You have spent years building a “book of business” which includes vendors, clients, suppliers etc. Many weekends away from your family have been dedicated to meeting and making new business contacts and conventions and meetings.
For what? Now your employer says you cannot take those clients with you. Are they right? Is that legal?
PLEASE READ YOUR NON-COMPETE. You may have agreed to this.
Could you try to keep your clients? Yes, we can help you do that – negotiate a release or buyout of your non-compete, but if you leave and assume the clients are yours, I fear you will end up in Court quicker than you can form a new business.
Know your rights, contact an attorney that understands the legal issues regarding a Virginia employment agreement. Better to know now that be served with a lawsuit on Christmas Eve (and yes – that does happen).