. In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall receive 1.2 Bitcoin per month (the “Bitcoin Compensation”), payable monthly in arrears and prorated for partial months. The Bitcoin Compensation amount shall be adjusted for halving, and the Bitcoin Compensation shall cease if the Company no longer mines Bitcoin.
(c)
ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary incentive payment (the “Annual Bonus”), subject to the achievement of Company and individual performance goals as determined by the Board. Executive’s target Annual Bonus shall be two hundred percent (200%) of Base Salary. The Board shall determine the amount and timing of, and eligibility for, any Annual Bonus. In order to receive an Annual Bonus, Executive must be employed on the date such Annual Bonus is paid except as provided in Section 6 below.
(d)
EQUITY AWARDS. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the CleanSpark, Inc. 2017 Incentive Plan or any successor plan (the “Incentive Plan”), subject to the terms thereof, as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(i)
INITIAL GRANT. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Company’s Incentive Plan. The number of RSUs will be the quotient of (a) six (6) times Executive’s Base Salary, divided by (b) the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date (or, if the Effective Date is not a trading day, the last preceding trading day), rounded down to the nearest whole share. The RSUs will vest as to one-third (1/3) of the RSUs on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the RSUs will otherwise be governed by the Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement.
4.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a)
BENEFIT PLANS. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that the Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its employees generally, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b)
VACATIONS. Executive shall be entitled to vacation time in accordance with the Company’s plans as may exist and be in effect from time to time.
(c)
BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and the Company’s policies with regard thereto.
5.
TERMINATION. Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a)
DISABILITY. Upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall be defined as the inability of Executive to have performed Executive’s material duties hereunder due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any 365-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that as a result of earlier absence because of mental or physical incapacity Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of such term under
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Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 20 hereof) Executive shall on such date automatically be terminated from employment as a Disability termination.
(b)
DEATH. Automatically on the date of death of Executive.
(c)
CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. The term “Cause” shall mean Executive having: (A) been indicted for or convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to (1) a felony or (2) any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation, moral turpitude, violence or theft; (B) committed any act of embezzlement or fraud involving the Company; (C) failed to perform Executive’s duties hereunder (other than by reason of mental or physical illness) or to follow any lawful and substantive directions which have been communicated to Executive by the Board, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (D) acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company; (E) been continuously or repeatedly absent from the workplace (unless such absences are in compliance with the terms of this Agreement or the Company’s policies (including vacation, illness or disability policies)); (F) breached any material provision of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any member of the Company Group to which Executive is a party, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (G) committed any act that results or reasonably could be expected to result in material economic harm to the Company Group or that publicly injuries the integrity, character or reputation of the Company Group or (H) materially violated any written policy of the Company previously made available to Executive (including policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment), which breach or violation, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof to Executive.
(d)
WITHOUT CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e)
RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. Immediately upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. The term “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; (iii) material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or (iv) if Executive is a Section 16 officer as of the date of termination, material diminution in Executives title, reporting structure and/or job duties (other than temporarily as required by law, while Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated, during the pendency of an internal investigation, or after Executive or the Company has given notice of termination of Executive’s employment). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment unless: (x) Executive has given the Company written notice of the event alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the first occurrence of such event; (y) the Company has an opportunity to cure the alleged Good Reason event within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice of the allegation; and (z) if the Company fails to cure, Executive’s date of termination for Good Reason shall occur within thirty (30) days following the last day of the cure period.
(f)
RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON. Upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s voluntary termination of employment (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
6.
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a)
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON; DEATH; DISABILITY. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term end due to
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termination by the Company for Cause as provided in Section 5(c), termination by Executive without Good Reason as provided in Section 5(f), or Executive’s Disability, as provided in Section 5(a), or death, as provided in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) any unpaid Base Salary accrued through the termination date, (ii) the Bitcoin Compensation for the month in which the termination date occurs, (iii) a lump sum payment for any accrued but unused PTO, (iv) COBRA coverage (but no Company-paid premiums except as otherwise required by law), (v) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, and (vi) a lump sum payment for any previously unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company during the term of Executive’s employment (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). Upon any termination of employment, the treatment of outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan.
(b)
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 5(d) or by Executive with Good Reason as provided in Section 5(e), then, in addition to the Accrued Amounts, and subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Sections 7 – 10 hereof:
(i)
Executive will be paid an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid, less applicable withholdings and deductions, in installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over the twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “Severance Period”), the first payment to occur on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (as defined below) and to include any amounts that otherwise would have been paid prior thereto absent the delay (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the first payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(ii)
Payment of an amount equal to Executive’s target Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(iii)
Provided Executive (i) timely elects to continue group health plan (including executive health plan) coverage pursuant to COBRA, (ii) timely pays Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums, (iii) is not eligible for group health plan coverage through a new employer, and (iv) otherwise remains eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company shall (x) provide the same monthly premium subsidy it provides to similarly-situated active employees, such that Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums will remain the same as that paid by similarly-situated active employees for corresponding coverage for a period of up to twelve (12) months following the termination date, and (y) report as taxable income any portion of the applicable COBRA premium necessary for the Company and its employee benefit plans to comply with Internal Revenue Code nondiscrimination requirements applicable to group health plans or cafeteria plans;
(iv)
(A) all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock or Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded on or prior to the date hereof shall vest as of the effective date of the Release, (B) any unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded after the date hereof that would have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall vest as of the effective date of the release and all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options awarded after the date hereof that would not have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall terminate
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and (C) all unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units (each as defined in the Incentive Plan) shall remain eligible to vest through the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination date, and any Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not vested as of the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination shall terminate as of such date, in each case, except to the extent otherwise provided under the terms applicable to such Performance Shares or Performance Units; and
(v)
notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination occurs during the period commencing ninety (90) days prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Company Transaction (as defined in the Incentive Plan), any Restricted Stock, Stock Units, Stock Options, Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not otherwise vested in connection with such Company Transaction shall vest as of the later of the effective date of the Release and the consummation of the Company Transaction.
Payments and benefits provided in this Section 6(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(c)
Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall resign and be removed from any other position as an officer or director of the Company or any member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to promptly execute such documents evidencing such resignation(s) as the Company shall request.
7.
RELEASE. Any and all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement beyond the Accrued Amounts shall only be payable if Executive (or Executive’s estate, as the case may be) delivers to the Company and does not revoke, if applicable, a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). Such Release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation, if applicable) within sixty (60) days following termination (except as otherwise required by law).
8.
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.
(a)
CONFIDENTIALITY. Executive acknowledges that all information, observations and data (including, but not limited to, all personal information, financial data, investment data, commercial data, trade secrets, business plans, business models, cost and pricing information, organizational structures and models, blueprints, business strategies, strategies, internal control, risk management, security procedures, internal industry studies, research and development efforts, marketing plans, information and materials, processes, inventions, devices, training manuals, computer programs, analytical models, templates and agreements, whether or not maintained in written form and whether in digital, hardcopy or other format) obtained by Executive prior to or during the course of Executive’s employment with or service to the Company concerning the business or affairs of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”) are the property of the Company Group, including information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Term. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive will not (during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter) disclose to any unauthorized person or use for Executive’s own account, other than as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, any Confidential Information without the Board’s written consent, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information (A) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act or (B) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order or pursuant to a request by a governmental entity; provided that, in the event of a request described in clause (B), Executive shall
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(i) promptly notify the Company of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request, (ii) consult with the Company on the advisability of taking steps to resist or narrow such request, and (iii) cooperate with the Company, in its efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the conclusion of the Employment Term, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product (as defined below) or the business of the Company Group (including, without limitation, all acquisition prospects, lists and contact information) which Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall (x) prohibit Executive from (i) making reports of possible violations of law or regulation to any appropriate governmental agency, entity or official, including in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of federal or state law or regulation, (ii) participating in a proceeding with any appropriate federal, state, or local government agency, (iii) making any truthful statements or disclosures required by law, regulation, or legal process, OR (iv) requesting or receiving confidential legal advice; or (y) require notification or prior approval by the Company of any activities described in provision (x). Executive is not authorized to disclose communications with counsel that were made for the purpose of receiving legal advice or that contain legal advice or that are protected by the attorney work product or similar privilege. In addition, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
(b)
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, processes, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) (“Inventions”), and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) that relate to the Company Group’s actual or anticipated business, research and development, or existing or future products or services and that are conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either solely or jointly with others) while employed by or providing service to the Company or any member of the Company Group (including any of the foregoing that constitutes any proprietary information or records) (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or the relevant member of the Company Group, and Executive hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, all of the above Work Product to the Company or to such member of the Company Group. Any Work Product prepared in whole or in part by Executive in the course of Executive’s work for any of the foregoing entities shall be deemed a “work made for hire” under applicable copyright laws, and the Company or any member of the Company Group shall own all rights therein. To the extent that any such Work Product is not a “work made for hire,” Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company or the applicable member of the Company Group all right, title, and interest, including without limitation, copyright in and to such Work Product. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company and at the Company’s expense (whether during or after the Employment Term) to establish and confirm the Company’s or the relevant member of the Company Group’s ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments). This Section 8(b) does not apply to any invention of Executive for which no equipment, supplies, facility or Confidential Information of the Company was used and that was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention (1) relates to the Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated
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research or development, or (2) results from any work performed by Executive for or on behalf of the Company.
(c)
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. Executive understands that the Company Group will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Term and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 8(a) above, Executive will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and, except as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and consultants of the Company Group who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company Group) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company Group, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.
(d)
USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS. During the Employment Term, Executive will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and will not bring onto the premises of the Company or any member of the Company Group any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive will use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information which is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and which is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or any member of the Company Group, or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. Executive hereby represents that Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder (x) will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under, any contract, agreement or understanding to which Executive is a party or is otherwise bound and (y) will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
(e)
RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. On the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company). Executive may retain Executive’s rolodex and similar address books provided that such items only include contact information. To the extent that Executive is provided with a cell phone number by the Company during employment, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in transferring such cell phone number to Executive’s individual name following termination.
9.
NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; NON-DISPARAGEMENT
(a)
NON-COMPETITION. Executive acknowledges that Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable, that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company Executive has access to trade secrets and other competitively sensitive confidential business or professional information, and that Executive’s performance of services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Non-Compete Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity (as defined below) within the United States or any other country in which the Company is doing business or planning or preparing to do business, in each case, as
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of the date of Executive’s termination of employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Prohibited Activity” is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive’s knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company is engaged or planning or preparing to be engaged as of the Effective Date, including, without limitation, those engaged in the business of server centers or cryptocurrency mining. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information, or Confidential Information. Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.
