UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

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LOGO

QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

June 15, 2016July 1, 2021

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Quest Resource Holding Corporation, a Nevada corporation, will be held at 9:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, June 15, 2016,Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the offices of Quest Resource Holding Corporation, 3481 Plano Parkway, The Colony, Texas 75056, for the following purposes:

1.

To elect three directors, each to serve for a three-year term expiring in 2024.

2.

To approve an amendment to our 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2014 ESPP”) to increase the number of shares reserved for stock-based compensation under our 2014 ESPP by 250,000 shares.

3.

To provide a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2020, or say-on-pay.

4.

To ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

5.

1. To elect three directors, each to serve for a three-year term expiring in 2019.

2. To provide a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2015, or say-on-pay.

3. To authorize our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock.

4. To ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

These items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice.

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2016May 20, 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting and vote in person. To assure your representation at the meeting, however, you are urged to vote by proxy as soon as possible by mail by following the instructions on the proxy card. You may vote in person at the meeting even if you have previously given your proxy.

Sincerely,

/s/ Laurie L. Latham

Laurie L. Latham

Secretary

The Colony, Texas

April 29, 2016

June 1, 2021


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

VOTING AND OTHER MATTERS

1

PROPOSAL ONE – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

4

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

8

MANAGEMENT

13

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

14

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

23

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

25

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

26

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

27

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

28

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

30

PROPOSAL TWO – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)

31

PROPOSAL THREE – PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO AMEND OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT AN UP TO 1-FOR-10 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF OUR COMMON STOCK

33

PROPOSAL FOUR – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

36

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

38

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

39

OTHER MATTERS

40

VOTING AND OTHER MATTERS1

PROPOSAL ONE4

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 4

MANAGEMENT13

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION14

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 18

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION20

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE21

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT22

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS23

PROPOSAL TWO AMENDMENT OF 2014 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN24

PROPOSAL THREE ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)27

PROPOSAL FOUR RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT29

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS31

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS31

OTHER MATTERS31


LOGO

QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION

3481 Plano Parkway

The Colony, Texas 75056

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

VOTING AND OTHER MATTERS

General

The enclosed proxy is being solicited on behalf of Quest Resource Holding Corporation, a Nevada corporation, by our Board of Directors for use at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 9:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, June 15, 2016,Thursday, July 1, 2021, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth in this proxy statement and in the accompanying notice. The meeting will be held at the offices of Quest Resource Holding Corporation, 3481 Plano Parkway, The Colony, Texas 75056. If you need directions to the location of the meeting, please call (972) 464-0004.

These proxy solicitation materials were first released on or about April 29, 2016June 1, 2021 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting To Be Held on June 15, 2016.July 1, 2021.

These proxy materials, which include the notice of annual meeting, this proxy statement, and our 20152020 Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2020, are available athttp://www.cstproxy.com/questrmg/2016qrhc/2021.

Stockholders Entitled to Vote; Record Date; How to Vote

Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2016,May 20, 2021, which we have set as the record date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. On the record date, there were outstanding 118,678,22518,720,486 shares of our common stock. Each stockholder voting at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, may cast one vote per share of common stock held on all matters to be voted on at the meeting.

If, on April 18, 2016,May 20, 2021, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting. Alternatively, you may vote by using the accompanying proxy card. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote by filling out and returning the enclosed proxy card or online as instructed on the enclosed proxy card to ensure your vote is counted. Even if you have submitted a proxy before the meeting, you may still attend the meeting and vote in person.

If, on April 18, 2016,May 20, 2021, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, or similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name”name,” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank, or other nominee on


how to vote the shares in your account. You should have received voting instructions with these

proxy materials from that organization rather than from us. You should follow the instructions provided by that organization to submit your proxy. You are also invited to attend the meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the broker, bank, or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares at the meeting.

Quorum; Required Vote; Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total number of shares of common stock entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. Votes cast in person or by proxy at the meeting will be tabulated by the election inspector appointed for the meeting, who will determine whether a quorum is present.

Assuming that a quorum is present, the three persons receiving the largest number of “for” votes of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote (a plurality) will be elected directors. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast will be required to authorizeelect directors, to approve the amendment to our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2014 ESPP”) and to ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.2021. The advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2015,2020, or say-on-pay, is non-binding, but the Board of Directors will consider the input of stockholders based on a majority of votes cast for the say-on-pay proposal.

Brokers, banks, or other nominees that hold shares of common stock in “street name” for a beneficial owner of those shares typically have the authority to vote in their discretion if permitted by the stock exchange or other organization of which they are members. Brokers, banks, and other nominees are permitted to vote the beneficial owner’s proxy in their own discretion as to certain “routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from the beneficial owner, such as the ratification of the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.2021. If a broker, bank, or other nominee votes such “uninstructed” shares for or against a “routine” proposal, those shares will be counted towards determining whether or not a quorum is present and are considered entitled to vote on the “routine” proposals. However, where a proposal is not “routine,” a broker, bank, or other nominee is not permitted to exercise its voting discretion on that proposal without specific instructions from the beneficial owner. These non-voted shares are referred to as “broker non-votes” when the nominee has voted on other non-routine matters with authorization or voted on routine matters. These shares will be counted towards determining whether or not a quorum is present, but will not be considered entitled to vote on the “non-routine” proposals.

Please note that brokers, banks, and other nominees may not use discretionary authority to vote shares on the election of directors, the say-on-pay proposal,amendment of the 2014 ESPP or the proposal to authorize our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock.say-on-pay proposal. For your vote to be counted in the election of directors or the say-on-pay proposal, or the proposal to authorize our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your broker, bank, or other nominee before the date of the meeting.

As provided in our bylaws, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes cast “for” a proposal exceeds the number of votes cast “against” that proposal. Because abstentions and broker non-votes do not represent votes cast “for” or “against” a proposal, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the election of directors, the amendment of the 2014 ESPP, the say-on-pay proposal, the proposal to authorize our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock, or the proposal to ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016,2021, as each such proposal is determined by reference to the votes actually cast by the shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote.

Voting of Proxies

When a proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it represents will be voted at the meeting as directed. Except as provided above under “Quorum; Required Vote; Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions,” if no specification is indicated, the shares will be voted (1) “for” the election of each of the three director nominees set forth in this proxy statement, (2) “for” the approval of the amendment of the 2014 ESPP, (3) “for” the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2015, (3) “for” the authorization of our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock,2020, and (4) “for” the ratification of the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal


year ending December 31, 2016.2021. If any other matter is properly presented at the meeting, the individuals specified in the proxy will vote your shares using their best judgment.

Revocability of Proxies

Any person giving a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time before its use by delivering to us either a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request.

Solicitation

We will bear the cost of this solicitation. In addition, we may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for expenses incurred in forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Proxies also may be solicited by certain of our directors and officers, personally or by telephone or e-mail, without additional compensation.

Annual Report and Other Matters

Our 20152020 Annual Report to Stockholders, which was made available to stockholders with or preceding this proxy statement, contains financial and other information about our company, but is not incorporated into this proxy statement and is not to be considered a part of these proxy materials or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The information contained in the “Report of the Audit Committee” shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.

We will provide, without charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152020 as filed with the SEC to each stockholder of record as of the record date that requests a copy in writing.  Any exhibits listed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K also will be furnished upon request at the actual expense we incur in furnishing such exhibits. Any such requests should be directed to our Secretary at the address of our executive offices set forth in this proxy statement.


PROPOSAL ONE

PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of our Board of Directors. The number of directors currently ishas been fixed at eight and that number of directors is divided into three classes, with one class standing for election each year for a three-year term. Our Board of Directors has nominated Michael F. Golden, Russell J. Knittel,Daniel M. Friedberg, S. Ray Hatch and Barry M. MonheitRonald L. Miller, Jr. for election as Class IIII directors for three-year terms expiring in 20192024 or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.  Michael F. Golden, who was a Class I director, retired from the Board of Directors in April 2021.

Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them “for” each of the nominees named above.  Messrs. Golden, Knittel,Friedberg, Hatch and MonheitMiller are currently are directors of our company. In the event that any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee designated by our current Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director.

Our Board of Directors recommends a vote “for” the nominees named herein.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our directors:

 

Name

Age

Position

Mitchell A. SaltzDaniel M. Friedberg

59

63

Chairman of the Board (3)(2)(4)

S. Ray Hatch

61

56

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Jeffrey D. Forte (4)

50Director

Michael F. Golden

62Director (1)(2)

Russell J. Knittel

66Director (1)(2)(3)

Ronald L. Miller, Jr.

57

52

Director (1)(2)(3)

Barry M. MonheitStephen A. Nolan

60

69

Director (1)(3)

I. Marie WadeckiSarah R. Tomolonius

41

66

Director (1)(2)

 

(1)

Member of the Audit Committee.Committee

(2)

Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee.Committee

(3)

Member of the Compensation Committee.Committee

(4)

Member of the Strategic Planning Committee

Mitchell A. SaltzDaniel M. Friedberg has served as Chairman of the Board of our company since October 2012.April 2019.  Mr. Saltz served as Chairman of the Board and co-founder of one of our predecessors, Earth911, Inc., or Earth911, from its inception until October 2012. Mr. Saltz has been since December 2015 Chairman of the Board of Modern Round Entertainment Corporation, a publicly held company formed to create and roll out nationally an entertainment concept centered around a virtual interactive shooting experience utilizing laser technology-based replica firearms and extensive food and beverage offerings, and was a principal of its predecessor, Modern Round LLC, from February 2014 until December 2015. Mr. Saltz has served as a director of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a publicly held manufacturer of firearms, since October 1998 and previously served as its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from February 1998 through December 2003. Mr. SaltzFriedberg has served as the ChairmanChief Executive Officer of Hampstead Park Capital Management LLC, a private equity investment firm, since its founding in May 2016. Mr. Friedberg has also served as a Managing Partner of 325 Capital LLL since May 2016. Mr. Friedberg was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of SouthwestSagard Capital Partners LLC, anL.P., a private equity investment banking firm, since 2009.from its founding in January 2005 until May 2016.  In addition, from January 2005 to May 2016, he was also a Vice President of Power Corporation of Canada, a diversified international management holding company.  Mr. Saltz founded Saf-T-HammerFriedberg was with global strategy management consultants Bain & Company, as a consultant from 1987 to 1991 and then again as a Partner from 1997 to 2005.  Mr. Friedberg started with Bain & Company in the London office in 1987, which developed and marketed firearm safety and security products designed to prevent the unauthorized access to firearms, which acquired Smith & Wesson Corp. from Tomkins, PLC in May 2001 and changed its name to Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation. We believe Mr. Saltz’s history aswas a founder of onethe Toronto office in 1991, and a founder of our predecessorsthe New York office in 2000, leading the Canadian and New York private equity businesses.  From 1991 to 1997, Mr. Friedberg worked as Vice President of Strategy and Development for a U.S.-based global conglomerate and as an investment professional in a Connecticut-based boutique private equity firm.  Mr. Friedberg has a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the Johnson School at Cornell University’s College of Business, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree from the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology.  Mr. Friedberg currently serves on the Board at Roth CH Acquisition II Company (ROCC) and Roth CH Acquisition III Company (ROCR), special purpose acquisition companies, Buttonwood Networks, Point Pickup Inc., and USA Field Hockey.  We believe that Mr. Friedberg’s experience as the Chief Executive Officer of two investment firms, his experience as an executive with a leading global management consulting firm, his extensive experience in investing in private and public companies, and his service on multiple boards of directors provide him with knowledge and experience with respect to organizational, financial, investment,operational, M&A, and management experiencestrategic planning matters and provide


the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experienceexperiences that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

S. Ray Hatch has served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a director of our company since February 2016.  Mr. Hatch served as President of Merchants Market Group, LLC, an international foodservice distribution company, from February 2014 to January 2016. From June 2008 to January 2014, Mr. Hatch served in various roles with Oakleaf Waste Management, a provider of waste outsourcing that was acquired by Waste Management, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Greenleaf Equipment from May 2010 to January 2014 and Senior Vice President Regional Sales from June 2008 to May 2010. From July 2003 to October 2007, Mr. Hatch served in various positions with Food Services of America, a wholesale food distributor, including as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer from August 2005 to October 2007 and Executive Vice President – Western Washington Group from July 2003 to August 2005. Mr. Hatch served as Division President of U.S. Foodservice (formerly, Alliant Foodservice), a foodservice distributor, from January 1999 to July 2003. We believe Mr. Hatch’s position as President and Chief Executive Officer of our company, his intimate experience with all aspects of the operations, opportunities, and challenges of our company, and his prior service in the environmental services industry provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experience that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

Jeffrey D. Forte has served as a director of our company since July 2013. Mr. Forte is a co-founder of our subsidiary, Quest Resource Management Group, LLC, or QRMG, and served as its President from March 2007 until July 2013. Mr. Forte served as Vice President of National Accounts for Atlantic Industrial Services, Inc., an industrial waste management and environmental contracting services company, from April 2003 to March 2007. From October 2000 to April 2003, Mr. Forte served as Vice President of National Accounts for Probex Oil Recovery Services, Inc., an energy technology company providing proprietary oil recovery services. Mr. Forte served as National Account Manager for Pennzoil-Quaker State Company from April 1998 to October 2000, as National Account Manager for Quaker State Oil Refining Corporation/Specialty Environmental Services, Inc. from August 1994 to April 1998, and as Regional Account Manager and Director of New Business Development for Specialty Environmental Services, Inc. from September 1991 to August 1994. We believe Mr. Forte’s service as the former President and co-founder of Quest, his intimate knowledge and experience with all aspects of the operations, opportunities, and challenges of Quest, and his extensive experience in the environmental services industry provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experience that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

Michael F. Golden has served as a director of our company since October 2012 and served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from October 2015 to February 2016. Mr. Golden has served as a director of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a publicly held manufacturer of firearms, since December 2004. Mr. Golden served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation from December 2004 until his retirement in September 2011. Mr. Golden was employed in various executive positions with the Kohler Company from February 2002 until joining Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, with his most recent position being the President of its Cabinetry Division. Mr. Golden was the President of Sales for the Industrial/Construction Group of the Stanley Works Company from 1999 until 2002; Vice President of Sales for Kohler’s North American Plumbing Group from 1996 until 1998; and Vice President – Sales and Marketing for a division of The Black & Decker Corporation where he was employed from 1981 until 1996. Since February 2013, Mr. Golden has served as a member of the board of directors, a member of the Audit Committee, and a member of the Governance Committee of Trex Company, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed manufacturer of high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing. We believe Mr. Golden’s service as the former President and Chief Executive Officer of a publicly held company and his long business career at major companies provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experience that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

Russell J. Knittel has served as a director of our company since April 2015. Mr. Knittel currently serves on the Board of Directors of Synaptics Incorporated and Source Photonics, a privately held, equity-backed provider of optical communication products. Mr. Knittel served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Synaptics from October 2010 to September 2011; as Executive Vice President from July 2007 to October 2010; as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer from November 2001 to

October 2009; as Senior Vice President from November 2001 to July 2007; and as Vice President of Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary from April 2000 to November 2001. Synaptics is a leading worldwide developer and supplier of custom-designed human interface solutions that enable people to interact more easily and intuitively with a wide variety of mobile computing, communications, entertainment and other devices and whose stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Mr. Knittel also served as a director of MarineMax, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed company that is the nation’s largest recreational boat dealer, from June 2009 to February 2014, and as a director of OCZ Technology Group, Inc., formerly a public company, that designed, manufactured, and distributed solid-state drives and computer components, from June 2010 to August 2014. Mr. Knittel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from California State University at Fullerton and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University. We believe that Mr. Knittel’s experience as an executive officer of a public company, as well as his board service at other companies provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experiences that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

