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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

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 28, 2023

 

Laser Photonics Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

000-56166

 

84-3628771

(State of other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

1101 N. Keller Rd.

Suite G

Orlando, FL

 

32810

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (407) 804-1000

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

 

LASE

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

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. ☒

 






 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

 

On July 28, 2023, the registrant (“Laser Photonics”) entered into an offer letter with Jade Barnwell, age 54, to be its Chief Financial Officer. Under the terms of the offer letter, Ms. Barnwell will have a six-month trial period through February 1, 2024. During the trial period, Ms. Barnwell will receive a base salary of $20,000.00 per month, not be eligible for any bonus and will receive a grant of restricted shares of Laser Photonics’ common stock under Laser Photonics’ 2019 Stock Incentive Plan in two tranches. The first tranche of Laser Photonics’ restricted common stock shall be made on September 1, 2023, in the amount of the quotient of $100,000 divided by the fair market value of its common stock as of August 1, 2023, to vest in 12 equal monthly installments from August 1, 2023, so long as Ms. Barnwell continues to be employed by Laser Photonics. The second tranche of Laser Photonics’ restricted common stock will be made on September 1, 2023, in the amount of the quotient of $150,000 divided by the fair market value of its common stock as of August 1, 2023, to vest in five equal annual installments on the anniversary date of the grant of such shares so long as Ms. Barnwell continues to be employed by Laser Photonics. Ms. Barnwell also shall receive a severance payment of $9,230.77 in the event that Laser Photonics terminates her as CFO during the trial period other than for cause and she agrees to a release of claim. The foregoing is a summary of the terms of the offer letter with Ms. Barnwell and is qualified in its entirety by the offer letter attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Ms. Barnwell has more than 20-years of strategic finance and business leadership experience within accounting, finance, operations, reporting, mergers and acquisitions and business development. As Chief Financial Officer of Laser Photonics, Ms. Barnwell will be an integral member of the executive leadership team with a broad range of leadership responsibilities, including financial and strategic planning, risk management, funding and capital management, SEC and regulatory compliance and investor relations.

 

Before joining Laser Photonics, Ms. Barnwell held a number of interim financial leadership roles in support of venture capital and private equity portfolio companies. She served as Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (“FP&A”) at Crestview Partners’ Digicomm since November 2022, and as Vice President of FP&A at Marlin Equity Partners’ Allbridge between March 2021 to November 2022. Prior to that, she served as Vice President of FP&A at Vista Equity Partners’ PlanSource between December 2019 and December 2020. From June 2015 to December 2019 Ms. Barnwell served as Senior Manager or FP&A and later as Director of FP&A at Mitsubishi Power Systems where she directed North and South America’s strategic and financial planning. From April 2010 to June 2015 Ms. Barnwell held various financial analyst positions and Business Administration Manager for Siemens Corporation and two of its subsidiaries, TurboCare and Siemens Energy, Inc., and also served as SOX Officer for Siemens Energy, Inc. Ms. Barnwell started her finance career as an audit associate at KPMG LLP’s New York City office in June 2007. Ms. Barnwell received her B.S. degree from Han Yang University, her M.B.A. in International Management from Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and her M.S. in Accountancy from Zicklin School of Business at City University of New York - Baruch College. Further, she is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.

 

Laser Photonics issued a press release on August 3, 2023 addressing the hiring of Ms. Barnwell as CFO, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibits

 

10.1

Offer of Employment Agreement dated July 28, 2023, between Laser Photonics Corporation and Jade Barnwell

 

 

99.1

Press Release dated August 3, 2023

 

 
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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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: August 3, 2023

Laser Photonics Corporation

       
By: /s/ Wayne Tupuola

 

 

Wayne Tupuola

 
   

CEO

 

 

 
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EX-10.1 2 laser_ex101.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT laser_ex101.htm

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

 

July 28, 2023

 

Jade Barnwell

 

RE: Offer of Employment with Laser Photonics Corporation

 

Dear Ms. Barnwell:

 

This letter confirms and memorializes our recent discussions regarding the terms of your appointment as Vice President of Finance of Laser Photonics Corporation (“Laser Photonics or the “Company”), effective as of August 1, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). Please indicate your agreement to the terms set forth herein by your signature below.