(b)
NON-SOLICITATION. During Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of two (2) years thereafter (the “Non-Solicit Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) knowingly induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any employee thereof or (B) hire any person who was an employee of the Company within ninety (90) days after such person ceased to be an employee of the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (A) and (B)).
(c)
NON-INTEFERENCE WITH BUSINESS RELATIONS. During the Non-Solicit Restricted Period, Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, knowingly induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing).
(d)
NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive agrees that Executive will not, any time during the Employment Term and thereafter, directly or indirectly, whether in private or in public make, publish, encourage, ratify, or authorize, or aid, assist or direct any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in making or publishing (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing), any statements that in any way defame, criticize, malign, impugn, reflect negatively on, or disparage (i) any member of the Company Group, (ii) the business, property or assets of any member of the Company Group, or (iii) any of the former, current or future officers, directors, employees or shareholders of any member of the Company Group; provided that, nothing in this Section 9(d) shall be construed to limit the ability of Executive to disclose information and documents, or give truthful testimony, pursuant to a subpoena, court order or a government investigative matter consistent with and/or subject to and in accordance with Section 8(a). Executive further agrees that, Executive will comply fully with any and all media and technology (including any e-mail, internet and social media) policies as in effect from time to time, including with respect to any period following the conclusion of the Employment Term, to the extent applicable, and any lawful Board directives regarding public statements regarding the Company, any member of the Company Group, or their respective personnel, related persons, investors or affiliates.
(e)
REFORMATION. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in Sections 8 or 9 hereof is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
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(f)
TOLLING. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(g)
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 9 are in consideration of: (i) employment with the Company and (ii) additional good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 8 and 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its affiliates of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 8 and 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, time period and geographical area.
(h)
SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. The obligations contained in Sections 8 – 10 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.
10.
COOPERATION. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside legal counsel), Executive agrees that Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters about which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. As a former executive officer and director of the Company, Executive further agrees to promptly complete and return any director and officer questionnaire or provide similar information, and execute any certifications, as may be requested by the Company in connection with legal and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the federal securities laws and the relevant national stock exchange, and the Company’s controls and procedures. Executive will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company. Except as set forth in Section 8(a), Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the fullest extent that Executive is legally permitted to do so) if Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving such claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its affiliates or is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or any of its affiliates, members, officers, directors, employees, or agents (or any of their respective alleged actions or omissions), regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by Executive in complying with this Section 10.
11.
EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 – 10 hereof would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary
9
restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. In the event of a violation by Executive of Sections 8 – 10 hereof, any severance being paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and any severance previously paid to Executive (other than $1,000) shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
12.
NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in this Section 12 hereof, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party hereto. The Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or to any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, provided that the Company shall require such successor 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company and any permitted assignee which assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
13.
NOTICE. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Executive:
At the address shown
If to the Company:
CleanSpark, Inc. 10624 S Eastern Ave., Ste A-638 Henderson, NV 89052 with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP 525 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1900 Chicago, Illinois 60661-3693 Attention: Mark Wood, Esq. E-mail: [email protected]
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or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
14.
SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
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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.
16.
COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
17.
ARBITRATION. The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be resolved exclusively by confidential, final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and shall be brought and litigated in Clark County, Nevada. All disputes shall be resolved by one (1) arbitrator. The arbitrator will have the authority to award the same remedies, damages, and costs that a court could award, and will have the additional authority to award specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without requiring the posting of a bond or other security). The arbitrator shall issue a reasoned award explaining the decision, the reasons for the decision, and any damages or other relief awarded. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding. The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This provision and any decision and award hereunder can be enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act.
18.
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 Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. 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. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall be in addition to and not in place of any other confidentiality, invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference or non-disparagement restrictions applicable to Executive, including pursuant to any other agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group. No agreements 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. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.
19.
TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
20.
SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a)
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or are exempt under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
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(b)
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (y) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(c)
For purposes of compliance with Code Section 409A, (i) all expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive, (ii) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(d)
For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(e)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY
CleanSpark, Inc.
By: /s/ Gary Vecchiarelli Title: Chief Financial Officer
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EXECUTIVE
/s/ S. Matthew Schultz S. Matthew Schultz |
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EXHIBIT 10.2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 4, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company Group”), and Gary A. Vecchiarelli (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself of the continued services of Executive by continuing to engage Executive to perform services as an employee of the Company under the terms hereof; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.
POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a)
During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In this capacity, Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and have the duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Company reasonably shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with Executive’s position as President and Chief Financial Officer.
(b)
During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s time, energy and skill and Executive’s best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), other for profit companies, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments so long as such activities in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.
2.
EMPLOYMENT TERM. The Company agrees to employ Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for a term commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until terminated in accordance with Section 5 hereof, subject to Section 6 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
3.
COMPENSATION.
(a)
BASE SALARY. The Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $650,000 (“Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Board (or a committee thereof).
(b)
BITCOIN COMPENSATION. In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall receive a pro rata share of the Bitcoin Pool (as defined below) (the “Bitcoin Compensation”), payable monthly in
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arrears. The “Bitcoin Pool” means 1.247 Bitcoin per month. Executive’s pro rata share will calculated by multiplying the monthly Bitcoin Pool by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of base salary paid to Executive for the applicable month and the denominator of which is the sum of base salaries paid to all participants in the Bitcoin Pool for such month, as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). The Bitcoin Pool amount shall be adjusted for halving, and the Bitcoin Compensation shall cease if the Company no longer mines Bitcoin.
(c)
ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary incentive payment (the “Annual Bonus”), subject to the achievement of Company and individual performance goals as determined by the Board. Executive’s target Annual Bonus shall be one hundred fifty percent (150%) of Base Salary. The Board shall determine the amount and timing of, and eligibility for, any Annual Bonus. In order to receive an Annual Bonus, Executive must be employed on the date such Annual Bonus is paid except as provided in Section 6 below.
(d)
EQUITY AWARDS. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the CleanSpark, Inc. 2017 Incentive Plan or any successor plan (the “Incentive Plan”), subject to the terms thereof, as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(i)
INITIAL GRANT. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Company’s Incentive Plan. The number of RSUs will be the quotient of (a) six (6) times Executive’s Base Salary, divided by (b) the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date (or, if the Effective Date is not a trading day, the last preceding trading day), rounded down to the nearest whole share. The RSUs will vest as to one-third (1/3) of the RSUs on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the RSUs will otherwise be governed by the Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement.
4.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a)
BENEFIT PLANS. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that the Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its employees generally, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b)
VACATIONS. Executive shall be entitled to vacation time in accordance with the Company’s plans as may exist and be in effect from time to time.
(c)
BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and the Company’s policies with regard thereto.
5.
TERMINATION. Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a)
DISABILITY. Upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall be defined as the inability of Executive to have performed Executive’s material duties hereunder due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any 365-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that as a result of earlier absence because of mental or physical incapacity Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of such term under
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Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 20 hereof) Executive shall on such date automatically be terminated from employment as a Disability termination.
(b)
DEATH. Automatically on the date of death of Executive.
(c)
CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. The term “Cause” shall mean Executive having: (A) been indicted for or convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to (1) a felony or (2) any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation, moral turpitude, violence or theft; (B) committed any act of embezzlement or fraud involving the Company; (C) failed to perform Executive’s duties hereunder (other than by reason of mental or physical illness) or to follow any lawful and substantive directions which have been communicated to Executive by the Board, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (D) acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company; (E) been continuously or repeatedly absent from the workplace (unless such absences are in compliance with the terms of this Agreement or the Company’s policies (including vacation, illness or disability policies)); (F) breached any material provision of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any member of the Company Group to which Executive is a party, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (G) committed any act that results or reasonably could be expected to result in material economic harm to the Company Group or that publicly injuries the integrity, character or reputation of the Company Group or (H) materially violated any written policy of the Company previously made available to Executive (including policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment), which breach or violation, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof to Executive.
(d)
WITHOUT CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e)
RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. Immediately upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. The term “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; (iii) material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or (iv) if Executive is a Section 16 officer as of the date of termination, material diminution in Executives title, reporting structure and/or job duties (other than temporarily as required by law, while Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated, during the pendency of an internal investigation, or after Executive or the Company has given notice of termination of Executive’s employment). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment unless: (x) Executive has given the Company written notice of the event alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the first occurrence of such event; (y) the Company has an opportunity to cure the alleged Good Reason event within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice of the allegation; and (z) if the Company fails to cure, Executive’s date of termination for Good Reason shall occur within thirty (30) days following the last day of the cure period.
(f)
RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON. Upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s voluntary termination of employment (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
6.
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a)
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON; DEATH; DISABILITY. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term end due to termination by the Company for Cause as provided in Section 5(c), termination by Executive without Good
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Reason as provided in Section 5(f), or Executive’s Disability, as provided in Section 5(a), or death, as provided in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) any unpaid Base Salary accrued through the termination date, (ii) the Bitcoin Compensation for the month in which the termination date occurs, (iii) a lump sum payment for any accrued but unused PTO, (iv) COBRA coverage (but no Company-paid premiums except as otherwise required by law), (v) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, and (vi) a lump sum payment for any previously unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company during the term of Executive’s employment (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). Upon any termination of employment, the treatment of outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan.
(b)
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 5(d) or by Executive with Good Reason as provided in Section 5(e), then, in addition to the Accrued Amounts, and subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Sections 7 – 10 hereof:
(i)
Executive will be paid an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid, less applicable withholdings and deductions, in installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over the twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “Severance Period”), the first payment to occur on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (as defined below) and to include any amounts that otherwise would have been paid prior thereto absent the delay (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the first payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(ii)
Payment of an amount equal to Executive’s target Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(iii)
Provided Executive (i) timely elects to continue group health plan (including executive health plan) coverage pursuant to COBRA, (ii) timely pays Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums, (iii) is not eligible for group health plan coverage through a new employer, and (iv) otherwise remains eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company shall (x) provide the same monthly premium subsidy it provides to similarly-situated active employees, such that Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums will remain the same as that paid by similarly-situated active employees for corresponding coverage for a period of up to twelve (12) months following the termination date, and (y) report as taxable income any portion of the applicable COBRA premium necessary for the Company and its employee benefit plans to comply with Internal Revenue Code nondiscrimination requirements applicable to group health plans or cafeteria plans;
(iv)
(A) all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock or Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded on or prior to the date hereof shall vest as of the effective date of the Release, (B) any unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded after the date hereof that would have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall vest as of the effective date of the release and all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options awarded after the date hereof that would not have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall terminate and (C) all unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units (each as defined in the Incentive Plan) shall remain eligible to vest through the date that is twelve (12) months following the
4
termination date, and any Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not vested as of the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination shall terminate as of such date, in each case, except to the extent otherwise provided under the terms applicable to such Performance Shares or Performance Units; and
(v)
notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination occurs during the period commencing ninety (90) days prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Company Transaction (as defined in the Incentive Plan), any Restricted Stock, Stock Units, Stock Options, Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not otherwise vested in connection with such Company Transaction shall vest as of the later of the effective date of the Release and the consummation of the Company Transaction.
