Date: 2026-09-21 (8:33 PM EDT) Attendees: Michael Houck, Tatem Lindner
Continuation of bf1cb23c (Payment terms call from 8:09 PM). Michael returned with a concrete proposal after stepping away to regroup.
Note: Compensation and equity specifics are filed under Owner tier. This file covers structure and framing only.
Summary
Resolution call following the 8:09 PM payment-terms discussion. Tatem’s core concerns: stability of income and equity fairness, with a framing that her input of work should map to predictable output of cash. Secondary concern: equality given Michael’s larger equity stake.
Agreement reached on equity percentage (see Owner tier). Tatem requested additional OA language around control and decision-making; Michael open to codifying shared decision-making on major business decisions. Indefinite royalty structure ruled out as it complicates acquisition. Tatem requested a buyback clause; Michael agreed.
Per-client payment structure agreed (see Owner tier for rates). Scales with client count, stops if Tatem hands clients off. Salary trigger: both founders draw equal salaries once business hits sufficient profit threshold, codifiable in OA.
Acknowledged Jolt context vs. other agencies: Megaphone and Lore have different structures. Michael acknowledged misaligned incentives. Tatem’s response: committed to doubling down on Jolt growth. Shared priority: quality over margins.
Decisions
- Equity split agreed (see Owner tier) — increased from prior proposal
- Buyback clause agreed: Tatem can buy back a small stake at fair market value (see Owner tier)
- Indefinite royalty structure: RULED OUT (complicates acquisition)
- Per-client payment structure: AGREED (see Owner tier)
- Salary trigger clause: AGREED to codify in OA with a profit threshold trigger
- OA to be signed by end of week (target: Sep 25)
See also decision page: Jolt Equity and Compensation Structure Finalized
Action Items
- Michael: Finalize and send updated OA to Tatem incorporating all agreed terms and any language Tatem adds around control
- Tatem: Add desired control/decision-making language to OA draft; send to Michael
- Both: Get OA signed by Sep 25
- Michael + Tatem: Run Adam kickoff (scheduled Sep 22)
Notable Excerpts
“Input of work should map to predictable output of cash.” — Tatem (framing her core concern)
“An indefinite royalty structure makes the business harder to acquire.” — Michael (reason for ruling out royalty approach)
“I see Jolt outgrowing the other two. I’m committed to doubling down.” — Tatem (on prioritization)
“Both founders draw equal salaries. Quality over margins — that’s consistent with ‘make something people want.’” — Michael (on shared priority)
See Granola for full transcript: https://notes.granola.ai/d/6accfa3c-9eed-43c3-ad90-5dbafb2f9b61