 

1. Title; Initial Period. From the Effective Date through the six-month anniversary thereof (the “Initial Period”), you shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of Laser Photonics reporting directly to both the CEO of Laser Photonics and Board of Directors (the “Board”). In that capacity as Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for the financial operations of the Company, preparation, presentation, and control of the budget, preparation of all required financial statements and reporting for SEC and Nasdaq compliance purposes and all financial reporting for the Company’s shareholders, the Board, and the Audit Committee.

 

2. Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a) Base Salary. During the Initial Period you shall receive a base salary of $9230.77 bi-weekly, payable in accordance with Laser Photonics regular payroll practices. During the Initial Period you must focus on compliance reporting and preparation of the initial budget.

 

(b) Annual Bonus. During the Initial Period, you shall not be eligible for any bonus under Laser Photonics’ annual bonus plan.

 

(c) Restricted Stock Awards. As soon as practicable following the Effective Date, Laser Photonics shall grant you two restricted stock awards pursuant to its 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) (capitalized terms in this Section 2(c) that are not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan):

 

(i) Interim Period Grant. The first grant (the “Interim Period Stock Grant”) will be made on the first trading day of the month following the Effective Date and will be for a number of restricted shares of Laser Photonics common stock equal to the quotient of (A) $100,000 divided by (B) the Fair Market Value as of the grant date (rounded to the nearest whole share). Such restricted shares shall (1) subject to your continued employment, vest in twelve (12) equal monthly installments on each of the first twelve (12) monthly anniversaries of the Effective Date, (2) to the extent unvested, be forfeited upon your termination of employment with Laser Photonics for any reason other than (x) a termination due to your death or Disability (under which circumstances the tranche scheduled to vest on the first monthly vesting date immediately following such termination for death or Disability shall vest as of such termination, and the remaining unvested portion of the award shall be forfeited as of such termination), (y) a termination under the circumstances resulting in acceleration of vesting pursuant to Section 4, or (z) following a Covered Transaction, a termination by the Company other than for conduct constituting Cause for Termination (under which circumstances the award shall vest in full as of such termination), and (3) otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions customary for Laser Photonics time-vesting restricted stock awards.

 

1101 N Keller Rd., Ste. G Orlando, FL 32810 USA

 

www.laserphotonics.com · info@laserphotonics.com

 

Tel: 407-804-1000 · Fax: 407.804.1002






 

 

(ii) Long-Term Grant. The second grant (the “Long-Term Stock Grant”) will be made on the first trading day of the month following the Effective Date and will be for a number of restricted shares of Laser Photonics common stock equal to the quotient of (A) $150,000 divided by (B) the Fair Market Value as of the grant date (rounded to the nearest whole share). Such restricted shares shall (1) subject to your continued employment, vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the date, if any, that you are appointed Chief Financial Officer of Laser Photonics (on a non-interim basis), such vesting to be accelerated in full in the event that there occurs a Covered Transaction while you are serving as Chief Financial Officer of Laser Photonics on a non-interim basis, (2) be forfeited as of the first anniversary of the Effective Date if you have not been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Laser Photonics (on a non-interim basis) prior thereto, (3) to the extent unvested, be forfeited upon your termination of employment with Laser Photonics for any reason other than a termination after you have been appointed Chief Financial Officer on a non-interim basis that is (x) due to your death or Disability (in which case the tranche scheduled to vest on the first vesting date immediately following such termination shall vest on a prorated basis, based on the portion of the year preceding such next vesting date that had elapsed prior to such termination, and the remaining unvested portion of the award shall be forfeited as of such termination) or (y) by you for Good Reason (as defined in Section 7(E) of Exhibit A hereto) or by the Company other than for conduct constituting Cause for Termination (in which cases the tranche scheduled to vest on the first vesting date immediately following such termination shall vest in full, and the remaining unvested portion of the award shall be forfeited as of such termination), and (4) otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions customary for Laser Photonics time-vesting restricted stock awards.

