BGSF, INC. 10-K

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We note that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving the stated goals under all potential future conditions. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Management of the Company, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) for the Company. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Company’s Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2023, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2023. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2023, has been audited by Whitley Penn LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 71 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of BGSF, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited BGSF, Inc.'s and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2023, based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2023, based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by COSO. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company, as of January 1, 2023 and December 26, 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended January 1, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”), and our report dated March 15, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the entity’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting An entity’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. An entity’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the entity; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the entity are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the entity; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the entity’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 72 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Whitley Penn LLP Dallas, Texas March 15, 2023 73 Item 9B. Other Information. None. Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections None. PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. Board Composition Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) consists of six directors. Our Board has determined that the following directors are “independent” as defined under the rules of the NYSE: C. David Allen, Jr., Richard L. Baum, Jr., Douglas E. Hailey, Cynthia Marshall, and Paul A. Seid. The authorized number of directors may be changed by resolution of our Board. Vacancies on our Board can be filled by resolution of our Board. Our Board is divided into three classes, each serving staggered, three-year terms: • Our Class I director is Beth Garvey, and her term will expire at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders; • Our Class II directors are Richard L. Baum, Jr., Cynthia Marshall, and Paul A. Seid, and the term of each director will expire at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders; and • Our Class III directors are C. David Allen, Jr. and Douglas E. Hailey the term of each director will expire at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. As a result, only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective terms. Board Leadership and Role in Risk Oversight Meetings of our Board (including executive sessions other than executive sessions consisting only of independent directors) are presided over by our Chair of the Board, Beth Garvey. Our Board does not have a formal policy addressing whether or not the roles of chair and chief executive officer should be separate or combined. The directors serving on the Board possess considerable professional and industry experience, significant experience as directors of both public and private companies and a unique knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that the Company faces. As such, the Board believes that it is in the best position to evaluate the needs of the Company and to determine how best to organize the Company’s leadership structure to meet those needs. While the Board believes it is important to retain the flexibility to determine whether the roles of chair and chief executive officer should be separated or combined in one individual, the Board believes that our structure represents the appropriate allocation of roles and responsibilities at this time. Our Board believes that Ms. Garvey is currently best situated to preside over meetings of our Board because of her familiarity with our business and ability to effectively identify strategic priorities and lead the discussion and execution of strategy. Ms. Garvey works closely with senior management and various Board members to identify appropriate topics of consideration for the Board and to plan effective and informative Board meetings. Our Board oversees the risk management activities designed and implemented by our management and executes its oversight responsibility for risk management both directly and through its committees. The full Board also considers specific risk topics, including risks associated with our strategic plan, our whistle blower program, business operations and capital structure, and ESG matters. In addition, our Board receives detailed regular reports from members of our senior management and other personnel that include assessments and potential mitigation of the risks and exposures involved with their respective areas of responsibility. Our Board delegates to the Audit Committee oversight of our risk management process. Our other Board committees also consider and address risk as they perform their respective committee responsibilities. All committees report to the full Board as appropriate, including when a matter rises to the level of a material or enterprise level risk. 74 Committees of the Board The standing committees of our Board consist of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each of the committees reports to our Board as they deem appropriate and as our Board may request. The composition, duties and responsibilities of these committees are set forth below. Audit Committee The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other matters: (1) appointing, retaining and evaluating our independent registered public accounting firm and approving all services to be performed by them; (2) overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance; (3) overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; (4) reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (5) establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; (6) reviewing and approving related person transactions; and (7) overseeing the risk management process. Our Audit Committee consists of C. David Allen, Jr., Richard L. Baum, Jr. and Douglas E. Hailey. We believe that each qualifies as independent directors according to the rules and regulations of the SEC and NYSE with respect to audit committee membership. We also believe that Mr. Hailey and Mr. Allen qualify as our “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. Our Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is available on our home office website under the investor relations tab at www.bgsf.