Ari Wasserman and Nick Esayian were both dissatisfied with their future prospects in their current careers. Wasserman, who managed an infomercial business for a direct response consumer marketing company, wanted more flexibility and ownership. Esayian was the CEO of his own company that specialized in telemarketing but recognized that new limitations on telemarketers would dramatically reduce the profitability of his business. Both were considering a change in their careers. One alternative was to become partners and start a new marketing company together.