UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

 

Filed by the Registrant

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

 

Check the Appropriate Box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

 

JanOne Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

 

No fee required

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:

 

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

JanOne Inc.

325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102

Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

 

 

NOTICE OF 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

OF STOCKHOLDERS

Las Vegas, Nevada

September 20, 2022

Dear Stockholder:

The 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of JanOne Inc., a Nevada corporation, will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, at our principal executive offices located at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 for the following purposes:

1. To elect four directors to the Company’s Board of Directors.

2. To hold an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation.

3. To ratify the appointment of WSRP, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022.

4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 20, 2022 as the record date for the 2022 Annual Meeting. Only the holders of record of our common stock or Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the 2022 Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof. We have also enclosed with this notice (i) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2022 and (ii) a Proxy Statement.

Your vote is extremely important regardless of the number of shares you own.

Whether you own a few shares or many, and whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. You may vote your shares on the Internet, by telephone, or by completing, signing, and promptly returning a proxy card or you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Voting online, by telephone, or by returning your proxy card does not deprive you of your right to attend the Annual Meeting.

 

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Tony Isaac

 

 

Tony Isaac, Corporate Secretary

 

The proxy statement is dated October 6, 2022 and is first being made available to stockholders on or about October 7, 2022.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 2, 2022: The Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxy.docs.com/JAN.

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

No.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

2

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

6

PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

8

PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

14

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

15

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

17

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

18

OTHER MATTERS

18

ANNUAL REPORT

19

 

 

 

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JanOne Inc.

325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102

Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

(800) 977-6038

PROXY STATEMENT FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 2, 2022

This Proxy Statement relates to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of JanOne Inc. (“JanOne” or the “Company”). The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, at our corporate offices located at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, or at such other time and place to which the Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed. The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). The proxy materials relating to the Annual Meeting are first being mailed to stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on or about September 20, 2022. References in this Proxy Statement to “2021” or “fiscal 2021” refer to the Company’s fiscal year ended January 1, 2022.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS About the ANNUAL Meeting

Q: What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?

A: At the Annual Meeting, holders of our common stock and Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A-1 Preferred Stock”) will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and this Proxy Statement, including the (i) election of four directors to the Board, (ii) an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation, and (iii) ratification of the appointment of WSRP, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2022.

Q: What are the Board’s recommendations?

A: The Board recommends a vote:

FOR election of the nominated slate of directors; and
FOR the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation;
FOR the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of WSRP, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2022.

With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.

Q: Who is entitled to attend the Annual Meeting?

A: All holders of common stock and/or Series A-1 Preferred Stock as of the record date, September 20, 2022, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting.

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

A: Only stockholders of record of outstanding shares of common stock and/or Series A-1 Preferred Stock of the Company at the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to cast one vote on each matter to be voted upon. Each outstanding share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock entitles its holder to cast 17 votes per share on each matter to be voted upon, pursuant to the formula described in the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of the Preferences, Rights, and Limitations of the Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock of JanOne (in its former name of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.) filed by the Company with the Nevada Secretary of State on April 13, 2021. The shares of common stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock will vote together as a single class for all proposals at the Annual Meeting. The holders of outstanding common stock are entitled to a total of 3,150,230 votes. The holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are entitled to a total of 3,783,999 votes.

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Q: What constitutes a quorum?

A: The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the common stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum. A quorum is required for business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting. You will be considered part of the quorum if you submit a properly executed proxy card, vote your proxy by using the internet voting service, or vote your proxy by using the toll-free telephone number listed on the proxy card, even if you abstain from voting. Shares held in “street name” by brokers that are voted on at least one proposal to come before the Annual Meeting will be counted as present in determining whether there is a quorum.

Q: How do I vote my shares if they are registered directly in my name?

A: We offer four methods for you to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. While we offer four methods, we encourage you to vote through the Internet or by telephone, as they are the most cost-effective methods for the Company. We also recommend that you vote as soon as possible, even if you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, so that the vote count will not be delayed. Both the Internet and the telephone provide convenient, cost-effective alternatives to returning your proxy card by mail. There is no charge to vote your shares via the Internet, though you may incur costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers. If you choose to vote your shares through the Internet or by telephone, there is no need for you to mail your proxy card.

You may (i) vote in person at the Annual Meeting or (ii) authorize the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card, Tony Isaac and Virland A. Johnson, to vote your shares by voting through the Internet or by telephone or by returning the enclosed proxy card by mail.

By Internet: Go to www.proxydocs.com/JAN. Have your proxy card available when you access the web site. You will need the control number from your proxy card to vote.
By telephone: Call (866) 436-6852 toll-free (in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada) on a touch-tone telephone. Have your proxy card available when you call. You will need the control number from your proxy card to vote.
By mail: Complete, sign and date the proxy card, and return it in the postage paid envelope provided with the proxy material.

Q: How do I vote my shares of common stock if they are held in the name of my broker (street name)?

A: If your shares of common stock are held by your broker, bank or other nominee, or its agent (“Broker”) in “street name,” you will receive a voting instruction form from your Broker asking you how your shares should be voted. You should contact your Broker with questions about how to provide or revoke your instructions. Holders of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock will receive the Proxy Materials directly from the Company.

If you hold your shares in “street name” and do not provide specific voting instructions to your Broker, a “broker non-vote” will result with respect to Proposals 1, 2, and 3. Therefore, it is very important to respond to your Broker’s request for voting instructions on a timely basis if you want your shares held in “street name” to be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Please see below for additional information if you hold your shares in “street name” and desire to attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person.

Q: What if I vote and change my mind?

