Citing disturbing new findings from the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan (BBB), Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-opening the consumer claims process for individuals who believe they were victimized by Titan Seasonal Services and other snow removal and landscaping businesses owned and operated by John and Michele Church of Livonia.
The office of the Attorney General has received approximately 150 complaints against John and Michele Church’s businesses since 2010. And, since 2016, the BBB has received at least 30 complaints regarding just one of those businesses, Titan Seasonal Services. Those complaints involve failure to complete services, non-payment of subcontractors, and failure to timely refund customers for services not rendered, among others.
Last year, the attorney general concluded a Consumer Protection Act investigation of Mr. and Mrs. Church and their businesses by entering into an assurance agreement that made money available for consumer refunds through a claims process. Later this month, 27 consumers will receive reimbursements based on claims that have already been received.
Nessel is now re-opening the claims process for additional victims after the BBB completed an investigation, concluding additional consumers may have been impacted by Titan Seasonal Services and other businesses owned and operated by Church, including The Snow Guys and Greenkeepers Lawn and Landscape. All businesses are accused of poor business practices, consistent with the attorney general’s findings.
“It is clear Mr. and Mrs. Church have a long-standing reputation of deceit and failing to deliver on the services consumers paid for,” Nessel said. “We urge any consumer who can document losses from doing business with Mr. and Mrs. Church and their businesses to file consumer complaints with our office.”
Nessel added she appreciates the continued partnership with the BBB and the Department’s Consumer Protection Division to ensure consumers have the information they need to avoid doing business with bad actors.
To date, Mr. and Mrs. Church have paid just $5,000 of the $15,000 owed as a result of the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance they entered into with the Department last year. The Department has been in contact with Mr. and Mrs. Church’s legal counsel regarding the deficiency.
BBB contacted Titan Seasonal Services in January to discuss its investigation but did not get a response. An additional meeting was requested at the beginning of February but also did not receive a response.
“Due to Mr. Church’s unresponsiveness, it’s difficult to know how many people have been negatively affected by one of his businesses,” said Melanie Duquesnel, BBB president and CEO. “That’s why filing a formal complaint is such an important step in getting a resolution.”
Aside from Titan Seasonal Services, The Snow Guys, and Greenkeepers Lawn and Landscape, other businesses associated with Mr. and Mrs. Church include Friendly Neighborhood Lawn Service, Lawn & Snow King, Northstar Snow Removal, Mike’s Best Snow Plowing, and BlueJay Outdoor Services. Consumers victimized by Mr. and Mrs. Church’s wrongful business practices are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at mi.gov/agcomplaints or by calling 877-765-8388.
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