Ma & Pa, Inc. v. Kelly

UHLENHOPP, Justice.

This appeal involves a covenant in an employment contract prohibiting competition after termination of the employment. The action is in equity and we review de novo. Baker v. Starkey, 259 Iowa 480, 144 N.W.2d 889 (1966).

From the evidence we find the facts as follows. Russell Buchanan has had about twenty-three years experience in the petroleum business. Approximately ten years ago he established plaintiff Ma & Pa, Inc., in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to sell petroleum products and some other lines. The corporation operates mainly in central and southeast Iowa. Through work, ability,…