[PostandIn]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

I didn't even realize that this was a bumped thread until the last page. This is actually the type of thread that should see a couple of posts a week, just for the general emotional wellbeing of CP as a whole.

I have had an interesting work-school history that eventually led me to the film industry, where I lost my shirt due to naive business decisions. I took me and my heavy debtload away from there, and honestly am worried that 10 years off has eroded my abilities to the point that I can't return. I would like to give it another shot at some point, though.

I spent the last decade scrambling to keep food on the table, and ended up in retail management. I like the industry, but the people I work for are not encumbered by strong morals.

I am currently working on opening my own shop, with a partner I trust, and feel that we are putting together a strong business plan. Hopefully we can fund the venture ourselves, and through loans, as to not dilute the prospective return too far with investors.

Biggest worry right now is someone else jumping into the general location we are eyeing, and doing a subpar job of it that kills the market.

I'm sorry for being vague this early in the process, but the opportunity to work for myself, and build something that doesn't directly benefit people who are undeserving, has me excited about the future like I haven't felt in a long time.

Reading between the lines of your post it appears you've been down this road already but the importance of a Unanimous Shareholders Agreement can't be overstated. How business-critical decisions are made (i.e. who makes them), apportionment of dollars (+/-) and a shotgun clause (or other binding dispute-resolution mechanism) are all key pieces. In the final analysis each party in a partnership operates out of economic self-interest so a lot of potential grief is avoided when the terms are known from upfront. Lawyer involvement to draft and bind the agreement with you and the partner(s) is also a good plan. Good luck. Working for yourself can be hugely rewarding.