A: If you are a stockholder and do not hold your shares in “street name,” you may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before the proxy is exercised at the Annual Meeting. You may change or revoke it by:

Returning a later-dated signed proxy card or re-accessing the Internet voting site or telephone voting number listed on the proxy card;
Delivering a written notice of revocation to the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal executive office at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119; or
Attending the meeting and voting in person at the meeting (although attendance at the meeting without voting at the meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute a revocation of your proxy).

If you hold your shares in “street name,” refer to the voting instructing form provided by your Broker for more information about what to do if you submit voting instructions and then change your mind in advance of the Annual Meeting.

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Q: How can I get more information about attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person?

A: The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, at our principal executive offices located at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, or such other time and place to which the Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed. For additional details about the Annual Meeting, including directions to the Annual Meeting and information about how you may vote in person if you so desire, please contact the Company’s Secretary at (702) 997-5968.

Q: What vote is required to approve each item?

A: Election of Directors. Election of a director requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares for which votes are cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The four persons receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected as directors. Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors.

Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation. Approval of the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation will be approved if the proposal receives the affirmative vote of the majority of the number of shares entitled to vote and represented at the Annual Meeting, present in person or by proxy, in favor of the proposal.

Ratification of Auditors. With respect to ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, the proposal will be approved if the proposal receives the affirmative vote of the majority of the number of shares entitled to vote and represented at the Annual Meeting, present in person or by proxy, in favor of the proposal.

Q: Are abstentions and broker non-votes counted in the vote totals?

A: A broker non-vote occurs when shares held by a Broker are not voted with respect to a particular proposal because the Broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on the matter and has not received voting instructions from its clients. If your Broker holds your shares in its name and you do not instruct your Broker how to vote, your Broker will only have discretion to vote your shares on “routine” matters. Where a proposal is not “routine,” a Broker who has received no instructions from its clients does not have discretion to vote its clients’ uninstructed shares on that proposal. At the Annual Meeting, only Proposal 2 (ratifying the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm) is considered a routine matter. Your Broker will therefore not have discretion to vote on the election of directors as this is a “non-routine” matter.

Broker non-votes and abstentions by stockholders from voting (including Brokers holding their clients’ shares of record, who cause abstentions to be recorded) will be counted towards determining whether or not a quorum is present. However, as the four nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election of directors. With regard to the affirmative vote of the shares present at the meeting required for Proposal 2, it is a routine matter so there will be no broker non-votes, but abstentions will have the effect of a vote against Proposal 2.

Q: Who will count the vote?

A: An Inspector of Elections will be appointed for the Annual Meeting to count the votes.

Q: Can I dissent or exercise rights of appraisal?

A: Under Nevada law, neither holders of our common stock nor holders of our Series A-1 Preferred Stock are entitled to dissenters’ rights in connection with any of the proposals to be presented at the Annual Meeting or to demand appraisal of their shares as a result of the approval of any of the proposals.

Q: How will voting on any other business be conducted?

A: Although we do not know of any business to be considered at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals described in this proxy statement, if any other business is presented at the Annual Meeting, your proxy gives authority to Tony Isaac, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Virland A. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer, to vote on such matters at their discretion.

Q: When are stockholder proposals for the 2023 Annual Meeting of stockholders due?

A: To be considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2022, stockholder proposals must be received at the Company’s office no later than June 4, 2023, or, in the event the Company changes the date of its Annual Meeting to be held in 2023 by more than 30 days from the date of this year’s meeting, a reasonable time before the Company

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begins to print and send its proxy materials. Proposals must be in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and must be submitted in writing and delivered or mailed to the Company’s Secretary, at JanOne Inc., 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

Q: Who pays for this proxy solicitation?

A: The Company will bear the entire cost of this proxy solicitation, including the preparation, assembly, printing, and mailing of this Proxy Statement, the proxy card, and any additional solicitation materials furnished to the stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to brokerage houses, fiduciaries, and custodians holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others so that they may forward the solicitation material to such beneficial owners.

Q: Where can I access this Proxy Statement and the related materials online?

A: The Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders are available at http://www.proxydocs.com/JAN.

 

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock as of September 20, 2022, for:

each of our named executive officers;
each of our current directors;
all of our current executive officers and directors as a group; and
each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of either our common stock or Series A-1 Preferred Stock.

All share information in the table (including footnotes) below reflects one-for-five (1:5) reverse stock split effectuated on April 19, 2019.

The business address of each beneficial owner listed in the table unless otherwise noted is c/o JanOne Inc., 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

We deem shares of our common stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of September 20,2022 pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants or conversion of convertible securities to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but these shares are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or group shown in the table. Percentage of ownership is based on 3,150,230 shares of common stock and 222,589 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock (which are the voting equivalent of 3,784,006 shares of common stock) outstanding on September 20, 2022. The information as to beneficial ownership was either (i) furnished to us by or on behalf of the persons named or (ii) determined based on a review of the beneficial owners’ Schedules 13D/G and Section 16 filings with respect to our common stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, no holder of Series A-1 Preferred Stock has converted his or its shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
(1)

 

 

Percentage
of Class
(2)

 

Named Executive Officers and Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Isaac, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Secretary (3)

 

 

94,000

 

 

 

3.0

%

Virland A. Johnson, Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

*

 

Richard D. Butler, Director (3)

 

 

18,000

 

 

*

 

John Bitar, Director

 

 

2,000

 

 

*

 

Nael Hajjar, Director

 

 

 

 

*

 

All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (6 persons)

 

 

114,000

 

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other 5% Stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isaac Capital Group, LLC (4)

 

 

675,761

 

 

 

21.5

%

Juan Yunis (5)

 

 

460,000

 

 

 

14.6

%

* Indicates ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding shares

(1) Unless otherwise noted, each person or group identified possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.