 

(d) Employee Benefits. During the Initial Period, you will participate in the Executive Employee benefit plans through ADP PEO Organization.

 

3. Severance. If, during the Initial Period or Transition Period, Laser Photonics (a) terminates your employment other than for conduct constituting Cause (as defined in Section 7(C) of Exhibit A hereto, but treating references therein to “this agreement” as referring to this letter) and other than following your rejection of an offer by Laser Photonics pursuant to Section 3 of its Chief Financial Officer position, or (b) notifies you pursuant to Section 3 that it does not wish for you to serve as Chief Financial Officer (on a non-interim basis) and your employment terminates upon the expiration of the Transition Period, Laser Photonics shall, subject to your execution within 50 days of the date of such termination (and non-revocation) of a release of claims in a form satisfactory to Laser Photonics , (i) pay you $9,23077 of severance, payable no later than 60 days following the date of such termination, and (ii) cause any portion of the Interim Period Stock Grant that is unvested as of such termination to vest in full as of such termination. For clarity, no benefits shall be due under this Section 4 if you have been extended an offer of the Chief Financial Officer position pursuant to Section 3 and declined such offer.

 

1101 N Keller Rd., Ste. G Orlando, FL 32810 USA

 

www.laserphotonics.com · info@laserphotonics.com

 

Tel: 407-804-1000 · Fax: 407.804.1002






 

 

4. Relocation. Relocation is not required as this position

 

5. Restrictive Covenants.

 

(a) Work Product. All Work Product (defined below) shall be work made for hire by you and owned by Laser Photonics. If any of the Work Product may not, by operation of law or otherwise, be considered work made for hire by you for Laser Photonics, or if ownership of all right, title, and interest to the legal rights therein shall not otherwise vest exclusively in Laser Photonics, you hereby assign to Laser Photonics, and upon the future creation thereof automatically assign to Laser Photonics, without further consideration, the ownership of all Work Product. Laser Photonics shall have the right to obtain and hold in its own name copyrights, patents, registrations, and any other protection available in the Work Product. You agree to perform, during or after termination of your employment by Laser Photonics, such further acts as may be necessary or desirable to transfer, perfect, and defend Laser Photonics ownership of the Work Product as requested by Laser Photonics. For purposes of this letter, “Work Product” means the data, materials, formulas, research, documentation, computer programs, communication systems, audio systems, system designs, inventions (whether or not patentable), and all works of authorship, including all worldwide rights therein under patent, copyright, trade secret, confidential information, moral rights and other property rights, created or developed in whole or in part by you, while employed by Laser Photonics and its affiliates, within the scope of your employment or that otherwise relates in any manner to the business or projected business of Laser Photonics and its affiliates.

 

(b) Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. During the course of your employment with Laser Photonics, Laser Photonics and its affiliates may disclose to you Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (each as defined below). The Trade Secrets and the Confidential Information of Laser Photonics and its affiliates are the sole and exclusive property of Laser Photonics and its affiliates (or a third party providing such information to Laser Photonics or its applicable affiliate). The disclosure of the Trade Secrets and the Confidential Information of Laser Photonics and its affiliates to you does not give you any license, interest, or rights of any kind in the Trade Secrets or Confidential Information. You may use the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information solely for the benefit of Laser Photonics and its affiliates while you are an employee of Laser Photonics. You shall hold in confidence the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of Laser Photonics. Except in the performance of services for Laser Photonics and its affiliates, you shall not reproduce, distribute, transmit, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or transfer the Trade Secrets or the Confidential Information of Laser Photonics and its affiliates or any portion thereof. The obligations under this letter with regard to the Trade Secrets of Laser Photonics and its affiliates remain in effect as long as the information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law. The obligations with regard to the Confidential Information of Laser Photonics shall remain in effect while you are employed by Laser Photonics and its affiliates and thereafter. You agree to return to Laser Photonics, upon your resignation, termination, or upon request by Laser Photonics, the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of Laser Photonics and all materials relating thereto. As used herein, “Trade Secrets” means information of Laser Photonics and its affiliates, and their respective licensors, suppliers, clients, and customers, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers, which is not commonly known or available to the public and which information (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. As used herein, “Confidential Information” means information, other than Trade Secrets, that is treated as confidential, and that would potentially damage or interfere with, in any manner, the business of Laser Photonics and its affiliates if disclosed. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning Laser Photonics (and its affiliates’) financial structure, pricing, revenue sharing, partner agreements, customer agreements, marketing plans, methods of operation, and internal operating procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 6(b) do not apply to (A) information that is general knowledge in Laser Photonics industry, (B) information that has been disclosed to you by third parties who are unrelated to Laser Photonics and who are not bound by agreements of confidentiality with respect thereto, and (C) information you may be required to disclose by law but only to the extent required by law.