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Compensation Committee The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other matters: (1) reviewing key team member (i.e., employee) compensation goals, policies, plans and programs; (2) reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors, president and executive officer and other executive officers; (3) reviewing and approving employment agreements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers; and (4) administering our stock plans and other incentive compensation plans, including our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and our 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities, along with the authority to take action in relation to such responsibilities, to one or more subcommittees as the committee may deem appropriate in its sole discretion. The Compensation Committee may invite such members of management to its meetings as it deems appropriate. However, the Compensation Committee meets regularly without such members present, and in all cases no officer may be present at meetings at which such officer’s compensation or performance is discussed or determined. The Committee has the authority, in its sole discretion, to select, retain and obtain the advice of a compensation consultant as necessary to assist with the execution of its duties and responsibilities. Neither the Compensation Committee nor management engaged a compensation consultant with respect to Fiscal 2022. Our Compensation Committee consists of C. David Allen, Jr., Richard L. Baum, Jr., Cynthia Marshall, and Paul A. Seid. Our Board has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, which is available on our home office website under the investor relations tab at www.bgsf.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee We have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which identifies, evaluates and recommends qualified nominees to serve on our Board, develops and oversees our internal corporate governance processes and maintains a management succession plan. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter defines the committee’s primary duties. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate nominees for director, including nominees recommended by stockholders, using all relevant criteria, including diversity of experience and background. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider any director candidates recommended by the Company’s stockholders provided that the notice and information requirements specified by Section 2.06(b)–(c) of the Bylaws (relating to direct stockholder nominations) are complied with. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Richard L. Baum, Jr., Douglas E. Hailey, Cynthia Marshall, and Paul A. Seid. A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s charter is available on our home office website, under the investor relations tab at www.bgsf.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 75 Other Committees Our Board may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time. Family Relationships There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or any of our directors. Directors C. David Allen, Jr. Independent Director Age: 59 Director Since: 2014 Committees Served: Audit Committee, Compensation Committee Starting in 2022, Mr. Allen has served as Chief Financial Officer of Life Sciences Logistics, a Blackstone portfolio company. From 2016 to 2022, Mr. Allen has served as Chief Financial Officer of Smart Start, LLC, a provider of automotive technology products. Prior to Smart Start, from 2015 to 2016, Mr. Allen has served as Chief Financial Officer of Graebel Vanlines Holdings, LLC, a provider of commercial and residential logistics, moving and storage services. Prior to Graebel, from 2009 to 2015, Mr. Allen served as an officer of Snelling Services, LLC, a workforce solutions and contract provider. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Allen served as President and Chief Executive Officer. From 2009 to 2010 he served as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to Snelling, Mr. Allen served for three years as Chief Operating Officer and six years as Chief Financial Officer for Telvista Inc., a business process outsourcer providing customer relationship management solutions. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College in 1993 and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University with honors in 1986. Our Board benefits from Mr. Allen's extensive experience in the workforce solutions industry as well as his financial expertise. Richard L. Baum, Jr. Independent Director Age: 62 Director Since: 2013 Committees Served: Audit Committee, Compensation Committee (Chair), Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (Chair) Richard L. Baum, Jr. served on the board of managers of LTN Acquisition, LLC (the former parent of the predecessor to BGSF, Inc.) since its inception and was appointed to serve on our Board in November 2013. Since March 2013, Mr. Baum has been Chairman of the Board of Unique Fabricating, Inc. (NYSE American: UFAB). Mr. Baum joined Taglich Private Equity LLC in 2005 and currently is an active director with a number of private companies where Taglich has an investment. Prior to joining Taglich, Mr. Baum led a group that purchased a private equity portfolio from Transamerica Business Credit. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Baum was a Managing Director in the small business merger and acquisition practices of Wachovia Securities and its predecessor, First Union Securities. From 1988 through 1998, Mr. Baum was a Principal with the Mid-Atlantic Companies, Ltd., a financial services firm acquired by First Union in 1998. Mr. Baum received a Bachelor of Science from Drexel University and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Our Board benefits from Mr. Baum's perspective and experience with our ongoing operations and strategy that he has obtained through his prolonged service to the company and due to his ability to assist with the evaluation of potential acquisitions. Beth Garvey Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Age: 57 Director Since: 2020 Beth Garvey began serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in October 2018. Ms. Garvey previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 2016 and joined the Company through the Company's acquisition of substantially all of the assets of InStaff Holding Corporation and InStaff Personnel, LLC (“InStaff”) in 2013. Ms. Garvey started at InStaff in 1998 as Director of Human Resources, subsequently serving as Director of Operations, VP of 76 Operations, Senior VP of Operations, COO and ultimately CEO prior to our acquisition. The Staffing Industry Analysts has recognized her as one of North America Staffing 100 for the previous 3 years and included her in the Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing list for the past 4 years. In addition, D CEO has