Restraunt in Palatine, down the street form browns, did some major remodling and wanted to rod lines out before re open, spent all day there, rodded every line in the building. Did not pay, after that, Rt 14 was under construction, so they would only have about 5 customers a day, if that and I was one of em, pay my bill and say thank you.
Restraunt in Palatine, across the street from browns, I liked going in there until the guy started to hire me to rod out his line under the floor. The last time, I got my cable stuck, camera stuck on a broken pipe. I spent 10 after close and finaly got them all free. No pay for the last rodding job.
Restraunt in Palatine, so old, rodded that place for years and years, bathrooms so small 2 people cannot squeeze in at one time. But the city made them put a handy cap ramp up to the door. If that aint the biggest crock. 1/2 the places in town, have no grease traps or handy cap accessable. Palatine shouffle the rules like cards, you never know what is what, some times.
Restraunt in Palatine, across from from the Northwest Suburban Bar Association, the entire cast iron pipe was rotted out, under the floor. Jack hammer the floor replace the pipe, put the floor back and they did not pay.
Nascar story; another guy that riped me off in az
The Dell sucks story; before I went to Arizona, I purchased a few dell computers (I thought and took, the whole Az matter serious. I thought things might get tight, so I took care of all major pending office needs needs while still in Illinois). I purchased these computers on ebay. Back in Illinois, the computers crapped out. I called dell, first of all it took about 8 hours for dell to tell me, what I allready knew, I need new operating systems, then after all that, because the company I purched the new dell's from on ebay, never told em that I am the new owners, so untill they do nobody ever will be able to get service on em nor parts from dell. There was close to $8,000 of wasted money. Lesson here - don't buy anything on ebay and don't count on delll for support.
but, before I went this route, I met a guy long time ago at the dupage county college computer show's (they were great), He was a local guy who made and repaired computers. about 10 years earlier, I had him make me 3 (1 for me, 2 as gifts), and they were great. So I contacted him to make me 1 super computer for az. He needed some money up front, so I gave him $3,500, he went right away to the bank, bank called me and I said he is a computer brain, every thing was ok. After a month, he said he wanted another $1,800. I said not untill your done. He never finished, I never got my money back or a computer. That is when I went to ebay. Lesson here - is not to trust any one.
The time I spent $17,000 to collect $1,500? Under ground for a new Elk Grove Township fire department facility, Roma Plumbing, (2 of 3 Stompanato brother's, the other, Steve was plumbing inspector of Streamwood) I got screwed by my lawyer more than any one the stompo brothers. Lesson here don't trust a lawyer.
The time Patten tractor charged me $45,000 to replace a starter 3 times (next day wont start crap) on my 955(12a). I paid for 1.5 repairs, figuring that should be enough, should have sent me a mechanic that knew what they were doing the first time. They sued me, I sued them, their lawyer said a) they did not have to provide a qualified mechanic, b) if I don't drop the law suit, a power broker law firm will take over. This law firm has a entire floor on the sear tower. And they will bankrupt me in lawyer fees, before I ever saw a day in court. Lesson here, don't trust Caterpillar, Patten tractor or lawyers.
What about the story about the $7,000 Ray? Ray owed me around $20,000 (South Elgin Outback Stake House), he said a lawyer will cost me about $7,000 and we would have to settle, so I'm going to give you $5,000. Lesson here, don't trust another plumber.
What about the story of Nick Burk (accountant in Arlington Hts)? After a couple years in business, working like a dog, back in the Carter days. Joe Foreman (pipe supplier) used him, so I started to use him, he set me up on a accrual accounting method (not knowing the difference, he is the expert). The economy bottom fell out (customers went bankrupt, out of business, belly up) , the IRS wanted me to pay tax on my sales of $250,000 even though no body paid me. Another words I collected zero and I owe taxes on 1/4 million bucks. Things were bad, every one is going out of business, Nick Burk would not help me, no body would help me. IRS did not not care. The lesson here is not to trust Nick Burk and the IRS
Did I tell you about the time I spent about $60,000 on accountants and tax negotiators to try to clear up the IRS problem only to have the IRS say no deal and renewed tax liens against me. The lesson here is not to trust book keepers accountants and the IRS.
I get no rebate checks, the IRS has, could, would and continue to take any thing from me they can.
