(Getty Images)
The owner of a Nixa, Missouri, contracting business, which was the focus of a July 2023 Better Business Bureau St. Louis consumer warning, has been charged with six felony counts in a lawsuit brought against him by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Richard B. Gillette, who operated Premiere Exterior Solutions, was charged with three counts of deceptive business practice, two counts of stealing, and one count of financial exploitation of the elderly in a complaint filed in late August in Green County Circuit Court.
According to a press release by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Premiere Exteriors Solutions, between August 2021 and May 2022, “falsely promised to engage in home renovations for consumers in exchange for upfront payments. Once paid, Gillette either abandoned the projects after performing negligible work, or without completing any work or delivering any materials whatsoever.”
According to a probable cause statement, three consumers reported to the Missouri Attorney General’s office losses of more than $46,000 in three separate incidents.
“We applaud the action of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office,” said Pamela Hernandez, BBB Springfield regional director. “BBB encourages consumers who feel they have been deceived by a company to register a complaint with BBB and your state attorney general's office.”
The case against Premiere Exterior Solutions is pending.
BBB warned the public about doing business with Premiere Exterior Solutions in July 2023 after receiving complaints from southwest Missouri consumers who alleged the company performed inferior workmanship, did not finish projects, and failed to provide refunds.
According to Missouri Secretary of State records, the business was incorporated as Premiere Ext Solutions LLC in January 2021. Gillette is listed as the registered agent. The business is no longer in operation. Gillette, in an email to BBB earlier this year, said he would pay customers back with interest.
A search of Missouri CaseNet files found four civil cases against Gillette or Premiere Exterior Solutions. He owes various creditors and customers more than $120,000 according to allegations or judgments in cases filed in St. Charles, Christian, Stone, and Taney counties.
BBB offers these tips on hiring a contractor:
- Research any business and its owners carefully before paying any money. Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org or by calling 888-996-3887.
- Ask for references and contact them.
- Before paying, ensure you have a signed contract outlining what work is to be done, a timetable for completion, and an explanation of what happens if the business or consumer reneges on the agreement.
- Ask the contractor for proof that he or she is bonded and insured.
- Pay by credit card whenever possible to challenge the payment.
- Do not pay for everything in advance. It is a good rule to pay a portion when you sign the contract and the final payment only after you are satisfied with the work.
- When work is completed, and the contractor has been paid, request lien waivers showing subcontractors and material suppliers have been paid for the job.
- If you have a complaint, file it at BBB.org and with your state’s attorney general’s office.