Payments and benefits provided in this Section 6(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(c)
Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall resign and be removed from any other position as an officer or director of the Company or any member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to promptly execute such documents evidencing such resignation(s) as the Company shall request.
7.
RELEASE. Any and all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement beyond the Accrued Amounts shall only be payable if Executive (or Executive’s estate, as the case may be) delivers to the Company and does not revoke, if applicable, a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). Such Release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation, if applicable) within sixty (60) days following termination (except as otherwise required by law).
8.
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.
(a)
CONFIDENTIALITY. Executive acknowledges that all information, observations and data (including, but not limited to, all personal information, financial data, investment data, commercial data, trade secrets, business plans, business models, cost and pricing information, organizational structures and models, blueprints, business strategies, strategies, internal control, risk management, security procedures, internal industry studies, research and development efforts, marketing plans, information and materials, processes, inventions, devices, training manuals, computer programs, analytical models, templates and agreements, whether or not maintained in written form and whether in digital, hardcopy or other format) obtained by Executive prior to or during the course of Executive’s employment with or service to the Company concerning the business or affairs of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”) are the property of the Company Group, including information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Term. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive will not (during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter) disclose to any unauthorized person or use for Executive’s own account, other than as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, any Confidential Information without the Board’s written consent, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information (A) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act or (B) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order or pursuant to a request by a governmental entity; provided that, in the event of a request described in clause (B), Executive shall (i) promptly notify the Company of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request, (ii) consult with the Company on the advisability of taking steps to resist or narrow such request, and (iii) cooperate with the Company, in its efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential
5
treatment will be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the conclusion of the Employment Term, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product (as defined below) or the business of the Company Group (including, without limitation, all acquisition prospects, lists and contact information) which Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall (x) prohibit Executive from (i) making reports of possible violations of law or regulation to any appropriate governmental agency, entity or official, including in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of federal or state law or regulation, (ii) participating in a proceeding with any appropriate federal, state, or local government agency, (iii) making any truthful statements or disclosures required by law, regulation, or legal process, OR (iv) requesting or receiving confidential legal advice; or (y) require notification or prior approval by the Company of any activities described in provision (x). Executive is not authorized to disclose communications with counsel that were made for the purpose of receiving legal advice or that contain legal advice or that are protected by the attorney work product or similar privilege. In addition, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
(b)
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, processes, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) (“Inventions”), and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) that relate to the Company Group’s actual or anticipated business, research and development, or existing or future products or services and that are conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either solely or jointly with others) while employed by or providing service to the Company or any member of the Company Group (including any of the foregoing that constitutes any proprietary information or records) (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or the relevant member of the Company Group, and Executive hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, all of the above Work Product to the Company or to such member of the Company Group. Any Work Product prepared in whole or in part by Executive in the course of Executive’s work for any of the foregoing entities shall be deemed a “work made for hire” under applicable copyright laws, and the Company or any member of the Company Group shall own all rights therein. To the extent that any such Work Product is not a “work made for hire,” Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company or the applicable member of the Company Group all right, title, and interest, including without limitation, copyright in and to such Work Product. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company and at the Company’s expense (whether during or after the Employment Term) to establish and confirm the Company’s or the relevant member of the Company Group’s ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments). This Section 8(b) does not apply to any invention of Executive for which no equipment, supplies, facility or Confidential Information of the Company was used and that was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention (1) relates to the Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (2) results from any work performed by Executive for or on behalf of the Company.
(c)
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. Executive understands that the Company Group will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a
6
duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Term and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 8(a) above, Executive will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and, except as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and consultants of the Company Group who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company Group) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company Group, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.
(d)
USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS. During the Employment Term, Executive will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and will not bring onto the premises of the Company or any member of the Company Group any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive will use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information which is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and which is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or any member of the Company Group, or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. Executive hereby represents that Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder (x) will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under, any contract, agreement or understanding to which Executive is a party or is otherwise bound and (y) will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
(e)
RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. On the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company). Executive may retain Executive’s rolodex and similar address books provided that such items only include contact information. To the extent that Executive is provided with a cell phone number by the Company during employment, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in transferring such cell phone number to Executive’s individual name following termination.
9.
NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; NON-DISPARAGEMENT
(a)
NON-COMPETITION. Executive acknowledges that Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable, that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company Executive has access to trade secrets and other competitively sensitive confidential business or professional information, and that Executive’s performance of services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Non-Compete Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity (as defined below) within the United States or any other country in which the Company is doing business or planning or preparing to do business, in each case, as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Prohibited Activity” is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive’s knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company is engaged or planning or preparing to be engaged as of the Effective Date, including, without limitation, those engaged in the business of server centers or
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cryptocurrency mining. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information, or Confidential Information. Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.
(b)
NON-SOLICITATION. During Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of two (2) years thereafter (the “Non-Solicit Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) knowingly induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any employee thereof or (B) hire any person who was an employee of the Company within ninety (90) days after such person ceased to be an employee of the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (A) and (B)).
(c)
NON-INTEFERENCE WITH BUSINESS RELATIONS. During the Non-Solicit Restricted Period, Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, knowingly induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing).
(d)
NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive agrees that Executive will not, any time during the Employment Term and thereafter, directly or indirectly, whether in private or in public make, publish, encourage, ratify, or authorize, or aid, assist or direct any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in making or publishing (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing), any statements that in any way defame, criticize, malign, impugn, reflect negatively on, or disparage (i) any member of the Company Group, (ii) the business, property or assets of any member of the Company Group, or (iii) any of the former, current or future officers, directors, employees or shareholders of any member of the Company Group; provided that, nothing in this Section 9(d) shall be construed to limit the ability of Executive to disclose information and documents, or give truthful testimony, pursuant to a subpoena, court order or a government investigative matter consistent with and/or subject to and in accordance with Section 8(a). Executive further agrees that, Executive will comply fully with any and all media and technology (including any e-mail, internet and social media) policies as in effect from time to time, including with respect to any period following the conclusion of the Employment Term, to the extent applicable, and any lawful Board directives regarding public statements regarding the Company, any member of the Company Group, or their respective personnel, related persons, investors or affiliates.
(e)
REFORMATION. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in Sections 8 or 9 hereof is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
(f)
TOLLING. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(g)
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 9 are in consideration of: (i) employment with the Company and (ii) additional
8
good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 8 and 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its affiliates of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 8 and 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, time period and geographical area.
(h)
SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. The obligations contained in Sections 8 – 10 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.
10.
COOPERATION. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside legal counsel), Executive agrees that Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters about which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. As a former executive officer and director of the Company, Executive further agrees to promptly complete and return any director and officer questionnaire or provide similar information, and execute any certifications, as may be requested by the Company in connection with legal and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the federal securities laws and the relevant national stock exchange, and the Company’s controls and procedures. Executive will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company. Except as set forth in Section 8(a), Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the fullest extent that Executive is legally permitted to do so) if Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving such claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its affiliates or is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or any of its affiliates, members, officers, directors, employees, or agents (or any of their respective alleged actions or omissions), regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by Executive in complying with this Section 10.
11.
EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 – 10 hereof would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. In the event of a violation by Executive of Sections 8 – 10 hereof, any severance being paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and any severance previously paid to Executive (other than $1,000) shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
12.
NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in this Section 12 hereof, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party hereto. The Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or to any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
9
Company, provided that the Company shall require such successor 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company and any permitted assignee which assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
13.
NOTICE. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Executive:
At the address shown
If to the Company:
CleanSpark, Inc. 10624 S Eastern Ave., Ste A-638 Henderson, NV 89052 with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP 525 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1900 Chicago, Illinois 60661-3693 Attention: Mark Wood, Esq. E-mail: [email protected]
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or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
14.
SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
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.
16.
COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
17.
ARBITRATION. The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be resolved exclusively by confidential, final and binding
10
arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and shall be brought and litigated in Clark County, Nevada. All disputes shall be resolved by one (1) arbitrator. The arbitrator will have the authority to award the same remedies, damages, and costs that a court could award, and will have the additional authority to award specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without requiring the posting of a bond or other security). The arbitrator shall issue a reasoned award explaining the decision, the reasons for the decision, and any damages or other relief awarded. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding. The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This provision and any decision and award hereunder can be enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act.
18.
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 Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. 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. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall be in addition to and not in place of any other confidentiality, invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference or non-disparagement restrictions applicable to Executive, including pursuant to any other agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group. No agreements 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. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.
19.
TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
20.
SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a)
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or are exempt under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
(b)
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (y) the date of Executive’s
11
death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(c)
For purposes of compliance with Code Section 409A, (i) all expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive, (ii) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(d)
For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(e)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY
CleanSpark, Inc.
By: /s/ S. Matthew Schultz Title: Chief Executive Officer
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EXECUTIVE
/s/ Gary A. Vecchiarelli Gary A. Vecchiarelli |
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EXHIBIT 10.3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 4, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company Group”), and Scott E. Garrison (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself of the continued services of Executive by continuing to engage Executive to perform services as an employee of the Company under the terms hereof; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.
POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a)
During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of the Company. In this capacity, Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and have the duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Company reasonably shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with Executive’s position as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.
(b)
During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s time, energy and skill and Executive’s best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), other for profit companies, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments so long as such activities in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.
2.
EMPLOYMENT TERM. The Company agrees to employ Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for a term commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until terminated in accordance with Section 5 hereof, subject to Section 6 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
3.
COMPENSATION.
(a)
BASE SALARY. The Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $600,000 (“Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Board (or a committee thereof).