(2) Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 3,150,230 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 20, 2022 plus, for each stockholder, all shares that such stockholder could acquire within 60 days upon the exercise of existing stock options and warrants or conversion of existing convertible securities.

(3) Includes shares that could be purchased within 60 days upon the exercise of existing stock options or warrants, as follows: Mr. Isaac, 2,000 shares and Mr. Butler, 4,000 shares.

(4) According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on April 30, 2019, Isaac Capital Group, LLC (“Isaac Capital”) beneficially owned 392,941 shares of common stock. On April 15, 2021 and June 22, 2022, ICG converted 8,000 and 6,141 shares, respectively, of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into 160,000 and 122,820 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock. Isaac Capital has sole dispositive power as to all 675,761 shares and sole voting power as to 675,761 shares. The address for Isaac Capital is 3525 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite 765, San Diego, California 92130.

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(5) On April 15, 2021 and June 22, 2022, Juan Yunis converted 13,000 and 10,000 shares, respectively, of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into 260,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock. The address for Mr. Yunis is Carrera 44B # 96 - 67 Torre 1 Apto 1103, Barranquilla, Atlantico, 08002, Colombia.

 

Beneficial Ownership of Series A-1 Preferred Stock

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)

 

 

Percentage of Outstanding Series A Preferred (2)

 

Greg Sullivan (3)

 

 

28,859

 

 

 

13

%

Juan Yunis (4)

 

 

193,729

 

 

 

87

%

 

(1) Unless otherwise noted, each person or group identified possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.

(2) Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 222,589 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 20, 2022. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, no holder of Series A-1 Preferred Stock has converted his or its shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s common stock.

(3) The last known address for Mr. Sullivan is 4565 Dean Martin Drive, #106, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. On January 16, 2019, GeoTraq terminated the employment of Mr. Sullivan pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement dated August 18, 2017 (the “Sullivan Employment Agreement”) between GeoTraq and Mr. Sullivan. Under the terms of the Sullivan Employment Agreement, 28,859 of the shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock owned by Mr. Sullivan immediately prior to the termination are deemed to have been returned to the Company’s treasury for cancellation effective as of January 16, 2019, without the requirement that either Mr. Sullivan or the Company take any further action. An equivalent number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock were exchanged by the Company for such shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock on June 19, 2019, in conjunction with an exchange by the Company for each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock as of such date.

(4) According to a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on April 12, 2019, Juan Yunis beneficially owns 216,729 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock. On April 15, 2021 and June 22, 2022, Juan Yunis converted 13,000 and 10,000 shares, respectively, of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into 260,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock. Mr. Yunis has sole dispositive and voting power as to all 193,729 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock. The address for Mr. Yunis is Carrera 44B # 96 - 67 Torre 1 Apto 1103, Barranquilla, Atlantico, 08002, Colombia.

 

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Election of Directors

 

(proposal No. 1)

 

General

The property, affairs, and business of the Company are managed under the direction of the Board. A board of four directors is to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the Board’s four nominees. The term of office for each person elected as a director will continue until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor has been elected and qualified, or until such director is removed or resigns.

All of the nominees named below are presently directors of the Company and have served continuously since the year indicated. All nominees have indicated a willingness to serve if elected. The Company knows of no arrangements or understandings between a nominee and any other person pursuant to which the nominee has been selected as a director.

All shares represented by proxies that have been properly executed and returned or properly voted will be voted for the election of all of the nominees named below, unless other instructions are indicated thereon. In the event any one or more of such nominees should for any reason not be able to serve as a director, the proxies will be voted for such other person or persons as may be designated by the Board.

The Board recommends voting “FOR” the election of each of the Director nominees as directors, each of whom shall hold office for a term of one year, expiring at the Annual Meeting in 2022, and until his successor is elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation, or removal.

Nominees for Election to the Board

The names of the nominees are set forth in the table below. Following the table is certain information for at least the last five years regarding each nominee.

 

Name

 

Position with Company

 

Director

Since

 

Age as of

September 20, 2022

 

Tony Isaac

 

Director, President, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary

 

2015

 

 

68

 

Richard D. Butler

 

Director

 

2015

 

 

74

 

Nael Hajjar

 

Director

 

2018

 

 

38

 

John Bitar

 

Director

 

2020

 

 

48

 

 

Tony Isaac has been a director of the Company since May 2015 and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2016; he also became the Corporate Secretary in 2021. He served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company from February 2016 until May 2016. Mr. Isaac has served as Financial Planning and Strategist/Economist of Live Ventures Incorporated (“Live Ventures”) (Nasdaq: LIVE), a holding company for diversified businesses, since July 2012. He is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Isaac Organization, a privately held investment company. Mr. Isaac has invested in various companies, both private and public from 1980 to present. Mr. Isaac’s specialty is negotiation and problem-solving of complex real estate and business transactions. Mr. Isaac has served as a director of Live Ventures since December 2011. Mr. Isaac graduated from Ottawa University in 1981, where he majored in Commerce and Business Administration and Economics. We believe that Mr. Isaac has significant investment and financial expertise and public board experience that he brings to the Board.

