Dealing with a business dilemma

[Panthersreunited]

Sounds like a drug business to me haaaaaaaaaan

[Happy Panther]

On 10/30/2017 at 4:29 PM, toldozer said:

It's his business,  he doesn't owe you a partnership. If you think he adds that much value then hear him out on compensation, if not do your own thing I guess. 

In small time consulting (small employees I mean) partnership is generally considered on the table for a couple of reasons. First it attracts employees who might otherwise start their own firm - why start your own firm with no contacts when I can offer you equity and immediate work. Second equity is usually a buy in so you may be able to avoid paying bonuses for a few years. It also may make stealing clients later much harder because you may have to sacrifice valuable equity.

Unless the owner is much more senior than the potential hire, there will usually be some path to partnership. But keep in mind partnership doesn't mean 50/50 or necessarily anything close. You can be a partner starting at 5% equity and such.

[TNPanther]

I had a similar dilemma about my old boss recruiting me to make a lateral move and join his team. I went with my gut and it proved to be a good decision.

 

Always go with your gut. If you think the whole thing is shady then it most likely is.

[Greatman77]

In any matter involving business or employment: Get. It. In. Writing. Full stop. If you wind up in court at some later date, it doesn't matter what you claim he told you, unless you can prove it. Based on what you posted, he doesn't seem like the kind of person I would want to get involved with.