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(b)
BITCOIN COMPENSATION. In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall receive a pro rata share of the Bitcoin Pool (as defined below) (the “Bitcoin Compensation”), payable monthly in arrears. The “Bitcoin Pool” means 1.247 Bitcoin per month. Executive’s pro rata share will calculated by multiplying the monthly Bitcoin Pool by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of base salary paid to Executive for the applicable month and the denominator of which is the sum of base salaries paid to all participants in the Bitcoin Pool for such month, as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). The Bitcoin Pool amount shall be adjusted for halving, and the Bitcoin Compensation shall cease if the Company no longer mines Bitcoin.
(c)
ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary incentive payment (the “Annual Bonus”), subject to the achievement of Company and individual performance goals as determined by the Board. Executive’s target Annual Bonus shall be one hundred fifty percent (150%) of Base Salary. The Board shall determine the amount and timing of, and eligibility for, any Annual Bonus. In order to receive an Annual Bonus, Executive must be employed on the date such Annual Bonus is paid except as provided in Section 6 below.
(d)
EQUITY AWARDS. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the CleanSpark, Inc. 2017 Incentive Plan or any successor plan (the “Incentive Plan”), subject to the terms thereof, as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(i)
INITIAL GRANT. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Company’s Incentive Plan. The number of RSUs will be the quotient of (a) six (6) times Executive’s Base Salary, divided by (b) the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date (or, if the Effective Date is not a trading day, the last preceding trading day), rounded down to the nearest whole share. The RSUs will vest as to one-third (1/3) of the RSUs on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the RSUs will otherwise be governed by the Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement.
4.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a)
BENEFIT PLANS. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that the Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its employees generally, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b)
VACATIONS. Executive shall be entitled to vacation time in accordance with the Company’s plans as may exist and be in effect from time to time.
(c)
BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and the Company’s policies with regard thereto.
5.
TERMINATION. Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a)
DISABILITY. Upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall be defined as the inability of Executive to have performed Executive’s material duties hereunder due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any
2
365-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that as a result of earlier absence because of mental or physical incapacity Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of such term under Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 20 hereof) Executive shall on such date automatically be terminated from employment as a Disability termination.
(b)
DEATH. Automatically on the date of death of Executive.
(c)
CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. The term “Cause” shall mean Executive having: (A) been indicted for or convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to (1) a felony or (2) any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation, moral turpitude, violence or theft; (B) committed any act of embezzlement or fraud involving the Company; (C) failed to perform Executive’s duties hereunder (other than by reason of mental or physical illness) or to follow any lawful and substantive directions which have been communicated to Executive by the Board, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (D) acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company; (E) been continuously or repeatedly absent from the workplace (unless such absences are in compliance with the terms of this Agreement or the Company’s policies (including vacation, illness or disability policies)); (F) breached any material provision of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any member of the Company Group to which Executive is a party, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (G) committed any act that results or reasonably could be expected to result in material economic harm to the Company Group or that publicly injuries the integrity, character or reputation of the Company Group or (H) materially violated any written policy of the Company previously made available to Executive (including policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment), which breach or violation, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof to Executive.
(d)
WITHOUT CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e)
RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. Immediately upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. The term “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; (iii) material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or (iv) if Executive is a Section 16 officer as of the date of termination, material diminution in Executives title, reporting structure and/or job duties (other than temporarily as required by law, while Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated, during the pendency of an internal investigation, or after Executive or the Company has given notice of termination of Executive’s employment). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment unless: (x) Executive has given the Company written notice of the event alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the first occurrence of such event; (y) the Company has an opportunity to cure the alleged Good Reason event within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice of the allegation; and (z) if the Company fails to cure, Executive’s date of termination for Good Reason shall occur within thirty (30) days following the last day of the cure period.
(f)
RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON. Upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s voluntary termination of employment (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
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6.
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a)
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON; DEATH; DISABILITY. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term end due to termination by the Company for Cause as provided in Section 5(c), termination by Executive without Good Reason as provided in Section 5(f), or Executive’s Disability, as provided in Section 5(a), or death, as provided in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) any unpaid Base Salary accrued through the termination date, (ii) the Bitcoin Compensation for the month in which the termination date occurs, (iii) a lump sum payment for any accrued but unused PTO, (iv) COBRA coverage (but no Company-paid premiums except as otherwise required by law), (v) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, and (vi) a lump sum payment for any previously unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company during the term of Executive’s employment (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). Upon any termination of employment, the treatment of outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan.
(b)
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 5(d) or by Executive with Good Reason as provided in Section 5(e), then, in addition to the Accrued Amounts, and subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Sections 7 – 10 hereof:
(i)
Executive will be paid an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid, less applicable withholdings and deductions, in installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over the twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “Severance Period”), the first payment to occur on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (as defined below) and to include any amounts that otherwise would have been paid prior thereto absent the delay (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the first payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(ii)
Payment of an amount equal to Executive’s target Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(iii)
Provided Executive (i) timely elects to continue group health plan (including executive health plan) coverage pursuant to COBRA, (ii) timely pays Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums, (iii) is not eligible for group health plan coverage through a new employer, and (iv) otherwise remains eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company shall (x) provide the same monthly premium subsidy it provides to similarly-situated active employees, such that Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums will remain the same as that paid by similarly-situated active employees for corresponding coverage for a period of up to twelve (12) months following the termination date, and (y) report as taxable income any portion of the applicable COBRA premium necessary for the Company and its employee benefit plans to comply with Internal Revenue Code nondiscrimination requirements applicable to group health plans or cafeteria plans;
(iv)
(A) all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock or Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded on or prior to the date hereof shall vest as of the effective date of the Release, (B) any unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded after the date hereof that would have vested in the twelve (12)
4
months following the termination date shall vest as of the effective date of the release and all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options awarded after the date hereof that would not have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall terminate and (C) all unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units (each as defined in the Incentive Plan) shall remain eligible to vest through the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination date, and any Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not vested as of the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination shall terminate as of such date, in each case, except to the extent otherwise provided under the terms applicable to such Performance Shares or Performance Units; and
(v)
notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination occurs during the period commencing ninety (90) days prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Company Transaction (as defined in the Incentive Plan), any Restricted Stock, Stock Units, Stock Options, Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not otherwise vested in connection with such Company Transaction shall vest as of the later of the effective date of the Release and the consummation of the Company Transaction.
Payments and benefits provided in this Section 6(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(c)
Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall resign and be removed from any other position as an officer or director of the Company or any member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to promptly execute such documents evidencing such resignation(s) as the Company shall request.
7.
RELEASE. Any and all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement beyond the Accrued Amounts shall only be payable if Executive (or Executive’s estate, as the case may be) delivers to the Company and does not revoke, if applicable, a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). Such Release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation, if applicable) within sixty (60) days following termination (except as otherwise required by law).
8.
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.
(a)
CONFIDENTIALITY. Executive acknowledges that all information, observations and data (including, but not limited to, all personal information, financial data, investment data, commercial data, trade secrets, business plans, business models, cost and pricing information, organizational structures and models, blueprints, business strategies, strategies, internal control, risk management, security procedures, internal industry studies, research and development efforts, marketing plans, information and materials, processes, inventions, devices, training manuals, computer programs, analytical models, templates and agreements, whether or not maintained in written form and whether in digital, hardcopy or other format) obtained by Executive prior to or during the course of Executive’s employment with or service to the Company concerning the business or affairs of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”) are the property of the Company Group, including information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Term. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive will not (during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter) disclose to any unauthorized person or use for Executive’s own account, other than as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, any Confidential Information without the Board’s written consent, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information (A) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions
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to act or (B) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order or pursuant to a request by a governmental entity; provided that, in the event of a request described in clause (B), Executive shall (i) promptly notify the Company of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request, (ii) consult with the Company on the advisability of taking steps to resist or narrow such request, and (iii) cooperate with the Company, in its efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the conclusion of the Employment Term, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product (as defined below) or the business of the Company Group (including, without limitation, all acquisition prospects, lists and contact information) which Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall (x) prohibit Executive from (i) making reports of possible violations of law or regulation to any appropriate governmental agency, entity or official, including in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of federal or state law or regulation, (ii) participating in a proceeding with any appropriate federal, state, or local government agency, (iii) making any truthful statements or disclosures required by law, regulation, or legal process, OR (iv) requesting or receiving confidential legal advice; or (y) require notification or prior approval by the Company of any activities described in provision (x). Executive is not authorized to disclose communications with counsel that were made for the purpose of receiving legal advice or that contain legal advice or that are protected by the attorney work product or similar privilege. In addition, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
(b)
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, processes, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) (“Inventions”), and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) that relate to the Company Group’s actual or anticipated business, research and development, or existing or future products or services and that are conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either solely or jointly with others) while employed by or providing service to the Company or any member of the Company Group (including any of the foregoing that constitutes any proprietary information or records) (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or the relevant member of the Company Group, and Executive hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, all of the above Work Product to the Company or to such member of the Company Group. Any Work Product prepared in whole or in part by Executive in the course of Executive’s work for any of the foregoing entities shall be deemed a “work made for hire” under applicable copyright laws, and the Company or any member of the Company Group shall own all rights therein. To the extent that any such Work Product is not a “work made for hire,” Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company or the applicable member of the Company Group all right, title, and interest, including without limitation, copyright in and to such Work Product. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company and at the Company’s expense (whether during or after the Employment Term) to establish and confirm the Company’s or the relevant member of the Company Group’s ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments). This Section 8(b) does not apply to any invention of Executive for which no equipment, supplies, facility or Confidential Information of the Company was used and that was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention (1) relates to the Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated
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research or development, or (2) results from any work performed by Executive for or on behalf of the Company.
(c)
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. Executive understands that the Company Group will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Term and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 8(a) above, Executive will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and, except as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and consultants of the Company Group who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company Group) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company Group, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.
(d)
USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS. During the Employment Term, Executive will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and will not bring onto the premises of the Company or any member of the Company Group any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive will use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information which is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and which is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or any member of the Company Group, or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. Executive hereby represents that Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder (x) will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under, any contract, agreement or understanding to which Executive is a party or is otherwise bound and (y) will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
(e)
RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. On the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company). Executive may retain Executive’s rolodex and similar address books provided that such items only include contact information. To the extent that Executive is provided with a cell phone number by the Company during employment, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in transferring such cell phone number to Executive’s individual name following termination.
9.
NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; NON-DISPARAGEMENT
(a)
NON-COMPETITION. Executive acknowledges that Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable, that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company Executive has access to trade secrets and other competitively sensitive confidential business or professional information, and that Executive’s performance of services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Non-Compete Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity (as defined below) within the United States or any other country in which the Company is doing business or planning or preparing to do business, in each case, as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Prohibited
7
Activity” is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive’s knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company is engaged or planning or preparing to be engaged as of the Effective Date, including, without limitation, those engaged in the business of server centers or cryptocurrency mining. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information, or Confidential Information. Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.