Ronald L. Miller, Jr. has served as a director of our company since October 2012. Mr. Miller served as a director of one of our predecessors from July 2010 to October 2012. Mr. Miller has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of Modern Round Entertainment CorporationThat’s Eatertainment Corp. since December 2015 and was a principal of its predecessor, Modern Round LLC, from February 2014 until December 2015. Mr. Miller is a director and Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Nominations and Governance Committee of AirwareItem 9 Labs Corp., a providerdeveloper of technology and products that improve breathing, safety, and overall wellness.administer high-quality cannabis health solutions. Mr. Miller served as a Managing Director of CKS Securities LLC, an investment banking firm, from February 2010 to December 2011. He served as Vice Chairman of Miller Capital Markets, LLC, a Scottsdale, Arizona headquartered boutique investment banking firm from May 2009 to August 2009. Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer of Alare Capital Partners, LLC, a Scottsdale-based investment banking and strategic advisory firm, from September 2007 to May 2009. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Miller served as a Managing Director of The Seidler Companies Incorporated, an investment banking firm and member of the NYSE. Mr. Miller served from 1998 to 2001 as a Senior Vice President and was instrumental in the opening of the Phoenix, Arizona office of Wells Fargo Van Kasper. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Miller served as Senior Vice President of Imperial Capital, and from 1993 to 1994, was associated with the Corporate Finance Department of Ernst & Young. Mr. Miller began his career in the M&A department of PaineWebber, Inc. We believe Mr. Miller’s prior leadership roles and his investment banking experience provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experience that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

Barry M. MonheitStephen A. Nolan has served as a director of our company since October 2012.April 2019.  Mr. MonheitNolan has served as the President and Chief ExecutiveOperating Officer of ourSGS North America, the world’s largest testing, inspection and certification company, from October 2012 until Julysince August 2019. From June 2013 to April 2018, Mr. Nolan served as Chief Financial Officer and, as President,subsequently, Chief Executive Officer and director of one of our predecessors, Earth911, from June 2011 until July 2013. Mr. Monheit has served as Vice Chairmana member of the Board of Modern Round Entertainment Corporation sinceDirectors of Hudson Global (HSON), a global provider of professional recruitment, talent management, and recruitment process outsourcing services.  From September 2004 to December 2015 and was a principal of its predecessor, Modern Round LLC, from February 2014 until December 2015.2012, Mr. Monheit hasNolan served as Chief Financial Officer of Adecco North America, a director of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a publicly held manufacturer of firearms, since Februarystaffing and human capital solutions company.  From November 2001 to September 2004, and as Chairman since October 2004. Mr. MonheitNolan served as Chief Financial Officer for DHL Global Forwarding NA, a financial and operational consultant fromfreight forwarding business.  From April 2010 until June 2011.2000 to November 2001, Mr. Nolan served as Corporate Controller for Newpower, a residential energy marketing start-up.  From May 2009 until April 2010,December 1985 to March 2000, Mr. Monheit wasNolan served in Finance roles at Reckitt Benckiser, a global consumer products company.  From October 1981 to December 1985, Mr. Nolan served as Audit Senior Managing Director of FTI Palladium Partners, a financial consulting division of FTI Consulting, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed global advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory, and economic environment. Mr. Monheit was a consultant focusing on financial and operational issues in the corporate restructuring field from January 2005 until May 2009. From July 1992 until January 2005, Mr. Monheit was associated in various capacities with FTI Consulting, Inc., a business advisory firm that provides multidisciplinary solutions to complex challenges and opportunities, serving as the President of its Financial Consulting Division from May 1999 through November 2001. Mr. Monheit was a partner with Arthur Andersen & Co. from August 1988 until July 1992, serving as partner-in-charge of its New York Consulting Division and partner-in-charge of its U.S. Bankruptcy and Reorganization Practice.for PwC.  We believe Mr. Monheit’s serviceNolan’s experience as the former PresidentChief Financial Officer and Chief ExecutiveOperating Officer of our company and its predecessors, his intimate knowledge and experience with all aspects

a number of the operations, opportunities, and challenges of our company, his extensive experience in financial and operational consulting gained as an executive of major restructuring firms,companies and his executive and board experience with majorat other companies provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experienceexperiences that make him well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

I. Marie WadeckiSarah R. Tomolonius has served as a director of our company since October 2012.September 2016. Ms. Wadecki hasTomolonius is the Vice President of Investor Relations at M13, a consumer tech-focused full-service venture capital engine. Ms. Tomolonius is the co-founder and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Sustainability Investment Leadership Council.  Ms. Tomolonius served as Vice President, Marketing and Investor Relations for Arlon Group, a director of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a publicly held manufacturer of firearms, since September 2002. Ms. Wadeckifood and


agriculture investment firm, from December 2012 to June 2018, and served as theSenior Professional, Management Reporting & Analytics from December 2010 to December 2012.  From October 2008 to December 2010, Ms. Tomolonius served as Associate, Investor Relations for Citi Private Equity, a private equity group that was acquired by StepStone Group in October 2010.  From October 2005 to September 2007, Ms. Tomolonius served as Research Analyst, Corporate Budget Director& Public Affairs Group of Edelman, a global public relations firm.  Ms. Tomolonius served as Program Assistant, Water & Coastal Program of Natural Resources Defense Council, a non-profit international environmental advocacy group, from October 2002 to September 2005.  Ms. Tomolonius also serves as Chair of the McLaren Health Care Corporation, a Michigan-based $3.5 billion eight-hospital health care system, from January 2001 until her retirement in September 2007.Sustainability Committee for the New York Alternative Investment Roundtable.  Ms. Wadecki was employed by McLaren for more than 30 years, holding positionsTomolonius served as President of increasing responsibility. In November 2008, Ms. Wadecki was appointed to the McLaren Flint Medical Center’s Foundation Board of Trustees. Ms. Wadecki isHeARTs Speak, a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the American College of Healthcare Executives, Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Healthcare Industry Foundation, and Women Corporate Directors. Ms. Wadecki is recognized as a Board Leadership Fellow by the National Association of Corporate Directors, which is annonprofit organization, devotedfrom February 2014 to advancing exemplary board leadership by providing support and educational opportunities to directors and boards.February 2017.  We believe that Ms. Wadecki’s public company boardTomolonius’s experience long employment history with a major health care organization,in the environmental and financial background,industries and corporate governance expertiseher focus on sustainability provide the requisite qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experienceexperiences that make her well qualified to serve on our Board of Directors.

There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers.

On July 16, 2013, in connection with our acquisition of Quest, we entered into a stockholders voting agreement with Messrs. Saltz and Colton R. Melby, or the Class P Stockholders, and Messrs. Forte and Brian S. Dick, or the Class D Stockholders, pursuant to which the Class P Stockholders and the Class D Stockholders agreed to vote all shares of our common stock owned by them or acquired by them in the future for a board consisting of six Class P Directors as designated by the Class P Stockholders or, in the absence of such designation, a majority of the Class P Directors, and three Class D Directors as designated by the Class D Stockholders, or in the absence of such designation, a majority of the Class D Directors. Mr. Hatch was unanimously approved by all the current directors. The current Class P Directors are Messrs. Saltz, Golden, Knittel, Miller, and Monheit and Ms. Wadecki. The current Class D Director is Mr. Forte. The stockholders voting agreement will continue until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of the agreement, (ii) such time as either the Class P Stockholders or the Class D Stockholders own less than 10% of our outstanding common stock, or (iii) the mutual agreement of the parties. With the resignations of Brian Dick and Jeff Cheney as directors, Mr. Forte is the sole Class D director. Messrs. Dick and Forte voting together have the right to designate two additional Class D Directors, which would require increasing the size of the board to ten members. On March 15, 2016, Mr. Melby transferred to Mr. Saltz all of his rights to designate Class P Directors pursuant to the stockholders voting agreement.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Director Independence

Our Board of Directors has determined, after considering all of the relevant facts and circumstances, that Messrs. Saltz, Golden, Knittel, andFriedberg, Miller, and Nolan and Ms. WadeckiTomolonius are independent directors, as “independence” is defined by the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, and by the SEC, because they have no relationship with us that would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities as a director. Mr. Hatch is an employee director. Messrs. Forte and Monheit are not considered independent directors of our company because of their recent service as executive officers of our company and/or its predecessors and subsidiaries.

Classification of our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with one class standing for election each year for a three-year term. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of a particular class will beare elected for three-year terms to succeed the directors of that class whose terms are expiring. Messrs.Prior to his retirement in April 2021, Mr. Golden Knittel, and Monheit arewas a Class I directors whose terms will expire at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but have been nominated by our Board of Directors for re-election for three-year terms expiring in 2019.director. Mr. ForteNolan and Ms. WadeckiTomolonius are Class II directors whose terms will expire in 2017.2023.  Messrs. Friedberg, Hatch, Miller, and SaltzMiller are Class III directors whose terms will expire at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. There are currently no Class I directors following Mr. Golden’s retirement from the Board, however the Board of Directors intends to nominate director nominees for election as Class I directors at the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders in 2018.accordance with Nevada law requirements.

Committee Charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and Codes of Conduct and Ethics

Our Board of Directors has adopted charters for the Audit, Compensation, and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committees describing the authority and responsibilities delegated to each committee by our Board of Directors.  Our Board of Directors has also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, a Code of Conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, and a Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. We post on our website, atwww.qrhc.com, the charters of our Audit, Compensation, and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committees; our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, and Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, and any amendments or waivers thereto; and any other corporate governance materials specified by SEC regulations. These documents are also available in print, free of charge, to any stockholder requesting a copy in writing from our Secretary at the address of our executive offices set forth in this proxy statement.offices.


Executive Sessions

We regularly schedule executive sessions in which independent directors meet without the presence or participation of management. The Chairman of our Board of Directors serves as the presiding director of such executive sessions.

Board Committees

Our bylaws authorize our Board of Directors to appoint from among its members one or more committees consisting of one or more directors. Our Board of Directors has established anstanding Audit, Committee, a Compensation, Committee, and a Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee,Committees, each consisting entirely of independent directors as “independence” is defined by the listing standards of Nasdaq and by the SEC. The Board of Directors also established a Strategic Planning Committee in July 2019.

The Audit Committee

The purpose of the Audit Committee includes overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of the financial statements of our company and providing assistance to our Board of Directors with respect to its oversight of the integrity of our company’s financial statements, our company’s

compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accountant’s qualifications and independence, and the performance of our company’s independent registered public accountant. The primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in its charter and include various matters with respect to the oversight of our company’s accounting and financial reporting process and audits of the financial statements of our company on behalf of our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee also selects the independent registered public accountant to conduct the annual audit of the financial statements of our company; reviews the proposed scope of such audit; reviews accounting and financial controls of our company with the independent registered public accountant and our financial accounting staff; and reviews and approves any transactions between us and our directors, officers, and their affiliates.

The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Golden, Miller and KnittelNolan and Ms. Wadecki.Tomolonius. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Golden, Miller and KnittelNolan and Ms. Wadecki,Tomolonius, whose backgrounds are detailed above, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. Mr. Miller chairs the Audit Committee.

The Compensation Committee

The purpose of the Compensation Committee includes determining, or, when appropriate, recommending to our Board of Directors for determination, the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of our company and discharging the responsibilities of our Board of Directors relating to compensation programs of our company in light of the goals and objectives of our compensation program for that year. As part of its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of our Chief Executive Officer and, together with our Chief Executive Officer, assesses the performance of our other executive officers. The Compensation Committee is entitled to delegate its responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee, which complies with the applicable rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market, the SEC, and other regulatory bodies.  From time to time the Compensation Committee retains the services of independent compensation consultants to review a wide variety of factors relevant to executive compensation, trends in executive compensation, and the identification of relevant peer companies. The Compensation Committee makes all determinations regarding the engagement, fees, and services of its compensation consultants, and its compensation consultants report directly to the Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Knittel, Miller and Saltz.Nolan. Mr. SaltzNolan chairs the Compensation Committee.

The Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee provides assistance to our Board of Directors in assessing whether our management has the resources necessary to implement our company’s strategy; assessing external developments and


factors, including changes in the economy, competition and technology, on our company’s strategy and execution of its strategy; and advising on strategic development activities, including those not in the ordinary course of business, under consideration from time to time by our company. The Strategic Planning Committee currently consists of Messrs. Friedberg and Hatch.  Mr. Golden served onFriedberg chairs the Compensation Committee for a portion of fiscal 2015, but resigned from the Compensation Committee upon his appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer of our company in October 2015.Strategic Planning Committee.

The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee

The purpose of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee includes the selection or recommendation to our Board of Directors of nominees to stand for election as directors at each election of directors, the oversight of the selection and composition of committees of our Board of Directors, the oversight of the evaluations of our Board of Directors and management, and the development and recommendation to our Board of Directors of a set of corporate governance principles applicable to our company.

The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of Messrs. Golden, Knittel, and MillerMr. Friedberg and Ms. Wadecki. Ms. WadeckiTomolonius. Mr. Friedberg chairs the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee.

The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee will consider persons recommended by stockholders for inclusion as nominees for election to our Board of Directors if the information required by our bylaws is submitted in writing in a timely manner addressed and delivered to our Secretary at the address of our executive offices set forth in this proxy statement.offices. The Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and evaluates nominees for our Board of Directors, including nominees recommended by stockholders, based on numerous factors it considers appropriate, some of which may include strength of character, mature

judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills, diversity, and the extent to which the nominee would fill a present need on our Board of Directors.

Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies and Practices

We have assessed the compensation policies and practices with respect to our employees, including our executive officers, and have concluded that they do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company.

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Risk is inherent in every business. As is the case in virtually all businesses, we face a number of risks, including operational, economic, financial, legal, regulatory, and competitive risks. Our management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face. Our Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management.

In its oversight role, our Board of Directors’ involvement in our business strategy and strategic plans plays a key role in its oversight of risk management, its assessment of management’s risk appetite, and its determination of the appropriate level of enterprise risk. Our Board of Directors receives updates at least quarterly from senior management and periodically from outside advisors regarding the various risks we face, including operational, economic, financial, legal, regulatory, and competitive risks. Our Board of Directors also reviews the various risks we identify in our filings with the SEC as well as risks relating to various specific developments, such as acquisitions, debt and equity placements, and new service offerings.

Our board committees assist our Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight role in certain areas of risk. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee oversees the financial and reporting processes of our company and the audit of the financial statements of our company and provides assistance to our Board of Directors with respect to the oversight and integrity of the financial statements of our company, our company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accountant’s qualification and independence, and the performance of our independent registered public accountant. The Compensation Committee considers the risk of our compensation policies and practices and endeavors to assure that it is not reasonably likely that our compensation plans and policies would have a material adverse effect on our company. Our Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee oversees governance related risk, such as board independence, conflicts of interests, and management and succession planning.


Board Diversity

We seek diversity in experience, viewpoint, education, skill, and other individual qualities and attributes to be represented on our Board of Directors. We believe directors should have various qualifications, including individual character and integrity; business experience; leadership ability; strategic planning skills, ability, and experience; requisite knowledge of our industry and finance, accounting, and legal matters; communications and interpersonal skills; and the ability and willingness to devote time to our company. We also believe the skill sets, backgrounds, and qualifications of our directors, taken as a whole, should provide a significant mix of diversity in personal and professional experience, background, viewpoints, perspectives, knowledge, and abilities. Nominees are not to be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis proscribed by law. The assessment of prospective directors is made in the context of the perceived needs of our Board of Directors from time to time.

All of our directors have held high-level positions in business or professional service firms and have experience in dealing with complex issues. We believe that all of our directors are individuals of high character and integrity, are able to work well with others, and have committed to devote sufficient time to the business and affairs of our company. In addition to these attributes, the description of each director’s background set forth

above indicates the specific qualifications, skills, perspectives, and experience necessary to conclude that each individual should continue to serve as a director of our company.

Environmental, Social and Governance Principles

In 2021, we intend to continue our efforts to formalize and improve environmental, social, and governance programs as well as to increase transparency and disclosure about these programs. As reflected elsewhere in this proxy statement, we continued our commitment in 2020 to strong corporate governance principles, which include standing committees of the Board comprised of only independent directors, prohibition on pledging and hedging our stock, and strong corporate ethics and compliance policies such as our Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.