 

1101 N Keller Rd., Ste. G Orlando, FL 32810 USA

 

www.laserphotonics.com · info@laserphotonics.com

 

Tel: 407-804-1000 · Fax: 407.804.1002






 

 

(c) Nonsolicitation. You agree that for so long as you are employed by Laser Photonics or any of its affiliates and for a period thereafter equal to one month for every full month of service with Laser Photonics , up to a maximum of 12 months, from the date you cease to be employed by Laser Photonics and its affiliates for any reason, neither you nor any company or other entity controlled by you (whether currently existing or hereafter acquired or formed) shall, directly or indirectly, in any capacity, (i) solicit or induce, or attempt to solicit or induce, any person who accepts employment with Laser Photonics and its affiliates to leave the employ of Laser Photonics or any of its affiliates for any reason whatsoever, or (ii) hire or employ any person who accepts employment with Laser Photonics and its affiliates.

 

(d) Nondisparagement. You agree not to disparage Laser Photonics or its affiliates in any way, other than as part of the judicial, arbitration, or other dispute resolution process in connection with any litigation, mediation, arbitration, or other judicial proceeding arising under any claim brought in connection with this letter, or other than when compelled to testify under oath by subpoena, regulation or court order. Laser Photonics agrees to instruct the members of its Board of Directors and its officers who are subject to the requirements of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, not to disparage you in any way, other than as part of the judicial, arbitration or other dispute resolution process in connection with any litigation, mediation, arbitration or other judicial proceeding arising under any claim brought in connection with this letter, or other than when compelled to testify under oath by subpoena, regulation or court order.

 

1101 N Keller Rd., Ste. G Orlando, FL 32810 USA

 

www.laserphotonics.com · info@laserphotonics.com

 

Tel: 407-804-1000 · Fax: 407.804.1002






 

 

(e) Remedies. You acknowledge that breach of the provisions of this Section 6 would result in irreparable injury and permanent damage to Laser Photonics and its affiliates, which prohibitions, or restrictions you acknowledge are both reasonable and necessary under the circumstances, singularly and in the aggregate, to protect the interests of Laser Photonics and its affiliates. You recognize and agree that the ascertainment of damages in the event of a breach of this Section 6 would be difficult, and that money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries and damages that would be suffered by Laser Photonics and its affiliates from breach by you. You therefore agree: (i) that, in the event of a breach of this Section 6, Laser Photonics , in addition to and without limiting any of the remedies or rights that it may have at law or in equity or pursuant to this letter, shall have the right to injunctive relief or other similar remedy to specifically enforce the provisions hereof; and (ii) to waive and not to (A) assert any defense to the effect that Laser Photonics has an adequate remedy at law with respect to any such breach, (B) require that Laser Photonics submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret, or (C) require that Laser Photonics post a bond or any other security. Nothing contained herein shall preclude Laser Photonics from seeking monetary damages of any kind, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and other expenses, in a court of law.

 

6. Governing Law. This letter shall be governed in all aspects by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its rules governing conflicts of law.

 

7. Miscellaneous. All payments hereunder shall be subject to applicable tax withholding. This letter may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors or legal representatives. This letter represents the entire understanding of the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior communications, agreements, and understandings, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This letter may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Laser Photonics shall not pay up any cost of your reasonable legal fees incurred in connection with reviewing and negotiating this letter, provided that you shall provide documentation regarding such fees and costs in the manner generally required by Laser Photonics under its policies and procedures.