(b)
NON-SOLICITATION. During Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of two (2) years thereafter (the “Non-Solicit Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) knowingly induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any employee thereof or (B) hire any person who was an employee of the Company within ninety (90) days after such person ceased to be an employee of the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (A) and (B)).
(c)
NON-INTEFERENCE WITH BUSINESS RELATIONS. During the Non-Solicit Restricted Period, Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, knowingly induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing).
(d)
NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive agrees that Executive will not, any time during the Employment Term and thereafter, directly or indirectly, whether in private or in public make, publish, encourage, ratify, or authorize, or aid, assist or direct any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in making or publishing (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing), any statements that in any way defame, criticize, malign, impugn, reflect negatively on, or disparage (i) any member of the Company Group, (ii) the business, property or assets of any member of the Company Group, or (iii) any of the former, current or future officers, directors, employees or shareholders of any member of the Company Group; provided that, nothing in this Section 9(d) shall be construed to limit the ability of Executive to disclose information and documents, or give truthful testimony, pursuant to a subpoena, court order or a government investigative matter consistent with and/or subject to and in accordance with Section 8(a). Executive further agrees that, Executive will comply fully with any and all media and technology (including any e-mail, internet and social media) policies as in effect from time to time, including with respect to any period following the conclusion of the Employment Term, to the extent applicable, and any lawful Board directives regarding public statements regarding the Company, any member of the Company Group, or their respective personnel, related persons, investors or affiliates.
(e)
REFORMATION. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in Sections 8 or 9 hereof is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
(f)
TOLLING. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the
8
running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(g)
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 9 are in consideration of: (i) employment with the Company and (ii) additional good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 8 and 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its affiliates of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 8 and 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, time period and geographical area.
(h)
SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. The obligations contained in Sections 8 – 10 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.
10.
COOPERATION. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside legal counsel), Executive agrees that Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters about which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. As a former executive officer and director of the Company, Executive further agrees to promptly complete and return any director and officer questionnaire or provide similar information, and execute any certifications, as may be requested by the Company in connection with legal and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the federal securities laws and the relevant national stock exchange, and the Company’s controls and procedures. Executive will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company. Except as set forth in Section 8(a), Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the fullest extent that Executive is legally permitted to do so) if Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving such claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its affiliates or is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or any of its affiliates, members, officers, directors, employees, or agents (or any of their respective alleged actions or omissions), regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by Executive in complying with this Section 10.
11.
EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 – 10 hereof would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. In the event of a violation by Executive of Sections 8 – 10 hereof, any severance being paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and any severance previously paid to Executive (other than $1,000) shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
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12.
NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in this Section 12 hereof, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party hereto. The Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or to any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, provided that the Company shall require such successor 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company and any permitted assignee which assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
13.
NOTICE. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Executive:
At the address shown
If to the Company:
CleanSpark, Inc. 10624 S Eastern Ave., Ste A-638 Henderson, NV 89052 with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP 525 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1900 Chicago, Illinois 60661-3693 Attention: Mark Wood, Esq. E-mail: [email protected]
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or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
14.
SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
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.
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16.
COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
17.
ARBITRATION. The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be resolved exclusively by confidential, final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and shall be brought and litigated in Clark County, Nevada. All disputes shall be resolved by one (1) arbitrator. The arbitrator will have the authority to award the same remedies, damages, and costs that a court could award, and will have the additional authority to award specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without requiring the posting of a bond or other security). The arbitrator shall issue a reasoned award explaining the decision, the reasons for the decision, and any damages or other relief awarded. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding. The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This provision and any decision and award hereunder can be enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act.
18.
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 Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. 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. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall be in addition to and not in place of any other confidentiality, invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference or non-disparagement restrictions applicable to Executive, including pursuant to any other agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group. No agreements 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. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.
19.
TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
20.
SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a)
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or are exempt under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
(b)
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of
11
employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (y) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(c)
For purposes of compliance with Code Section 409A, (i) all expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive, (ii) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(d)
For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(e)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY
CleanSpark, Inc.
By: /s/ S. Matthew Schultz Title: Chief Executive Officer
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EXECUTIVE
/s/ Scott E. Garrison SCOTT E. GARRISON |
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EXHIBIT 10.4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 4, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company Group”), and Taylor Monnig (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself of the continued services of Executive by continuing to engage Executive to perform services as an employee of the Company under the terms hereof; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.
POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a)
During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), Executive shall serve as the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. In this capacity, Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and have the duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Company reasonably shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with Executive’s position as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
(b)
During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s time, energy and skill and Executive’s best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), other for profit companies, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments so long as such activities in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.
2.
EMPLOYMENT TERM. The Company agrees to employ Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for a term commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until terminated in accordance with Section 5 hereof, subject to Section 6 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
3.
COMPENSATION.
(a)
BASE SALARY. The Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $600,000 (“Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Board (or a committee thereof).
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(b)
BITCOIN COMPENSATION. In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall receive a pro rata share of the Bitcoin Pool (as defined below) (the “Bitcoin Compensation”), payable monthly in arrears. The “Bitcoin Pool” means 1.247 Bitcoin per month. Executive’s pro rata share will calculated by multiplying the monthly Bitcoin Pool by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of base salary paid to Executive for the applicable month and the denominator of which is the sum of base salaries paid to all participants in the Bitcoin Pool for such month, as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). The Bitcoin Pool amount shall be adjusted for halving, and the Bitcoin Compensation shall cease if the Company no longer mines Bitcoin.
(c)
ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary incentive payment (the “Annual Bonus”), subject to the achievement of Company and individual performance goals as determined by the Board. Executive’s target Annual Bonus shall be one hundred fifty percent (150%) of Base Salary. The Board shall determine the amount and timing of, and eligibility for, any Annual Bonus. In order to receive an Annual Bonus, Executive must be employed on the date such Annual Bonus is paid except as provided in Section 6 below.
(d)
EQUITY AWARDS. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the CleanSpark, Inc. 2017 Incentive Plan or any successor plan (the “Incentive Plan”), subject to the terms thereof, as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(i)
INITIAL GRANT. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Company’s Incentive Plan. The number of RSUs will be the quotient of (a) six (6) times Executive’s Base Salary, divided by (b) the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date (or, if the Effective Date is not a trading day, the last preceding trading day), rounded down to the nearest whole share. The RSUs will vest as to one-third (1/3) of the RSUs on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the RSUs will otherwise be governed by the Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement.
4.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a)
BENEFIT PLANS. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that the Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its employees generally, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b)
VACATIONS. Executive shall be entitled to vacation time in accordance with the Company’s plans as may exist and be in effect from time to time.
(c)
BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and the Company’s policies with regard thereto.
5.
TERMINATION. Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a)
DISABILITY. Upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall be defined as the inability of Executive to have performed Executive’s material duties hereunder due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any
2
365-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that as a result of earlier absence because of mental or physical incapacity Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of such term under Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 20 hereof) Executive shall on such date automatically be terminated from employment as a Disability termination.
(b)
DEATH. Automatically on the date of death of Executive.
(c)
CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. The term “Cause” shall mean Executive having: (A) been indicted for or convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to (1) a felony or (2) any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation, moral turpitude, violence or theft; (B) committed any act of embezzlement or fraud involving the Company; (C) failed to perform Executive’s duties hereunder (other than by reason of mental or physical illness) or to follow any lawful and substantive directions which have been communicated to Executive by the Board, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (D) acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company; (E) been continuously or repeatedly absent from the workplace (unless such absences are in compliance with the terms of this Agreement or the Company’s policies (including vacation, illness or disability policies)); (F) breached any material provision of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any member of the Company Group to which Executive is a party, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (G) committed any act that results or reasonably could be expected to result in material economic harm to the Company Group or that publicly injuries the integrity, character or reputation of the Company Group or (H) materially violated any written policy of the Company previously made available to Executive (including policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment), which breach or violation, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof to Executive.
(d)
WITHOUT CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e)
RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. Immediately upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. The term “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; (iii) material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or (iv) if Executive is a Section 16 officer as of the date of termination, material diminution in Executives title, reporting structure and/or job duties (other than temporarily as required by law, while Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated, during the pendency of an internal investigation, or after Executive or the Company has given notice of termination of Executive’s employment). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment unless: (x) Executive has given the Company written notice of the event alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the first occurrence of such event; (y) the Company has an opportunity to cure the alleged Good Reason event within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice of the allegation; and (z) if the Company fails to cure, Executive’s date of termination for Good Reason shall occur within thirty (30) days following the last day of the cure period.
(f)
RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON. Upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s voluntary termination of employment (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
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6.
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a)
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON; DEATH; DISABILITY. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term end due to termination by the Company for Cause as provided in Section 5(c), termination by Executive without Good Reason as provided in Section 5(f), or Executive’s Disability, as provided in Section 5(a), or death, as provided in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) any unpaid Base Salary accrued through the termination date, (ii) the Bitcoin Compensation for the month in which the termination date occurs, (iii) a lump sum payment for any accrued but unused PTO, (iv) COBRA coverage (but no Company-paid premiums except as otherwise required by law), (v) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, and (vi) a lump sum payment for any previously unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company during the term of Executive’s employment (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). Upon any termination of employment, the treatment of outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan.
(b)
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 5(d) or by Executive with Good Reason as provided in Section 5(e), then, in addition to the Accrued Amounts, and subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Sections 7 – 10 hereof:
(i)
Executive will be paid an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid, less applicable withholdings and deductions, in installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over the twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “Severance Period”), the first payment to occur on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (as defined below) and to include any amounts that otherwise would have been paid prior thereto absent the delay (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the first payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(ii)
Payment of an amount equal to Executive’s target Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(iii)
Provided Executive (i) timely elects to continue group health plan (including executive health plan) coverage pursuant to COBRA, (ii) timely pays Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums, (iii) is not eligible for group health plan coverage through a new employer, and (iv) otherwise remains eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company shall (x) provide the same monthly premium subsidy it provides to similarly-situated active employees, such that Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums will remain the same as that paid by similarly-situated active employees for corresponding coverage for a period of up to twelve (12) months following the termination date, and (y) report as taxable income any portion of the applicable COBRA premium necessary for the Company and its employee benefit plans to comply with Internal Revenue Code nondiscrimination requirements applicable to group health plans or cafeteria plans;
(iv)
(A) all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock or Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded on or prior to the date hereof shall vest as of the effective date of the Release, (B) any unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded after the date hereof that would have vested in the twelve (12)
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months following the termination date shall vest as of the effective date of the release and all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options awarded after the date hereof that would not have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall terminate and (C) all unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units (each as defined in the Incentive Plan) shall remain eligible to vest through the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination date, and any Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not vested as of the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination shall terminate as of such date, in each case, except to the extent otherwise provided under the terms applicable to such Performance Shares or Performance Units; and
(v)
notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination occurs during the period commencing ninety (90) days prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Company Transaction (as defined in the Incentive Plan), any Restricted Stock, Stock Units, Stock Options, Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not otherwise vested in connection with such Company Transaction shall vest as of the later of the effective date of the Release and the consummation of the Company Transaction.