Did I tell you the story about T.H.E. Plumbing? This was one of about dozen plus companies Lenard Dembrowski owned (gets going then bankrupts, every one and keeps the change) his was the past MR Rooter, now he dba Lenard's Plumbing and Mr electric. He owed me about $40.000, I won the law suite, when the judge asked Penderski what were the damages, Penderski said, not sure, figures in the office, judge set another date, but Penderski said that is a vacation day, set a new date 45 days away. Beyond modification time limit, so, only awarded the numbers on the original documents, which were $20,000 off (less) plus no lawyer fees. This went to the appellate court also. Didn't do me any good. Never saw a penny. Another disappointment lawyer job and another scumbag plumber. The lesson here is never trust Lenard Dembrowski (no matter what he does business as) and lawyers (Penderski).
Did I tell you the story about some guy who used my plumbing license in Elgin to take out permits to put in water heaters, I complained to the Illinois state plumbing board and Elgin building department, but who cares? I am the only one that does. I am the plumber on record, I am liable and again I had nothing to do with it. The lesson Here is not to trust any one, the city of Elgin or the Illinois State Plumbing Department, department of public health.
Did I tell you the story about the Black Diamond Plumbing problem......bunch of worms, Including his brother, the State Plumbing Inspector. I did a job for them, they did not want to pay, the bill was around $20,000. To aid in deceit, they used the brother who was a state plumbing inspector for intimidation. I would not budge (Burpe Gardens in Downers Grove). On that job I broke a union picket line (I did not know that it was a union line (never done something like that before) until people started to break into and vandalize my shop, office home). Also people packing were looking for me. I made a union friendly phone call, then that stuff started to settle down. The crap with black diamond ended when I got a phone call from another office of 100 lawyers from down town. I was rodding a sewer in Palatine, call came in and the guy asked if i wanted to release the lien, I asked for how much, guy said full amount, I asked when, he said he'll run it up the ladder since i said ok, but today, he will call me back. He called me back, I said as soon as i finish rodding out the sewer, I will head out, couple hours. The end. The lesson learned here, do not trust other plumbers or state plumbing inspectors no the Illinois plumbing department.
Did I tell you about the time a judge told me to come back to court tomorrow and bring a pillow cause I'm going to cook county jail. The lesson learned here was corruption triumphs.
did I tell you about the yellowbook problem;
Then I find out that when I was in
This "crap" was 1 of 3 legal matters that were going all at the same time. Apparently, the yellow book phone directory was suing me. During the sales meeting that led to this mess, I apparently signed for 2 phone book advertising areas each one was about $3,500 ($3,500 x 2 = $7,000).
Only one phone book, I wanted and paid for.
The other I didn't (why would I travel 50 miles for a free estimate? How could I spend 3 hours travel time - 2 hour on the job (lets say rod out a sink line for set price) be competitive and make money, I just can't. So what we agreed to is that I would sign this other contract (for the simplicity if I chose to go this rout the sales man would have all documentation. I was to be a no go unless I called. I never called to proceed with the this second book. He never called me. I paid the first book in full. I paid only 2 payments on the not wanted (disputed) directory (I figured I will take most (2/3) responsibility, they should take 1/3) I told the in-house collection about this, they said no, no, no. Sued me. They got a default judgment on be (this conviction/probation in scotillo's, was worse than jail), I tried to handle all these attacks at the same time as best as I could) The yellow book lawyer garnished my bank account that was used to pay the previous yellow book payments. They got $74 and the bank charged me $150 (which I did not have, even if I did, why would I refund that account) and closed the account.
I had a accountant, lawyer, who made a phone call to the attorneys representing yellow book, trying to make some type of deal, so I could settle. They said no.
I went to court, I wanted to tell the judge about the corruption of the yellow book attorney, court deception etc. but nobody would let me. I wanted to bring up the penilites for false serving, which for one, could be dismissal of the suite (if I read that right).
I told the yellow book lawyer I had a bank account in Arizona, balance about $23, I got this company that owes me $23,000. prior to Arizona. She did not care about this also, just wanted a couple pounds of my flesh.
I guess i have arrest warrant for me on this "crap". Lesson here is not to trust sales people, lawyers, judges.
did I tell you about the gas line I hit in fox river grove;
Now lets go into another crap trial. About the same time as these other 2 cases were beating me up, I had a third. In McHenry county. I hit a gas line year or so earlier, and they were sueing me. Well on that case, figuring lawyers were honest (another mistake), the lawyers for the gas company would show evidence of the damage gas line and the locations markers. I was in the clear, the markers were about 3-4 fee off. The state law provided protection from the contractor in such cases. The makers can only be with in a 3 foot margin of error (1.5 feet each side of the actual pipe, cable or line). I thought the judge would see this and there was no sense telling the judge what state law is, so I am in the clear with that.