 

We look forward to you joining us at Laser Photonics.

 

Sincerely,

 

Wayne Tupuola

CEO

Laser Photonics Corporation

 

1101 N Keller Rd., Ste. G Orlando, FL 32810 USA

 

www.laserphotonics.com · info@laserphotonics.com

 

Tel: 407-804-1000 · Fax: 407.804.1002






 

 

The provisions of this offer of employment have been read, are understood, and the offer is herewith accepted. I understand my employment is contingent upon (completion of background check and drug test, execution of an employment agreement, non-compete and non-disclosure agreement or/and any other contingencies the employer needs to include.) If you resign your position for any reason before you have completed the 90-day introductory period, $80.00 will be deducted from your final paycheck to cover the cost of your drug test and online tests.

 

Date: ____________________________

 

Signature: _______________________________________________

 

Print Name: __________________________________________

 

Attachment “A” – Form of Employment Agreement

 

Attachment “B” –NDA

 

1101 N Keller Rd., Ste. G Orlando, FL 32810 USA

 

www.laserphotonics.com · info@laserphotonics.com

 

Tel: 407-804-1000 · Fax: 407.804.1002

 

 

EX-99.1 3 laser_ex991.htm PRESS RELEASE laser_ex991.htm

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

 

Laser Photonics Appoints Jade Barnwell as CFO

 

Orlando, FL August 3, 2023 – Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: LASE), (“LPC”), a leading global developer of CleanTech laser systems for laser cleaning and other materials applications, today announced Jade Barnwell joined the Company as chief financial officer, effective immediately.

 

Wayne Tupuola, CEO of Laser Photonics commented: “I’d like to welcome Jade to the Laser Photonics team. She brings significant experience in accounting and FP&A, and I expect her experience and skills putting in place processes and controls for finance and accounting will play a significant role in as we pursue what we believe is a massive growth opportunity ahead.”

 

Barnwell has more than 20-years of strategic finance and business leadership experience within accounting, finance, operations, reporting, mergers and acquisitions and business development. As chief financial officer she will be an integral member of the executive leadership team with a broad range of leadership responsibilities, including financial and strategic planning, risk management, funding and capital management, SEC and regulatory compliance and investor relations.

 

Prior to joining LPC, Barnwell held interim financial leadership roles in support of portfolio companies for global venture capital and private equity firms. Prior to these roles, she directed strategic and financial planning for Mitsubishi Power Systems’ North and South American operations. Barnwell also held various financial positions at Siemens Corporation and two of its subsidiaries, TurboCare and Siemens Energy, including serving as the Sarbanes Oxley Officer for Siemens Energy.  She began her finance career as an audit associate at KPMG LLP’s New York City office in June 2007. Barnwell received her B.S. degree from Han Yang University, an M.B.A. in International Management from Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and a M.S. in Accountancy from the Zicklin School of Business at City University of New York - Baruch College.  Further, she is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.

 

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), including statements regarding the Company’s plans, prospects, potential results and use of proceeds. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of this press release and involve several risks and uncertainties, which may cause results and uses of proceeds to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These risks include, without limitation, those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Registration Statement. Any reader of this press release is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

 

 
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About Laser Photonics Corporation

Laser Photonics is a vertically-integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence for industrial laser technologies and systems. LPC seeks to disrupt the $46 billion, centuries old, sand and abrasives blasting markets, focusing on surface cleaning, rust removal, corrosion control, de-painting and other laser-based industrial applications. LPC’s new generation of leading-edge laser blasting technologies and equipment also addresses the numerous health, safety, environmental, and regulatory issues associated with the old methods. As a result, LPC has quickly gained a reputation as an industry leader for industrial laser systems with a brand that stands for quality, technology and product innovation. Currently, world-renowned and Fortune 1000 manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, industrial, maritime, space exploration and shipbuilding industries are using LPC’s “unique-to-industry” systems. For more information, visit www.laserphotonics.com.

 

Investor and Public Relations Contact:

laser@haydenir.com

 

 
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