When a former Vidor Curves Gym employee put in her two-week notice, she told management, "God has another direction for me."
However, when Karen Pilant quit, she neglected to mention she was in the process of opening up her own Vidor gym. And since she signed a non-compete agreement with Curves, Pilant will have to endure a litigation detour before God can direct her to open up a rival gym.
Santerre Fitness Inc., doing business as Curves Gym, filed an injunction request against Pilant with the Orange County District Court on Sept. 4.
In its petition, Curves alleges Pilant "secretly made arrangements with the landlord of a nearby office space… in hopes of opening a new (gym) in direct competition with (Curves)."
The suit goes on to say on March 12, 2007, Pilant signed a "Confidentiality & Non-Compete Agreement" and was given Curves' operation manual and marketing strategies.
Two months later, Pilant gave her notice, which included a personal statement: "God has another direction for me," the suit said.
Pilant had been working with the Vidor gym for sometime. Apparently though, when she "failed to obtain satisfactory financing," Pilant decided to open her own gym, the suit said.
On top of the injunction, Curves is suing for actual and exemplary damages.
The company is represented by attorney Alan Sanders of the Sanders & Sanders law firm.
The case has been assigned to the 260th Judicial District.
Case No. D070432.c