Just thought I might add some info on non compete. I have seen one broken and then because it was not done correctly and was no use, and i have seen the proper fix. The main issue is you must be paid to sign the non-compete and it must be "due consideration" or enough to justify signing it. I worked as a manager at the place where employees left the company and then using knowledge and contacts learned began direct competition. The company I worked for gave me, the production supervisor, and the Plant Manager $1000.00 each for a 3 year no compete if we left the company. The lawyer cautioned that the amount is subject to the discretion of the judge that would hear the case. Now fast forward 15 years and I am an owner that has absorbed other sign shops and have some employees that could leave and compete if they want to so I am deciding on the amount I will have to pay. The average I have heard is 1-2 weeks pay but this could go up or down with special abilities and sometimes cover a geographical area to stay out of for a specified time period, say 1-3 years. I say any entry level employee that wants to jump in don't worry about it, but if they have knowledge of suppliers etc. it needs to be done. One other thing is customer list by sales people which is covered by law without a non compete.