Richard D. Butler, Jr. has been a director of the Company since May 2015. Mr. Butler is the owner of an advisory firm that provides real estate, corporate, and financial advisory services since 1999, and is the co-Founder, Managing Director, and, since 2005, a major stockholder of Ref-Razzer Company, a whistle manufacturing and vending company. Prior to this, Mr. Butler was the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Aspen Healthcare, Inc. from 1996 to 1999. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Butler was a Managing Director at Landmark Financial and from 1989 to 1993 he was a Partner at Cal Ventures Real Estate Investment Group. Prior to this, Mr. Butler has also served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mt. Whitney Savings Bank, Chief Executive Officer of First Federal Mortgage Bank, Chief Executive Officer of Trafalgar Mortgage, and Executive Officer and Member of the President’s Advisory Committee at State Savings & Loan Association (peak assets $14 billion) and American Savings & Loan Association (NYSE: FCA; peak assets $34 billion). Mr. Butler has served on the board of directors of Live Ventures (Nasdaq: LIVE) since August 2006. Mr. Butler attended Bowling Green University in Ohio, San Joaquin Delta College in California, and Southern Oregon State College. We believe that Mr. Butler brings to the Board extensive experience

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in financial management and executive roles, which enable him to provide important expertise in financial, operating and strategic matters that impact our Company.

John Bitar has been a director of the Company since January 2020. Since 2012, Mr. Bitar has been providing consulting services to companies and clients on business and legal strategies, management, operations, and cost controls. From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Bitar co-founded and was Managing Partner of a worker’s compensation law firm. Mr. Bitar has been an attorney admitted to the California State Bar since 1999. Mr. Bitar graduated from the University of Southern California in 1996 and earned his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1999 from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. We believe that Mr. Bitar has significant business experience and brings operational expertise to the Board.

Nael Hajjar has been a director of the Company since August 2018. Mr. Hajjar is currently the Unit Head for the Annual Wholesale Trade Survey in Statistics Canada’s Manufacturing and Wholesale Trade Division. From March 2011 through May 2016, Mr. Hajjar was a Senior Analyst – Economist of Statistics Canada’s Producer Prices Division where he developed Canada’s first ever Investment Banking Services Price Index while leading the development of a variety of Financial Services Price Index development projects. We believe that Mr. Hajjar brings to the Board extensive experience in research and analysis of financial statistics, economics, and business practices in a variety of industries including manufacturing, logging, Wholesale Trade, and financial services. We believe that Mr. Hajjar also has extensive experience in project management, and he holds a Bachelor of Social Science, Honors in Economics (which he earned in 2006), and Bachelor of Commerce, Option in Finance (which he earned in 2008), both from the University of Ottawa.

Director Independence

There are no family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers of the Company. Of the current directors, each of Messrs. Butler, Bitar, and Hajjar is an “independent” director, as defined under the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) and each has been an independent director since each joined the Board.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Tony Isaac, our President, Chief Executive Officer, and Secretary, also serves as Chairman of the Board. Currently, the Board does not have a Lead Independent Director. Although the Board reserves the right to make changes in the future, it believes that the current structure, as described in this Proxy Statement, is appropriate at this time given the size and experience of the Board, as well as the background and experience of management.

It is management’s responsibility to manage risk and bring to the attention of the Board of Directors the most material risks affecting the Company. The Board of Directors, including through committees of the Board comprised solely of independent directors, regularly reviews various areas of significant risk to the Company, and advises and directs management on the scope and implementation of policies, strategic initiatives, and other actions designed to mitigate various types of risks. Specific examples of risks primarily overseen by the full Board of Directors include competition risks, industry risks, economic risks, liquidity risks, and business operations risks. The Audit Committee reviews with management and the independent auditors significant financial risk exposures and the processes management has implemented to monitor, control, and report such exposures. The Audit Committee also reviews and approves transactions with related persons. The Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) reviews and evaluates potential risks related to the attraction and retention of talent, and risks related to the design of compensation programs established by the Compensation Committee for the Company’s executive officers.

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Actions and Committees of the Board of Directors

In fiscal 2021, the Board of Directors met six times and took action by unanimous written consent four times. In fiscal 2021, the Board of Directors had three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Audit Committee met six times during fiscal 2021. The Compensation Committee did not hold a formal meeting during fiscal 2020 and took action by unanimous written consent three times. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not hold a formal meeting during fiscal 2021 but did take one action by unanimous written consent. The Board currently has no other standing committees and has no current plans to establish additional committees. Each person who served as a director during fiscal 2021 attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees on which the director served. It is the Company’s policy that all directors should attend the Annual Meeting of stockholders. Three out of five members of the Board of Directors who were in place at the time of last year’s annual meeting attended last year’s annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Board Diversity

Board Diversity (As of September 20, 2022)

Total Number of Directors

4

 

Female

Male

Non- Binary

Did Not Disclose Gender

Part I: Gender Identity

 

Directors

0

3

0

1

Part II: Demographic Background

 

 

African American or Black

0

0

0

0

Alaskan Native or Native American

0

0

0

0

Asian

0

0

0

0

Hispanic or Latinx

0

0

0

0

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

0

0

0

0

White

0

3

0

0

Two or More Races or Ethnicities

0

0

0

0

LGBTQ+

0

Did Not Disclose Demographic Background

1

 

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised entirely of non-employee directors. In fiscal 2021, the members of the Audit Committee were Mr. Bitar, Mr. Butler (Chair), and Mr. Hajjar. Each of Messrs. Bitar, Butler, and Hajjar was an “independent” director as defined under Nasdaq rules. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting and approving the Company’s independent auditors, for relations with the independent auditors, for review of internal auditing functions (whether formal or informal) and internal controls, and for review of financial reporting policies to assure full disclosure of financial condition. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.janone.com under the caption “Investor Relations - Governance.” The Board has determined that Mr. Butler is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.janone.com under the caption “Investor Relations – Governance.”