Our business involves creating customer-specific programs and performing the related services for the collection, processing, recycling, disposal, and tracking of waste streams and recyclables.  In addition, our programs and services enable our customers to address their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities. We believe our services are comprehensive, innovative, and cost effective.  Our services are designed to enable our business customers to capture the commodity value of their waste streams and recyclables, reduce their disposal costs, enhance their management of environmental risks, enhance their legal and regulatory compliance, and achieve their sustainability goals while maximizing the efficiency of their assets.  Our services currently focus on the waste streams and recyclables from big box, grocers, and other specialty retailers; automotive after-market operations such as automotive maintenance, quick lube, dealerships, and collision repair; transportation, logistics, and internal fleet operators; manufacturing plants; multi-family and commercial properties; restaurant chains and food operations; and construction and demolition projects.  We currently concentrate on programs for recycling motor oil and automotive lubricants, oil filters, scrap tires, oily water, goods destruction, food waste, meat renderings, cooking oil and grease trap waste, plastics, cardboard, metal, glass, mixed paper, construction debris, as well as a large variety of regulated and non-regulated solid, liquid, and gas wastes.  In addition, we offer products such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, dumpster and compacting equipment, and other minor ancillary services. We also provide information and data that tracks and reports the detailed transactional and environmental results of our services and provides actionable data to improve business operations.  The data we generate also enables our customers to address their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities and to report to internal and external parties such as employees, investors, business partners, and governmental agencies.

Some of our efforts to further our environmental and social principles include the programs described below.  

Environmental Sustainability. We are dedicated to embodying the sustainable message that we educate our clients on. We recognize that reducing the environmental impact of our own operations is an important part of the value that we deliver to our customers. As a business focused on promoting the wise use of our natural resources, we have established a Green Team to ensure that beyond the services we provide, we strive to create sustainability


throughout our internal operations. Internally, we support environmental awareness by tracking our carbon footprint and encouraging recycling and waste management in our business practices and operating procedures. Special recycling receptacles have been set up at our offices to promote the separation and collection of designated recyclable materials. We encourage reducing and, when possible, eliminating the use of disposable products. Our source reduction decreases the consumption of valuable resources through workplace practices such as: communication through email and WebEx video conferencing when possible in place of travel; using two-sided photocopying; using green marketing tactics ranging from using recycled materials for printing and packaging to paperless advertising and marketing; and turning off lights when rooms are not in use.

Community. Increasingly, corporations are seeing not only the philanthropic value of giving back, but also the business value of integrating their community investment into their business practices. In order to show that we are engaged in and giving back to the local community, we have elected to establish an ongoing community partnership with three local charity organizations – Susan G. Komen, Children’s Medical Center of Plano, and Carter Blood Care.  In order to inspire, activate and engage employees to create meaningful changes within the company, we have an internal employee committee who is tasked with promoting engagement and community activism in the workplace. The employee engagement committee has the full back and support of our executive management.  

Employee Safety. With respect to the challenges brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we enforced our values of embracing change by implementing various workplace safety measures designed to protect the health and safety of our employees. Specifically, we implemented recommended health and safety measures to minimize the risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread to our employees, clients, and the communities in which we operate. We built our company’s infrastructure to be fully operational, even in times of disruption caused by catastrophic events such as natural disasters or a potential outbreak such as the one we are all facing today. Our robust cloud-based IT infrastructure and powerful network has allowed us to successfully implement our Business Continuity Plan and switch to a 100% virtual environment. Our operating protocols allow for all employees to work from home, if needed, without losing access to any data, software, applications or information used in our everyday workflow to manage our customer's waste & recycling programs. In addition, we have established double redundancy for all critical functions and account management needs to ensure business continuity. We qualify as an “essential business” under applicable laws; however, due to strategic planning efforts with regard to our workforce, approximately 85% of our employees worked remotely in 2020. With respect to essential employees who worked in the office, we complied with all CDC, state, and local guidelines.

Board Leadership Structure

We believe that effective board leadership structure can depend on the experience, skills, and personal interaction between persons in leadership roles as well as the needs of our company at any point in time. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines support flexibility in the structure of our Board of Directors by not requiring the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

We currently maintain separate roles between the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in recognition of the differences between the two responsibilities. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting our strategic direction and day-to-day leadership and performance of our company. The Chairman of the Board provides input to the Chief Executive Officer, sets the agenda for board meetings, and presides over meetings of the full Board of Directors as well as executive sessions of the Board of Directors.

Clawback Policy

We adopted a clawback policy in May 2014.2019.  In the event we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial results as a result of a material noncompliance by us with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws, we will have the right to use reasonable efforts to recover from any current or former executive officers who received incentive compensation (whether cash or equity) from us during the three-year period preceding the date on which we were required to prepare the accounting restatement, any excess incentive compensation awarded as a result of the misstatement.  In addition, we will also have the right to recover incentive compensation (whether cash or equity), if a participant, without our consent, while employed by or providing services to our company or any related entity or after termination of such employment or services, violates a non-competition, non-solicitation, or non-disclosure covenant or agreement or otherwise engages in activity that is in conflict with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, or any other corporate governance materials specified by the SEC or exchange on which our


Common Stock is listed.  This policy is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.  The policy is effective for financial statements for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014.2019.  Once final rules are adopted by the SEC regarding the clawback requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we will review this policy and make any amendments necessary to comply with the new rules.

Director and Officer Derivative Trading and Hedging Policy

We adopted a director and officer derivative trading and hedging policy in May 2019.  Directors and executive officers of our company (including any family members residing in the household of a director or executive officer) may not engage in derivative trading or hedging involving our company’s securities or pledging or margining any common stock of our company.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We adopted stock ownership guidelines for our non-employee directors and for our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our Chief Operating Officer.  Our non-employee directors and Chief Executive Officer are required to have stock ownership of our Common Stock with an acquisition price equal to at least $100,000 and our Chief Financial Officer and our Chief Operating Officer are each required to have stock ownership of our Common Stock with an acquisition price equal to at least $75,000.

Each individual has five years from the later of the date of adoption of these guidelines (April 3, 2019) or the date of appointment of the individual as a director or a designated executive officer to achieve the required ownership levels.  We believe that these guidelines promote the alignment of the long-term interests of our designated executive officers and members of our Board of Directors with our stockholders.

Stock ownership generally includes shares directly owned by the individual (including any shares over which the individual has sole ownership, voting, or investment power); shares owned by the individual’s minor children and spouse and by other related individuals and entities over whose shares the individual has custody, voting control, or power of disposition; shares underlying restricted stock units, or “RSUs”, and deferred stock units, or “DSUs”, that have vested or will be vested within 60 days; shares held in trust for the benefit of the individual or the individual’s immediate family members; and shares owned through savings plans, such as our 401-K Plan and our deferred compensation plan or acquired through our employee Stock Purchase Plan.

The acquisition price for purposes of the stock ownership guidelines is the actual purchase price paid for shares of our Common Stock through open market purchases, private placements, the exercise of stock options, and similar purchases; the amount of cash compensation for executive base salaries or bonuses or director cash compensation exchanged for RSUs or DSUs; and the grant date price of shares underlying vested RSUs or DSUs issued other than in lieu of or in exchange for executive base salaries or bonus or director cash compensation.

The failure to satisfy the required ownership level may result in the ineligibility of the individual to receive stock-based compensation in the case of a designated executive officer or director or the inability to be a nominee for election to the Board of Directors in the case of a director.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2020, Messrs. Golden Knittel,and Miller, and Saltz served on our Compensation Committee. Messrs. Knittel,Golden and Miller and Saltz had no material contractual or other relationships with us during such transition period except as directors and equity holders.  Mr. Golden resigned from the Compensation Committee upon his appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer of our company in October 2015.

Board and Committee Meetings

Our Board of Directors held a total of fivenine meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2020.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2020, the Audit Committee held nineeight meetings; the Compensation Committee


held threesix meetings; and the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee held fivefour meetings; and the Strategic Planning Committee held four meetings. No director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of our Board of Directors and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of our Board of Directors on which he or she was a member.

Annual Meeting Attendance

We encourage each of our directors to attend each annual meeting of stockholders. To that end, and to the extent reasonably practicable, we regularly schedule a meeting of our Board of Directors on the same day as our annual meeting of stockholders.  All of our directors attended our 20152020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Communications with Directors

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with our Board of Directors or specific members of our Board of Directors, including our independent directors and the members of our various board committees, by submitting a letter addressed to the Board of Directors of Quest Resource Holding Corporation c/o any specified individual director or directors at the address of our executive offices set forth in this proxy statement.offices. Any such letters are sent to the indicated directors.

MANAGEMENT


MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers:

 

Name

Age

Position

S. Ray Hatch (1)

61

56

President and Chief Executive Officer

Laurie L. Latham

64

59

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Timothy A SemonesDavid P. Sweitzer

58

58

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

(1)Mr. Hatch joined our company on February 1, 2016.

S. Ray Hatch’s biography is set forth under the heading “Proposal One—Election of Directors—Nominees” above.

Laurie L. Latham has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of our company since January 2013. Ms. Latham served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration of ViewCast Corporation, a publicly held digital media hardware and software development and manufacturing company, from December 1999 to August 2012. From 1997 to 1999, Ms. Latham served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Perivox Corporation, an interactive communications and direct marketing company. From 1994 through 1997, Ms. Latham served as Vice President of Finance and Administration of Axis Media Corporation, a graphics, photography, and marketing agency. Prior to joining Axis Media Corporation, Ms. Latham had been in public practice with national and regional accounting firms, including KPMG Peat Marwick, and served as Vice President of Finance and Administration for Medialink International Corporation, a food industry technology company. In addition, Ms. Latham’s earlier career experience included roles within the oil and gas, real estate, and agricultural industries. Ms. Latham is a certified public accountant.

Timothy A. SemonesDavid P. Sweitzer has served as Chief Operating Officer of our company since October 2015.2016. Mr. SemonesSweitzer served as Chief Sales Officer, Executive Vice President, and Senior Vice President of OperationsSales of our QRMG subsidiarySMS Assist, L.L.C., a multisite property management technology company, from AprilMarch 2013 to October 2015 and as National Account Sales ManagerSeptember 2016.  Mr. Sweitzer served in various roles with Oakleaf Waste Management, a provider of QRMGwaste outsourcing that was acquired by Waste Management, including Director of Business Development from AprilJuly 2011 to March 2013, Client Solutions Vice President from February 2009 to July 2011, and Vice President of Industrial Programs and Account Management from July 2003 to January 2010.  From April 1992 to June 2012. Prior to joining QRMG,2003, Mr. SemonesSweitzer served as Strategic Account Manager and EHS ManagerMarket Manager/Specialist of Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.Integrated Process Technologies, L.L.C., an environmental services provider, from January 1989 to April 2011.a facility maintenance service company.


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONCOMPENSATION

Fiscal 20152020 Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20152020 and 2014,2019, information with respect to compensation for services in all capacities to us and our subsidiaries earned by our former principal executive officer, and our former interimtwo most highly compensated executive officers other than our principal executive officer our principal financial officer, and our other executive officer who waswere serving as an executive officer on December 31, 2015.2020. We refer to these executive officers as our “named executive officers.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock and Option

All Other

 

 

 

 

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary (1)

 

 

Bonus (1)

 

 

Awards (2)

 

 

Compensation (3)

 

 

Total

 

S. Ray Hatch

 

2020

 

$

339,375

 

 

$

309,669

 

 

$

183,315

 

 

$

29,683

 

 

$

862,042

 

President, Chief Executive

 

2019

 

$

330,629

 

 

$

256,811

 

 

$

150,960

 

 

$

37,096

 

 

$

775,496

 

Officer, and Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Latham

 

2020

 

$

237,491

 

 

$

117,309

 

 

$

122,175

 

 

$

20,014

 

 

$

496,989

 

Senior Vice President and Chief

 

2019

 

$

231,440

 

 

$

107,861

 

 

$

100,640

 

 

$

19,860

 

 

$

459,801

 

Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David P. Sweitzer

 

2020

 

$

282,728

 

 

$

192,449

 

 

$

122,175

 

 

$

23,857

 

 

$

621,209

 

Executive Vice President and

 

2019

 

$

275,524

 

 

$

128,405

 

 

$

117,967

 

 

$

23,828

 

 

$

545,724

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year   Salary (1)   Bonus (1)   Option
Awards (2)
   All Other
Compensation (3)
   Total 

Michael F. Golden (4)

   2015    $51,923     —      $402,813     —      $454,736  

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director

            

Brian S. Dick (5)

   2015    $313,421     —       —      $13,376    $326,797  

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

   2014    $326,716     —      $113,395    $13,680    $453,791  

Laurie L. Latham

   2015    $216,067     —      $63,157    $13,585    $292,809  

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   2014    $185,613     —      $28,349    $12,634    $226,596  

Timothy A. Semones (6)

   2015    $190,727     —      $63,157    $10,785    $264,669  

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

            

____________

(1)

The amounts in this column reflect the amounts earned during the fiscal year, whether or not actually paid during such year.

(2)

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate probable grant date fair value of stock and option awards granted to our named executive officers during the fiscal year calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718,Stock Compensation. The valuation assumptions used in determining such amounts are described in the footnotes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2020. The amounts reported in this column do not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by our named executive officers from their option awards.

(3)

The named executive officers participate in certain group life, health, disability insurance, and medical reimbursement plans not disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table that are generally available to salaried employees and do not discriminate in scope, terms, and operation. However, we pay all health insurance premiums for Messrs. Hatch and Sweitzer and for Ms. Latham, which amounts are included in this column. The figure shown for each named executive officer is foralso includes employer contributions to a qualified deferred compensation plan (401(k) plan) and auto allowance. Our 401(k) plan provides employees with an opportunity to defer compensation for retirement. Employees may contribute up to 60%87% of compensation, subject to IRS limits. We match 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of employee contributions annually.each pay period. Our 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the 2014 ESPP, permits our employees and employees of our designated subsidiaries, which we refer to each as a “Participating Company,” to purchase our common stockCommon Stock at a discount equal to 85% of the lesser of (i) the market value of the shares on the offering date of such offering and (ii) the market value of the shares on the purchase date of such offering, subject to limits set by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, and the 2014 ESPP.

(4)Mr. Golden has served as a director of our company since October 2012 and served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from October 30, 2015 to February 1, 2016. Mr. Golden’s fiscal 2015 compensation is for the period of October 30, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
(5)Mr. Dick served as our President, Chief Executive Officer, and a director of our company from July 2013 until Mr. Dick tendered his resignation from these positions on October 29, 2015 and left our company on November 13, 2015. Mr. Dick’s fiscal 2015 compensation is for the period of January 1, 2015 through November 13, 2015.

(6)Mr. Semones has served as Senior Vice President of Operations of our QRMG subsidiary since April 2013 and became our Chief Operating Officer on October 30, 2015. Mr. Semones’ fiscal 2015 compensation is for the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 20152020

The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2015.2020.  