Payments and benefits provided in this Section 6(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(c)
Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall resign and be removed from any other position as an officer or director of the Company or any member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to promptly execute such documents evidencing such resignation(s) as the Company shall request.
7.
RELEASE. Any and all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement beyond the Accrued Amounts shall only be payable if Executive (or Executive’s estate, as the case may be) delivers to the Company and does not revoke, if applicable, a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). Such Release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation, if applicable) within sixty (60) days following termination (except as otherwise required by law).
8.
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.
(a)
CONFIDENTIALITY. Executive acknowledges that all information, observations and data (including, but not limited to, all personal information, financial data, investment data, commercial data, trade secrets, business plans, business models, cost and pricing information, organizational structures and models, blueprints, business strategies, strategies, internal control, risk management, security procedures, internal industry studies, research and development efforts, marketing plans, information and materials, processes, inventions, devices, training manuals, computer programs, analytical models, templates and agreements, whether or not maintained in written form and whether in digital, hardcopy or other format) obtained by Executive prior to or during the course of Executive’s employment with or service to the Company concerning the business or affairs of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”) are the property of the Company Group, including information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Term. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive will not (during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter) disclose to any unauthorized person or use for Executive’s own account, other than as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, any Confidential Information without the Board’s written consent, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information (A) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions
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to act or (B) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order or pursuant to a request by a governmental entity; provided that, in the event of a request described in clause (B), Executive shall (i) promptly notify the Company of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request, (ii) consult with the Company on the advisability of taking steps to resist or narrow such request, and (iii) cooperate with the Company, in its efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the conclusion of the Employment Term, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product (as defined below) or the business of the Company Group (including, without limitation, all acquisition prospects, lists and contact information) which Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall (x) prohibit Executive from (i) making reports of possible violations of law or regulation to any appropriate governmental agency, entity or official, including in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of federal or state law or regulation, (ii) participating in a proceeding with any appropriate federal, state, or local government agency, (iii) making any truthful statements or disclosures required by law, regulation, or legal process, OR (iv) requesting or receiving confidential legal advice; or (y) require notification or prior approval by the Company of any activities described in provision (x). Executive is not authorized to disclose communications with counsel that were made for the purpose of receiving legal advice or that contain legal advice or that are protected by the attorney work product or similar privilege. In addition, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
(b)
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, processes, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) (“Inventions”), and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) that relate to the Company Group’s actual or anticipated business, research and development, or existing or future products or services and that are conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either solely or jointly with others) while employed by or providing service to the Company or any member of the Company Group (including any of the foregoing that constitutes any proprietary information or records) (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or the relevant member of the Company Group, and Executive hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, all of the above Work Product to the Company or to such member of the Company Group. Any Work Product prepared in whole or in part by Executive in the course of Executive’s work for any of the foregoing entities shall be deemed a “work made for hire” under applicable copyright laws, and the Company or any member of the Company Group shall own all rights therein. To the extent that any such Work Product is not a “work made for hire,” Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company or the applicable member of the Company Group all right, title, and interest, including without limitation, copyright in and to such Work Product. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company and at the Company’s expense (whether during or after the Employment Term) to establish and confirm the Company’s or the relevant member of the Company Group’s ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments). This Section 8(b) does not apply to any invention of Executive for which no equipment, supplies, facility or Confidential Information of the Company was used and that was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention (1) relates to the Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated
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research or development, or (2) results from any work performed by Executive for or on behalf of the Company.
(c)
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. Executive understands that the Company Group will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Term and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 8(a) above, Executive will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and, except as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and consultants of the Company Group who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company Group) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company Group, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.
(d)
USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS. During the Employment Term, Executive will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and will not bring onto the premises of the Company or any member of the Company Group any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive will use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information which is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and which is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or any member of the Company Group, or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. Executive hereby represents that Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder (x) will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under, any contract, agreement or understanding to which Executive is a party or is otherwise bound and (y) will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
(e)
RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. On the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company). Executive may retain Executive’s rolodex and similar address books provided that such items only include contact information. To the extent that Executive is provided with a cell phone number by the Company during employment, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in transferring such cell phone number to Executive’s individual name following termination.
9.
NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; NON-DISPARAGEMENT
(a)
NON-COMPETITION. Executive acknowledges that Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable, that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company Executive has access to trade secrets and other competitively sensitive confidential business or professional information, and that Executive’s performance of services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Non-Compete Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity (as defined below) within the United States or any other country in which the Company is doing business or planning or preparing to do business, in each case, as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Prohibited
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Activity” is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive’s knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company is engaged or planning or preparing to be engaged as of the Effective Date, including, without limitation, those engaged in the business of server centers or cryptocurrency mining. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information, or Confidential Information. Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.
(b)
NON-SOLICITATION. During Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of two (2) years thereafter (the “Non-Solicit Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) knowingly induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any employee thereof or (B) hire any person who was an employee of the Company within ninety (90) days after such person ceased to be an employee of the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (A) and (B)).
(c)
NON-INTEFERENCE WITH BUSINESS RELATIONS. During the Non-Solicit Restricted Period, Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, knowingly induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing).
(d)
NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive agrees that Executive will not, any time during the Employment Term and thereafter, directly or indirectly, whether in private or in public make, publish, encourage, ratify, or authorize, or aid, assist or direct any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in making or publishing (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing), any statements that in any way defame, criticize, malign, impugn, reflect negatively on, or disparage (i) any member of the Company Group, (ii) the business, property or assets of any member of the Company Group, or (iii) any of the former, current or future officers, directors, employees or shareholders of any member of the Company Group; provided that, nothing in this Section 9(d) shall be construed to limit the ability of Executive to disclose information and documents, or give truthful testimony, pursuant to a subpoena, court order or a government investigative matter consistent with and/or subject to and in accordance with Section 8(a). Executive further agrees that, Executive will comply fully with any and all media and technology (including any e-mail, internet and social media) policies as in effect from time to time, including with respect to any period following the conclusion of the Employment Term, to the extent applicable, and any lawful Board directives regarding public statements regarding the Company, any member of the Company Group, or their respective personnel, related persons, investors or affiliates.
(e)
REFORMATION. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in Sections 8 or 9 hereof is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
(f)
TOLLING. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the
8
running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(g)
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 9 are in consideration of: (i) employment with the Company and (ii) additional good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 8 and 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its affiliates of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 8 and 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, time period and geographical area.
(h)
SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. The obligations contained in Sections 8 – 10 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.
10.
COOPERATION. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside legal counsel), Executive agrees that Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters about which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. As a former executive officer and director of the Company, Executive further agrees to promptly complete and return any director and officer questionnaire or provide similar information, and execute any certifications, as may be requested by the Company in connection with legal and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the federal securities laws and the relevant national stock exchange, and the Company’s controls and procedures. Executive will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company. Except as set forth in Section 8(a), Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the fullest extent that Executive is legally permitted to do so) if Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving such claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its affiliates or is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or any of its affiliates, members, officers, directors, employees, or agents (or any of their respective alleged actions or omissions), regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by Executive in complying with this Section 10.
11.
EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 – 10 hereof would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. In the event of a violation by Executive of Sections 8 – 10 hereof, any severance being paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and any severance previously paid to Executive (other than $1,000) shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
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12.
NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in this Section 12 hereof, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party hereto. The Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or to any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, provided that the Company shall require such successor 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company and any permitted assignee which assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
13.
NOTICE. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Executive:
At the address shown
If to the Company:
CleanSpark, Inc. 10624 S Eastern Ave., Ste A-638 Henderson, NV 89052 with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP 525 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1900 Chicago, Illinois 60661-3693 Attention: Mark Wood, Esq. E-mail: [email protected]
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or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
14.
SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
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.
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16.
COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
17.
ARBITRATION. The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be resolved exclusively by confidential, final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and shall be brought and litigated in Clark County, Nevada. All disputes shall be resolved by one (1) arbitrator. The arbitrator will have the authority to award the same remedies, damages, and costs that a court could award, and will have the additional authority to award specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without requiring the posting of a bond or other security). The arbitrator shall issue a reasoned award explaining the decision, the reasons for the decision, and any damages or other relief awarded. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding. The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This provision and any decision and award hereunder can be enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act.
18.
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 Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. 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. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall be in addition to and not in place of any other confidentiality, invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference or non-disparagement restrictions applicable to Executive, including pursuant to any other agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group. No agreements 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. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.
19.
TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
20.
SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a)
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or are exempt under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
(b)
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of
11
employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (y) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(c)
For purposes of compliance with Code Section 409A, (i) all expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive, (ii) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(d)
For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(e)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY
CleanSpark, Inc.
By: /s/ S. Matthew Schultz Title: Chief Executive Officer
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EXECUTIVE
/s/ Taylor Monnig TAYLOR MONNIG |
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EXHIBIT 10.5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 4, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Company Group”), and Brian J. Carson (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself of the continued services of Executive by continuing to engage Executive to perform services as an employee of the Company under the terms hereof; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue to provide services to the Company on the terms herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1.
POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a)
During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), Executive shall serve as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. In this capacity, Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and have the duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Company reasonably shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with Executive’s position as Chief Accounting Officer.
(b)
During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s time, energy and skill and Executive’s best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), other for profit companies, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments so long as such activities in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.
2.
EMPLOYMENT TERM. The Company agrees to employ Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for a term commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until terminated in accordance with Section 5 hereof, subject to Section 6 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
3.
COMPENSATION.
(a)
BASE SALARY. The Company agrees to pay Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $425,000 (“Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Board (or a committee thereof).
