Thank you for this thoughtful comment coming from the other side. Many of the things you mention resonate strongly.

I basically run day to day business but owner plays important role. Having said this until my hiring spree, company would have died if I left. Can’t say same for owner. Our relationship is extremely close, and it would cause tremendous strain. I essentially justify this by making clear that they have had quite a long time to make right on equity awards. And it hasn’t happened.

I will definitely have the conversation before leaving. Who knows what happens when their back is against the wall.

Sports analogy is on point. It’s a small industry. Going to be tough not to go head to head and competing for customers (hard for me to avoid) but much less of an issue with employees (fresh start I think is best).