> Who paid for college?
I've reflected on this question before. My parents paid for college. Although I went at their urging. I was already writing software every day, to be honest I didn't see the value in a degree.
I started another online business in college, and employed my brother until I sold the company a few years later. My parents gave my brother and I a monthly stipend, but I made multiples of it with the online business.
I also incorporated lessons learned from this company into my father and I's company.
Generally, I agree with all of your points/questions.
> [He] was paying for things for you
I do think about this. But if your child has a skill, does that mean if you cloth them and feed them, you are entitled to work for free? I doubt many would agree there.
> I think you're seeing green a little
There is no discussion to be had if the business wasn't making any money. It wouldn't matter who owned 100% of $0 profit. I was part of building a multi-million dollar company, and the thought of having to redo the sleepless nights (Pulling all-nighters in high school making new stuff or after our shared host upgraded their php install and our shop started segfaulting), just seems crazy. I put in the work and I was a big part of building something great.
> want more power than your brother
Also true. I'm not sure I could disagree with his style of management any more. He is, unfortunately, not able see long term, and will cut his nose to spite his face. We just disagree, and the thought of having to have some kind of 'consensus' about decisions is not appealing.
> I have no idea what he already gifted you
I believe the note just literally just said 'ownership'. And hasn't been mentioned since.
> You could go get lawyers involved but win or lose, you'll lose.
Agreed.