I was found guilty by not showing up, and a $3,000 judgment was awarded against me.
Now these people wanted what ever was left of me. I hired another lawyer... from McHenery (who I hired to go in front of scotillo re;Arizona matter... so this would be defense lawyer 5) to try to settle with the gas company lawyer, he did, ended up taking the last of my money.
3 TRIALS (3 OUT OF 3) THAT'S 100% AND ALL FULL OF CORRUPTION welcome to USALesson learned is not to trust any thing involving the courts.
what about the palatine fire fighter (aka Mr. sump pump?) make shift plumber that was doing major, major plumbing at a church parish, Harry got up set about non licensed plumber doing plumbing work (state law). The powers above Harry prevailed and corruption from within Palatine over ruled state plumbing law's again. Lesson learned here was not to trust the Village of palatine.
This was the guy that put installed a building sewer backwards on Stephen (2nd house from corner). The same house that the city lost a backhoe? (fell into the ditch) after trying to connect the water line to the house......(I did not see any of this but heard about it). At this time Harry is not allowed to inspect his work. So the village and I guess, one of his fire buddies approved his illegal and wrong plumbing work there after). Lesson learned here was not to trust the Village of palatine.
I did a job for Nick (retired fire man? did some work for the school district? historical society?), he moved to Wauconda? He wanted sewer and water brought into his garage. It was a tough job, but I did a pretty good job. I gave him a envelope to read and give Steve Forten (captain of the Palatine Fire Department) (the same letter that I gave to a couple dozen people letting them know about my problem and letting them know that my ability to function as a plumber has been greatly diminished). Lesson learned here was not to trust the fire department of the Village of palatine.
To me, as far as Steve is concerned he may be, as dirty as the dirtiest cop. He was made aware of perjured documents and statements and let it slide. For what? He had the ability to make a phone call and say “hey, we cannot have this behavior” maybe he did? (Don’t think he is man enough, thus not worthy of respect) yet he is a fire man.... Lesson learned here was not to trust the fire department of the Village of palatine.
We all knew Tina (Harry's wife) was sick for a long time and that the medical costs were very large. It only stands to reason they used this to bend Harry's convictions on quality plumbing. Kind of like black mail - u want insurance for your wife? - then u have to allow us (Village of Palatine) to tell you what to inspect and how to inspect, where to look and not to look. Lesson learned here was not to trust the Village of palatine.
What about the time, when the plumbing inspector (Harry) got in trouble trying to prevent a 70 year old woman getting screwed by rooter company ($15,000 for installing $400 of pipe) Lesson learned here was not to trust the Village of palatine.
I'll tell you how long Harry and I go back, I can't recall if this story was before or after Wayne or Rich taking over, but I called his wife, wanting to talk to Harry, she said he was in Inverness doing underground. I said, I thought he broke his leg, how can he be doing that? she did not know. I said where is he, Ill go and do it for him, I'll give him a hand. I went over and there was the friggen gizzard, crutch in one hand and shovel in another.
We have had issues, like the house by Bob Clines place, the whole house was a over head sewer.... hahahahahah (high on a hill and built into the hill) so I went out of the house under the floor (was still 2 feet above the footing), he made me change and blast a hole through the wall 2 feet higher, which wa above the living space floor, (maybe I cored) (above the living space floor is Illinois plumbing code correct). I just wanted to save a little space. Lesson learned here was not to trust dead Bob nor his dead wife Marge.
Harry has spent his entire life plumbing in Palatine. They let him go because he is to old, bull shit. This is just a continuation of the warped heads in Palatine. Lesson learned here was not to trust the Village of palatine.
Now that dead Bob Cline comes up, I would say maybe 10 years ago, Marge called me up to help her load up the dumpsters with a bobcat (she was having problems with the county) during that day, I got stung about 12 times............ never got paid also. His one son died in a hill billy jail in Kentucky, Wife died, then Bob went week after that. 2 other sons smoked or drank up the inheritance, Bob’s daughter, don’t know what happened with her. Dead Jimmy Cazone of RBS (Rosemont Building Material I think at one time, had a lien on the property on Portage) Jimmy Cazone was ok and I liked him even though I did not buy much from him, he said to me once that he could sell me some gravel and a bundle of pipe all in one delivery. (Other suppliers could not sell both). Jimmy died, his kid took over, company was out of business a year later? Lesson learned here was not to trust Anthony.