(b)
BITCOIN COMPENSATION. In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall receive a pro rata share of the Bitcoin Pool (as defined below) (the “Bitcoin Compensation”), payable monthly in
1
arrears. The “Bitcoin Pool” means 1.247 Bitcoin per month. Executive’s pro rata share will calculated by multiplying the monthly Bitcoin Pool by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of base salary paid to Executive for the applicable month and the denominator of which is the sum of base salaries paid to all participants in the Bitcoin Pool for such month, as approved by the Board (or a committee thereof). The Bitcoin Pool amount shall be adjusted for halving, and the Bitcoin Compensation shall cease if the Company no longer mines Bitcoin.
(c)
ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary incentive payment (the “Annual Bonus”), subject to the achievement of Company and individual performance goals as determined by the Board. Executive’s target Annual Bonus shall be seventy-five percent (75%) of Base Salary. The Board shall determine the amount and timing of, and eligibility for, any Annual Bonus. In order to receive an Annual Bonus, Executive must be employed on the date such Annual Bonus is paid except as provided in Section 6 below.
(d)
EQUITY AWARDS. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the CleanSpark, Inc. 2017 Incentive Plan or any successor plan (the “Incentive Plan”), subject to the terms thereof, as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(i)
INITIAL GRANT. As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Company’s Incentive Plan. The number of RSUs will be the quotient of (a) six (6) times Executive’s Base Salary, divided by (b) the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date (or, if the Effective Date is not a trading day, the last preceding trading day), rounded down to the nearest whole share. The RSUs will vest as to one-third (1/3) of the RSUs on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the RSUs will otherwise be governed by the Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement.
4.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a)
BENEFIT PLANS. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that the Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its employees generally, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b)
VACATIONS. Executive shall be entitled to vacation time in accordance with the Company’s plans as may exist and be in effect from time to time.
(c)
BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and the Company’s policies with regard thereto.
5.
TERMINATION. Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a)
DISABILITY. Upon ten (10) days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall be defined as the inability of Executive to have performed Executive’s material duties hereunder due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for one hundred eighty (180) days (including weekends and holidays) in any 365-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that as a result of earlier absence because of mental or physical incapacity Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of such term under
2
Code Section 409A (as defined in Section 20 hereof) Executive shall on such date automatically be terminated from employment as a Disability termination.
(b)
DEATH. Automatically on the date of death of Executive.
(c)
CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. The term “Cause” shall mean Executive having: (A) been indicted for or convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to (1) a felony or (2) any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation, moral turpitude, violence or theft; (B) committed any act of embezzlement or fraud involving the Company; (C) failed to perform Executive’s duties hereunder (other than by reason of mental or physical illness) or to follow any lawful and substantive directions which have been communicated to Executive by the Board, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (D) acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company; (E) been continuously or repeatedly absent from the workplace (unless such absences are in compliance with the terms of this Agreement or the Company’s policies (including vacation, illness or disability policies)); (F) breached any material provision of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any member of the Company Group to which Executive is a party, which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to Executive; (G) committed any act that results or reasonably could be expected to result in material economic harm to the Company Group or that publicly injuries the integrity, character or reputation of the Company Group or (H) materially violated any written policy of the Company previously made available to Executive (including policies and procedures regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment), which breach or violation, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof to Executive.
(d)
WITHOUT CAUSE. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e)
RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. Immediately upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. The term “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location; (iii) material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or (iv) if Executive is a Section 16 officer as of the date of termination, material diminution in Executives title, reporting structure and/or job duties (other than temporarily as required by law, while Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated, during the pendency of an internal investigation, or after Executive or the Company has given notice of termination of Executive’s employment). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment unless: (x) Executive has given the Company written notice of the event alleged to constitute Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the first occurrence of such event; (y) the Company has an opportunity to cure the alleged Good Reason event within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice of the allegation; and (z) if the Company fails to cure, Executive’s date of termination for Good Reason shall occur within thirty (30) days following the last day of the cure period.
(f)
RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON. Upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s voluntary termination of employment (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
6.
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a)
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON; DEATH; DISABILITY. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term end due to termination by the Company for Cause as provided in Section 5(c), termination by Executive without Good
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Reason as provided in Section 5(f), or Executive’s Disability, as provided in Section 5(a), or death, as provided in Section 5(b), Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) any unpaid Base Salary accrued through the termination date, (ii) the Bitcoin Compensation for the month in which the termination date occurs, (iii) a lump sum payment for any accrued but unused PTO, (iv) COBRA coverage (but no Company-paid premiums except as otherwise required by law), (v) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, and (vi) a lump sum payment for any previously unreimbursed business expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company during the term of Executive’s employment (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). Upon any termination of employment, the treatment of outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan.
(b)
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE; RESIGNATION WITH GOOD REASON. If Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 5(d) or by Executive with Good Reason as provided in Section 5(e), then, in addition to the Accrued Amounts, and subject to Executive’s compliance with the obligations in Sections 7 – 10 hereof:
(i)
Executive will be paid an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid, less applicable withholdings and deductions, in installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over the twelve (12) months following the termination date (the “Severance Period”), the first payment to occur on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (as defined below) and to include any amounts that otherwise would have been paid prior thereto absent the delay (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the first payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(ii)
Payment of an amount equal to Executive’s target Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first regular payroll date following the effective date of the Release (provided that if the period for Executive to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) calendar years then the payment will occur no sooner than the first regular payroll date in the second calendar year);
(iii)
Provided Executive (i) timely elects to continue group health plan (including executive health plan) coverage pursuant to COBRA, (ii) timely pays Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums, (iii) is not eligible for group health plan coverage through a new employer, and (iv) otherwise remains eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, the Company shall (x) provide the same monthly premium subsidy it provides to similarly-situated active employees, such that Executive’s share of the applicable COBRA premiums will remain the same as that paid by similarly-situated active employees for corresponding coverage for a period of up to twelve (12) months following the termination date, and (y) report as taxable income any portion of the applicable COBRA premium necessary for the Company and its employee benefit plans to comply with Internal Revenue Code nondiscrimination requirements applicable to group health plans or cafeteria plans;
(iv)
(A) all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock or Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded on or prior to the date hereof shall vest as of the effective date of the Release, (B) any unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options (as defined in the Incentive Plan) awarded after the date hereof that would have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall vest as of the effective date of the release and all unvested time-vesting Restricted Stock, Stock Units or Stock Options awarded after the date hereof that would not have vested in the twelve (12) months following the termination date shall terminate and (C) all unvested Performance Shares or Performance Units (each as defined in the Incentive Plan) shall remain eligible to vest through the date that is twelve (12) months following the
4
termination date, and any Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not vested as of the date that is twelve (12) months following the termination shall terminate as of such date, in each case, except to the extent otherwise provided under the terms applicable to such Performance Shares or Performance Units; and
(v)
notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination occurs during the period commencing ninety (90) days prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Company Transaction (as defined in the Incentive Plan), any Restricted Stock, Stock Units, Stock Options, Performance Shares or Performance Units that have not otherwise vested in connection with such Company Transaction shall vest as of the later of the effective date of the Release and the consummation of the Company Transaction.
Payments and benefits provided in this Section 6(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(c)
Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall resign and be removed from any other position as an officer or director of the Company or any member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to promptly execute such documents evidencing such resignation(s) as the Company shall request.
7.
RELEASE. Any and all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement beyond the Accrued Amounts shall only be payable if Executive (or Executive’s estate, as the case may be) delivers to the Company and does not revoke, if applicable, a general release of claims in favor of the Company in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). Such Release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation, if applicable) within sixty (60) days following termination (except as otherwise required by law).
8.
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.
(a)
CONFIDENTIALITY. Executive acknowledges that all information, observations and data (including, but not limited to, all personal information, financial data, investment data, commercial data, trade secrets, business plans, business models, cost and pricing information, organizational structures and models, blueprints, business strategies, strategies, internal control, risk management, security procedures, internal industry studies, research and development efforts, marketing plans, information and materials, processes, inventions, devices, training manuals, computer programs, analytical models, templates and agreements, whether or not maintained in written form and whether in digital, hardcopy or other format) obtained by Executive prior to or during the course of Executive’s employment with or service to the Company concerning the business or affairs of the Company Group (“Confidential Information”) are the property of the Company Group, including information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during the Employment Term. Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive will not (during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter) disclose to any unauthorized person or use for Executive’s own account, other than as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, any Confidential Information without the Board’s written consent, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information (A) becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act or (B) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order or pursuant to a request by a governmental entity; provided that, in the event of a request described in clause (B), Executive shall (i) promptly notify the Company of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such a request, (ii) consult with the Company on the advisability of taking steps to resist or narrow such request, and (iii) cooperate with the Company, in its efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential
5
treatment will be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed. Executive shall deliver to the Company at the conclusion of the Employment Term, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product (as defined below) or the business of the Company Group (including, without limitation, all acquisition prospects, lists and contact information) which Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall (x) prohibit Executive from (i) making reports of possible violations of law or regulation to any appropriate governmental agency, entity or official, including in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of federal or state law or regulation, (ii) participating in a proceeding with any appropriate federal, state, or local government agency, (iii) making any truthful statements or disclosures required by law, regulation, or legal process, OR (iv) requesting or receiving confidential legal advice; or (y) require notification or prior approval by the Company of any activities described in provision (x). Executive is not authorized to disclose communications with counsel that were made for the purpose of receiving legal advice or that contain legal advice or that are protected by the attorney work product or similar privilege. In addition, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.
(b)
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, processes, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) (“Inventions”), and all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) that relate to the Company Group’s actual or anticipated business, research and development, or existing or future products or services and that are conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either solely or jointly with others) while employed by or providing service to the Company or any member of the Company Group (including any of the foregoing that constitutes any proprietary information or records) (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or the relevant member of the Company Group, and Executive hereby assigns, and agrees to assign, all of the above Work Product to the Company or to such member of the Company Group. Any Work Product prepared in whole or in part by Executive in the course of Executive’s work for any of the foregoing entities shall be deemed a “work made for hire” under applicable copyright laws, and the Company or any member of the Company Group shall own all rights therein. To the extent that any such Work Product is not a “work made for hire,” Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company or the applicable member of the Company Group all right, title, and interest, including without limitation, copyright in and to such Work Product. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company and at the Company’s expense (whether during or after the Employment Term) to establish and confirm the Company’s or the relevant member of the Company Group’s ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments). This Section 8(b) does not apply to any invention of Executive for which no equipment, supplies, facility or Confidential Information of the Company was used and that was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless the invention (1) relates to the Company’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (2) results from any work performed by Executive for or on behalf of the Company.
