Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Leaving a company to START a similar business.

Hello,

I was a GM for a gymnastics club w/approximately 25 employees. I resigned my position because the owners were engaged in questionable practices. Some were illegal, some were immoral. I enjoyed my job and the people I interacted with. After doing it for almost two years, I have learned quite a bit and would like to continue in that field/industry. I would like to offer the community a more reputable choice. I never signed ANY type of non-compete agreement or anything like that. Can I be sued (successfully) for opening a similar business in the same town? My intention is not to steal business from my former employer. However, I have a good (and honest) reputation. If their clientele chooses to come to my gym, or if any of their employees inquire about a position with my company, does that put me in any legal jeopardy?

Thank you,

Hopeful gym-owner


Asked on 6/06/06, 11:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Leaving a company to START a similar business.

Anyone can sue you for anything, but, especially if there is no non-compete agreement, I think your former employers would have a VERY difficult case. I do not think you could count the number of businesses in this country which were started by someone who worked for someone else, and left because they thought they could do it better. Mine for instance!

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Answered on 6/08/06, 11:39 am


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