- 9 - Mr. Abbene and Elena managed Blue Ribbon's day-to-day operations.11 Blue Ribbon, however, had no paid employees during the years in issue, and Mr. Abbene kept no record of the number of hours that either he or Elena worked. Mr. Abbene normally devoted time to Blue Ribbon after work and on weekends. Mr. Abbene also spent much of his vacation, 2 months each year, and holidays traveling with the horses for shows. While he was at work, Mr. Abbene left Elena in charge of Blue Ribbon's operations. Elena worked approximately 50 hours each week at Blue Ribbon where she was responsible for (1) the general care and maintenance of the horses, (2) training, preparing, and riding the horses shown by Blue Ribbon in competitions, and (3) providing riding lessons on behalf of Blue Ribbon. Elena also had the authority to make purchases on behalf of Blue Ribbon, although she did not maintain or review any records concerning Blue Ribbon's expenditures. Before 1989, Elena had no experience operating a business. Elena did not attend college and had no formal business education. Mr. Abbene had business cards made, highlighting Elena's 1989 Olympic Bronze Medal, to advertise the services offered by Blue Ribbon. The cards were dispersed through the mail and given 11 Mrs. Abbene had no active involvement in Blue Ribbon's operations and did not take part in any of the decision making concerning its operations.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011