(c)
THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. Executive understands that the Company Group will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a
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duty on the Company Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Term and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 8(a) above, Executive will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and, except as required in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and consultants of the Company Group who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company Group) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company Group, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.
(d)
USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS. During the Employment Term, Executive will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employers or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and will not bring onto the premises of the Company or any member of the Company Group any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by the former employer or person. Executive will use in the performance of Executive’s duties only information which is (i) generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to Executive’s and which is (x) common knowledge in the industry or (y) otherwise legally in the public domain, (ii) otherwise provided or developed by the Company or any member of the Company Group, or (iii) in the case of materials, property or information belonging to any former employer or other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, approved for such use in writing by such former employer or person. Executive hereby represents that Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder (x) will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under, any contract, agreement or understanding to which Executive is a party or is otherwise bound and (y) will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
(e)
RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY. On the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive shall return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents and property belonging to the Company). Executive may retain Executive’s rolodex and similar address books provided that such items only include contact information. To the extent that Executive is provided with a cell phone number by the Company during employment, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in transferring such cell phone number to Executive’s individual name following termination.
9.
NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; NON-DISPARAGEMENT
(a)
NON-COMPETITION. Executive acknowledges that Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable, that during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company Executive has access to trade secrets and other competitively sensitive confidential business or professional information, and that Executive’s performance of services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Non-Compete Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity (as defined below) within the United States or any other country in which the Company is doing business or planning or preparing to do business, in each case, as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Prohibited Activity” is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive’s knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company is engaged or planning or preparing to be engaged as of the Effective Date, including, without limitation, those engaged in the business of server centers or
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cryptocurrency mining. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information, or Confidential Information. Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.
(b)
NON-SOLICITATION. During Executive’s employment hereunder and for a period of two (2) years thereafter (the “Non-Solicit Restricted Period”), Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) knowingly induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company and any employee thereof or (B) hire any person who was an employee of the Company within ninety (90) days after such person ceased to be an employee of the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (A) and (B)).
(c)
NON-INTEFERENCE WITH BUSINESS RELATIONS. During the Non-Solicit Restricted Period, Executive agrees and covenants not to, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of Executive or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, knowingly induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing).
(d)
NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive agrees that Executive will not, any time during the Employment Term and thereafter, directly or indirectly, whether in private or in public make, publish, encourage, ratify, or authorize, or aid, assist or direct any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in making or publishing (or attempt to or undertake preparations to do any of the foregoing), any statements that in any way defame, criticize, malign, impugn, reflect negatively on, or disparage (i) any member of the Company Group, (ii) the business, property or assets of any member of the Company Group, or (iii) any of the former, current or future officers, directors, employees or shareholders of any member of the Company Group; provided that, nothing in this Section 9(d) shall be construed to limit the ability of Executive to disclose information and documents, or give truthful testimony, pursuant to a subpoena, court order or a government investigative matter consistent with and/or subject to and in accordance with Section 8(a). Executive further agrees that, Executive will comply fully with any and all media and technology (including any e-mail, internet and social media) policies as in effect from time to time, including with respect to any period following the conclusion of the Employment Term, to the extent applicable, and any lawful Board directives regarding public statements regarding the Company, any member of the Company Group, or their respective personnel, related persons, investors or affiliates.
(e)
REFORMATION. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in Sections 8 or 9 hereof is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
(f)
TOLLING. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(g)
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 9 are in consideration of: (i) employment with the Company and (ii) additional
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good and valuable consideration as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 8 and 9 do not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor do they unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company and its affiliates of the non-enforcement of any provision of Sections 8 and 9 outweighs any potential harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and consulted with legal counsel of Executive’s choosing regarding its contents, has given careful consideration to the restraints imposed upon Executive by this Agreement and is in full accord as to their necessity for the reasonable and proper protection of confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group now existing or to be developed in the future. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that each and every restraint imposed by this Agreement is reasonable with respect to subject matter, time period and geographical area.
(h)
SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. The obligations contained in Sections 8 – 10 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.
10.
COOPERATION. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside legal counsel), Executive agrees that Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters about which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. As a former executive officer and director of the Company, Executive further agrees to promptly complete and return any director and officer questionnaire or provide similar information, and execute any certifications, as may be requested by the Company in connection with legal and regulatory requirements, including the requirements of the federal securities laws and the relevant national stock exchange, and the Company’s controls and procedures. Executive will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company. Except as set forth in Section 8(a), Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the fullest extent that Executive is legally permitted to do so) if Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving such claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its affiliates or is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or any of its affiliates, members, officers, directors, employees, or agents (or any of their respective alleged actions or omissions), regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by Executive in complying with this Section 10.
11.
EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Sections 8 – 10 hereof would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available. In the event of a violation by Executive of Sections 8 – 10 hereof, any severance being paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and any severance previously paid to Executive (other than $1,000) shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
12.
NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in this Section 12 hereof, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party hereto. The Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or to any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
9
Company, provided that the Company shall require such successor 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company and any permitted assignee which assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations of the Company under this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
13.
NOTICE. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Executive:
At the address shown
If to the Company:
CleanSpark, Inc. 10624 S Eastern Ave., Ste A-638 Henderson, NV 89052 with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP 525 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1900 Chicago, Illinois 60661-3693 Attention: Mark Wood, Esq. E-mail: [email protected]
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or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
14.
SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
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.
16.
COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
17.
ARBITRATION. The parties agree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be resolved exclusively by confidential, final and binding
10
arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and shall be brought and litigated in Clark County, Nevada. All disputes shall be resolved by one (1) arbitrator. The arbitrator will have the authority to award the same remedies, damages, and costs that a court could award, and will have the additional authority to award specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without requiring the posting of a bond or other security). The arbitrator shall issue a reasoned award explaining the decision, the reasons for the decision, and any damages or other relief awarded. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding. The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This provision and any decision and award hereunder can be enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act.
18.
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 Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. 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. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall be in addition to and not in place of any other confidentiality, invention assignment, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference or non-disparagement restrictions applicable to Executive, including pursuant to any other agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group. No agreements 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. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.
19.
TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
20.
SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a)
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or are exempt under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
(b)
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (y) the date of Executive’s
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death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(c)
For purposes of compliance with Code Section 409A, (i) all expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive, (ii) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(d)
For purposes of Code Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(e)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY
CleanSpark, Inc.
By: /s/ S. Matthew Schultz Title: Chief Executive Officer
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EXECUTIVE
/s/ Brian J. Carson BRIAN J. CARSON |
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EXHIBIT 99.1
CleanSpark Strengthens Leadership Team with Strategic Appointments to Drive Innovation and Power the Next Phase of Growth
Gary Vecchiarelli, Scott Garrison, Taylor Monnig, and Harry Sudock are transitioning to new and expanded C-Suite leadership roles
LAS VEGAS, September 8, 2025 -- CleanSpark, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLSK) (the "Company"), America's Bitcoin Miner®, today announced a strategic realignment of its leadership team, with several key internal appointments and transitions to accelerate innovation, drive diversified growth, and strengthen the company's long-term strategic trajectory.
Today’s appointments draw strength from the company’s tenured leadership team. Effective immediately, the following proven leaders from within will take on new and expanded executive roles as follows:
●
Gary A. Vecchiarelli has been named President, while continuing to serve as Chief Financial Officer. In this expanded leadership role, Gary will support the CEO by overseeing financial strategy, treasury operations, capital markets activities, and legal & compliance, while also driving organizational execution, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment as President.
●
Scott Garrison will now serve as Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President, and oversee infrastructure expansion, corporate development, business operations, and government affairs. Scott previously served as chief operating officer and this transition reflects an expanded focus on growth of power infrastructure, as well as strategic datacenter development.
●
Taylor Monnig has been named Chief Operating Officer, in addition to his existing chief technology officer role. This dual role will focus on operational excellence in bitcoin mining, energy optimization, and corporate functions, while driving innovation in software, hardware, and digital asset technology. Prior to CleanSpark, Taylor was issued a number of data center patents and won an Intel Innovation award as part of the OTTO HPC platform.
●
Harry Sudock, formerly senior vice president, was appointed Chief Business Officer and will oversee investor relations and strategic communications, provide sector leadership, and play a key role in the development and implementation of the broader corporate strategy.
“I am proud of today’s appointments and realignments, as they better reflect the strength, experience and continuity of our organizational leadership. These moves reaffirm our company’s commitment to maximize megawatt monetization through bitcoin mining and beyond,” said Matt Schultz, CEO and Chairman of CleanSpark. “This team has been responsible for the world-class strategy and execution behind ‘America’s Bitcoin Miner’ and brings that same passion as we pursue our broader strategy that seeks to capitalize on all available opportunities.”
About CleanSpark
CleanSpark (Nasdaq: CLSK), America's Bitcoin Miner®, is a market-leading Bitcoin miner with a proven track record of success. We own and operate a portfolio of data centers across the United States powered by globally competitive energy prices. Sitting at the intersection of Bitcoin, energy, operational excellence and capital stewardship, we optimize our operations to deliver superior
1
EXHIBIT 99.1
returns to our shareholders. Optimally monetizing low-cost, high reliability electricity positions us to prosper in an ever-changing world. Visit our website at www.cleanspark.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this press release, forward-looking statements include, but may not be limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, and strategies. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "forecasts," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the impact of the CEO transition on relationships with vendors, regulators, employees and investors and the ability of the executive team to execute on the Company’s strategies, in particular its pursuit of opportunities beyond bitcoin mining; completion of construction, regulatory approvals, and electrical power availability to achieve anticipated growth; the success and performance of the Company’s digital asset management and derivatives trading activities, which were only recently commenced; the success of the Company’s digital currency mining activities; the volatility in the price of Bitcoin and the volatile and unpredictable cycles in the emerging and evolving industries in which the Company operates; increasing difficulty rates for bitcoin mining; bitcoin halving; new or additional governmental regulation; the impacts of evolving global and U.S. trade policies and tariff regimes, including that there is uncertainty as to whether the Company will face materially increased tariff liability in respect of miners purchased since 2024 and in the future; the anticipated import and delivery dates of new miners; the ability to successfully import and deploy new miners and other mining equipment; dependency on utility rate structures and government incentive programs; dependency on third-party power providers for expansion efforts; the risk that expectations of future revenue growth may not be realized; and other risks described in the Company's prior press releases and in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading "Risk Factors" in those filings. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of any new information, changed circumstances or future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Investor Relations Contact
Harry Sudock
702-989-7693
[email protected]
Media Contact
Malory Van Guilder
651.335.0585
[email protected]
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