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

 

 

Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Options (1)

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned

 

Option
Exercise

 

Option

Expiration

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

Options

 

Price

 

Date

S. Ray Hatch

 

 01/07/2016

  

200,000

(2)

50,000

 

            —

 

$

5.44

 

01/07/2026

 

 

01/16/2018

 

66,667

(3)

33,333

 

 

$

2.39

 

01/16/2028

 

 

02/12/2019

 

50,000

(3)

100,000

 

 

$

1.51

 

02/12/2029

 

 

03/16/2020

 

 

160,000

(3)

 

$

1.51

 

03/16/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David P. Sweitzer

 

10/03/2016

 

50,000

(2)

12,500

 

 

$

2.08

 

10/03/2026

 

 

10/02/2017

 

6,300

(4)

4,200

 

 

$

1.17

 

10/02/2027

 

 

01/16/2018

 

66,667

(3)

33,333

 

 

$

2.39

 

01/16/2028

 

 

10/15/2018

 

4,200

(5)

6,300

 

 

$

2.62

 

10/15/2028

 

 

02/12/2019

 

33,333

(3)

66,667

 

 

$

1.51

 

02/12/2029

 

 

10/03/2019

 

2,100

(6)

8,400

 

 

$

2.45

 

10/03/2029

 

 

03/16/2020

 

 

105,000

(3)

 

$

1.51

 

03/16/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurie L. Latham

 

 01/02/2013

  

12,500

 

 

            —

 

$

21.20

 

01/02/2023

 

 

 10/18/2013

  

9,375

 

 

            —

 

$

16.40

 

10/18/2023

 

 

 12/17/2014

  

3,125

 

 

            —

 

$

11.60

 

12/17/2024

 

 

12/16/2015

 

6,250

 

 

 

$

6.40

 

12/16/2025

 

 

12/16/2015

 

6,250

 

 

 

$

6.40

 

12/16/2025

 

 

01/12/2017

 

25,000

 

 

 

$

2.50

 

01/12/2027

 

 

01/12/2017

 

25,000

 

 

 

$

2.50

 

01/12/2027

 

 

01/16/2018

 

50,000

(3)

25,000

 

 

$

2.39

 

01/16/2028

 

 

02/12/2019

 

33,333

(3)

66,667

 

 

$

1.51

 

02/12/2029

 

 

03/16/2020

 

 

105,000

(3)

 

$

1.51

 

03/16/2030

 

       Option Awards 
       

 

 

Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (1)

  Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number  of

Securities
Underlying

Unexercised
Unearned
Options
   Option
Exercise

Price
   Option
Expiration
Date
 

Name

  Grant Date   Exercisable  Unexercisable      

Michael F. Golden

   11/19/2012     30,000(2)   —      —      $2.10     11/19/2022  
   10/18/2013     25,000(3)   —      —      $2.05     10/18/2023  
   12/17/2014     25,000(3)   —      —      $1.45     12/17/2024  
   10/30/2015     162,500(4)   812,500(4)   —      $0.79     10/30/2020  

Brian S. Dick

   10/18/2013     66,667(5)   —      —      $2.05     10/18/2023  

Laurie L. Latham

   01/02/2013     100,000(6)   —      —      $2.65     01/02/2023  
   10/18/2013     50,000(7)   25,000(7)   —      $2.05     10/18/2023  
   12/17/2014     8,333(7)   16,667(7)   —      $1.45     12/17/2024  
   12/16/2015     —      50,000(7)   —      $0.80     12/16/2025  
   12/16/2015     —      50,000(8)   —      $0.80     12/16/2025  

Timothy A. Semones

   10/18/2013     33,333(7)   16,667(7)   —      $2.05     10/18/2023  
   12/17/2014     8,333(7)   16,667(7)   —      $1.45     12/17/2024  
   12/16/2015     —      50,000(7)   —      $0.80     12/16/2025  
   12/16/2015     —      50,000(8)   —      $0.80     12/16/2025  

(1)

All

Unless otherwise noted, all of the options granted to our named executive officers were granted under and are subject to the terms of our 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan, as further, described below under “2012 Incentive Compensation Plan.

(2)

100% of the total number of shares underlying this option vested on November 19, 2012.
(3)One-twelfth of the total number of shares underlying this option vested on the last day of each month following the date of grant.
(4)One-twelfth

One-fifth of the total number of shares underlying this option vest on the thirtieth dayanniversary of each month following the date of grant. Of these options, 81,250 became exercisable betweengrant until 2021. This option was not granted under the end of the fiscal year and Mr. Golden’s resignation as our Interim Chief Executive Officer on February 1, 2016, with the remaining unexercisable options expiring on such resignation.2012 Incentive Compensation Plan.  

(5)

(3)

These options terminated on the 90th-day anniversary of Mr. Dick’s resignation.
(6)100% of the total number of shares underlying this option vested on January 1, 2014.
(7)

One-third of the total number of shares underlying this option vest on each of the first, second, and third anniversary of the date of grant.

(8)

(4)

100%

One-fifth of the total number of shares underlying this option vest on December 16, 2016.the anniversary of the date of grant until 2022. This option was not granted under the 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan.  

(5)

One-fifth of the total number of shares underlying this option vest on the anniversary of the date of grant until 2023. This option was not granted under the 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan.  

(6)

One-fifth of the total number of shares underlying this option vest on the anniversary of the date of grant until 2024. This option was not granted under the 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan.



2021 BONUS PLAN FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The bonuses paid to our named executive officers for fiscal 2020 were based on the satisfaction of certain performance metrics. The 2021 Bonus Plan for Senior Management of the company and its subsidiaries (the “2021 Bonus Plan”) is designed to provide incentive compensation for our named executive officers. To be eligible for a bonus payout, the executive employee must be employed as of December 31 of the bonus plan year or as specified in an employment agreement with the employee.

The total potential bonus at target will be computed as a percentage of the respective executive’s total base salary as follows:

Chief Executive Officer

100%

Chief Operating Officer

70%

Chief Financial Officer

60%

Each eligible executive’s total potential bonus is computed as a percentage of total base salary received through the end of the applicable fiscal year.  

The 2021 Bonus Plan is exclusively for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.  The budget for 2021 will serve as the metrics for the 2021 Bonus Plan and the payout of any potential bonus will be dependent on the respective executives meeting certain performance thresholds. The bonus payout will be calculated based on the final audited numbers for the 2021 fiscal year, which are typically available on or before March 31 of the following year.  The respective executive may elect to receive the bonus payout in cash or deferred stock units (DSUs) or in any combination thereof.  

Employment and Other Agreements with Our Named Executive Officers

Brian S. DickRay Hatch

We entered into an employmenta severance and change in control agreement with Mr. Dick, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, which provided for Mr. Dick to serve asHatch, our President and Chief Executive Officer, on January 7, 2016.   If we terminate Mr. Hatch’s employment for any reason other than for good cause (as defined in the agreement) or if Mr. Hatch voluntarily terminates his employment with us for good reason (as defined in the agreement), the agreement provides that (a) we will pay Mr. Hatch his salary for a period of five years. 18 months following the effective date of such termination and (b) we will pay Mr. Hatch, at the same time as cash incentive bonuses are paid to other executives, a portion of the cash incentive bonus deemed by our Compensation Committee in the exercise of its sole discretion, to be earned by Mr. Hatch pro rata for the period commencing on the first day of our fiscal year for which the cash incentive bonus is calculated and ending on the effective date of such termination.

The agreement further provides that, in the event of a change in control of our company (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Hatch has the option to terminate his employment with us, unless (i) the provisions of the agreement remain in full force and effect as to Mr. Hatch and (ii) he suffers no reduction in his status, authority, or base salary following the change in control, provided that Mr. Dick wouldHatch will be entitledconsidered to receivesuffer a reduction in his status, authority, or base salary, only if, after the change in control, (A) he is not the President and Chief Executive Officer of $325,000

per annum; an annual bonus based upon achievement of performance goals as determined by our Board of Directors; a car allowance of $750 per month; and annual stock-based compensation awards determined by our Board of Directors. Mr. Dick was also eligible to participate in executive compensation programs, group insurance, pension, retirement, vacation, expense reimbursement, and other plans, programs, and benefits approved by our Board of Directors and generally made availablethe company that succeeds to our executive employees.business, (B) such company’s Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market, or the NYSE MKT), (C) such company in any material respect reduces Mr. Dick also was also entitledHatch’s status, authority, or base salary, or (D) as a result of the change in control, Mr. Hatch is required to severance benefits in certain events following a terminationrelocate his principal place of business more than 50 miles from The Colony, Texas (or surrounding areas).  If Mr. Hatch terminates his employment bywith us or following a change in control as describedor if we terminate his employment without good cause, in each case during the employment agreement. The employment agreement also providedperiod commencing three months before and one year following the change in control, (A) we will pay Mr. Hatch’s base salary for (i) a non-competition period of 18 months following the effective date of such termination, (B) we will pay Mr. Hatch an amount equal to the longeraverage of 12his cash bonus paid for each of the two fiscal years immediately preceding his termination, (C) all unvested stock options held by Mr. Hatch in his capacity as an employee on the effective date of termination shall


vest as of the effective date of the termination, and (D) all unvested RSUs, granted after the date hereof held by Mr. Hatch in his capacity as an employee on the effective date of termination shall vest as of the effective date of the termination.

The agreement also contains a provision that prohibits Mr. Hatch from competing with our company for a period of 18 months afterfollowing the termination of Mr. Dick’shis employment with us and the period during whichour company for any reason.  The agreement further contains a provision that prohibits Mr. Dick received cash severance and (ii) non-solicitationHatch from soliciting or hiring any of our employees and customers for a period of 24 months afterfollowing the termination of Mr. Dick’shis employment with us. Mr. Dick voluntarily resigned from his positions as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director on October 29, 2015 and terminated his employment on November 13, 2015. No severance was paid to Mr. Dick.our company for any reason.

Laurie L. Latham

On November 7, 2014, we entered into a severance and change in control agreement with Ms. Latham, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective as of the same date. If we terminate Ms. Latham’s employment for any reason other than for good cause (as defined in the agreement) or if Ms. Latham voluntarily terminates her employment with us for good reason (as defined in the agreement), the agreement provides that (a) we will pay Ms. Latham her salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of such termination and (b) we will pay Ms. Latham, at the same time as cash incentive bonuses are paid to other executives, a portion of the cash incentive bonus deemed by our Compensation Committee in the exercise of its sole discretion, to be earned by Ms. Latham pro rata for the period commencing on the first day of our fiscal year for which the cash incentive bonus is calculated and ending on the effective date of such termination.

The agreement further provides that, in the event of a change in control of our company (as defined in the agreement), Ms. Latham has the option to terminate her employment with us, unless (i) the provisions of the agreement remain in full force and effect as to Ms. Latham and (ii) she suffers no reduction in her status, authority, or base salary following the change in control, provided that Ms. Latham will be considered to suffer a reduction in her status, authority, or base salary, only if, after the change in control, (A) she is not the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company that succeeds to our business, (B) such company’s common stockCommon Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market, or the NYSE MKT), (C) such company in any material respect reduces Ms. Latham’s status, authority, or base salary, or (D) as a result of the change in control, Ms. Latham is required to relocate her principal place of business more than 50 miles from Frisco, Texas (or surrounding areas). If Ms. Latham terminates her employment with us following a change in control or if we terminate her employment without good cause, in each case during the period commencing three months before and one year following the change in control, (A) we will pay Ms. Latham’s base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of such termination, (B) we will pay Ms. Latham an amount equal to the average of her cash bonus paid for each of the two fiscal years immediately preceding her termination, (C) all unvested stock options held by Ms. Latham in her capacity as an employee on the effective date of termination shall vest as of the effective date of the termination, and (D) all unvested RSUs granted after the date of the agreement held by Ms. Latham in her capacity as an employee on the effective date of termination shall vest as of the effective date of the termination.

The agreement also contains a provision that prohibits Ms. Latham from competing with our company for a period of 12 months following the termination of her employment with our company for any reason. The agreement further contains a provision that prohibits Ms. Latham from soliciting or hiring any of our employees for a period of 24 months following the termination of her employment with our company for any reason.

Timothy A. SemonesDavid P. Sweitzer

On December 16, 2015,February 15, 2017, we entered into a severance and change in controlan executive agreement with Mr. Semones,David P. Sweitzer, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective as of the same date.  If we terminate Mr. Semones’Sweitzer’s employment for any

reason other than for good cause (as defined in the agreement) or if Mr. SemonesSweitzer voluntarily terminates his employment with us for good reason (as defined in the agreement), the agreement provides that (a) we will pay Mr. SemonesSweitzer his salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of such termination and (b) we will pay Mr. Semones,Sweitzer, at the same time as cash incentive bonuses are paid to other executives, a portion of the cash incentive bonus deemed by our Compensation Committee in the exercise of its sole discretion, to be earned by Mr. Semones Sweitzer


pro rata for the period commencing on the first day of our fiscal year for which the cash incentive bonus is calculated and ending on the effective date of such termination.

The agreement further provides that, in the event of a change in control of our company (as defined in the agreement), Mr. SemonesSweitzer has the option to terminate his employment with us, unless (i) the provisions of the agreement remain in full force and effect as to Mr. SemonesSweitzer and (ii) he suffers no reduction in his status, authority, or base salary following the change in control, provided that Mr. SemonesSweitzer will be considered to suffer a reduction in his status, authority, or base salary, only if, after the change in control, (A) he is not the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the company that succeeds to our business, (B) such company’s common stockCommon Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market, or the NYSE MKT), (C) such company in any material respect reduces Mr. Semones’Sweitzer’s status, authority, or base salary, or (D) as a result of the change in control, Mr. SemonesSweitzer is required to relocate his principal place of business more than 50 miles from The Colony, Texas (or surrounding areas).  If Mr. SemonesSweitzer terminates his employment with us following a change in control or if we terminate his employment without good cause, in each case during the period commencing three months before and one year following the change in control, (A) we will pay Mr. Semones’Sweitzer’s base salary for a period of 12 months following the effective date of such termination, (B) we will pay Mr. SemonesSweitzer an amount equal to the average of his cash bonus paid for each of the two fiscal years immediately preceding his termination, (C) all unvested stock options held by Mr. SemonesSweitzer in his capacity as an employee on the effective date of termination shall vest as of the effective date of the termination, and (D) all unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”)RSUs granted after the date hereof held by Mr. SemonesSweitzer in his capacity as an employee on the effective date of termination shall vest as of the effective date of the termination.

The agreement also contains a provision that prohibits Mr. SemonesSweitzer from competing with our company for a period of 12 months following the termination of his employment with our company for any reason.  The agreement further contains a provision that prohibits Mr. SemonesSweitzer from soliciting or hiring any of our employees for a period of 24 months following the termination of his employment with our company for any reason.

The employment of all of our other officers is “at will” and may be terminated by us or the officer at any time, for any reason or no reason.

2012 Incentive Compensation Plan

Our 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan, or the 2012 Plan, was adopted by our Board of Directors on October 18, 2012, and subsequently amended and restated by our Board of Directors on September 9, 2013, retroactive to October 18, 2012. Our stockholders approved the 2012 Plan on October 18, 2013. The purpose of the 2012 Plan is to assist us and our subsidiaries and other designated affiliates, which we refer to as “Related Entities,” in attracting, motivating, retaining, and rewarding high-quality executives and other employees, officers, directors, and individual consultants who provide services to us or our Related Entities, by enabling such persons to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in our company in order to strengthen the mutuality of interests between such persons and our stockholders, and providing such persons with performance incentives to expend their maximum efforts in the creation of stockholder value. As of December 31, 2015, there were outstanding issued but unexercised options under the 2012 Plan to acquire 4,562,793 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.54 per share. As of December 31, 2015, 2,880,707 shares remained available for future grant under the 2012 Plan. As of April 18, 2016, there were outstanding issued but unexercised options under the 2012 Plan to acquire 3,482,541 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.47 per share. As of April 18, 2016, 3,960,959 shares remained available for future grant under the 2012 Plan. The material features of the 2012 Plan are outlined below.

Awards. The 2012 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, bonus stock, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards, and performance awards that may be settled in cash, stock, or other property.

Shares Available for Awards. A total of 7,500,000 shares of our common stock are reserved and available for delivery under the 2012 Plan. Any shares under the 2012 Plan that are not issued because the awards terminate without the issuance of shares, or because of the withholding of shares to pay taxes or the exercise price of an award, will be available for issuance under the 2012 Plan.

Limitations on Awards. The 2012 Plan imposes individual limitations on certain awards, in part to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. In any fiscal year during any part of which the 2012 Plan is in effect, no participant may be granted (1) stock options and/or stock appreciation rights with respect to more than 1,000,000 shares of our common stock, or (2) restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards and/or other stock-based awards that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” exempt from the deduction limitations imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code that may be settled by the issuance of more than 1,000,000 shares of our common stock, in each case, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The maximum amount of cash and the fair market value of property other than shares of our common stock that may be payable to any one participant in settlement of any restricted stock award, RSU award, performance award, and/or other stock-based award that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” exempt from the deduction limitations imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code, is (i) $2,000,000 with respect to any 12 month performance period (not prorated for any performance period that is less than 12 months), and (ii) with respect to any performance period that is more than 12 months, $5,000,000.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the 2012 Plan to the contrary, the aggregate grant date fair value (computed as of the date of grant in accordance with applicable financial accounting rules) of all awards granted to any outside director during any fiscal year will not exceed $2,000,000 or 750,000 shares of our common stock.

Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2012 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered under the 2012 Plan as a result of the exercise of incentive stock options granted under the 2012 Plan is 7,500,000 shares.

Except as otherwise provided in the 2012 Plan, the committee (as defined below) will not be permitted to (1) lower the exercise price of a stock option or the grant price of a stock appreciation right after it is granted, (2) cancel a stock option or stock appreciation right when the exercise or grant price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying shares of our common stock in exchange for cash or another award, (3) cancel a stock option or stock appreciation right in exchange for a stock option or stock appreciation right with an exercise or grant price that is less than the exercise or grant price of the original stock option or stock appreciation right, or (4) take any other action with respect to a stock option or stock appreciation right that may be treated as a repricing, without approval of our stockholders.

