That makes sense to me. And if he is concerned about the people who have put a year of their lives into the success of the business, they can each also give 5%

That makes sense to me. And if he is concerned about the people who have put a year of their lives into the success of the business, they can each also give 5% of their equity (10% total) to the longstanding members of the team, so it goes: OP: 45% Partner: 35% Partner's wife: 10% Team: 10%. That way the balance remains equal and the team has the final call when there is a deadlock.