Homeowners file numerous complaints about New Jersey landscaping business
The Troubleshooters have obtained a lot of problems about a landscaping and design organization. The business enterprise, run by father and son Brent Stephens and Zack Sulpizi, also has eight grievances with the New Jersey Lawyer General’s office.
The business employed to identify by itself as Stephens Contracting but an arrest warrant has been issued for Brent Stephens for failing to fork out a court judgment. His son is now functioning under a diverse identify.
“I just however cannot believe that this transpired to us”, mentioned Matthew Chando, of Clementon, Camden County.
The customers Motion News spoke with are shell-shocked and heartbroken.
“You in no way feel that someone would do this to you. It can be just terrible,” mentioned Jeanne Moriak of Swedesboro, Gloucester County.
They are now warning other individuals.
“I really feel indignant and I also sense like a target,” reported Chando.
The Chandos paid out Brent Stephens and Zack Sulpizi of Stephens Contracting $27,000.
Jeanne Moriak compensated $60,000 and Sharon Brudnicki and Gerard Maher paid out the organization $125,000. They all say their function was by no means completed.
The Chandos and Moriak then been given the identical letter declaring Stephens Contracting is out of cash.
“We’re withdrawing from this project because of to economical constraints and staffing constraints,” stated Chando.
“Our firm has made the decision to file for individual bankruptcy,” Moriak go through.
“And they are at present out there wanting for more enterprise,” claimed Chando.
And some customers say the perform Stephens did unsuccessful to go inspections, leaving them having to hire other people to take care of it.
“I am so indignant. There is so much work and so much strength that demands to go into producing this right,” mentioned Brudnicki. “It is effectively more than 6 figures for us to be in a position to get the repairs performed to what we require to do.”
The Troubleshooters spoke around the phone with a agent from Stephens Contracting who refused to give his title.
“What do you have to say for by yourself and the way your enterprise operates?” questioned Motion News’ Nydia Han.
“The business strives each and every day to do ideal by everybody. However, you simply cannot make everyone delighted,” explained the representative. “Just after an extreme spike in small business throughout the pandemic, we viewed a downfall take place.”
The firm blames substance and labor shortages and some of its prospects, saying quite a few ran out of money and could no longer shell out for assignments.
“There are a lot of amount of money of happy consumers,” said the rep. “You are talking to 4 out of likely 400.”
The agent, whose voice sounds just like Zack Sulpizi’s, said the building aspect of the firm submitted for bankruptcy but the paver side is hoping to carry on operations via a 3rd social gathering.
What he did not say is that the company is making use of a new title, American Crafters.
According to a Fb post, Brent Stephens “unexpectedly” retired due to well being issues and Sulpizi is getting over the business.
Motion Information is knowledgeable of at least four lawsuits versus Stephens Contracting alleging get the job done “that was not completed at all… defective…utterly deficient…or experienced to be replaced.”
“They received a judgment in opposition to you for $146,000 but have yet to see that dollars. Are you going to spend them that judgment?” requested Han.
“Stevens Contracting wasn’t adequately notified and the default judgment went towards them,” stated the rep.
Whilst Stephens gives a defense for the other judgment and every criticism these people have a warning.
“I want to prevent any individual from selecting them. Due to the fact this has been likely on for decades. And they’re they appear to be untouchable. And that is the toughest part,” reported Moriak.