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised entirely of non-employee directors. In fiscal 2021, the members of the Compensation Committee were Mr. Hajjar and Mr. Butler (Chair), each of whom was also an “independent” director as defined under Nasdaq rules. The Compensation Committee is responsible for review and approval of officer salaries and other compensation and benefits programs and determination of officer bonuses. Annual compensation for the Company’s executive officers, other than the CEO, is recommended by the CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee. The annual compensation for the CEO is recommended by the

10


 

Compensation Committee and formally approved by the full Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee may approve grants of equity awards under the Company’s stock compensation plans. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors in March 2011, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.janone.com under the caption “Investor Relations – Governance.”

In the performance of its duties, the Compensation Committee may select independent compensation consultants to advise the committee when appropriate. No compensation consultant played a role in the executive officer and director compensation for fiscal 2021. In addition, the Compensation Committee may delegate authority to subcommittees where appropriate. The Compensation Committee may separately meet with management if deemed necessary and appropriate.

Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Governance Committee”) is comprised entirely of non-employee directors. In fiscal 201`, the members of the Governance Committee were Mr. Butler and Mr. Bitar, each of whom was also an “independent” director as defined under Nasdaq rules. The primary purpose of the Governance Committee is to ensure an appropriate and effective role for the Board of Directors in the governance of the Company. The principal recurring duties and responsibilities of the Governance Committee include (i) making recommendations to the Board regarding the size and composition of the Board, (ii) identifying and recommending to the Board of Directors candidates for election as directors, (iii) reviewing the Board’s committee structure, composition and membership and recommending to the Board candidates for appointment as members of the Board’s standing committees, (iv) reviewing and recommending to the Board corporate governance policies and procedures, (v) reviewing the Company’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct and compliance therewith, and (vi) ensuring that emergency succession planning occurs for the positions of Chief Executive Officer, other key management positions, the Board chairperson and Board members. The Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.janone.com under the caption “Investor Relations - Governance.”

The Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders. The criteria applied by the Governance Committee in the selection of director candidates is the same whether the candidate was recommended by a Board member, an executive officer, a stockholders or a third party, and accordingly, the Governance Committee has not deemed it necessary to adopt a formal policy regarding consideration of candidates recommended by stockholders. Stockholders wishing to recommend candidates for Board membership should submit the recommendations in writing to the Secretary of the Company.

The Governance Committee identifies director candidates primarily by considering recommendations made by directors, management, and stockholders. The Governance Committee also has the authority to retain third parties to identify and evaluate director candidates and to approve any associated fees or expenses. Board candidates are evaluated on the basis of a number of factors, including the candidate’s background, skills, judgment, diversity, experience with companies of comparable complexity and size, the interplay of the candidate’s experience with the experience of other Board members, the candidate’s independence or lack of independence, and the candidate’s qualifications for committee membership. The Governance Committee does not assign any particular weighting or priority to any of these factors and considers each director candidate in the context of the current needs of the Board as a whole. Director candidates recommended by stockholders are evaluated in the same manner as candidates recommended by other persons.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

The Audit Committee is responsible for the review and approval of all transactions in which the Company was or is to be a participant and in which any executive officer, director, or director nominee of the Company, or any immediate family member of any such person (“related persons”) has or will have a material interest. In addition, all, if any, transactions with related persons that come within the disclosures required by Item 404 of the SEC’s Regulation S-K must also be approved by the Audit Committee. The policies and procedures regarding the approval of all such transactions with related persons have been approved at a meeting of the Audit Committee and are evidenced in the corporate records of the Company. Each member of the Audit Committee is an “independent” director as defined under Nasdaq rules.

Code of Ethics

Our Audit Committee has adopted a code of ethics applicable to our directors and officers (including our Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Financial Officer) and other of our senior executives and employees in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. A copy of the code of ethics may be obtained upon request, without charge, by addressing a request to Corporate Secretary, JanOne Inc., 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. The code of ethics is also posted on our website at www.janone.com under “Investors – Corporate Governance.”

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We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding the amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the code of ethics by posting such information on our website at the address and location specified above and, to the extent required by the listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC disclosing such information.

Board Contact Information

If you would like to contact the Board or any committee of the Board, you can send an email to board@janone.com, or write to JanOne Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. All communications will be compiled by the Secretary of the Company and submitted to the Board or the applicable committee or director on a periodic basis.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Set forth below is certain information regarding each of our current executive officers as of September 20, 2022, other than Tony Isaac, whose biographical information is presented under “Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors.”

 

Virland A. Johnson, 60

Mr. Johnson was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company on August 21, 2017. Mr. Johnson had previously served the Company as a consultant beginning in February 2017. Mr. Johnson also continues to serve as Chief Financial Officer for Live Ventures. Prior to joining Live Ventures, Mr. Johnson was Sr. Director of Revenue for JDA Software from February 2010 to April 2016, where he was responsible for revenue recognition determination, sales and contract support while acting as a subject matter expert. Prior to joining JDA, Mr. Johnson provided leadership and strategic direction while serving in C-Level executive roles in public and privately held companies such as Cultural Experiences Abroad, Inc., Fender Musical Instruments Corp., Triumph Group, Inc., Unitech Industries, Inc. and Younger Brothers Group, Inc. Mr. Johnson’s more than 25 years of experience is primarily in the areas of process improvement, complex debt financings, SEC and financial reporting, turn-arounds, corporate restructuring, global finance, merger and acquisitions and returning companies to profitability and enhancing stockholder value. Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Arizona State University which he earned in 1982.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12


 

 

 

 

NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)

(Proposal No. 2)

 

Background

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the “Dodd-Frank Act”, requires that our stockholders have the opportunity to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation, commonly referred to as a “Say-on-Pay” vote.