Capitalization Adjustments. In the event that any extraordinary dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spinoff, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects our common stock, then the committee (as defined below) will substitute, exchange, or adjust any or all of the following in such manner as it deems equitable: (1) the kind and number of shares available under the 2012 Plan; (2) the kind and number of shares subject to limitations on awards described in the preceding section; (3) the kind and number of shares subject to all outstanding awards; (4) the exercise price, grant price, or purchase price relating to any award; and (5) any other affected terms of awards.

Eligibility. The persons eligible to receive awards under the 2012 Plan consist of officers, directors, employees, and consultants who are natural persons providing bona fide services to us or our Related Entities. However, incentive stock options may be granted under the 2012 Plan only to our employees, including our officers who are employees.

Administration. The 2012 Plan will be administered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors or a subcommittee thereof formed by the compensation committee, except to the extent our Board of Directors elects to administer the 2012 Plan (subject to limitations described in the 2012 Plan). The committee members will be (i) “non-employee directors” as defined by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, unless administration of the 2012 Plan by “non-employee directors” is not then required in order for exemptions under Rule 16b-3 to apply to transactions under the 2012 Plan, (ii) “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, and (iii) “independent” as defined by the listing market on which shares of our common stock are listed for trading. Subject to the terms of the 2012 Plan, the committee is authorized to select eligible persons to receive awards, determine the type and number of awards to be granted and the number of shares of our common stock to which awards will relate, specify times at which awards will be exercisable or may be settled (including performance conditions that may be required as a condition thereof), set other terms and conditions of awards, prescribe forms of award agreements, interpret and specify rules and regulations relating to the 2012 Plan, and make all other determinations that may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2012 Plan. The committee may amend the terms of outstanding awards, in its discretion. Any amendment that adversely affects the rights of the award recipient, however, must receive the approval of such recipient.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. The committee is authorized to grant stock options, including both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options. In addition, the committee is authorized to grant stock appreciation rights, which entitle the participant to receive the appreciation of our common stock between the grant date and the exercise date of the stock appreciation right. The committee determines the exercise price per share subject to an option and the grant price of a stock appreciation right; however, the per share exercise price of an option or stock appreciation right must not be less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the grant date. The committee generally will fix the maximum term of each option or stock appreciation right, the times at which each option or stock appreciation right will be exercisable, and provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised options or stock appreciation rights at or following termination of employment or service, except that no option or stock appreciation right may have a term exceeding 10 years. Options may be exercised by payment of the exercise price in any form of legal consideration specified by the committee, including cash, shares (including cancellation of a portion of the shares subject to the award), outstanding awards, or other property having a fair market value equal to the exercise price. Options may also be exercisable in connection with a broker-assisted sales transaction, or a cashless exercise, as determined by the committee. The committee determines methods of exercise and settlement and other terms of the stock appreciation rights.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The committee is authorized to grant restricted stock and RSUs. Restricted stock is a grant of shares of our common stock, which may not be sold or disposed of and which may be forfeited in the event of certain terminations of employment or service prior to the end of a restricted period specified by the committee. A participant granted restricted stock generally has all of the rights of one of our stockholders, unless otherwise determined by the committee. An award of RSUs confers upon a participant the right to receive shares of our common stock at the end of a specified period or upon achievement of performance goals and may be subject to possible forfeiture of the award in the event of certain terminations of employment prior to the end of a specified period. Prior to settlement, an RSU award carries no voting or dividend rights or other rights associated with share ownership, although dividend equivalents may be granted, as discussed below. The committee determines all of the terms of the restricted stock and RSU awards subject to the terms of the 2012 Plan.

Dividend Equivalents. The committee is authorized to grant dividend equivalents conferring on participants the right to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, cash, shares of our common stock, other awards, or other property equal in value to dividends paid on a specific number of shares of our common stock or other periodic payments. Dividend equivalents may be granted alone or in connection with another award, other than a stock option or stock appreciation right award, may be paid currently or on a deferred basis and, if deferred, may be deemed to have been reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, awards, or otherwise as specified by

the committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividend equivalents credited in connection with an award that vests based on the achievement of performance goals will be subject to restrictions and risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the award with respect to which such dividend equivalents have been credited. The committee determines all of the terms of the dividend equivalent awards subject to the terms of the 2012 Plan.

Bonus Stock and Awards in Lieu of Cash Obligations. The committee is authorized to grant shares of our common stock as a bonus free of restrictions for services performed for our company or to grant shares of our common stock or other awards in lieu of our obligations to pay cash under the 2012 Plan or other plans or compensatory arrangements, subject to such terms as the committee may specify.

Other Stock Based Awards. The committee is authorized to grant awards under the 2012 Plan that are denominated or payable in, valued by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to shares of our common stock. The committee determines the terms and conditions of such awards.

Performance Awards. The committee is authorized to grant performance awards to participants on terms and conditions established by the committee. The performance criteria to be achieved during any performance period and the length of the performance period will be determined by the committee upon the grant of the performance award. Performance awards may be valued by reference to a designated number of shares of our common stock (in which case they are referred to as performance shares) or by reference to a designated amount of property including cash (in which case they are referred to as performance units). Performance awards may be settled by delivery of cash, shares of our common stock or other property, or any combination thereof, as determined by the committee.

The provisions that are intended to qualify awards as “performance based compensation” not subject to the limitation on tax deductibility by us under Section 162(m) of the Code will apply to any restricted stock award, RSU award, performance award, or other stock-based award if it is granted to a participant who is, or is likely to be, as of the end of the tax year in which we would claim a tax deduction in connection with such award, a “covered employee” (as defined below) and is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” not subject to the limitation on tax deductibility. The term “covered employee” means our chief executive officer and each other person whose compensation is required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC by reason of that person being among the three highest compensated officers of our company (other than our principal financial officer) as of the end of a taxable year. If and to the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code, any power or authority relating to an award intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code is to be exercised by the committee and not our Board of Directors.

If an award is subject to the provisions of the 2012 Plan that are intended to qualify awards as “performance based compensation” not subject to the limitation on tax deductibility by us under Section 162(m) of the Code, then the payment or distribution thereof or the lapsing of restrictions thereon and the distribution of cash, shares of our common stock or other property pursuant thereto, as applicable, will be contingent upon achievement of one or more objective performance goals. Performance goals will be objective and will otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations thereunder, including the requirement that the level or levels of performance targeted by the committee result in the achievement of performance goals being “substantially uncertain.” One or more of the following business criteria for our company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for Related Entities, or for business or geographical units of our company and/or a Related Entity (except with respect to the total stockholder return and earnings per share criteria), will be used by the committee in establishing performance goals for such awards: (1) total stockholder return; (2) such total stockholder return as compared to total return (on a comparable basis) of a publicly available index such as, but not limited to, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index or the S&P Specialty Retailer Index; (3) net income; (4) pretax earnings; (5) earnings before all or some of the following items: interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, ASC 718 expense, or any extraordinary or special items; (6) pretax operating earnings after interest expense and before bonuses, service fees, and extraordinary or special items; (7) operating margin; (8) earnings per share; (9) return on equity; (10) return on capital; (11) return on investment; (12) operating earnings; (13) working capital or inventory; (14) operating earnings before the expense for share based awards;

and (15) ratio of debt to stockholders’ equity. Any of the above goals may be determined on an absolute or relative basis or as compared to the performance of a published or special index deemed applicable by the committee including, but not limited to, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index or a group of companies that are comparable to our company. In determining the achievement of the performance goals, unless otherwise specified by the committee at the time the performance goals are set, the committee will exclude the impact of (i) restructurings, discontinued operations, and extraordinary items (as defined pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles), and other unusual or non-recurring charges, (ii) change in accounting standards required by generally accepted accounting principles; or (iii) such other exclusions or adjustments as the committee specifies at the time the award is granted.

The committee may, in its discretion, reduce the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with awards subject to the provisions of the 2012 Plan that are intended to qualify awards as “performance based compensation” not subject to the limitation on tax deductibility by us under Section 162(m) of the Code, but may not exercise discretion to increase any such amount payable to a covered employee in respect of an award subject to such provisions of the 2012 Plan.

Other Terms of Awards. Awards may be settled in the form of cash, shares of our common stock, other awards, or other property in the discretion of the committee. Awards under the 2012 Plan are generally granted without a requirement that the participant pay consideration in the form of cash or property for the grant (as distinguished from the exercise), except to the extent required by law. The committee may require or permit participants to defer the settlement of all or part of an award in accordance with such terms and conditions as the committee may establish, including payment or crediting of interest or dividend equivalents on deferred amounts, and the crediting of earnings, gains, and losses based on deemed investment of deferred amounts in specified investment vehicles. The committee is authorized to place cash, shares of our common stock, or other property in trusts or make other arrangements to provide for payment of our obligations under the 2012 Plan. The committee may condition any payment relating to an award on the withholding of taxes and may provide that a portion of any shares of our common stock or other property to be distributed will be withheld (or previously acquired shares of our common stock or other property be surrendered by the participant) to satisfy withholding and other tax obligations. Awards granted under the 2012 Plan generally may not be pledged or otherwise encumbered and are not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or to a designated beneficiary upon the participant’s death, except that the committee may, in its discretion, permit transfers of awards subject to any applicable legal restrictions.

Acceleration of Vesting; Change in Control. Upon the occurrence of a “change in control,” as defined in the 2012 Plan, any restrictions, deferral of settlement, and forfeiture conditions applicable to an award will lapse, and any performance goals and conditions applicable to an award will be deemed to have been met, as of the time of the change in control. Notwithstanding, unless the committee otherwise determines in a specific instance, each outstanding award will not be accelerated as described in foregoing sentence, if either (i) our company is the surviving entity in the change in control and the award continues to be outstanding after the change in control on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the change in control or (ii) the successor company assumes or substitutes for the applicable award, as determined in accordance with the 2012 Plan. If and to the extent provided in an award agreement and on such terms and conditions as may be set forth in an award agreement, in the event a participant’s employment is terminated without “cause” by us or any Related Entity or by such successor company or by the participant for “good reason,” both terms as defined in the 2012 Plan, within 24 months following such change in control, each award held by such participant at the time of the change in control will be accelerated as described above.

Clawback of Benefits. We may (i) cause the cancellation of any award, (ii) require reimbursement of any award by a participant or beneficiary, and (iii) effect any other right of recoupment of equity or other compensation provided under the 2012 Plan or otherwise in accordance with any company policies that currently exist or that may from time to time be adopted or modified in the future by us and/or applicable law, or a Clawback Policy. In addition, a participant may be required to repay to our company certain previously paid compensation, whether provided under the 2012 Plan or an award agreement or otherwise, in accordance with

any Clawback Policy. By accepting an award, a participant is also agreeing to be bound by any existing or future Clawback Policy adopted by us, or any amendments that may from time to time be made to the Clawback Policy in the future by us in our discretion (including without limitation any Clawback Policy adopted or amended to comply with applicable laws or stock exchange requirements) and is further agreeing that all of the participant’s award agreements may be unilaterally amended by us, without the participant’s consent, to the extent that we in our discretion determine to be necessary or appropriate to comply with any Clawback Policy.

If the participant, without our consent, while employed by or providing services to us or any Related Entity or after termination of such employment or service, violates a non-competition, non-solicitation or non-disclosure covenant or agreement or otherwise engages in activity that is in conflict with or adverse to the interest of our company or any Related Entity, as determined by the committee in its sole discretion, then (i) any outstanding, vested or unvested, earned or unearned portion of the award may, at the committee’s discretion, be canceled and (ii) the committee, in its discretion, may require the participant or other person to whom any payment has been made or shares of our common stock or other property have been transferred in connection with the award to forfeit and pay over to us, on demand, all or any portion of the gain (whether or not taxable) realized upon the exercise of any stock option or stock appreciation right and the value realized (whether or not taxable) on the vesting or payment of any other award during the time period specified in the award agreement or otherwise specified by the committee.

Amendment and Termination. Our Board of Directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the 2012 Plan or the committee’s authority to grant awards without further stockholder approval, except stockholder approval will be obtained for any amendment or alteration if such approval is deemed necessary and advisable by our Board of Directors or any amendment for which stockholder approval is required by law or the primary stock exchange on which our common stock trades. The 2012 Plan will terminate at the earliest of (i) such time as no shares of our common stock remain available for issuance under the 2012 Plan, (ii) termination of the 2012 Plan by our Board of Directors, or (c) the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the 2012 Plan, which was October 18, 2012. Except as otherwise permitted by the 2012 Plan or award agreement, amendments to the 2012 Plan or any award require the consent of the affected participant if the amendment has a material adverse effect on the participant’s previously granted and outstanding awards.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

During fiscal 2015,2020, we paid each non-employee director a monthly retainer equivalent to an amount of $33,000$34,650 annually. Currently, the non-employee Chairman of the Board receives an additional $10,000$160,000 per year over the standard outside director compensation;annually; the non-employee Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional $7,500$7,875 per year; the non-employee Chair of the Compensation Committee receives an additional $5,000$5,250 per year; the non-employee Chair of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee receives an additional $2,500$2,625 per year; the non-employee Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee receives an additional $5,250 per year; the non-Chair members of the Audit Committee each receive an additional $2,000$2,100 per year; the non-chair members of the Compensation Committee each receive an additional $1,500$1,575 per year; and the non-Chair members of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee each receive an additional $1,000$1,050 per year; and the non-Chair members of the Strategic Planning Committee each receive an additional $1,575 per year. We also reimburse each non-employee director for travel and related expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board of Director and committee meetings. Employees who also serve as directors receive no additional compensation for their services as a director.

In April 2019, in lieu of receiving cash for Chairman and committee retainers and fees for the period of May 2019 through April 2020, Mr. Friedberg received a 10-year option to purchase 94,787 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.11 per share, with 1/12th to vest and become exercisable starting May 29, 2019 and on the last day of each month thereafter through April 2020. This grant reflects his annual cash-based compensation through April 2020.  Effective April 2020, the Chairman of the Board annual fee increased to an additional $160,000, payable in stock options.

Effective September 1, 2019, non-employee directors can elect to receive all or a portion of their annual retainers in the form of DSUs.   The DSUs are recognized at their fair value on the date of grant.  Director fees deferred into stock units are calculated and expensed each month by taking fees earned during the month and


dividing by the closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of the month, rounded down to the nearest whole share.  Each DSU represents the right to receive one share of our common stock following the completion of a director’s service.  

We also compensate our non-employee directors in the form of stock-based compensation.  Each non-employee member of our Board of Directors currently receives an annual grant of 10-year optionsIn May 2020, Mr. Friedberg received a 10 year option to purchase 100,000223,295 shares of our common stockCommon Stock at an exercise price equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant,$1.48 per share, with 1/12th12th to vest and become exercisable on the last day of each month, commencing on the last day of the month in which the options were granted.  The annual grant of 10-year options may be prorated to account for aIn May 2020, each non-employee director’s service on the Board of Directors for a portion of the year. In addition, each new member (excluding Messrs. Friedberg and Nolan) of our Board of Directors receives a one-time grant of 10-yearat that time received 10 year options to purchase 25,00037,915 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant, all of which vest and become exercisable on the date of grant.

With the exception of Mr. Golden, our non-employee directors last received an annual stock-based grant in December 2015, at which time each non-employee director received 10-year options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stockCommon Stock at an exercise price of $0.80,$1.48 per share, with 1/12th12th to vest and become exercisable starting December 31, 2015 and on the last day of each month, thereafter through November 2016.

On January 7, 2016, Mr. Golden received a stock-based grant, in the form of 10-year options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.68, with 1/12th to vest and become exercisable starting January 31, 2016 andcommencing on the last day of eachthe month thereafterin which the options were granted.  This grant reflects the annual stock-based compensation for those directors through December 2016, in recognition of his relinquishing of the Interim Chief Executive Officer role subsequent to the hiring of Mr. Hatch.May 2021.

The following table sets forth the compensation earned or paid by us to each non-employee director for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2020.  Mr. Dick and Mr. CheneyHatch did not receive any compensation for theirhis service on our Board of Directors.  Messrs. Knittel and Golden and Ms. Wadecki no longer serve as directors of our company. 

