You'll probably find out more at some point, but you need not worry. It was most likely a topic of discussion between Jerry and Tom way back. Until you can get a highly skilled and experienced captain into the wheelhouse, it's fine to let an early partner take the helm. Once you leave the relatively tranquil waters and hit the high seas, it's a good time to relinquish the wheel. It was probably always part of the plan, and they didn't necessarily make the change on bad terms. It's probably just time, and also probable is that they are just now reaching a point whereas it's clear to them that revenue growth should support the cost of a highly skilled and experienced CEO.