named Ms. Garvey as one of the top Dallas 500 Business Leaders 4 times. In 2010, Ms. Garvey was a Dallas Business Journal ‘Women in Business’ honoree recognizing outstanding local women business leaders who not only make a difference in their industries, but also in their communities. Beth currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Corporate Directors in North Texas, Junior Achievement of Dallas, and the Board of Directors of the Dallas Regional Chamber, where she is a member of the DEI Diversity Leadership Sub-Council, prior co-chair of the Talent Attraction committee. She is a past chair of the Executive Committee for the Dallas Executive Women’s Roundtable. She is a member of YTexas and founding Board Member of the YTexas Foundation an initiative of Texas CEOs to help advance workforce development initiatives for students and veterans in the State of Texas. In addition, she is a member of the Leadership Committee for the Dallas 50/50 Women on Boards. Ms. Garvey was named as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2020 Award for the Southwest region. Our Board benefits from Ms. Garvey's extensive experience in the workforce solutions industry. Douglas E. Hailey Independent Director Age: 61 Director Since: 2013 Committees Served: Audit Committee (Chair), Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Douglas E. Hailey served on the board of managers of LTN Acquisition, LLC (the former parent of the predecessor to BGSF, Inc.) since its inception and was appointed to our Board in November 2013. Mr. Hailey is the managing director of Taglich Private Equity LLC. Mr. Hailey joined Taglich Brothers, Inc. in 1994 as Head of Investment Banking and is an employee, not a partner, director, shareholder or executive officer. Taglich Brothers, Inc. is not an affiliate of Taglich Private Equity LLC. He co-led the private equity initiative in 2001 and currently participates in evaluating and executing new investments. Prior to joining Taglich Brothers, Inc., Mr. Hailey spent five years with Weatherly Financial Group, assisting in sponsoring leveraged buyouts and five years in structured finance lending at Heller Financial and the Bank of New York. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas. Our Board benefits from Mr. Hailey's perspective and experience with our ongoing operations and strategy that he has obtained through his prolonged service to the company and due to his ability to assist with the evaluation of potential acquisitions. Cynthia Marshall Independent Director Age: 63 Director Since: 2020 Committees Served: Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Ms. Marshall is currently the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, is Founder, President and CEO of the consulting firm Marshalling Resources. The Marshalling Resources consulting firm specializes in leadership, diversity and inclusion, culture transformation and overall optimization of people resources. Ms. Marshall worked with The Dow Chemical Company in 2017 and 2018 to develop and implement a strategy for institutionalizing an inclusive culture. Prior to this position, Ms. Marshall retired from a 36-year career at AT&T, where she had ultimately served as SVP - Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer. She was responsible for identifying and developing leaders, aligning employees with the company’s vision and priorities, overseeing major business unit HR support, performance development, employee engagement, skills transformation initiatives, EEO and Affirmative Action. She led the team that created a world class Diversity and Inclusion culture, earning AT&T a top 3 ranking on Diversity Inc’s 2017 Top 50 list of companies. Ms. Marshall also spearheaded the work that for the first-time placed AT&T on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list in 2017 (one of only two Fortune 50 companies). Before her SVP-Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer roles, Ms. Marshall served as President - AT&T North Carolina where she became the first African-American chair of the North Carolina State Chamber of Commerce. Marshall graduated from the University of California-Berkeley with degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management and holds four honorary Doctorate degrees. Ms. Marshall has chaired a variety of non-profit boards and is currently on the board of Dallas CASA, Dallas Regional Chamber, Texas Women’s Foundation, Texas 2036 and a member of the Executive Leadership Council. Our Board benefits from Ms. Marshall's extensive leadership and business experience and her expertise with respect to human resources and culture. 77 Paul A. Seid Independent Director Age: 74 Director Since: 2014 Committees Served: Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Since 2010, Mr. Seid has served on the board of directors of BioVentrix, a medical device company. Starting in 2013, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of RST Automation, a maker of hospital robotic devices which was established 2004. For the past eighteen years he has been President of Strategic Data Marketing, a research and data collection company. He has also founded, bought and/ or sold over twenty companies in Asia, Europe, North, and South America. Mr. Seid graduated from Queen’s College, a division of the City University of New York, in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Mr. Seid has held numerous other board of directors and consulting positions. Our Board benefits from Mr. Seid's extensive experience growing diverse businesses. Information about our Executive Officers Our Board appoints our executive officers and updates the executive officer positions as needed throughout the fiscal year. Each executive officer serves at the behest of our Board and until their successors are appointed, or until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Name Age Position Beth Garvey 57 Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Hollenbach 67 Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Beth Garvey began serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in October 2018. Ms. Garvey previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 2016 and joined the Company through the Company's acquisition of substantially all of the assets of InStaff Holding Corporation and InStaff Personnel, LLC (“InStaff”) in 2013. Ms. Garvey started at InStaff in 1998 as Director of Human Resources, subsequently serving as Director of Operations, VP of Operations, Senior VP of Operations, COO and ultimately CEO prior to our acquisition. The Staffing Industry Analysts has recognized her as one of North America Staffing 100 for the previous 2 years and included her in the Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing list for the past 3 years. In addition, D CEO has named Garvey as one of the top Dallas 500 Business Leaders 4 times. In 2010, Ms. Garvey was a Dallas Business Journal ‘Women in Business’ honoree recognizing outstanding local women business leaders who not only make a difference in their industries, but also in their communities. Beth currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Corporate Directors in North Texas, Junior Achievement of Dallas, and the Board of Directors of the Dallas Regional Chamber, where she is a member of the DEI Diversity Leadership Sub-Council, prior co-chair of the Talent Attraction committee. She is a past chair of the Executive Committee for the Dallas Executive Women’s Roundtable. She is a member of YTexas and founding Board Member of the YTexas Foundation an initiative of Texas CEOs to help advance workforce development initiatives for students and veterans in the State of Texas. In addition, she is a member of the Leadership Committee for the Dallas 50/50 Women on Boards. Ms. Garvey was named as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2020 Award for the Southwest region. Dan Hollenbach joined as CFO and Secretary in August 2015. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hollenbach was the CFO of Cybergy Holdings, Inc. (OTC: CYBG), an advisory service and products company for the federal and state governments, and commercial client partners, from May 2014 to August 2015. Prior to this position, he led the consulting practice for Robert Half Management Resources in Colorado from June 2010 to May 2014. From August 2004 to July 2009, Dan was the CFO for Global Employment Holdings (OTC: GEYH), a national workforce solution, consulting, and professional employer organization company. Mr. Hollenbach began his career in the Audit and Assurance Services practice of EY before entering the corporate world. He has over three decades of experience in corporate accounting and finance, including expertise in initial public offerings, SEC reporting, mergers and acquisitions, Sarbanes-Oxley, treasury management, process improvement, and all phases of audit, tax, and reporting. Additionally, he has served on audit committees and led negotiations of multiple senior debt restructurings. He is a CPA in the State of Texas, holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant certification, and received his B.B.A. in accounting from Texas Tech University. 78 Code of Ethics We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our team members, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer (who is our principal accounting officer). Our Code of Ethics is available on our home office website, under the investor relations tab at www.bgsf.com. If we amend or grant a waiver of one or more of the provisions of our Code of Ethics, we intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Item 8-K regarding the disclosure of amendments to or waivers from provisions of our Code of Ethics that apply to our principal executive, financial and accounting officers by posting the required information on our home office website at the above address. Our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Corporate Governance Guidelines The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines on a number of significant matters, including director qualifications, director responsibilities, board committees, director access to officers, employees, and advisors, director compensation, related party transactions, annual performance evaluations, and chief executive officer and director succession. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is posted on our home office website, under the investor relations tab at www.bgsf.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Based on a review of reports filed by our directors, executive officers, and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our shares of common stock pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other information available to us, we believe that all such ownership reports required to be filed by those reporting persons during and with respect to Fiscal 2022 were timely made. Item 11. Executive Compensation. Named Executive Officers Our named executive officers for Fiscal 2022 are: • Beth Garvey, our Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer; and • Dan Hollenbach, our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Throughout this section, the term “named executive officer” is intended to refer to the individuals identified above. During Fiscal 2022, we had only two named executive officers, each of whom is set forth above. 79 Summary Compensation Table The following table presents compensation information for our named executive officers with respect to Fiscal 2022 and 2021. Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Stock Awards ($) (*) Option Awards ($) (*) Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($) Non-qualified deferred compensation earnings ($) All Other Compensation ($) Total ($) Beth Garvey C hair, President and Chief Executive Officer 2022 $425,000 $297,500 $79,598 $203,268 $— $— $15,521 (1) $1,020,887 2021 $425,000 $188,388 $28,922 $102,816 $— $— $14,857 (1) $759,983 Dan Hollenbach Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 2022 $320,000 $224,000 $64,898 $109,525 $— $— $10,800 (1) $729,223 2021 $320,000 $146,388 $33,373 $82,648 $— $— $10,400 (1) $592,809 (*) The amounts reflect the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 16 Share-based Compensation to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (1) Represents the matching 401(k) contributions made by us. Agreements with Executive Officers Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer On October 1, 2018, we amended a 2016 employment agreement with Beth Garvey pursuant to which Ms. Garvey serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer through September 30, 2021. The agreement remains in effect under successive one-year extensions unless terminated pursuant its terms. Ms. Garvey's annual compensation is evaluated annually, but may not be less than $350,000 per year. Effective December 27, 2020, Ms. Garvey's annual salary was raised to $425,000. Ms. Garvey is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus based on achieving certain adjusted EBITDA levels (as defined by the Compensation Committee) and, except as stated in her employment agreement, provided that Ms. Garvey is in our employment on the last day of the fiscal year. Moreover, if certain acquisitions occur during her employment period, Ms. Garvey will receive a bonus equal to 1% of the acquired company’s adjusted EBITDA, as determined by the Board, for the first 12 months after the acquisition’s closing date. The Compensation Committee may also grant discretionary bonuses. In the event that Ms. Garvey’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Ms. Garvey for good reason, Ms. Garvey will receive as severance installments equal to twelve months of base salary plus COBRA premiums for eighteen months for Ms. Garvey and her dependents. In the event that Ms. Garvey’s employment is terminated without cause or for good reason within one year of a change in control, Ms. Garvey will receive her base salary and COBRA premiums for eighteen months