Agree, TV’s shouldn’t deny a former Sales Rep an opportunity to make an income, immediately after leaving their job at TV’s. Or pay them. Surprising to hear this is TV’s business practice.
Just a couple of thought. First, does the Villages require Sales Reps to have their Real Estate license? If not, then it's really not the same job so the non-compete would not apply. For new construction I'm not seeing any competitive issues as only Villages Sales Reps can sell new builds. For re-sales, the only issue would be with the "seller" side, and this would be a tough call. The Village is in a bit of a contradictory mindset as they have had and continue to have exclusive sales rights to every single property (commercial and residential) on the Villages property at one time or another so they have certainly re-couped any and all "training" expense. As you mentioned we know why they are doing this and its certainly not in the best interest of the workers or the customers.
A non compete is big business controlling costs and keeping the little guy down. I think unless you are a top level executive the ban should stick. I have been bound by the stupid non compete and yet offered almost double my salary and just can’t afford to take the chance of a lawsuit. I believe competition is good and keeps the big business in check. Why do I make less than 200k but the CEO makes 10 million.
I think a non compete makes sense to prevent taking possible leads made while with The Villages. However, 2 years is ridiculous. It should be reduced to 6 months at most.
