My first dealings with Author was at drill in Oct. Of 01 he mentioned that he had Pizza ovens to move. The request for help was one of urgency as he was being "kicked out"of where he was. I offered to help, and I mentioned that I had a cargo van. He asked how much I would charge. I told him that I would work a fair hourly rate for a driver and a van.
He mentioned numerous times that: "you had better show up or you will be screwing me bad!" We exchanged numbers and made arrangements to contact each other the day before the scheduled move. He mentioned that nobody works for him for min wage and that he "doesn't believe in it" I mentioned that I was in poor financial shape at the moment between jobs and could really use the work. I called the number he gave me several times but he had given me the wrong number.
Next drill I asked Author what happened. Taking the number in his handwriting out of my wallet he told me he had given me the wrong number. Author told me that he was in need of help at his new restaurant andasked me if I could work for him. I agreed and he asked me the show at 1400 hr. Tues. 11-13-01 for training. I showed up and started training within an hour Author left explaining that I was to hold down the fort.
He had "errands". Upon his return hementioned that he needed to tow a vehicle. He said the fee was 85 dollars. I knew I could rent a tow trailer for 45 and figured it would take me an hour to tow it from wilksbarre to Jim Thorpe. Leaving me 40 bucks for my trouble. I mentioned this and he took me up on it. Tuesday 11-13 I worked from 14:00 hr. To 21:00 hr..
Wed 11-14:
I rented a trailer in Bloomsburg drove to wilksbarre picked up his car and took it to Lake Harmony. Expecting to be finished working Author asked if I could stay and work. I changed my plans and agreed. I worked in the store while he again ran errands he stated that he would "take care of me". Upon returning he asked if I thought a freezer could be put
on the trailer I had rented and moved. So I drove to his home and loaded a freezer to bring to the shop. After picking up the freezer I backed the trailer to the rear of the shop and Author went around to go in the front door. Assuming that he was going to open the back door. After waiting I wondered why he didn't show to unlock the doo, so walking through the front I found him sitting playing a video card game.
He asked "have you got the freezer unloaded yet?" I walked to the back and unloaded the freezer myself and brought it in and plugged it in while he played games. This was the first time I was angered by him he could have held the door but I figured at least I would be paid. Maybe he had a bad back or something. He took off again shortly while I monitored the store. I worked till 22 hr. Before leaving I mentioned that I drove my truck 140 miles for him and rented the trailer I had serious out of pocket expenses. "I'll take care of it later" So Tuesday turned out to be a 14 hour day as I still had to drive back and return the trailer. I figured the 14 hr. Like this 4 hr. Towing and 10 shop hours.
Friday... I showed to work, I was headed to my brothers for a few hours but when I got to the shop a worker was there alone doing carpentry. As soon as I dropped off some things he took off. I had no keys to lock up and felt I had to stay rather then leave the place open. (later in court he argued that he didn't authorize these hours) That night I met his other worker and he told me he gets paid 8.00 an hour under the table. I met his wife and was told that in Authors absence she was the boss. We
worked till. On Friday I worked from 13:30 hr. To 00:30 hr..
Sat 11-17:
I worked and at the end of the night I was handed $100. Author said he was "short and had bills to pay" He would give me more Monday. (this seemed odd as I wasn't scheduled to work till the next Friday) 15:30-23:00 hr. 7.5 hr..
Summary for week:
After towing Author asked me what he owed. I said we had agreed on $80. So he paid me that. He had given me the $100. Stating there was more due. (later in court he argued that the $80 paid for the whole day!!! Renting a trailer driving 140 miles and working 10 hr.!)
Friday 11-23:
Author asked me to make my van empty and be at the shop at 09:00 hr. We were driving to pick up a glass counter. I gave him the dimensions of my door and told him to measure to make sure it will fit. He stated It will fit. I drove 140 miles to find the counter was 6 inches too tall to get in the van. (later with me he argued that He shouldn't have to pay me as I didn't fulfill the mission!)