for her and her dependents. Ms. Garvey will also generally be entitled to receive any bonus payable but unpaid, payment for unused vacation days, and unpaid reimbursements. The severance is contingent upon Ms. Garvey’s execution of a separation agreement including a general release. In the event that Ms. Garvey’s employment is terminated by us for cause, or by Ms. Garvey other than for good reason, we will pay to Ms. Garvey any monthly salary, bonus, unused vacation, and expense reimbursements, earned or due to Ms. Garvey but unpaid. We and Ms. Garvey have also entered into a confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-interference and non-competition agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, Ms. Garvey generally agrees not to disclose our confidential information (as defined in the agreement) and, for a period of eighteen months following her termination, not to solicit our client partners, interfere with our client partner and supplier relationships, or solicit our team members. Ms. Garvey also agrees not to compete with us for a period of twelve months after termination. Ms. Garvey was granted stock options and restricted stock in Fiscal 2022 as further described under “Outstanding Equity Awards” below. 80 Chief Financial Officer On October 1, 2018, we amended a 2015 employment agreement with Dan Hollenbach pursuant to which Mr. Hollenbach serves as our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary through September 30, 2021. The contract remains in effect under successive one-year extensions unless terminated pursuant to its terms. Mr. Hollenbach's annual compensation is evaluated annually, but may not be less than $275,000 per year. Effective December 27, 2020, Mr. Hollenbach's annual salary was raised to $320,000. On March 3, 2023, Dan Hollenbach resigned as the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company and its subsidiaries, effective March 20, 2023, and will then act as a senior advisor with BGSF through April 30, 2024.Mr. Hollenbach’s resignation was part of the Company’s leadership succession plan and Mr. Hollenbach’s planned retirement. On March 3, 2023, the Company and BG Staff Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Amended Executive Employment Agreement (the “Amended Employment Agreement”) with Mr.Hollenbach. The Amended Employment Agreement remains in effect through April 30, 2024, unless extended by mutual agreement or terminated pursuant to its terms. Mr. Hollenbach is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus based on achieving certain adjusted EBITDA levels (as defined by the Compensation Committee) and, except as stated in his employment agreement, provided that Mr. Hollenbach is in our employment on the last day of the fiscal year. Moreover, if certain acquisitions occur during his employment period, Mr. Hollenbach will receive a bonus equal to 1% of the acquired company’s adjusted EBITDA, as determined by the Board, for the first 12 months after the acquisition’s closing date. The Compensation Committee may also grant discretionary bonuses. In the event that Mr. Hollenbach’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Hollenbach for good reason, Mr. Hollenbach will receive as severance installments equal to twelve months of base salary plus COBRA premiums for eighteen months for Mr. Hollenbach and his dependents. In the event that Mr. Hollenbach’s employment is terminated without cause or for good reason within one year of a change in control, Mr. Hollenbach will receive his base salary and COBRA premiums for eighteen months for him and his dependents. Mr. Hollenbach will also generally be entitled to receive any bonus payable but unpaid, payment for unused vacation days, and unpaid reimbursements. The severance is contingent upon Mr. Hollenbach’s execution of a separation agreement including a general release. In the event that Mr. Hollenbach’s employment is terminated by us for cause, or by Mr. Hollenbach other than for good reason, we will pay to Mr. Hollenbach any monthly salary, bonus, unused vacation, and expense reimbursements, earned or due to Mr. Hollenbach but unpaid. We and Mr. Hollenbach have also entered into a confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-interference and non-competition agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Hollenbach generally agrees not to disclose our confidential information (as defined in the agreement) and, for a period of eighteen months following his termination, not to solicit our client partners, interfere with our client partner and supplier relationships, or solicit our team members. Mr. Hollenbach also agrees not to compete with us for a period of twelve months after termination. Mr. Hollenbach was granted stock options and restricted stock in Fiscal 2022 as further described under “Outstanding Equity Awards” below. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan In December 2013, the Board adopted the original 2013 Plan. Under the original 2013 Plan team members, directors and consultants of the Company may receive incentive stock options and other awards. To the extent any option or award expires unexercised or is canceled, terminated or forfeited in any manner without the issuance of common stock thereunder, such shares shall again be available for issuance under the original 2013 Plan, of which 1,012,967 shares remain available for issuance as of January 1, 2023. The term of each option is determined by the Board but cannot exceed 10 years. Unless otherwise specified in an option agreement, options vest and become exercisable on the following schedule: 20% immediately and 20% on each anniversary date of the grant date. Each option shall be designated as an incentive stock option (“ISO”) or a non-qualified option (“NQO”). The exercise price of an ISO shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock covered by the ISO at the grant date; provided, however, the exercise price of an ISO granted to any person who owns, directly or indirectly, stock of the Company constituting more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company or of any affiliate of the Company, shall not be less than 110% of such fair market value. 