This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

BBB Warns Consumers About Roofer Who Was Fined Millions In Colorado Fraud

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers and businesses about a Colorado roofer who was fined millions in that state and who is now doing business in Missouri.

Four years ago, roofer Glenn Christian Jessen led a company that collapsed in Colorado, leaving nearly 500 homeowners without roofs or refunds for work that was left undone.

Colorado authorities went to court and obtained a judgment calling for Jessen to pay $6.5 million in fines and restitution for his role with the company, Claim Specialists International.

Now Jessen apparently is working in Missouri through an affiliation with companies owned by his father, Ernest Jessen of Denver. Ernest Jessen’s daughter, Lynnette Joy Jessen, runs the businesses, Dakota Built Roof Systems of Cleveland, Mo., and Cardinal Built Roof Systems of O’Fallon, Mo. More details about the companies are outlined in today’s BBB press release.

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers and businesses to be extremely cautious about doing business with Jessen or the two companies.

The BBB recommends that consumers check BBB Business Reviews before hiring any business. The reviews will show whether the company has a history of complaints and how those complaints have been addressed.

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A BBB video has tips on how to hire a trustworthy contractor.

Other tips for hiring contractors:

  • Beware of possible scams. Watch out for contractors in unmarked trucks or for companies requiring advance payment.  Don’t succumb to high-pressure techniques, such as notices that the price is good for one day only.
  • Try to verify the company’s true identity.  Get a business card and a physical location of the company.  It is always better to deal with well-established businesses.
  • Ask for references.  Make sure the company that wants your business has satisfied other customers.
  • Make sure you get a written contract in advance of approving any work.  Read it thoroughly and make sure you understand everything before signing it.
  • Be sure the contract includes a start date and a completion date for the work to be performed.
  • Do not be coerced into paying for work that you did not approve. If you feel pressured or if a contractor will not leave your home when asked, contact police.
  • Do not pay the full amount in advance of the work being completed.  You may need to make a down payment in advance if there are materials that need to be purchased, but always wait to pay in full until the job is comleted to your satisfaction.

For more BBB news, go to the BBB website or follow the BBB on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Kirkwood