Ag Spectrum Company v. Vaughn Elder

SMITH, Chief Judge.

After leaving its employ, Vaughn Elder contracted with Ag Spectrum Company (“Ag Spectrum”) to provide services as an area manager. The arrangement was formalized through an independent-contractor agreement (“Agreement”). The Agreement prohibits Elder from competing with Ag Spectrum for three years if either party ends the relationship. Because Elder developed his own customer base and received only minimal support from Ag Spectrum, we agree with the district court 2 that the Agreement’s noncompete provision is unreasonable and therefore unenforceable. Accordingly, we affirm.