What is the name of your state? South Carolina
Worked for Sign Co. for 16 years. Was terminated. No criminal activity. Signed non-compete approx. 6 years ago. Was told to sign or "look for another job" Given $100. Had 1 child in college and 1 in HS at the time. Basic terms are 2 years and 30 miles. Co. markets and is active maybe 10 miles. Planning on opening my own Co. 18 mile from former. Have no "intellectual" property. Co. uses the same materials, hardware and software that just about every other Co. of their size and product offering in the country uses. Several former employees left and broke non-compete and were not taken to court. 2 former 20 something hourly wage employees left and were sent threatening letter. One quit and one happened to be hospitalized at the time with a serious injury. Moot point. I am moving forward and former employer has made it clear over the years that they would in fact pursue me. I am not "going to the competition" as all the others did. Any comments, suggestions? SC is a "right to work" state.
Worked for Sign Co. for 16 years. Was terminated. No criminal activity. Signed non-compete approx. 6 years ago. Was told to sign or "look for another job" Given $100. Had 1 child in college and 1 in HS at the time. Basic terms are 2 years and 30 miles. Co. markets and is active maybe 10 miles. Planning on opening my own Co. 18 mile from former. Have no "intellectual" property. Co. uses the same materials, hardware and software that just about every other Co. of their size and product offering in the country uses. Several former employees left and broke non-compete and were not taken to court. 2 former 20 something hourly wage employees left and were sent threatening letter. One quit and one happened to be hospitalized at the time with a serious injury. Moot point. I am moving forward and former employer has made it clear over the years that they would in fact pursue me. I am not "going to the competition" as all the others did. Any comments, suggestions? SC is a "right to work" state.