Now we got to talk about “Bones”, use to work for Bob, me to, 40 years ago? His mom had Phil’s bike shop on Quinten, south of the tracks, and bones would repair em. So after jail, Bones went to work for Foreman for about 25 years. He had some medical problem, decided to die, so he bought a bunch of pain killers and a case of beer, called his Phyllis (sister in Florida, that he hadn’t talked to in 20 years) and said good by, died on the phone. Bones was Bones, Ron Bradley was his name. I got along with him. He was a back yard mechanic, could fix just about any thing. The end. The lesson here was, Bones was tired and wanted to head out.
Did I tell you about the time I rodded (rooter ed, snaked) a sewer on a roof in wheeling with the 1500 on the roof, when the cutter hit the problem, the cable snapped back, whacked me on the side of the head, knocked me out........ouch. Lesson here was not to rod from the roof.
Which brings up the house of the millers on greenwood, I was climbing onto the roof and the ladder gave way, I grabbed the aluminum gutter to hang on to, (did nothing), fell on the concrete stoop. Broke my ankle, made a cast for it, kept working. I tired out my other ankle so that one broke. I made a cast for that one, then the other one broke again. (I don't have insurance) If i did they probably would have dropped me, for making a claim (this is what happens with a small business owners). The lesson learned is some times you can't win for loosing.
I have worked on a lot of houses of people who work in the village. Mostly with out a permit, that is the only way they would have it. Every one else take out a permit but not them. The lesson learned is don't trust Palatine city hall.
One of these time a little digger fell (flipped, rolled) on me (was not the first but it was the worst). I don't know how I made it out, I was pinned, knew that In 1 minute I would be dead, because this thing is crushing me. Some how I dragged my self out from underneath the tractor, was able to make a phone call. Peggy and Tia came over, managed to get up, asked them to pull off my shirt, ill drop my pants and run your hands over my body (my body was all black and blue) and let me know if you fell something broken or sharp just under the skin..... That will determine if i go to hospital or not.....nothing seemed broken so i hobbled up to the apartment and let nature do its thing. The Lesson learned here was, if a tractor rolls on you, expect pain.
Here is another one, John Bern, put a small room addition (convert a car port to a attached garage) onto a house in Highland Park, east side of Ravinia park (by a block?) Well, the foundation cut across the building drain in several spots. John calls me and wants the red carpet treatment (every thing fixed, along with a d0zen other things). When completed, he did not want to pay the bill, said give it to her, she said it was not her fault he broke the pipes. This bill got up to be $8, 9, 12, 13k I cant recall amount but nobody wanted to pay. It ended up with another large lawyer firm in Chicago. The lawyer said I agree with you, but you will loose, any which way you would try. So better take the offer, sorry. So I did. The lesson here is not to trust dead John Bern nor old women.
How about this one.....8" water main break under a 42"? concrete storm sewer pipe. I have options to make the repair any way I choose. I choose the hardest, best and the cheapest way. In stead of open excavation (most expensive), I went into the storm system with a electric breaker, broke out the bottom of the concrete storm sewer where the water main was broken, uncovered the broken pipe and repaired. They did not like the repair bill, and paid me what they wanted..... Well they called me up a few months ago, have a fire hydrant not working. I said I was not paid in full for the last job, why would I want to fix this hydrant? The lesson here is not to trust that apartment complex owners.
Unhappy customer - They were in the Pepper tree subdivision (this job came from Nancy at Zimmer hardware), they kept on letting plastic bags go into the garbage disposal. The problem (shredded up plastic bags) was located maybe 50 feet away. I told them about it. Had to come back and come back and come back, I said that is enough. Don't call me (each time they wanted a no charge - I can see a free re rod within a certain time but this was above and beyond). I am the one with mud on my face. The lesson here is not to trust any one who puts a plastic bag in the garbage disposal.
Months? Before this started, I would lay in bed at night, things were going OK, got money in the bank, money owed to me (paying customers). Credit card debt was under control. I got my state taxes paid off. I was working on my fed taxes. I knew of some of the corruption within the Village of Palatine (you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know what was going on), I would be in the 4th of July parades. I thought I was becoming out of touch with every day people and their problems (my problems were few). So I asked the heavens to give me some bumps, so, that perhaps I could feel some of problems people are having. Maybe I could help people in a different way if I felt the problems, instead of hearing about em. I did not expect the bottom to fall out. Be careful what you ask for, you might get it.
