It was Bob Stewart who persuaded the boys to go ahead with TPIR on NBC (according to Stewart's account). Stewart was basically trying to save his job.
At some point Bud Austin came into the picture and took over negotiations with the networks. He was able to command much higher fees than Todman. Bud Austin later became involved with Burt Sugarman and Jay Wolpert on Whew! and Jerry (Giraud) Chester took that position.
There was more to the partnership than game shows, don't forget. According to one account, Todman diversified the business by purchasing regional newspapers in New England and a radio station in Seattle which made lots of money, while Goodson continued to potschke around with game shows.