1. get educated. fast. i hope you're a quick learner cause if you're not, you're going to be even more over your head than you already are 2. take hourly, not salary. you're going to be working a LOT of over time. don't take less than $20/hr +full benefits. honestly, if they're not total cheap asses, aim for 25-30. i dont think the whole "work as a contractor/form llc and charge lots of money" will work because they approached him for the fact that he is probably going to be way cheaper than a consulting firm. 3. find a friend (hopefully, some one who has a bit more experience with the actual work required) and get him to help you. he doesnt have to make as much as you. do everything you can to continue to head the newly formed Jstump IT department. eventually become CIO of that dealer network. get money, get bitches, etc etc