Starting New Business - Splitting From Current Employer

[xacide]

A co-worker and I are planning on quitting our current jobs to start our own company, mainly because we disagree with the current direction the owners are taking the company. The company we work for is an IT services firm, we are planning on starting our own IT services firm that initially will offer a different service than our current employer's core offering. We will eventually also offer the same services that our current employer offers, but it may be a few months down the road. We have the current clause in our employee handbook:

Non-Solicitation
Active or former employees of [Company] may not solicit other employees of [Company] for any other opportunities. In addition, pursuing employment with clients within one (1) year of termination of employment with [Company] is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise approved in writing.

To me this seems fairly weak and ambiguous. We understand non-solicitation to mean that we can not approach current employees/clients, but what are the limits of this? If an employee were to quit and then approach us for a job, would that be ok? Additionally, are we in violation given that we are both currently employed? We are both fairly high up in the company and are pretty sure the owners of the company will not be "happy" that we're deciding to branch out on our own.

Any input/advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[army judge]

It is an ambiguous statement, as well as meaningless.

It may be in the company bible, but if you didn't sign a
non-compete clause it is useless.

Of course you could hire ex-employees who might approach you after your business is established.