81 For more details on our 2013 Plan, see our registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-193014) filed on December 20, 2013, Form S-8 (File No. 333-218869) filed on June 20, 2017, Form S-8 (File No. 333-251192) filed on December 8, 2020, and Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2020 ESPP”) In November 2020, the Board adopted and the shareholders approved the 2020 ESPP. Under the 2020 ESPP, eligible team members of the Company may elect for payroll deductions to purchase shares on each purchase date during an offering period. A total of 250,000 shares of common stock of BGSF, Inc. were initially reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2020 ESPP. As of January 1, 2023, 158,718 shares remain available for issuance. For more details on our 2020 Plan, see our registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-251193) filed on December 8, 2020, and Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 82 Outstanding Equity Awards The following table presents outstanding equity awards as of January 1, 2023. Name Option Awards Stock Awards Grant date Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#) Option exercise price ($) Option expiration date Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#) Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested ($) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Beth Garvey 08/03/2022 — 23,872 (1) — $ 12.87 08/03/2032 — — 08/03/2022 10,000 16,128 (2) — $ 12.87 08/03/2032 — — 05/04/2022 — — — $ — — 2,821 (8) $ 37,491 08/04/2021 — 6,000 (3) — $ 11.57 08/04/2031 — — 08/04/2021 4,000 — — $ 11.57 48,064 — — 08/04/2021 — — — $ — — 10,000 (9) $ 140,100 08/04/2020 3,600 — — $ 9.72 08/04/2030 — — 08/04/2020 — 2,400 (4) — $ 9.72 08/04/2030 — — 09/24/2018 6,148 — — $ 25.71 09/24/2028 — — 09/24/2018 93,852 — — $ 25.71 09/24/2028 — — 06/07/2017 2,500 — — $ 16.76 06/07/2027 — — 06/07/2017 10,000 — — $ 16.76 06/07/2027 — — 08/16/2016 13,185 — — $ 17.46 08/16/2026 — — 08/16/2016 36,815 — — $ 17.46 08/16/2026 — — 06/09/2015 20,000 — — $ 11.00 06/09/2025 — — Dan Hollenbach 08/03/2022 2,000 — — $ 12.87 08/03/2032 — — 08/03/2022 — 8,000 (5) — $ 12.87 08/03/2032 — — 05/04/2022 — — — $ — — 2,821 (8) $ 37,491 08/04/2021 — 3,000 (6) — $ 11.57 08/04/2031 — — 08/04/2021 2,000 — $ 11.57 08/04/2031 — — 08/04/2021 — — — $ — — 7,500 (10) $ 105,075 08/04/2020 2,700 — — $ 9.72 08/04/2030 — — 08/04/2020 — 1,800 (7) — $ 9.72 08/04/2030 — — 09/24/2018 8,408 — $ 25.71 09/24/2028 — — 09/24/2018 66,592 — — $ 25.71 09/24/2028 — — 06/07/2017 5,000 — — $ 16.76 06/07/2027 — — 06/07/2017 7,500 — — $ 16.76 06/07/2027 — — 10/27/2015 17,012 — — $ 11.07 10/27/2025 — — 10/27/2015 19,835 — — $ 11.07 10/27/2025 — — (1) Incentive stock options will vest 5,065 on August 3, 2023, 5,065, on August 3, 2024, 5,972 on August 3, 2025, and 7,770 on August 2026. (2) Non-qualified stock options will vest 4,935 on August 3,2023, 4,935 on August 3, 2024, 4,028 on August 3, 2025, and 2,230 on August 2, 2026. (3) Incentive stock options will vest 2,000 on August 4, 2023, 2,000 on August 4,2024, and 2,000 on August 4, 2025. (4) Non-qualified stock options will vest 1,200 on August 4, 2023, and 1,200 on August 4, 2024. (5) Incentive stock options will vest 2,000 on August 3, 2023, 2,000 on August 3, 2024, 2,000 on August 3, 2025, and 2,000 August 3, 2026. (6) Incentive stock options will vest 1,000 on August 4, 2023, 1,000 on August 4,2024, and 1,000 on August 4,2025. (7) Non-qualified stock options will vest 900 on August 4, 2023, and 900 on August 4, 2024. (8) Shares will vest 941 on May 4, 2023, 940 on May 4, 2024, and 940 on May 4, 2025. (9) Shares will vest 5,000 on August 10, 2023, and 5,000 on August 10, 2024. (10) Shares will vest 3,750 on August 10, 2023, and 3,750 on August 10, 2024. Each option and stock award is subject to the condition that the optionee will have remained employed by the Company, or any one or more of its subsidiaries, through such vesting dates, and each option is further subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the 2013 Plan and in the applicable Stock Option Agreement. 83 Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation No member of our Compensation Committee is a current or former officer or team member of BGSF, Inc. or its subsidiaries. No executive officer of BGSF, Inc. served as a director or member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee. Director Compensation Set forth below is a summary of the components of compensation payable to our non-management directors. Cash Compensation We reimburse each member of our Board for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at meetings of our Board and any committees thereof, including, without limitation, reasonable travel, lodging and meal expenses. Each director who is not a team member or officer of the Company is entitled to (i) an annual retainer of $45,000 for their service on our Board, and (ii) an annual retainer of $5,000 for audit committee service. Name Board Member ($) Audit Committee ($) Compensation Committee ($) Nominating & Governance Committee ($) Chairperson of the Board ($) Total ($) C. David Allen, Jr. $ 45,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 50,000 Richard L. Baum, Jr. $ 45,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 50,000 Douglas E. Hailey $ 45,000 $ 5,000 $ — $ — $ — $ 50,000 Cynthia Marshall $ 45,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 45,000 Paul A. Seid $ 45,000 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 45,000 Director Compensation for Fiscal 2022 The table below sets forth the compensation payable to our non-management directors for service during Fiscal 2022. Name Fees earned or paid in cash ($) Stock awards ($) (*) Option awards ($) (*) Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($) Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings ($) All other compensation ($) Total ($) C. David Allen, Jr. $ 50,000 $ 45,667 $ 9,355 $ — $ — $ — $ 105,022 Richard L. Baum, Jr. $ 50,000 $ 45,667 $ 5,700 $ — $ — $ — $ 101,367 Douglas E. Hailey $ 50,000 $ 45,667 $ 5,700 $ — $ — $ — $ 101,367 Cynthia Marshall $ 45,000 $ 66,288 $ 2,569 $ — $ — $ — $ 113,857 Paul A. Seid $ 45,000 $ 45,667 $ 5,700 $ — $ — $ — $ 96,367 * The amounts reflect the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 16 Share-based Compensation to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 84 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of February 13, 2023 by: • each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock; • each of our named executive officers and directors; and • all our executive officers and directors as a group. Each stockholder’s percentage ownership is based on 10,789,903 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 13, 2023. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Except as otherwise indicated, each person or entity named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our capital shown as beneficially owned, subject to applicable community property laws. The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by a person includes shares that may be acquired by such person within 60 days of February 13, 2023 through the exercise of vested options, while these shares are not counted as outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise set forth below, the address of the persons below is c/o BGSF, Inc., 5850 Granite Parkway, Suite 730, Plano, Texas 75024. Name of Beneficial Owner Shares of Common Beneficially Stock Owned Percent of Common Stock Beneficially Owned C. David Allen, Jr. 33,158 (1) * Richard L. Baum, Jr. 102,660 (2) * Beth Garvey 252,158 (3) 2.3 % Douglas E. Hailey 162,127 (4) 1.5 % Dan Hollenbach 154,659 (5) * Cynthia Marshall 17,408 (6) * Paul A. Seid 105,715 (7) * All executive officers and directors as a group (7 total) 827,885 7.4 % North