 

The advisory vote on executive compensation is a non-binding vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as described in the Executive Compensation section and the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation set forth in this Proxy Statement. The Executive Compensation section starts on page 16 of this Proxy Statement. Please read the Executive Compensation section, which provides a detailed discussion of our executive compensation program, including information about the fiscal 2021 compensation of our named executive officers. This advisory vote on executive compensation is not a vote on our general compensation policies, the compensation of our Board of Directors, or our compensation policies as they relate to risk management.

 

The vote solicited by this Proposal 2 is advisory and therefore is not binding on the Company, our Board of Directors, or our Compensation Committee. The outcome of the vote will not require the Company, our Board of Directors, or our Compensation Committee to take any action and will not be construed as overruling any decision by the Company, our Board of Directors, or our Compensation Committee. Furthermore, because this non-binding, advisory resolution primarily relates to the compensation of our named executive officers that has already been paid or contractually committed, there is generally no opportunity for us to revisit these decisions. However, our Board of Directors, including our Compensation Committee, values the opinions of our stockholders and, to the extent there is any significant vote against the executive officer compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and evaluate what actions, if any, may be appropriate to address those concerns. Stockholders will be asked at the 2022 Annual Meeting to approve the following resolution pursuant to this Proposal 2:

 

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the named executive officers of JanOne Inc., as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation tables and narrative discussion included in this proxy statement, is hereby APPROVED on an advisory basis.”

 

Assuming that a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of our common stock and shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock that are present in person or by proxy and entitled or required to vote on Proposal 2 will be necessary to approve the advisory vote on the executive compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against Proposal 2.

 

Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval (on an advisory basis) of the executive compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and as described in this “Proposal 2: Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (“Say-on-Pay).”

 

If no vote indication is made on the accompanying proxy card or vote instruction form prior to the start of the 2019 Annual Meeting, each such proxy will be deemed to grant authority to vote “FOR” the approval of the executive compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and as described in this “Proposal 2: Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation.”

 

13


 

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

(Proposal No. 3)

 

The Audit Committee has selected WSRP, LLC (“WSRP”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022. The Company is submitting its selection of WSRP for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. A representative of WSRP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting via teleconference and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Company’s Bylaws do not require that stockholders ratify the selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Company is submitting the selection of WSRP to stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If stockholders do not ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain WSRP. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee at its discretion may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

 

On October 15, 2019, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the engagement of, and the Company engaged, WSRP as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021 and for the subsequent interim period through the date of filing the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, neither the Company, nor anyone on behalf of the Company consulted with WSRP regarding either: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K or a reportable event within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

Fees Paid to Auditors by the Company During Most Recent Fiscal Years

The following fees were billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm, WSRP. WSRP was appointed the Company’s auditor in October 2019.

 

 

 

January 1, 2022

 

 

January 2, 2021

 

Audit Fees

 

$

195,231

 

 

$

212,725

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

 

7,323

 

 

 

11,466

 

Tax Fees

 

 

46,700

 

 

 

48,459

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

249,254

 

 

$

272,650

 

 

Audit Fees: Audit fees include fees for the audit of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and interim reviews of the Corporation’s quarterly financial statements, comfort letters, consents and other services related to Securities and Exchange Commission matters.

Audit-Related Fees: Audit-related fees primarily include fees for certain audits of subsidiaries not required for purposes of WSRP's audit of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements or for any other statutory or regulatory requirements, and consultations on various other accounting and reporting matters

Tax Fees: This category consists of professional services rendered by our independent auditors for tax compliance.

All Other Fees consist of fees for services other than the services described above

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of the services described above was and is compatible with maintaining the independence of WSRP.

The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors.

The Board recommends a vote FOR ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of WSRP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2022.

14


 

 

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation for fiscal years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021, earned by each person who served as Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 2021, and our other most highly compensated executive officer who held office as of January 2, 2020 (“named executive officers”):

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2022

 

Name and principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Option

 

 

All Other

 

 

 

 

Position (1)

 

Year

 

Salary

 

 

Bonus

 

 

Awards

 

 

Awards

 

 

Compensation

 

 

Total

 

Tony Isaac

 

2021

 

$

550,324

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

550,324

 

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Secretary

 

2020

 

$

534,471

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

534,471

 

Eric Bolling (2)

 

2021

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Former President

 

2020

 

$

301,442

 

 

$

 

 

$

54,203

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

355,645

 

Virland A. Johnon

 

2021

 

$

149,363

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

149,363

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2020

 

$

121,731

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

121,731

 

 

(1) The Company only had two executive officers for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2022.

(2) On August 9, 2020, we entered into a first amendment to amendment and restated employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement Amendment”) with Eric Bolling. Under the terms of the Employment Agreement Amendment, in exchange for the Company issuing Mr. Bolling 40,000 shares of fully vested, restricted common stock of the Company (the “August 2020 Shares”), Mr. Bolling (i) agreed to continue to provide the services described in his employment agreement, (ii) resigned his position as President of the Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), provided that Mr. Bolling will continue as a member of the Board and further agreed that it is in the Company’s sole discretion whether Mr. Bolling continues as a member of the Board following the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; (iii) agreed to forego his base salary on a going forward basis and further agreed that he is not entitled to any base salary or any further remuneration or compensation from the Company whatsoever (other than the August 2020 Shares) after August 1, 2020, and (iv) forfeited the other 70,607 shares of the Company’s common stock that was owed to him under the terms of the employment agreement prior to the execution and delivery of the Employment Agreement Amendment. This amount reflects the fair value of a stock grant awarded to Mr. Bolling, as discussed.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at January 2, 2022

