‘I’m so angry’: Homeowners file numerous complaints about New Jersey landscaping business

The Troubleshooters have acquired quite a few complaints a few landscaping and building firm. The enterprise, run by father and son Brent Stephens and Zack Sulpizi, additionally has eight complaints with the New Jersey Legal professional Common’s workplace.

The corporate used to establish itself as Stephens Contracting however an arrest warrant has been issued for Brent Stephens for failing to pay a court docket judgment. His son is now working underneath a unique title.

“I simply nonetheless can not imagine this occurred to us”, stated Matthew Chando, of Clementon, Camden County.

The customers Motion Information spoke with are shell-shocked and heartbroken.

“You by no means imagine that anyone would do that to you. It is simply horrible,” stated Jeanne Moriak of Swedesboro, Gloucester County.

They’re now warning others.

“I really feel offended and I additionally really feel like a sufferer,” stated Chando.

The Chandos paid Brent Stephens and Zack Sulpizi of Stephens Contracting $27,000.

Jeanne Moriak paid $60,000 and Sharon Brudnicki and Gerard Maher paid the corporate $125,000. All of them say their work was by no means completed.

The Chandos and Moriak then acquired the identical letter claiming Stephens Contracting is out of cash.

“We’re withdrawing from this undertaking as a result of monetary constraints and staffing constraints,” stated Chando.

“Our firm has determined to file for chapter,” Moriak learn.

“And they’re presently on the market in search of extra enterprise,” stated Chando.

And a few clients say the work Stephens did didn’t move inspections, leaving them having to rent others to repair it.

“I am so offended. There’s a lot work and a lot vitality that wants to enter making this proper,” stated Brudnicki. “It is nicely over six figures for us to have the ability to get the repairs finished to what we have to do.”

The Troubleshooters spoke over the cellphone with a consultant from Stephens Contracting who refused to offer his title.

“What do it’s a must to say for your self and the way in which your organization operates?” requested Motion Information’ Nydia Han.

“The corporate strives every day to do proper by all people. Sadly, you can’t make all people comfortable,” stated the consultant. “After an excessive spike in enterprise throughout the pandemic, we watched a downfall happen.”

The corporate blames materials and labor shortages and a few of its clients, saying many ran out of cash and will now not pay for initiatives.

“There are quite a few quantity of comfortable clients,” stated the rep. “You are speaking to 4 out of most likely 400.”

The consultant, whose voice sounds similar to Zack Sulpizi’s, stated the development facet of the corporate filed for chapter however the paver facet is attempting to proceed operations by a 3rd get together.

What he didn’t say is that the corporate is utilizing a brand new title, American Crafters.

In keeping with a Fb submit, Brent Stephens “unexpectedly” retired as a result of well being points and Sulpizi is taking up the enterprise.

Motion Information is conscious of not less than 4 lawsuits towards Stephens Contracting alleging work “that was not finished in any respect… faulty…completely poor…or had to get replaced.”

“They received a judgment towards you for $146,000 however have but to see that cash. Are you going to pay them that judgment,” requested Han.

“Stevens Contracting wasn’t correctly notified and the default judgment went towards them,” stated the rep.

Whereas Stephens presents a protection for the opposite judgment and every criticism these customers have a warning.

“I need to cease any individual from hiring them. As a result of this has been happening for years. They usually’re they appear untouchable. And that is the toughest half,” stated Moriak.