 

 

Fees Earned

 

 

Stock

 

 

Option

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

or Paid in Cash

 

 

Awards (1)

 

 

Awards (2)

 

 

Total

 

Daniel M. Friedberg

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

217,909

 

 

$

217,909

 

Michael F. Golden

 

$

31,080

 

 

$

10,395

 

 

$

34,389

 

 

$

75,864

 

Russell J. Knittel

 

$

1,838

 

 

$

17,325

 

 

$

34,389

 

 

$

53,552

 

Ronald L. Miller, Jr.

 

$

44,100

 

 

$

 

 

$

34,389

 

 

$

78,489

 

Stephen A. Nolan

 

$

3,675

 

 

$

34,649

 

 

$

 

 

$

38,324

 

Sarah R. Tomolonius

 

$

36,750

 

 

$

 

 

$

34,389

 

 

$

71,139

 

I. Marie Wadecki

 

$

6,772

 

 

$

12,127

 

 

$

34,389

 

 

$

53,288

 

 

Name

  Fees Earned
or
Paid in Cash
   Options
Awards (1)
   Total 

Mitchell A. Saltz

  $44,500    $61,674    $106,174  

Jeffrey D. Forte

  $33,000    $61,674    $94,674  

Michael F. Golden (2)

  $34,167     —      $34,167  

Russell J. Knittel (3)

  $24,969    $98,271    $123,240  

Ronald L. Miller, Jr.

  $43,000    $61,674    $104,674  

Barry M. Monheit

  $33,000    $61,674    $94,674  

I. Marie Wadecki

  $37,500    $61,674    $99,174  

(1)

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards (if any) granted to our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation in the form of DSUs or other stock awards.  The DSUs valuation on the date of grant is calculated based on the Director fees elected by each Director to be deferred into stock units.

(2)

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards (if any) granted to our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2020, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation.Compensation. The valuation assumptions used in determining such amounts are described in the footnotes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on

Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2020. The amounts reported in this column do not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by our non-employee directors from their option awards.

(2)Mr. Golden received compensation as a non-employee director until October 30, 2015, at which time he became our Interim Chief Executive Officer.
(3)Mr. Knittel was appointed to our Board of Directors in April 2015.

The following table lists all outstanding equity awards held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2015:2020: 

Name

Option
Awards

Mitchell A. SaltzName

Awards

200,000

Jeffrey D. ForteDaniel M. Friedberg

150,000

488,819

Russell J. KnittelMichael F. Golden

140,625

136,150

Ronald L. Miller, Jr.

205,000

139,275

Barry M. MonheitStephen A. Nolan

2,031,115

151,659

I. Marie WadeckiSarah R. Tomolonius

180,000

113,650


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 20152020 with respect to our common stock that may be issued under our incentive compensation plans and under other option grants.

 

Plan Category

  (a)
Number of
securities
to be issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants,
and rights
   (b)
Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants,
and rights
   (c)
Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
 

 

 


Number of
securities
to be issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants,
and rights

 

 

 


Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants,
and rights

 

 


Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance
under equity
compensation
plans

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

   4,562,793    $1.54     2,880,707  

 

 

2,907,173

 

  

$

2.57

 

  

1,947,141

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   1,381,115    $3.25     —    

 

 

344,000

 

  

$

4.52

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

   5,943,908    $2.04     2,880,707  

 

 

3,251,173

 

  

$

2.78

 

  

1,947,141

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Under our 2012 Plan, an aggregate of 7,500,0004,837,500 shares of our common stockCommon Stock was authorized for issuance pursuant to awards granted under such plan. The number of available shares will be increaseddecreased by the number of shares with respect to which awards previously granted under such plan are terminated without being exercised expire, are forfeited or cancelled, do not vest,prior to expiration or are surrendered in payment of any awards or any tax withholding with respect thereto. As of December 31, 2015,2020, the number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options was 2,833,942 and the number of Common Stock shares to be issued under DSUs was 73,231.  As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate number of shares of our common stockCommon Stock available for future issuance pursuant to awards under our 2012 Plan was 2,880,707.1,895,148 and 51,993 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under our 2014 ESPP.  Our 2014 ESPP authorizes the sale of up to 2,000,000250,000 shares of our common stockCommon Stock to employees. As of December 31, 2015, there were 1,869,579 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2014 ESPP.


REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee, consisting of fourthree independent directors. All of the members of the Audit Committee are “independent” of our company and management, as independence is defined in applicable rules of Nasdaq and the SEC.

The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the oversight of our Board of Directors in the integrity of the financial statements of our company, our company’s compliance with legal and regulatory matters, the independent registered public accountant’s qualifications and independence, and the performance of our company’s independent registered public accountant. The primary responsibilities of the committee include overseeing our company’s accounting and financial reporting process and audits of the financial statements of our company on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. The independent registered public accountant is responsible for auditing the financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the committee reviewed the audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accountant. The committee discussed with the independent registered public accountant the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. This included a discussion of the independent registered public accountant’s judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of our company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the committee under generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, the committee received from the independent registered public accountant written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accountant’s communications with the committee concerning independence. The committee also discussed with the independent registered public accountant its independence from management and our company, including the matters covered by the written disclosures and letter provided by the independent registered public accountant.

The committee discussed with the independent registered public accountant the overall scope and plans for its audit. The committee met with the independent registered public accountant, with and without management present, to discuss the results of the examinations, its evaluations of our company, the internal controls, and the overall quality of the financial reporting. The committee held nineeight meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2020.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved,agreed, that the audited financial statements could be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152020 for filing with the SEC.

The report has been furnished by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Ronald L. Miller, Jr., Chairman

Michael F. GoldenStephen A. Nolan

Russell J. KnittelSarah R. Tomolonius

I. Marie Wadecki


SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, officers, and persons that own more than 10 percent of a registered class of our company’s equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Directors, officers, and greater than 10 percent stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish our company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely upon our review of the copies of such forms received by us during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that each person who, at any time during such fiscal year, was a director, officer, or beneficial owner of more than 10 percent of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during such fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, except that a Form 4 was not filed by Colton R. Melby, then a 10 percent stockholder, to report a disposition of 617,127 shares of our common stock on June 15, 2015.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares as of April 18, 2016May 20, 2021 by (1) each director, nominee for director, and named executive officer of our company, (2) all directors and executive officers of our company as a group, and (3) each person known by us to own more than 5% of our common stock.

 

 

Shares Beneficially Owned

 

Named Executive Officers and Directors (1):

 

Number (2)

 

 

Percentage (2)

 

S. Ray Hatch (3)

 

 

574,464

 

 

 

2.98

Laurie L. Latham (4)

 

 

303,421

 

 

 

1.60

%

David P. Sweitzer (5)

 

 

290,359

 

 

 

1.53

%

Daniel M. Friedberg (6)

 

 

3,209,798

 

 

 

16.76

%

Ronald L. Miller, Jr. (7)

 

 

155,250

 

 

 

*

 

Stephen A. Nolan (8)

 

 

193,557

 

 

 

1.03

%

Sarah R. Tomolonius (9)

 

 

132,400

 

 

 

*

 

All directors and executive officers as a group

(7 persons) (10)

 

 

4,859,249

 

 

 

23.49

%

5% Stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federated Global Investment Management (11)

 

 

2,507,013

 

 

 

13.39

%

Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P., et al (12)

 

 

1,829,011

 

 

 

9.77

Jeffrey D. Forte (13)

 

 

1,152,518

 

 

 

6.14

%

Pinnacle Family Office Investments, L.P. (14)

 

 

2,000,000

 

 

 

10.68

 

   Shares Beneficially Owned 

Named Executive Officers and Directors (1):

  Number (2)   Percent (2) 

S. Ray Hatch

   —       *  

Laurie L. Latham (3)

   163,134     *  

Timothy A. Semones (4)

   52,729     *  

Mitchell A. Saltz (5)

   46,318,957     38.98

Jeffrey D. Forte (6)

   12,880,134     10.84

Michael F. Golden (7)

   378,417     *  

Russell J. Knittel (8)

   90,625     *  

Ronald L. Miller, Jr. (9)

   156,000     *  

Barry M. Monheit (10)

   2,642,205     2.19

I. Marie Wadecki (11)

   135,903     *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons) (12)

   62,818,104     51.58

5% Stockholders:

    

Southwest Green Investments, L.L.C. (13)

   30,603,469     25.79

Stockbridge Enterprises, L.P. (14)

   15,553,488     13.11

Bear & Bug, L.P. (15)

   14,775,315     12.45

Colton R. Melby (16)

   7,876,003     6.64

EarthNow Investments, L.L.C. (17)

   6,790,589     5.72

*

Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock.

(1)

Except as otherwise indicated, each person named in the table has the sole voting and investment power with respect to all common stock beneficially owned, subject to applicable community property law. Except as otherwise indicated, each person may be reached as follows: c/o Quest Resource Holding Corporation, 3481 Plano Parkway, The Colony, Texas 75056.

(2)

The number of shares beneficially owned by each person or entity is determined under the rules promulgated by the SEC. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the person or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. The number of shares shown includes, when applicable, shares owned of record by the identified person’s minor children and spouse and by other related individuals and entities over whose shares such person has custody, voting control, or power of disposition. The percentages shown are calculated based on 118,678,22518,720,486 shares outstanding on April 18, 2016.May 20, 2021. The numbers and percentages shown include shares actually owned on April 18, 2016May 20, 2021 and shares that the identified person or group had the right to acquire within 60 days of such date. In calculating the percentage of ownership, all shares that the identified person or group had the right to acquire within 60 days of April 18, 2016May 20, 2021 upon the exercise of options or the release of deferred stock unit shares are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of shares owned by that person or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of shares of stock owned by any other person or group.

(3)

Includes 158,333 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.

(4)Includes 41,666 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.
(5)Consists of (a) 150,000503,333 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options (b) 30,603,469 shares held by Southwest Green Investments, L.L.C., of which Mr. Saltz controls the investment decisions, (c) 15,553,488 shares held by Stockbridge Enterprises, L.P., of which Mr. Saltz controls the investment decisions, and (d) 12,000 shares held by Saltz & Noreen Revocable Family Trust, for which Mr. Saltz holds voting and dispositive power.49,939 deferred stock units.

(6)

(4)

Includes 100,000264,167 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options and 21,939 deferred stock units.

(7)

(5)

Includes 365,417264,267 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options and 17,581 deferred stock units.

(8)

(6)

Consists of 90,625(a) 2,775,489 shares held by Hampstead Park Capital Environmental Services Investment Fund LLC, and (b) 419,309 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options, and (c) 15,000 deferred stock units.

(9)

(7)

Includes 155,000139,275 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options and 15,000 deferred stock units.

(10)

(8)

Consists of (a) 661,090 shares held by Barry M. Monheit, Trustee, SEP PROP Monheit Family Trust U/A Dtd 7/16/2002, for which Mr. Monheit holds voting and dispositive power, and (b) 1,981,115

Includes 82,149 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options and 44,408 deferred stock units.

(11)

(9)

Includes 130,000113,650 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options and 15,000 deferred stock units.

(12)

(10)

Consists of (a) 59,645,9482,894,232 shares held by the directors and executive officers as a group, and (b) 3,172,1561,786,150 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.options, and (c) 178,867 deferred stock units.

(13)

(11)

Based on the statement on Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D13G filed with the SEC on May 21, 2015, Mr. Saltz controls the investment decisions with respect to all such shares. Southwest Green Investments, L.L.C. is ownedFebruary 12, 2021 and 13F filings, by a limited partnership in which Mr. Saltz owns an indirect interest.Federated Hermes, Inc. The address for Southwest Green Investments, L.L.C.Federated Hermes, Inc. is 7377 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Suite 200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

(14)

(12)

Based on the statement on Amendment No. 23 to Schedule 13D13G filed with the SEC on May 21, 2015, Mr. Saltz controlsFebruary 16, 2021, Form 4 filed with the investment decisionsSEC on March 29, 2021, a Form 4 filed with respect to all such shares. Stockbridge Enterprises, L.P. is ownedthe SEC on March 25, 2021, and 13F filings by a limited partnership in which Mr. Saltz owns an indirect interest.


Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P, and affiliates. The address for Stockbridge Enterprises, L.P.Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value, L.P, and affiliates is 7377 East Doubletree Ranch Road,450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.509, New York, NY 10123.

(15)

(13)

Consists of (a) 1,097,518 shares held and (b) 55,000 shares issuable upon exercise of vested stock options.

(14)

Based on the statement on Amendment No. 1 to3 on Schedule 13D13G filed with the SEC on May 19, 2015, Mr. Brian S. Dick controls the investment decisions with respect to all such shares.February 3, 2021, by Pinnacle Family Office Investments, L.P.  The address for Bear & Bug,Pinnacle Family Office Investments, L.P. is 25915910 North Central Expressway, Suite 1475, Dallas, Parkway, Suite 408, Frisco, Texas 75034.TX 75206.  

(16)Consists of (a) 6,790,589 shares held by EarthNow Investments, L.L.C., over which Mr. Melby holds the beneficial interest, including voting and dispositive power, (b) 974,624 shares held by Global Security Holding, L.L.C., over which Mr. Melby holds the beneficial interest, including voting and dispositive power (c) 110,490 shares held by Bone Logic, L.L.C., over which Mr. Melby holds the beneficial interest, including voting and dispositive power, and (d) 300 shares held by Prestamo, L.L.C., over which Mr. Melby holds the beneficial interest, including voting and dispositive power. The address for Colton R. Melby is 136 East South Temple, Suite 1050, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.
(17)Mr. Melby holds the beneficial interest, including voting and dispositive power, over all such shares. The address for EarthNow Investments, L.L.C. is 136 East South Temple, Suite 1050, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Unless delegated to the Compensation Committee by our Board of Directors, the Audit Committee charter requires the Audit Committee to review and approve all related party transactions and to review and make recommendations to the full Board of Directors, or approve, any contracts or other transactions with current or former executive officers of our company, including consulting arrangements, employment agreements, change-in-control agreements, termination arrangements, and loans to employees made or guaranteed by our company. We have a policy that we will not enter into any such transaction unless the transaction is determined by our disinterested directors to be fair to us or is approved by our disinterested directors or by our stockholders. Any determination by our disinterested directors is based on a review of the particular transaction, applicable laws and regulations, and policies of our company (including those set forth above under “Corporate Governance” or published on our website). As appropriate, the disinterested directors of the applicable committees of the Board of Directors shall consult with our legal counsel.

Our company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify such individuals, to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law, for certain liabilities to which they may become subject as a result of their affiliation with our company.

On July 16, 2013, in connection withAugust 5, 2020, Hampstead Park Environmental which is controlled by Daniel Friedberg our acquisitionChairman of Quest, wethe Board entered into a stockholders votingsecurities purchase agreement, the “Securities Purchase Agreement,” with Messrs. Saltz and Melby, or the Class P Stockholders, and Messrs. Dick and Forte, or the Class D Stockholders,Company pursuant to which the Class P StockholdersCompany issued and sold to Hampstead Park Environmental, 655,000 shares Common Stock at a purchase price of $1.15 per Share in a registered direct offering, the Class D Stockholders“Offering.” The shares were offered by the Company pursuant to its shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-227800) originally filed with the SEC on October 11, 2018 and declared effective on April 8, 2019. The Offering closed on August 7, 2020.

Voting Agreement

As previously disclosed, on March 15, 2019, affiliates of the former Chairman of the Board of Directors and largest beneficial stockholder, Mitchell A. Saltz, entered into a Put and Call Stock Purchase Agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, with Hampstead Park Capital Management, LLC, or Hampstead, of which Daniel M. Friedberg is the Chief Executive Officer.  Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, which was consummated on April 11, 2019, Mr. Saltz sold 1,750,000 shares of common stock of our company to Hampstead’s designee, Hampstead Park Environmental Services Investment Fund LLC, or Buyer, at a purchase price of $2.00 per share.  We were not a party to the Purchase Agreement.  