The following table provides a summary of equity awards outstanding for our Named Executive Officers at January 2, 2022:

 

Name

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)

 

 

 

Option
Exercise
Price ($)

 

 

Option
Expiration
Date

 

Tony Isaac

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

 

5.25

 

 

1/15/2023

 

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virland A. Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Option Plans

The Company uses stock options to attract and retain executives, directors, consultants and key employees. Stock options are currently outstanding under two stock option plans. The Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors in October 2016 and approved by the shareholders at the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders. Under the Plan, the Company has reserved an aggregate of 400,000 shares of its common stock for option grants. The Company’s 2011 Stock Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors in March 2011 and approved by the shareholders at the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders. The 2011 Plan expired on December 29, 2016, but options granted under the 2011 Plan before it expired will continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. As of January 1, 2022, options to purchase an aggregate of 120,500 shares were outstanding, including options for 90,000 shares under the 2016 Plan and options for 30,500 shares under the 2011 Plan. The Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee or the full Board of Directors acting as the Committee.

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The Plan permits the grant of the following types of awards, in the amounts and upon the terms determined by the Administrator:

Options. Options may either be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) which are specifically designated as such for purposes of compliance with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code or non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”). Options shall vest as determined by the Administrator, subject to certain statutory limitations regarding the maximum term of ISOs and the maximum value of ISOs that may vest in one year. The exercise price of each share subject to an ISO will be equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share on the date of the grant of the ISO, except in the case of an ISO grant to a stockholder who owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares, in which case the exercise price will be equal to or greater than 110% of the fair market value of a share on the grant date. The exercise price of each share subject to an NSO shall be determined by the Board at the time of grant but will be equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. Recipients of options have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the award until the award is exercised and a stock certificate or book entry evidencing such shares is issued or made, respectively.
Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards consist of shares granted to a participant that are subject to one or more risks of forfeiture. Restricted stock awards may be subject to risk of forfeiture based on the passage of time or the satisfaction of other criteria, such as continued employment or Company performance. Recipients of restricted stock awards are entitled to vote and receive dividends attributable to the shares underlying the award beginning on the grant date.
Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units consist of a right to receive shares (or cash, in the Administrator’s discretion) on one or more vesting dates in the future. The vesting dates may be based on the passage of time or the satisfaction of other criteria, such as continued employment or Company performance. Recipients of restricted stock units have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the award until the date a stock certificate or book entry evidencing such shares is issued or made, respectively.

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

The Company uses a combination of cash and share-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Company considers the significant amount of time that directors expend fulfilling their duties to the Company as well as the skill level required by the Company of members of the Board.

The table below presents cash and non-cash compensation paid to non-employee directors during the 2021 fiscal year.

Non-Management Director Compensation for Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2022

 

Name

 

Fees
Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)

 

 

Option Awards ($)

 

 

All Other
Compensation
($)

 

 

Total
($)

 

Jon Bitar

 

 

19,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,500

 

Richard D. Butler, Jr.

 

 

32,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,500

 

Nael Hajjar

 

 

15,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,600

 

 

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Policy Prohibiting Hedging

 

We consider it improper and inappropriate for our directors, officers, and other employees to engage in any transactions that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the value of our securities. As such, our no hedging policy prohibits all employees, including directors and executive officers, from engaging in any speculative or hedging transactions or any other transactions that are designed to offset any decrease in the value of our securities.

 

Shared Services

Tony Isaac, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, is the father of Jon Isaac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Ventures Incorporated (“Live Ventures”) and managing member of Isaac Capital Group LLC (“ICG”), a greater than 5% stockholder of the Company. Tony Isaac, Chief Executive Officer, and Richard Butler, Board of Directors member of the Company, are members of the Board of Directors of Live Ventures. The Company also shares certain executive, accounting and legal services with Live Ventures. The total services shared were approximately $92,000 and $69,000 for the 13 weeks ended July 2, 2022 and July 3, 2021, respectively, and approximately $167,000 and $133,000 for the 26 weeks ended July 2, 2022 and July 3, 2021, respectively. Customer Connexx rents approximately 9,900 square feet of office space from Live Ventures in Las Vegas, Nevada. The total rent and common area expense was approximately $52,000 and $55,000 for the 13 weeks ended July 2, 2022 and July 3, 2021, respectively, and approximately $108,000 and $106,000 for the 26 weeks ended July 2, 2022 and July 3, 2021, respectively.

ApplianceSmart Note

On December 30, 2017, the Company sold its retail appliance segment, ApplianceSmart, Inc. (“ApplianceSmart”) to ApplianceSmart Holdings LLC (the “Purchaser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Ventures Incorporated, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Purchaser purchased from the Company all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of ApplianceSmart in exchange for $6.5 million. On April 25, 2018, the Purchaser delivered to the Company a promissory note (the “ApplianceSmart Note”) in the original principal amount of approximately $3.9 million.

On December 9, 2019, ApplianceSmart filed a voluntary petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code. Consequently, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $3.0 million for the amount owed by ApplianceSmart to the Company as of December 28, 2019.

On October 13, 2021, a hearing was held to consider approval of a disclosure statement filed by ApplianceSmart in conjunction with its bankruptcy proceedings. On December 14, 2021, a hearing was held to confirm ApplianceSmart’s plan for reorganization (the “Plan”). On January 10, 2022, ApplianceSmart paid $25,000 to JanOne in settlement of its debt, as provided for in the confirmed Plan, and the ApplianceSmart Note was reversed. A final decree was issued by the court on February 28, 2022, upon the full satisfaction of the Plan, at which time ApplianceSmart emerged from Chapter 11. The outstanding balance of the ApplianceSmart Note at July 2, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was zero and approximately $3.0 million, respectively, exclusive of the impairment charge.