Sat 11-24:
Now during this whole time I am researching soup recipes on the internet. Buying shrimp for soups and they are telling me that I am working out well. Katherine his wife is telling me that they are going to run a ad in the newspaper introducing me as the head Chef. (I was making soups for the restaurant and doing most of the short order stuff) seemed all they knew how to do was make pizza. I watched the Pizza dough expand and knock all the stack on the floor Author came in picked the Dough off ther floor and we used it. I disagreed with this decision but he "overruled me" I am very good in the kitchen. I help out at National Guards and Author knew how good I was that's why he hired me? I thought them how to short order cook basically giving the wife and other worker lessons/tips.
Friday 11-30:
I pulled into the pizza shop Author RONS out screaming that I am laid off and I was a "flim flam artist" I had 30 sec. To get off the property Give a bill to my wife, He ran to his car and drove away. I walked into the store spoke to his wife who told me he was "upset that they weren't busy as it hadn't snowed" The business is located by a ski slope. She agreed to pay the bill I gave them. I hurriedly billed them for 35.5hrs and out of
pocket expenses of...
25.00 = shrimp
knife holder = 10.00
Cooking sherry = 7.00
soup containers = 4.00
I did not take in account wasted time driving 100 miles to work to be told i was laid off. Author was upset that I asked to be paid. 35 cents a mile for use of my 2000 ford E-300 Super van Diesel!!! He said I was "crazy that's way too much!" Later in court he told the judge that he thought I was only worth min wage.
As I didn't hear from him or get a check I went to get him to appear incourt. This is when I learned of his AKA. He had been kicked out of Lake Harmony Lodge, I couldn't get the dirt on this though. When I went to the court house to get his home address the girl there laughed and said. "another one for the "nut"" Apparently he showed up in a Tux threatening to sue for a penny. He is a well known nut as when I went to the township building they laughed also.
I have a lot of running around trying to make good on this. Then his phone calls came on my machine. I saved them as they are funny. "I'll fight you to the end of the world" etc. Etc. Real funny stuff. Guy is not right in the head! His cell no is 570 401 6222. I don't have the shop # but will get it.
The Judge ruled in my favor for 379.50 as he explained I did not follow proper procedure. With all the running around and inconvenience to me I would want more. I am laid off as I am a School Bus driver and have time to Picket his place. I would want to do this on the big weekends when Poccono raceway is running and he is likely to make big money. I will not feel good about only getting judges order... Especially now.
If played the answering machine messages then you would have an idea of the nut!
Basically:
Instead of paying me, Author Harrassed me. Author has also filed or appeal in the civil case I won. He is aware (as he has done this no doubt many times) that it is not worth my time or effort to pursue this matter further. (not in court anyway)
He ticked me off as I tried to help him. The whole time listening to how he's making big money just throwing flour, water, cheese and tomato together for $10 plus each. The fellow he has working is paid under the table and he laughed about how he delivers ALL pizzas and can pay his workers hourly wage WITH HIS TIPS. He slept in the stock room while his wife (a very hard worker) a worker and I made food.
I witnessed him rip up one side of his wife and down the other because she sent the other worker out to deliver when he got behind. He mentioned that he could have paid the worker for an hour on the "tip he lost" I delivered 2 pizza and a cheesesteak once and got a five dollar tip. He doesnt let these people know he is the owner and plays the pitty me part. Also he delivers 6 packs of Beer (highly illegal in Pa. With no licence to do so.) His wife states "only to those he trusts though" love to catch him at this... Oh yes drinks beer from a paper cup CONSTANTLY as he drives. Like to get him busted for that, all just dirt no submissable unless caught red handed... Hmmmmm..
I am asking that you post this in hopes to let others know what a liar and cheat this man and wife are as they both worked very well together to get as much as they could from me. No doubt that Author is the Gypsy he claims to be.
Regards,
Lance
Shickshinny, Pennsylvania
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