As a condition to the Purchase Agreement, Mr. Saltz, Jeffrey D. Forte, and Brian Dick, and Buyer entered into a three-year voting agreement, or the Voting Agreement, of which we are a party.  Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, Messrs. Saltz, Forte, and Dick agreed to vote allor cause to be voted the remaining shares of our common stock owned by them or acquired(1) in favor of directors nominated and recommended by them in the future for a board consistingour Board of six Class P Directors, as designated by the Class P Stockholders or, in the absenceincluding two designees of such designation,Buyer, provided that a majority of our Board of Directors must be “independent” within the Class Pmeaning of Nasdaq; (2) against any stockholder nomination or proposal not approved or recommended by our Board of Directors; (3) in accordance with the recommendations of our Board of Directors on all other proposals as our Board of Directors sets forth in the proxy statements of our company, unless multiple proxy advisory firms recommend a vote against such recommendation; and (4) in their own discretion in certain “Extraordinary Matters” (as defined in the voting agreement), including various changes in control, spin off, recapitalizations, reorganization, and sale of asset transactions.


In addition, Messrs. Saltz, Forte, and Dick agreed to vote all of their shares for up to a maximum of three additional directors proposed by Buyer in addition to the two then serving Buyer designees and, if necessary, the removal of up to a maximum of three directors who are not designees of Buyer so that Buyer will have a maximum of five designees if the following conditions are not satisfied: (i) Messrs. Saltz and Forte are not serving on our Board of Directors or any committee thereof; (ii) Mr. Friedberg and a second person designated by Buyer, or the Second Designee, shall be elected or appointed as members of our Board of Directors, commencing as of the effective date of the Purchase Agreement; (iii) if Mr. Friedberg or the Second Designee do not serve for any reason during the term of the voting agreement, Buyer will have the right to designate a replacement director(s) to our Board of Directors and three Class Dsuch replacement director(s) shall be promptly appointed to our Board of Directors, provided any such replacement director shall be “independent” for Nasdaq purposes and qualified to serve; (iv) Mr. Friedberg shall serve as Chairman of our Board of Directors; and (v) Mr. Friedberg shall serve as Chairman of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Directors.

PROPOSAL TWO
AMENDMENT OF 2014 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

Our 2014 ESPP was adopted by our Board of Directors on July 1, 2014 and was subsequently approved by our stockholders on September 17, 2014. Our Board of Directors approved an amendment to our 2014 ESPP on May 28, 2021, subject to approval of our stockholders at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We are seeking stockholder approval of an amendment to our 2014 ESPP that increases the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 250,000 shares (the “Amendment”). If approved by our stockholders, the Amendment will become effective on July 1, 2021. Our Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the Amendment to the 2014 ESPP.

A copy of the Amendment is attached hereto as Annex A and is hereby incorporated into this proxy statement by reference. The following summary of key provisions of the 2014 ESPP is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2014 ESPP and the Amendment.

As of May 20, 2021, 29,056 shares of our common stock were available for additional purchases under the 2014 ESPP. If stockholders approve the Amendment, the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2014 ESPP (including shares that have already been purchased under the plan) will increase from 250,000 shares, as adjusted for reverse stock split August 11, 2016, to 500,000 shares.

The 2014 ESPP permits our employees and employees of our designated subsidiaries, which we refer to each as a “Participating Company,” to purchase our common stock at a discount equal to 85% of the lesser of (i) the market value of the shares on the offering date of such offering and (ii) the market value of the shares on the purchase date of such offering, subject to limits set by the Class D Stockholders, orCode and the 2014 ESPP. Sales of shares under the 2014 ESPP are generally made pursuant to offerings that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.

Summary of our 2014 ESPP

The material features of our 2014 ESPP are outlined below.

Purpose. The purpose of the 2014 ESPP is to provide an incentive for the employees of the Participating Companies to purchase our common stock and acquire a proprietary interest in us. We estimate that 100% of our approximately 100 employees will be eligible to participate in the absence2014 ESPP.

Administration. The 2014 ESPP is administered by a committee appointed by our Board of Directors or if no such committee is appointed, then our Board of Directors. Subject to the provisions of the 2014 ESPP, the administrator of the 2014 ESPP has full authority and discretion to adopt, administer, and interpret such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to administer the 2014 ESPP, and its decisions are final and binding upon all participants. In all cases, the 2014 ESPP is required to be administered in such a manner so as to comply with applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and Section 423 of the Code.


Eligibility. Employees of the Participating Companies are eligible to participate in the 2014 ESPP if the employee’s customary employment with a Participating Company is at least 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year, and will become eligible to participate in the 2014 ESPP on a subsequent offering date if they have been employed by a Participating Company for 30 days preceding that offering date. These eligible employees may become participants in the 2014 ESPP by completing an enrollment agreement and filing it with us. As of May 20, 2021, approximately 98 employees were eligible to participate in the 2014 ESPP, and approximately 26 employees were participating.

Shares Available for Issuance. 29,056 shares of our common stock are currently reserved for issuance under the 2014 ESPP. If this proposal is approved by our stockholders, a total of 279,056 shares of our common stock will be reserved and available for issuance under the 2014 ESPP.

Offerings. The 2014 ESPP provides for separate six-month offerings, commencing on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Shares of our common stock are available for purchase under the 2014 ESPP on the exercise date within each offering period. Exercise dates are the last business days in each offering period. On the first business day of each offering period, participants are granted the option to purchase shares of our common stock on the exercise date within that offering period.

No participant is eligible for the grant of any option under the 2014 ESPP if, immediately after the grant, the participant would own, directly or indirectly, stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of our stock or of any of our subsidiaries. Additionally, no participant may be granted any option that would permit the participant to buy more than $25,000 worth of our common stock (based on the fair market value on the date the option is granted) in any calendar year in which such option is outstanding. Finally, no participant may purchase more than 50,000 shares of our common stock on any one exercise date. The closing price of our common stock on May 20, 2021 was $4.23 per share.

Payroll Deductions. The enrollment agreement that each participant must submit authorizes after-tax payroll deductions from the participant’s compensation during each payroll period. Participants may elect a payroll deduction amount of at least 1%, and up to 15% of their compensation. A participant may terminate his or her payroll deductions at any time during an offering period, but may only begin payroll deductions on specified dates. A participant may change his or her payroll deductions at any time, which will be effective as of the next offering period that begins after the date the new enrollment agreement is filed with us, provided that the new enrollment agreement is filed with us on or before the twenty-fifth day of the month preceding the month in which the offering period to which such new enrollment agreement relates, begins. All payroll deductions made for a participant are credited to his or her account under the 2014 ESPP and deposited with our general funds.

Exercise Price. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the lesser of (i) the market value of the shares on the offering date of such designation, a majorityoffering and (ii) the market value of the Class D Directors. shares on the purchase date of such offering.

Withdrawal and Termination of Employment. A participant may withdraw from participation in the 2014 ESPP at any time by completing a withdrawal form and delivering it to us.

A participant’s withdrawal is effective as soon as administratively practicable after we receive the notice of withdrawal. All options granted to the participant under the 2014 ESPP, but not yet exercised, automatically terminate, and no further purchases of common stock are made for the participant’s account following the effectiveness of the participant’s withdrawal. We cease making payroll deductions for a participant’s account beginning with the first payroll period that starts after the effectiveness of the participant’s withdrawal, and we refund any accumulated payroll deductions which are not used to purchase stock under the 2014 ESPP.

After a participant withdraws, the participant is not permitted to participate again in the 2014 ESPP until the next offering date that is at least three months after his or her date of withdrawal. In order to rejoin the 2014 ESPP, a former participant must submit a new enrollment agreement. If a participant’s employment terminates for any reason, he or she is not treated as having withdrawn from the 2014 ESPP for purposes of these rules.

Transferability. No participant is permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber either the payroll deductions credited to his or her account or an option or any rights granted under the ESPP other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the participant’s lifetime, only the participant can make decisions regarding the participation in or withdrawal from an offering under the 2014 ESPP.


Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization. In the event of any change in the structure of our common stock, such as a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation offerings of rights, or other similar event, the administrator of the 2014 ESPP shall make an appropriate adjustment in the number, kind, and price of shares available for purchase under the 2014 ESPP, and in the number of shares an employee is entitled to purchase, including, without limitation, closing an offering early and permitting purchase on the last business day of the reduced offering period, or terminating an offering and refunding participants’ account balances.

Amendment and Termination of the 2014 ESPP. Our Board of Directors or the administrator of the 2014 ESPP may amend the 2014 ESPP in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that, to the extent required for compliance with Code Section 423 or any applicable law or regulation, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment that will (i) increase the total number of shares as to which options may be granted under the 2014 ESPP, except as provided above in the event of any change in the structure of our common stock, (ii) modify the class of employees eligible to receive options, or (iii) otherwise require stockholder approval under any applicable law or regulation; and provided further, that except as provided below, no amendment to the 2014 ESPP will make any change in any option previously granted which adversely affects the rights of any participant.

The stockholders voting agreement2014 ESPP will continue in effect until November [15], 2024. Notwithstanding the earlierforegoing, our Board of (i) fiveDirectors may at any time and for any reason suspend or terminate the 2014 ESPP. During any period of suspension or upon termination of the 2014 ESPP, no options shall be granted.

Change of Control, Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of a Sale Transaction (as defined in the 2014 ESPP), each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor company or parent thereof (the “Successor Company”), unless the administrator of the 2014 ESPP determines to shorten the offering period then in progress by setting a new purchase date. The administrator of the 2014 ESPP will notify each participant in writing, prior to the new purchase date, that the purchase date for the participant’s option has been changed to the new purchase date and that the participant’s option shall be exercised automatically on the new purchase date, unless prior to such date the participant has withdrawn from an offering then in progress or the 2014 ESPP.

In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of our company, the offering then in progress will be shortened by setting a new purchase date and will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the administrator of the 2014 ESPP.

Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following discussion is a summary of the general U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to purchases offered by our company and certain of our designated subsidiaries under the 2014 ESPP offerings that are intended to comply with Section 423 of the Code. Employees should consult their own tax advisors since a taxpayer’s particular situation may be such that some variation of the rules described below will apply. The 2014 ESPP and the right of participants to make purchases under it are intended to qualify under the provisions of Code Sections 421 and 423. Under those provisions, no income will be taxable to a participant at the time of grant of the option or purchase of shares. However, a participant may become liable for tax upon dispositions of shares acquired under the 2014 ESPP, and the tax consequences will depend on how long a participant has held the shares prior to disposition. If the shares are disposed of (a) more than two years fromafter the date of the agreement, (ii)beginning of the offering period and (b) more than one year after the stock is purchased in accordance with the 2014 ESPP (or if the employee dies while holding the shares), the following tax consequences will apply. The lesser of (a) the excess of fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price of the shares (the “option price”), or (b) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was granted over the option price (which option price will be computed as of the offering date) will be taxed as ordinary income to the participant. Any further gain upon disposition generally will be taxed at long-term capital gain rates. If the shares are sold and the sales price is less than the option price, there is no ordinary income and the participant has a long-term capital loss equal to the difference. If an employee holds the shares for the holding periods described above, no deduction in respect of the disposition of such shares will be allowed to our company.

If the shares are sold or disposed of (including by way of gift) before the expiration of either the Class P Stockholderstwo year or the Class D Stockholders ownone year holding periods described above, the following tax consequences will apply. The amount by which the fair market value of the shares on the date the option is exercised (which is the last business day of the offering period and which is hereafter referred to as the “termination date”) exceeds the option price will be taxed as ordinary


income to the participant. This excess will constitute ordinary income in the year of sale or other disposition even if no gain is realized on the sale or a gratuitous transfer of the shares is made. The balance of any gain will be taxed as capital gain and will qualify for long-term capital gain treatment if the shares have been held for more than one year following the exercise of the option. If the shares are sold for an amount that is less than 10%their fair market value as of the termination date, the participant recognizes ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the termination date over the option price, and the participant may recognize a capital loss equal to the difference between the sales price and the value of such shares on the termination date. We, in the event of an early disposition, will be allowed a deduction for federal income tax purposes equal to the ordinary income realized by the disposing employee. Currently, we are not required to withhold employment or income taxes upon the exercise of options under plans qualifying under Code Sections 421 and 423.

New Plan Benefits

The amounts of future purchases under the ESPP are not determinable because participation is voluntary, participation levels depend on each participant’s elections and the restrictions of Code Section 423 and the ESPP, and the per-share purchase price depends on the future value of our outstanding common stock, or (iii) the mutual agreement of the parties. On March 15, 2016, Mr. Melby transferred to Mr. Saltz all of his rights to designate Class P Directors pursuant to the stockholders voting agreement.

stock.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE 2014 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN.

PROPOSAL TWO

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

Background

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, enables our stockholders to vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules.

Summary

We are asking our stockholders to provide advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers (which consist of our former principal executive officer, our former interim principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and our other executive officer who was serving as an executive officer on December 31, 2015)2020), as such compensation is disclosed in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement. Our executive compensation program is designed to enable us to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified executives. This program provides long-term stock-based incentive compensation that focuses our executives’ efforts on building stockholder value by aligning their interests with those of our stockholders. The following is a summary of some of the key points of our executive compensation program. We urge our stockholders to review the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement for more information.

Base Salaries. We target base salaries at levels required to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified executives with base salaries generally set at levels below those of our peer companies, taking into account we are in the early stages of our corporate development.

Our long-term stock-based incentive compensation program is designed to align the interests of our management and the interests of our stockholders. We strongly believe in utilizing our common stock to tie executive rewards directly to our long-term success and increases in stockholder value. Grants of stock-based awards to our executive officers enable those executives to develop and maintain an ownership position in our common stock. Grants of stock-based awards are intended to result in limited rewards if the price of our common stock does not appreciate, but may provide substantial rewards to executives as our stockholders in general benefit from stock price appreciation. Grants of stock-based awards also are intended to align compensation with the price performance of our common stock. Historically, our stock-based compensation has been through the grant of stock options.


Board Recommendation

Our board believes that the information provided above and within the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement demonstrates that our executive compensation program is designed appropriately and is working to ensure that management’s interests are aligned with our stockholders’ interests to support long-term value creation.

The following resolution is submitted for a stockholder vote at the meeting:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of the Company approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement.

The annual say-on-pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on our company, our Compensation Committee, or our Board of Directors. Although non-binding, the vote will provide information to our Compensation Committee and our Board of Directors regarding investor sentiment about our executive compensation philosophy, policies, and practices, which our Compensation Committee and our Board of Directors will be able to consider when determining executive compensation for the years to come.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECTION OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

PROPOSAL THREE


PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO AMEND OUR ARTICLES

OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT AN UP TO 1-FOR-10 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Our Board of Directors has considered, approved, and recommends to the stockholders for their approval, an amendment to our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock, with the exact ratio to be determined by our Board of Directors in its discretion at any time prior to August 29, 2016. The reverse stock split would be effective upon the filing of articles of amendment to the company’s articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the state of Nevada.

Under the proposed amendment, the total number of authorized shares would remain the same, which means that a reverse stock split would result in an increased number of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock. The reverse stock split would be realized simultaneously and in the same ratio for all shares of common stock. All of our stockholders would be affected uniformly by the reverse stock split, which would have no effect on the proportionate holdings of any of our stockholders, except for possible changes due to the treatment of fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, we will round up in the event a stockholder would be entitled to receive less than one share of common stock. In addition, the reverse stock split would not affect any stockholder’s proportionate voting power (subject to the treatment of fractional shares), and all shares of common stock would remain fully paid and non-assessable.

A reverse stock split would be effected, if at all, only upon a determination by our Board of Directors that the reverse stock split is in the best interests of our company and our stockholders at that time. No further action on the part of our stockholders would be required to either implement or abandon the reverse stock split. If our Board of Directors does not implement the reverse stock split prior to August 29, 2016, then the authority granted to our Board of Directors to implement the reverse stock split will terminate. At any time prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split, our Board of Directors may abandon the reverse stock split if it determines in its sole discretion that this proposal is no longer in the best interests of our company and our stockholders.

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

A reverse stock split can help us to regain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing requirements.

On September 1, 2015, we received a notification from Nasdaq Listing Qualifications advising us that our common stock had not maintained a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”) as required by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5555(a)(2). We had 180 calendar days, or until February 29, 2016 (the “Compliance Deadline”), to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. To regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, the bid price of our common stock had to close at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days prior to the Compliance Deadline.

