[dlandis]

> Where did I fail to claim my part when the company was growing?

Seems like it is not too late; just talk to the CEO and VP of Engineering and say you want a new role created called Chief Architect or Principal Engineer. As employee #2, it seems perfectly fair that you should get some additional recognition above and beyond simply "developer". If they like you and want to keep you, then I think definitely they would not object.

[bazookajoes]

This is the right move. If they say no, or don't come back with a compelling alternative this means that you don't have a strong enough relationship to be recognized for your potential future contributions. It is important that you are likely to only be recognized for your potential, not your past contributions.