I've had a gymnastics business for 2 years. A women I hired when I opened (an old friend) deceived me.
I found out that back in February she began giving private lessons at her church. She told my students/parents that she didn't want to split her fee wi/ my gym. She took students to her church without my knowledge. These lessons were given to students that came to my gym. She continued to work for me until June, when I found out.
She also took the student list home (contact info). I asked her to return it, she said she lost it.
Now she is teaching over 40 students that previously came to my gym. We have a business name, pay taxes, insurance, rent, etc. We charge students $45 per month. B/c she is doing this at her "small country church" they don't charge her any rent, etc. Obviously she has no overhead. She charges $12.50 per month (vs my $45). She makes all students pay in cash or checks written in her name. No business license or insurance.
When I started my business I hired old cheer friends, it never occured to me to have anyone sign a non-compete clause.
I am afraid that if I pursue anything legal it will hurt my business. We live in a small town. Everyone knows everyone. I am certain it would be turned around to where I look like the bad person for stopping her from pursuing her "dream".
What can I do?
2007-08-16
12:14:56
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6 answers
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asked by
tdhraf@sbcglobal.net
1
in
Law & Ethics