Question about non-compete agreements for a small service business

I hired a groomer for my shop about a year ago, and my lawyer friend said I should have them sign a non-compete. I thought it was overkill for a small town, but I had them sign a simple one anyway. Last month, that groomer quit and tried to open a shop literally two blocks away, using my client list they took. Because of that paper, their lawyer told them they couldn't open within 5 miles for a year. I was totally wrong to think it wasn't needed. Has anyone else had a non-compete actually save their business from a situation like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

alexk6027d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly, that bit about them taking your client list is the real kicker. Tbh, a non-compete saved my buddy's auto detailing spot from a nearly identical mess. His lead guy left, tried to set up across the street, and even called all their regulars from his personal phone. That piece of paper was the only thing that stopped him. It wasn't about the town size, it was about the straight-up copying.

danielw1227d ago

But that's not a non-compete, that's a client list theft.

alicehernandez25d ago

Ever notice how people get weird about "their" clients after they leave a job? Like they forget the business built that trust... not just the one person. It's a real entitlement thing, acting like a customer list is a personal trophy to take.