 

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Related Party ICG Note

On August 28, 2019, ARCA Recycling entered into and delivered to ICG a secured revolving line of credit promissory note, whereby ICG agreed to provide ARCA Recycling with a $2.5 million revolving credit facility (the “ICG Note”). The ICG Note originally matured on August 28, 2020. On August 25, 2020, the ICG Note was amended to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2020. On March 30, 2021, ARCA Recycling entered into a Second Amendment and Waiver (the “Second Amendment”) to the ICG Note to further extend the maturity date to August 18, 2021 and waive certain defaults under the ICG Note. The ICG Note bears interest at 8.75% per annum and provides for the payment of interest, monthly in arrears. ARCA Recycling will pay a loan fee of 2.0% on each borrowing made under the ICG Note. In connection with entering into the ICG Note, the Borrower also entered into a security agreement in favor of the Lender, pursuant to which ARCA Recycling granted a security interest in all of its assets to the Lender. The obligations of ARCA Recycling under the ICG Note are guaranteed by the Company. The foregoing transaction did not include the issuance of any shares of the Company’s common stock, warrants, or other derivative securities. As of January 1, 2022, the balance due on ICG note was $1.0 million. Beginning in April 2022, the revolving credit facility will convert to a term note that amortizes ratably through its maturity date of March 2026. The principal amount of the note is $1.0 million, and bears interest at 8.75% per annum. Monthly payments on this note will be approximately $24,767. ICG is a record and beneficial owner of 13.9% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. Jon Isaac is the manager and sole member of ICG, and the son of Tony Isaac, the Chief Executive Officer of JanOne and ARCA Recycling. As of July 2, 2022, the principal balance of the note is approximately $947,000.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter which is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. Additionally, a brief description of the primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee is included in this Proxy Statement under the discussion of “The Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters — Committee Membership — Audit Committee.” Under the Audit Committee charter, management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the application of accounting and financial reporting principles and our internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing our financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements and internal control over financial reporting of the Company with management and with the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 1301 “Communications with Audit Committee.” In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letters from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.

Based upon the review and discussions described in the preceding paragraph, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements of the Company be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2022, filed with the SEC.

 

October 6, 2022

 

The Audit Committee

 

 

 

 

 

Richard D. Butler, Jr. (Chair)

 

 

John Bitar

 

 

Nael Hajjar

 

Other Matters

At the date of this proxy statement the Company’s management knows of no other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy form to vote such proxies received by the Company in accordance with their judgment on such matters.

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ANNUAL REPORT

A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2021 has been mailed to you with this Proxy Statement. Except as provided above, the Annual Report is not to be considered a part of these proxy soliciting materials or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. The information contained in the “Audit Committee Report” shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. We will provide upon written request, without charge to each stockholder of record as of the record date, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2021 as filed with the SEC. Any exhibits listed in the Form 10-K also will be furnished upon request at the actual expense incurred by us in furnishing such exhibits. Any such requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 325 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 102, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119.

STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR TELEPHONE OR IMMEDIATELY MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY VIA FACSIMILE TO THE ATTENTION OF CORPORATE SECRETARY, JANONE INC., AT (702) 997-5968 OR IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

/s/ Tony Isaac

 

Tony Isaac, Secretary

 

October 6, 2022

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Janone p.o. Box 8016, cary, nc 27512-9903 your vote is important! Please vote by: internet go to: www.proxypush.com/jancast your vote online have your proxy card ready follow the simple instructions to record your vote phone call 1-866-436-6852 use any touch-tone telephone have your proxy card ready follow the simple recorded instructions mail mark, sign and date your proxy card fold and return your proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided janone, inc. Annual meeting of stockholders for stockholders of record as of september 20, 2022 time: tuesday, november 1, 2022 11:00 am, pacific time place: 325 e. Warm springs road, suite 102 las vegas, nevada 89119 this proxy is being solicited on behalf of the board of directors the undersigned hereby appoints tony isaac and virland a. Johnson (the "named proxies"), and each or either of them, as the true and lawful attorneys of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, and authorizes them, and each of them, to vote all the shares of capital stock of janone, inc. Which the undersigned is entitled to vote at said meeting and any adjournment thereof upon the matters specified and upon such other matters as may be properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof, conferring authority upon such true and lawful attorneys to vote in their discretion on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and revoking any proxy heretofore given. The shares represented by this proxy will be voted as directed or, if no direction is given, shares will be voted identical to the board of directors recommendation. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. In their discretion, the named proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. You are encouraged to specify your choice by marking the appropriate box (see reverse side) but you need not mark any box if you wish to vote in accordance with the board of directors’ recommendation. The named proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign (on the reverse side) and return this card. Please be sure to sign and date this proxy card and mark on the reverse side

 

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JanOne, Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders Please make your marks like this: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE: FOR ON PROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3 PROPOSAL YOUR VOTE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS 1. Election of Directors FOR WITHHOLD 1.01 Tony Isaac FOR 1.02 Richard D. Butler, Jr. FOR 1.03 John Bitar FOR 1.04 Nael Hajjar FOR FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. To hold an advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation. FOR 3. To ratify the appointment of WSRP, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2022 fiscal year. FOR 4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments thereof. Check here if you would like to attend the meeting in person. Authorized Signatures - Must be completed for your instructions to be executed. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on your account. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy/Vote Form. Signature (and Title if applicable) Date Signature {if held jointly} Date

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