In late March, Olinger notified FieldTurf of his resignation, effective within the week. However, FieldTurf alleges that Olinger had already downloaded confidential customer information onto a USB drive prior to his notice.
“The confidential and trade secret information Olinger extracted includes, but is not limited to, client lists, supplier lists, distributor lists, pricing and sales information, project correspondences, and financial information and forecasts,” FieldTurf stated.
Immediate Impact and Legal Actions
Just days after Olinger’s departure, Tencate announced it had hired him as president of its sports division. Notably, FieldTurf pointed out that Olinger would report to Joe Fields, head of Tencate USA, who’d previously been FieldTurf’s CEO.
Following Olinger’s resignation, FieldTurf said it sent demand letters via its attorneys to Tencate, but the latter company has allegedly refused to take action after initially promising to investigate the allegations.
FieldTurf claims it stands to lose clients, employees, and business opportunities due to Olinger and Tencate’s alleged malfeasance. The company is seeking an injunction barring Tencate from using its information or destroying the reportedly stolen records, along with a to-be-determined amount of financial damages.
Turf Ex-VP Secrets Theft : Legal Representation
FieldTurf is represented by Shaniqua L. Singleton and S. Wade Malone of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and John C.C. Sanders Jr., Alex Ingoglia, and D. Taylor Hinojosa of Winston & Strawn LLP. Counsel information for Tencate and Olinger was not immediately available.