Star Investment Management Corporation (8) 593,023 (9) 5.5 % * Less than 1%. (1) Includes 5,428 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 7,209 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (2) Includes 17,678 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options, 53,650 shares of common stock held by a private investment company controlled by Mr. Baum, 10,388 shares of common stock held by a family trust and 7,209 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (3) Includes 200,100 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 12,821 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (4) Includes 29,176 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 7,209 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (5) Includes 131,047 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 10,321 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (6) Includes 2,428 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 7,209 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (7) Includes 17,678 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 7,209 shares of unvested restricted common stock. (8) The address of North Star Investment Management Corporation is 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1416, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (9) Based on schedule 13G filed with the SEC, includes 496,800 shares over which North Star Investment Management Corporation or its subsidiaries have sole voting power, 496,800 shares over which such entities have sole dispositive power, and 96,223 over which such entities have shared dispositive power. 85 Equity Compensation Plans See Item 5, Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Equity Compensation Plans in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. Policy on Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons Our Board is currently primarily responsible for developing and implementing processes and controls to obtain information from our directors, executive officers and significant stockholders regarding related-person transactions and then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether we or a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in these transactions. Our Audit Committee is responsible for the review, approval and ratification of “related-person transactions” between us and any related person. Under SEC rules, a related person is a director, executive officer, nominee for director or beneficial holder of more than of 5% of any class of our voting securities or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing. In the course of its review and approval or ratification of a related-person transaction, the Audit Committee will consider: • the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction; • the material terms of the transaction, including the amount involved and type of transaction; • the importance of the transaction to the related person and to the Company; • whether the transaction would impair the judgment of a director or executive officer to act in our best interest and the best interest of our stockholders; and • any other matters the Audit Committee deems appropriate. Any member of the Audit Committee who is a related person with respect to a transaction under review will not be able to participate in the deliberations or vote on the approval or ratification of the transaction. However, such a director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the committee that considers the transaction. Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. The Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves both audit and all permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, and accordingly, all services and fees in Fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020 provided by Whitley Penn LLP were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services, other than services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements, is compatible with maintaining Whitley Penn LLP’s independence. The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of non-audit services by Whitley Penn LLP during Fiscal 2022, 2021, and 2020 was compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence. 86 Aggregate fees billed or incurred related to the following years for professional services rendered by Whitley Penn LLP for Fiscal 2022 and 2021 are set forth below. 2022 2021 Audit Fees (1) $ 290,424 $ 304,803 Audit-Related Fees (2) 203,061 67,400 Tax Fees — — All Other Fees — — Total $ 493,485 $ 372,203 (1) Audit fees consist principally of fees for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and Sarbanes-Oxley audit over internal controls and review of our interim consolidated financial statements. (2) These fees consist principally of fees related to the preparation of SEC registration statements, acquisition due diligence, audit services related to our acquisitions, and U.S. Department of Labor filings. Selection The Audit Committee appointed Whitley Penn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2023 fiscal year and Whitley Penn LLP has served in this capacity since 2013. Our Board has further directed that we submit the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by our shareholders at the 2023 annual meeting. 87 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. (1) Financial Statements The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and the report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as indicated: Page Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of BGSF, Inc. As of and for the Fiscal Years Ended January 1, 2023, December 26, 2021, and December 27, 2020. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 726 ) 39 Consolidated Balance Sheets 41 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income 42 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity 43 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 45 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 47 (2) Financial Statement Schedules Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. (3) Exhibits See the list of exhibits in the Index to Exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. Item 16. Form 10-K Summary. None. 88 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 15, 2023. BGSF, INC. By: /s/ Beth Garvey Name: Beth Garvey Title: Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 15, 2023. /s/ Beth Garvey Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Beth Garvey (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Dan Hollenbach Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Dan Hollenbach (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ C. David Allen, Jr. Director C. David Allen, Jr. /s/ Richard L. Baum, Jr. Director Richard L. Baum, Jr. /s/ Douglas E. Hailey Director Douglas E. Hailey /s/ Cynthia Marshall Director Cynthia Marshall /s/ Paul A. Seid Director Paul A. Seid 89 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description 2.1 †† Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2019, between BG Staffing, Inc., BG Staffing, LLC, L.J.Kushner & Associates, L.L.C., and Lee J. Kushner (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2019) 2.2 †† Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, by and between BG Staffing, LLC, EdgeRock Technology Holdings, Inc., and CDI Holding Company LLC (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2020) 2.3 †† Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2021, between BG Staffing, LLC, Momentum Solutionz LLC, Lorne Kaufman, and Jeff Servidio (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2021) 2.4 †† Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2022, between BGSF, Inc., Sentech Engineering Services, Inc., and Jobandtalent Holding Limited (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2022) 2.5 †† Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2022, by and between BG Professional LLC, Horn Solutions, Inc., Horn Solutions Dallas, LLC , and Gary Horn (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1 4 , 2022) 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of BG Staffing, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191683) filed on November 4, 2013) 3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of BGSF, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2021) 3.3 Bylaws of BG Staffing, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191683) filed on November 4, 2013) 4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191683) filed on October 28, 2013) 4.2 Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2020 ) 10.1 ** BG Staffing, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on September 15, 2020) 10.2 ** Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Vested Options) (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2014) 10.3 ** Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2014) 10.4 ** Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2014) 10.5 ** Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2014) 10.6 Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2013, among LTN Acquisition, LLC, LTN Staffing, LLC, BG Staffing, LLC, BG Personnel Services, LP, BG Personnel, LP, and B G Staff Services Inc., and Legg Mason SBIC Mezzanine, L.P., Brookside Pecks Capital Partners, L.P. and Brookside Mezzanine Fund II, L.P. (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191683) filed on October 10, 2013) 10.7 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement and Other Documents, dated as of November 1, 2013, by and among LTN Acquisition, LLC, LTN Staffing, LLC, BG Staffing, LLC, BG Personnel Services, LP, BG Personnel, LP, and B G Staff Services Inc., and Legg Mason SBIC Mezzanine, L.P., Brookside Pecks Capital Partners, L.P. and Brookside Mezzanine Fund II, L.P. (incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191683) filed on November 4, 2013) 90 10.8 Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement and Other Documents, dated as of January 29, 2014, by and among BG Staffing, Inc., BG Staffing, LLC, BG Personnel Services, LP, BG Personnel, LP, and B G Staff Services Inc., and Legg Mason SBIC Mezzanine, L.P., Brookside Pecks Capital Partners, L.P. and Brookside Mezzanine Fund II, L.P. (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2014) 10.10 ** Executive Employment Agreement, entered into January 26, 2016 to be effective as of December 28, 2015, between B G Staff Services, Inc. and L. Allen Baker, Jr. (incorporated by reference from registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2016) 10.12 Stock Option Cancellation Agreement, dated May 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference from the registrant's Form 8-K filed June 5, 2018) 10.13 ** Executive Employment Agreement, entered into February 6, 2019 to be effective as of October 1, 2018, between B G Staff Services, Inc. and Beth Garvey (incorporated by reference from the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2019) 10.14 ** Executive Employment Agreement, entered into February 6, 2019 to be effective as of October 1, 2018, between B G Staff Services, Inc. and Dan Hollenbach (incorporated by reference from the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2019) 10.15 ** Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference from the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2018 10.16 Credit Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2019, among BG Staffing, Inc., as borrower, the lenders from time to time party there to, and BMO Harris Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, letters of credit issuer, swing line lender, sole lead arranger, and sole book runner (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2019) 10.17 ** BG Staffing, Inc. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on September 15, 2020) 10.18 First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2022, among BGSF, Inc., as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and BMO Harris Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2022) 10.19 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, by and among BGSF, Inc., the Guarantors party hereto and BMO Harris Bank N.A. , as administrative agent for the Lenders and as a lender (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2022) 10.20 ** E xecutive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2023, between BG Staff Services, Inc. and John Barnett (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 9 , 202 3 ) 10.21 ** Amended Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2023, between BGSF, Inc., B G Staff Services, Inc. and Dan Hollenbach (incorporated by reference from the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 9 , 202 3 ) 21.1 * List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23.1 * Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Whitley Penn LLP) 31.1 * Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 implementing Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer) 31.2 * Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 implementing Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer) 32.1 † Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 101.INS * XBRL Instance Document 101.SCH * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 101.CAL * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 101.DEF * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. 101.LAB * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 91 101.PRE * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 104 * Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101document) * Filed herewith. ** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. † This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act. †† Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, certain schedules and similar attachments have been omitted. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedule or attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. 92