On March 1, 2016, we received a notification from Nasdaq Listing Qualifications advising us that we are eligible for an extension of 180 calendar days, or until August 29, 2016 (the “Extended Compliance Deadline”), to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. We are required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the Mimimum Bid Price Requirement, and we have provided written notice of our intention to cure the deficiency prior to the Extended Compliance Deadline, by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. If it appears to Nasdaq that we will not be able to cure the deficiency, or if we are not otherwise eligible, our securities will be subject to delisting. At that time, we may appeal the delisting determination to a Hearings Panel.

Effecting a reverse stock split would help to raise the closing bid price of our common stock and to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

A reverse stock split can avoid certain adverse effects of low trading prices for our securities.

Our Board of Directors considered that as a matter of policy, many institutional investors are prohibited from purchasing stocks below certain minimum price levels. For the same reason, brokers may be reluctant to recommend lower-priced stocks to their clients, or may discourage their clients from purchasing such stocks. Other investors may be dissuaded from purchasing lower-priced stocks because the commissions, as a percentage of the total transaction, tend to be higher for such stocks. Our Board of Directors believes that, to the extent that the price per share of our common stock remains at a higher per share price as a result of a reverse stock split, some of these concerns may be ameliorated. The combination of lower transaction costs and increased interest from investors could also have the effect of increasing the liquidity of our common stock.

The reverse stock split is not intended to be a going private transaction.

Our Board of Directors does not intend for this transaction to be the first step in a series of plans or proposals of a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act.

Principal Effects of the Reverse Stock Split

General

A reverse stock split would affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and would not change the proportionate equity interests of such stockholders, nor would the respective voting rights and other rights of holders of our common stock be altered, except for possible changes due to the treatment of fractional shares resulting from a reverse stock split. The par value of our common stock would not change as a result of the reverse stock split, and would remain at $0.001 per share regardless of the ratio determined by the Board of Directors for the reverse stock split.

Stockholders should recognize that once a reverse split is effected, they will own a fewer number of shares than they currently own. While we expect that a reverse split would result in an increase in the per share price of our common stock, a reverse split may not increase the per share price of our common stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding. It also may not result in a permanent increase in the per share price, which depends on many factors, including our performance, prospects, and other factors that may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding. The history of similar reverse stock splits for companies in similar circumstances is varied.

Once a reverse stock split is effected and should the per share price of our common stock decline, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split. Furthermore, the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after a reverse stock split.

In addition, a reverse split would likely increase the number of stockholders who own “odd lots” (stockholdings in amounts of less than 100 shares). Stockholders who hold odd lots typically will experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares, as well as possible greater difficulty in effecting such sales. Any reduction in brokerage commissions resulting from a reverse stock split may be offset, in whole or in part, by increased brokerage commissions required to be paid by stockholders selling odd lots created by a reverse stock split.

Finally, the number of authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock relative to the number of issued and reserved shares of our common stock would be increased. This increased number of authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of our common stock could be issued by our Board of Directors without further stockholder approval, which could result in dilution to the holders of our common stock.

The increased proportion of unissued and unreserved authorized shares to issued shares could also, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect. For example, the issuance of a large block of common stock could dilute the ownership of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of our Board of Directors or

contemplating a tender offer or other transaction. However, the reverse stock split has not been authorized in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate shares of common stock or obtain control of our company.

Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Stock Options

We currently have outstanding stock options to purchase shares of our common stock. Under the terms of the outstanding stock options and notes, the reverse stock split would effect a reduction in the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the stock options in proportion to the exchange ratio of any reverse stock split and would effect a proportionate increase in the exercise price of the outstanding stock options. In connection with a reverse stock split, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of outstanding stock options would be rounded to the nearest whole share and no cash payment would be made in respect of such rounding.

Accounting Matters

The reverse stock split would not affect total stockholders’ equity on our balance sheet. As a result of the reverse stock split, the stated capital component attributable to our common stock would be reduced to an amount equal to up to one-tenth of its present amount and the additional paid-in capital component will be increased by the amount by which the stated capital component is reduced. The per share net loss and net book value per share of our common stock would be increased as a result of a reverse split because there would be fewer shares of our common stock outstanding.

Tax Consequences

Each stockholder is urged to consult with such stockholder’s tax advisor with respect to any potential tax consequences of a reverse stock split.

Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split and Filing the Articles of Amendment

We will file the articles of amendment with the Secretary of State of the state of Nevada. The reverse stock split will become effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the date of filing, which time on such date will be referred to as the “effective time.” At the effective time, each lot of up to 10 shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will, automatically and without any further action on the part of our stockholders, be combined into and become one share of common stock, subject to the treatment for fractional shares described above, and each certificate which, immediately prior to the effective time represented pre-reverse split shares, will be deemed cancelled and, for all corporate purposes, will be deemed to evidence ownership of post-reverse split shares. However, a stockholder will not be entitled to receive any dividends or distributions payable after the articles of amendment are effective until that stockholder surrenders and exchanges his or her certificates.

Our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. As soon as practicable after the effective time, a letter of transmittal will be sent to our stockholders of record as of the effective time for purposes of surrendering to the transfer agent certificates representing pre-reverse split shares in exchange for certificates representing post-reverse split shares in accordance with the procedures set forth in the letter of transmittal. No new certificates will be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder has surrendered such stockholder’s outstanding certificate(s), together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent. From and after the effective time, any certificates formerly representing pre-reverse split shares that are submitted for transfer, whether pursuant to a sale, other disposition, or otherwise, will be exchanged for certificates representing post-reverse split shares. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE AUTHORIZATION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO AMEND OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT AN UP TO 1-FOR-10 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF OUR COMMON STOCK.

PROPOSAL FOUR


RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

The firm of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the financial statements of our company and/or its predecessors for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the transition period ended December 31, 2012, and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2012 andsince 2011. Our Audit Committee has appointed Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP to audit the consolidated financial statements of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20162021 and recommends that stockholders vote in favor of the ratification of such appointment. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection. We anticipate that representatives of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP will be present at the meeting via telephone, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by our independent registered public accountant is compatible with maintaining their independence.

Audit Fees and Audit-Related Fees

The aggregate fees billed to our company by Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20152020 and 20142019 are as follows:

 

  2015   2014 

 

2020

 

2019

 

Audit Fees (1)

  $157,025    $145,831  

 

$

185,384

 

 

$

184,496

 

Audit-Related Fees (2)

   13,020     78,108  

 

19,205

 

32,926

 

Tax Fees (3)

   58,944     51,996  

 

140

 

67,621

 

All Other Fees (4)

   9,905     12,433  

 

 

109,583

 

 

11,457

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total

  $238,894    $288,368  

 

$

314,312

 

$

296,500

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Audit fees consist of billings for professional services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings including (i) fees associated with the audits of our consolidated financial statements and (ii) fees associated with our quarterly reviews.

(2)

Audit-related fees consist of billings for professional services for the review of SEC filings or other reports containing the audited financial statements including registration statements.

(3)

Tax fees consist primarily of tax related advisory services.

(4)

All other fees include general advisory professional services primarily related to research on accounting or other regulatory matters.matters, and acquisition audits.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

The charter of our Audit Committee provides that the duties and responsibilities of our Audit Committee include the pre-approval of all audit, audit-related, tax, and other services permitted by law or applicable SEC regulations (including fee and cost ranges) to be performed by our independent registered public accountant. Any pre-approved services that will involve fees or costs exceeding pre-approved levels will also require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Unless otherwise specified by the Audit Committee in pre-approving a service, the pre-approval will be effective for the 12-month period following pre-approval. The Audit Committee will not approve any non-audit services prohibited by applicable SEC regulations or any services in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent registered public accountant, the purpose of which may be tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported by the Code and related regulations.

To the extent deemed appropriate, the Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee or any one or more other members of the Audit Committee provided that any

member of the Audit Committee who has exercised any such delegation must report any such pre-approval decision to the Audit

29

5831966-1


Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee will not delegate the pre-approval of services to be performed by the independent registered public accountant to management.

Our Audit Committee requires that the independent registered public accountant, in conjunction with our Chief Financial Officer, be responsible for seeking pre-approval for providing services to us and that any request for pre-approval must inform the Audit Committee about each service to be provided and must provide detail as to the particular service to be provided.

All of the services provided by Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP described above under the caption “Audit-Related Fees” were approved by our Board of Directors or by our Audit Committee pursuant to our Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF SEMPLE, MARCHAL AND COOPER, LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT OF OUR COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2016.2021.

30

5831966-1


DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Deadline for the Submission of Stockholder Proposals for Inclusion in our Proxy Statement for Our 2017our 2022 Annual Meeting

If any stockholder intends to present a proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy material for the 2017our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and must be submitted in writing by notice delivered to our Secretary at Quest Resource Holding Corporation, 3481 Plano Parkway, The Colony, Texas 75056, Attention: Secretary. Any such proposal must be received at least 120 days before the anniversary of the prior year’s proxy statement (by December 30, 2016)February 1, 2022), unless the date of our 20172021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from June 15, 2017,July 1, 2022, in which case, the proposal must be received a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our proxy materials.

Deadline and Procedures under our Bylaws for Stockholder Notice of Nomination of Director Candidates and for Other Proposals

Our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders who wish to nominate persons for election as a director or to introduce an item of other business at our 20172022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but do not intend for such nominee or business to be included in our proxy statement. To be timely under these procedures, notice of such nomination or business related to our 20172022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must comply with the requirements in our bylaws and must be received by us (a) no earlier than the close of business on March 17, 2017April 2, 2022 and no later than the close of business on April 16, 2017;May 2, 2022; or (b) if our 20172022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held before May 16, 2017June 1, 2022 or after August 14, 2017,July 31, 2022, no earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and no later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 60th day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the date on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made in order to be considered at such meeting. These time limits also apply in determining whether notice is timely for purposes of rules adopted by the SEC relating to the exercise of discretionary voting authority.

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

If you and other stockholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of our proxy statement and annual report and would like to participate in our householding program, please contact Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company by calling (212) 509-4000, or by writing to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 17 Battery Place, 8th1 State Street 30th Floor, New York, New York 10004. Alternatively, if you participate in householding and wish to revoke your consent and receive separate copies of our proxy statement and annual report, please contact Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as described above.

A number of brokerage firms have instituted householding. If you hold your shares in street name, please contact your bank, broker, or other holder of record to request information about householding.

OTHER MATTERS

We know of no other matters to be submitted to the meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote the shares they represent as our Board of Directors may recommend.

Dated: April 29, 2016

LOGO

June 1, 2021

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY. 31

5831966-1


ANNEX A

AMENDMENT TO THE
QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION 3481 PLANO PARKWAY THE COLONY, TX 75056 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders June 15, 2016 9:00 A.M. local time This Proxy is Solicited On Behalf Of The Board Of Directors Please Be Sure To Mark, Sign, Date, and Return Your Proxy Card in the Envelope Provided FOLD HERE • DO NOT SEPARATE • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED PROXY
2014 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEE DIRECTORS, “FOR” THE SAY-ON-PAY PROPOSAL, “FOR” THE AUTHORIZATION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO AMEND OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT AN UP TO 1-FOR-10 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF OUR COMMON STOCK, AND “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SEMPLE, MARCHAL AND COOPER, LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2016.

Please mark your votes like this Please mark your votes like this 1. PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: To elect as directors allIn accordance with Section 16(a) of the nominees listed below, eachQuest Resource Holding Corporation 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“Plan”), the Plan is hereby amended effective [●], 2021 to serve for a three-year term expiring in 2019. Nominees: FOR ALL WITHHOLD ALL FOR ALL EXCEPT (01) Michael F. Golden (02) Russell J. Knittel (03) Barry M. Monheit To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s)read as follows:

The first sentence of Section 14(a) of the nominee(s) onPlan shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

“(a) Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14(b) below, the line below.

Vote on Proposals FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. PROPOSAL 2: To provide a non-binding advisory vote on the compensationmaximum number of our named executive officers for fiscal 2015 (“say-on-pay”). FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

3. PROPOSAL 3: To authorize our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock.

4. PROPOSAL 4: To ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

And upon such other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The shares represented by this proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder(s). If no directions are made, this proxy will be voted FOR all directors and FOR proposals 2, 3, and 4. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the person named in this proxy will vote in their discretion.

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.

COMPANY ID: PROXY NUMBER: ACCOUNT NUMBER:

Signature Signature, if held jointly Date , 2016.

NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear(s) on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.


LOGO

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held June 15, 2016.

The Proxy Statement and our 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at http://www.cstproxy.com/questrmg/2016

FOLD HERE • DO NOT SEPARATE • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED

PROXY

QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

JUNE 15, 2016

The undersigned stockholder of QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement of the Company, each dated April 29, 2016, and hereby appoints Mitchell A. Saltz and S. Ray Hatch, and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, to be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at 3481 Plano Parkway, The Colony, Texas 75056, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and to vote all shares of the Company’s Common Stock that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth on the reverse side.

This Proxy will be voted as directed or, if no contrary direction is indicated, will be voted FOR the election of the nominee directors, FOR the say-on-pay proposal, FOR the authorization of our Board of Directors to amend our articles of incorporation to effect an up to 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP as the independent registered public accountant of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, and as said proxies deem advisable on such other matters as may come before the meeting.

A majority of such proxies or substitutes as shall be present and shall act atmade available for sale under the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (or if only onePlan shall be present and act, then that one) shall have and may exercise all of the powers of said proxies hereunder.500,000 shares.”

Address Changes/Comments:

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side)QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION

(Continued, and to be

By:  

Title:

Date:



QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION, 3481 PLANO PARKWAY, THE COLONY, TX 75056

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY

Your internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, dated, and signed, and returned your proxy card. Votes submitted electronically over the internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on June 30, 2021

INTERNET/MOBILE www.cstproxyvote.com

Use the Internet to vote your proxy.  Have your proxy card available when you access the above website.  Follow the prompts to vote your shares.

MAIL - Mark, sign, and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Continental Stock Transfer & Title Company, Attn: Proxy Dept., 1 State Street, New York, NY 10004.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS  

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY  

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION

Vote on Directors

1.  

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: To elect as directors all of the nominees listed below, each to serve for a three-year term expiring in 2024.

  For  

All

Withhold

All

For All

Except

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

Nominees:

01)   Daniel M. Friedberg

02)   S. Ray Hatch

03)   Ronald L. Miller, Jr.

 Vote on Proposals                                                  

2.  

PROPOSAL 2: To approve an amendment to our 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2014 ESPP”) to increase the number of shares reserved for stock-based compensation under our 2014 ESPP by 250,000 shares.

For

Against

Abstain

3.  

PROPOSAL 3: To provide a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2020 (“say-on-pay”).

For

Against

Abstain

4.  

PROPOSAL 4: To ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the independent registered public accountant of our company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

For

Against

Abstain

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.

NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear(s) on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

  Date

Signature (Joint Owners)

 Date


QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

July 1, 2021

The undersigned stockholder of QUEST RESOURCE HOLDING CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement of the Company, each dated June 1, 2021, and hereby appoints Daniel M. Friedberg and S. Ray Hatch, and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, to be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 9.00 a.m., local time, at the offices of Quest Resource Holding Corporation, 3481 Plano Parkway, The Colony, Texas 75056, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and to vote all shares of the Company’s Common Stock that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on the matters set forth on the reverse side.

This Proxy will be voted as directed or, if no contrary direction is indicated, will be voted FOR the election of the nominee directors, FOR the amendment to our 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2014 ESPP”) to increase the number of shares reserved for stock-based compensation under our 2014 ESPP by 250,000 shares, FOR the say-on-pay proposal, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Semple, Marchal and Cooper, LLP as the independent registered public accountant of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, and as said proxies deem advisable on such other matters as may come before the meeting.

A majority of such proxies or substitutes as shall be present and shall act at the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (or if only one shall be present and act, then that one) shall have and may exercise all of the powers of said proxies hereunder.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEE DIRECTORS, “FOR” the amendment to our 2014 ESPP to increase the number of shares reserved for stock-based compensation under our 2014 ESPP by 250,000 shares, “FOR” THE SAY-ON-PAY PROPOSAL, AND “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SEMPLE, MARCHAL AND COOPER, LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2021.

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD

PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE.

Address Changes/Comments:

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side)

CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE.