I currently work for a small engineering firm (35-40 people) and have been here for about 12 years. I am 41 years old and love what I do. A business opportunity has been proposed to myself and 4 other managers in the firm to obtain ownership of the company. Details on how this would be done, length of time, etc have not been discussed as of yet.
I realize those details could play a big role in my decision, but since I do not know what they are as of yet I need to focus on what I do know. Out of the 4 other managers, I could really only see myself partnering up with 2 or 3 of them. At least 1 of them I see as a horrible manager, always passing work to others without doing anything himself, always complaining there is too much work on his table, but then is nowhere to be found at 5PM, those kind of things.
It has gotten to the point that I do not enjoy being around this person at all because of his work ethics (he is lazy really) while I will do whatever it takes to get the job done and keep the client happy. He has been at the firm for 20+ years, so the owners do not see his everyday work habits (or lack of work I should say) and are blind to it all.
Sorry for the ramble, but I guess my question is should I even consider this? My neighbor mentioned to me that maybe I get in with these others to obtain ownership and build a stronger client bond, then branch off later. There is no doubt in my mind that I will feel that way in say 5 years as I know this guy will not change, it is just the way he is (at work and home). On one hand the ability to obtain ownership and build $$$ for a future departure or possibly starting my own business would be great, but on the other hand I do not want to screw the other managers who I have great respect for and believe could do a great job running a company.
Then on top of that, the detailed end of cost to gain ownership, etc will come into play and is the $$$ worth it for a company that I feel needs a lot of changes (the current personnel really need a boot in the behind, but the current owners allow it to continue because they have us picking up the slack).
Again, sorry for the ramble. I am brand spanking new to this and am really lost. Any help/suggestions, or even previous experience would be greatly appreciated. I find that everytime I try to come up with a positive reason to do this, I always fall back to the negative side. Would there be any positive at all in doing it even if it fell apart a year later? I almost feel like I am getting married and am already thinking what I will be expecting from the divorce.
John Nelson
I realize those details could play a big role in my decision, but since I do not know what they are as of yet I need to focus on what I do know. Out of the 4 other managers, I could really only see myself partnering up with 2 or 3 of them. At least 1 of them I see as a horrible manager, always passing work to others without doing anything himself, always complaining there is too much work on his table, but then is nowhere to be found at 5PM, those kind of things.
It has gotten to the point that I do not enjoy being around this person at all because of his work ethics (he is lazy really) while I will do whatever it takes to get the job done and keep the client happy. He has been at the firm for 20+ years, so the owners do not see his everyday work habits (or lack of work I should say) and are blind to it all.
Sorry for the ramble, but I guess my question is should I even consider this? My neighbor mentioned to me that maybe I get in with these others to obtain ownership and build a stronger client bond, then branch off later. There is no doubt in my mind that I will feel that way in say 5 years as I know this guy will not change, it is just the way he is (at work and home). On one hand the ability to obtain ownership and build $$$ for a future departure or possibly starting my own business would be great, but on the other hand I do not want to screw the other managers who I have great respect for and believe could do a great job running a company.
Then on top of that, the detailed end of cost to gain ownership, etc will come into play and is the $$$ worth it for a company that I feel needs a lot of changes (the current personnel really need a boot in the behind, but the current owners allow it to continue because they have us picking up the slack).
Again, sorry for the ramble. I am brand spanking new to this and am really lost. Any help/suggestions, or even previous experience would be greatly appreciated. I find that everytime I try to come up with a positive reason to do this, I always fall back to the negative side. Would there be any positive at all in doing it even if it fell apart a year later? I almost feel like I am getting married and am already thinking what I will be expecting from the divorce.
John Nelson
