Green Cabinets Direct Kathleen Mannix, Terrance Lewis, Geenwood Cabinetry, www.houstongreencabinets.com Fraud! PAID for Funiture Grade Cabinets Received Cabinets that seem to be sconstructed by H.S. wood shop!!!! Internet

My Project started out in July.

I was looking for a cabinet manufacturer that carried Lyptus cabinets. I did extensive search on the Internet and surprisingly found Kathleen's Company. I made contact with Kathleen and sure enough not only did she tell me that she had a cabinet manufacturer that worked with Lyptus, she had a longing desire to do a kitchen with that species of wood. She said she could provide a quick turn around time of approximately three weeks.

The process of communicating back and forth seemed easy enough; I communicated to her the dimensions of my space, the layout of the kitchen, the dimensions of the SIX cabinets, and the models of my appliances. The process seemed smooth, but from the beginning she was evasive about answering questions regarding specifics of the cabinets. 

For example in an email dated 7-11-09 to Kathleen I asked, " Quick question - what is everclean?"

I received no response.

Follow up email dated 7-14-09 "HI Kathleen, I received the sample. I was a little surprised because the samples were  rather thin and small, about the size of a note card. I expected to get a door sample to get an idea of the the thickness of the door fronts. Perhaps you already informed me, but can you remind me what the thickness of the door fronts are?  I like the colors, both the ones with onyx looked better with the light in the kitchen. Also did you find out where "everclean" was going to be used on the drawer cabinets?

No response from Kathleen.

Instead she said she found this custom, furniture grade, cabinet maker in Houston that had suffered great loss due to the Hurricane and in addition his son had been diagnosed with cancer. He was looking to start his business up again and was dedicated to using Green material. I agreed to using Terry.

Terry sent stained samples of Lyptus on 7-23

 Kathleen drafted several proposals, each had omissions or errors;  a kitchen sink had been omitted, a panel was omitted, the cabinet dimensions we not correct, finish side were not specified.

During this process, Kathleen informed me that Terry was no able to obtain Lyptus and if I would consider using Mahogany instead because he had lots of that in stock. I agreed to the change.

on 8-7 I asked Kathy if Terry would start on my project if I gave him a $2000 deposit. The Bill at this point was about $4600 for six cabinets. Kathleen said Terry was agreeable to start with a cash deposit.

8-27-09 Contract was drafted with these terms: and cabinets were paid in full.

We hereby submit specifications for:GREENWOOD MODULAR CABINETRY (EUROPEAN): KITCHEN & ISLAND

 Door style: WATERBURY(FLAT PANEL SOLID WOOD).

Specie: MAHOGANY

Finish: STANDARD 1- STEP STAIN. (T.B.D.) Drawer face: SLAB.

Interiors: WOOD Drawer box: 3/4 SOLID MAPLE DOVETAIL.

Drawer guides: TANDEM FULL EXTENSION SOFT CLOSE.

Hinges: THREE WAY, ADJUSTABLE.

Overlay: FULL (DECORATIVE HARDWARE REQUIRED BUT NOT INCLUDED).

Construction: PLYWOOD

Crown molding: NONE.

Under cabinet molding: NONE.

Glass type: N/A.

INCLUDES: FLAT PANELS FOR FRIDGE AND DISHWASHER 33 SINK BASE (2) 3DB24 FINISHED END ON LEFT CABINET AND ON RIGHT CABINET (2) MCB33 MICROWAVE CABINETS WITH FINISHED END ON LEFT AND RIGHT BACK PANEL FOR ISLAND TOEKICK SCRIBE MOLDING FOR NICER FINISH PLYWOOD CONSTRUCTION

DELIVERED: $ 4148.00 LYPTUS

OPTIONS: 2 DOORS ON EACH OF THE MICROWAVE CABINETS ADD $415 TOTAL FOR BOTH

16x84x29 PANTRY WITH 5 ROLLOUTS $950

NO SALES TAX DUE OF 8.15% DISCOUNT

Since Kathleen said he turn around time would be quick and that Terry had agreed to start on my six cabinet at the beginning of August, I started to inquire about estimated time for delivery on Sept 1st.

I was persistent and emailed Terry. He finally responded on 8-25-09

Terry's Email:

I am pleased to hear you are excited about your cabinetry. However, we have a
standard minimum lead time. The lead time is three to six weeks. We are a custom
manufacturer not a high volume assembly line manufacturer. We generally work on 1
job at a time until it is finished.
When I received the deposit on your job I immediately began souricing materials
and fabricating the plywood, however I was told to wait on completion due to the
fact that it was unclear as to whether or not and when the funds would be
available to pay the balance due. As such I moved your parts to store and
shelved the job until further notice.
I received the majority of the balance only 2 weeks ago because your check had
to clear Kathleen's account before she could pay me. We had to finish 2 other
jobs we started before resuming work on your job.
One of our essential machines crapped out on us in the process of finishing
your job, I am waiting on a part now, we worked around the issue and your
cabinets should be ready for pick up early next week.
I will email photos for you prior to shipment and I have to tell you they look
and feel great. I know you will be very happy and we are deeply appreciative of
your patience.
I am going to ship your pantry cabinet, and there still is a balance due, I
think of 950.00.
Thank you and have a great day.

???My check cleared my bank on the 27th of August and he is stating that he did not received the money until the second week in Sept????

The lies just kept getting bigger and bigger as time progressed. The following is complete text communication between Kathleen and myself:

Kathleen (7/24 12:07 pm): Hi Monica Just wondering if you got a chance to see the samples? Give me a call when you have a chance. Thank Kathy

 Me (7/24 12:08 pm): When I left they had not been delivered. I will call you when I get back home.

Kathleen (7/24 12:09 pm): Ok sounds good. They were delivered at 11:00.

Me (7/27 9:24 am): Working on two deals that need to close. Will call you later. Thx

Kathleen (7/27 9:26 am): Sorry about that. Just have a couple of questions. Need measurements on stove, microwave and which way do you want the hinge on pantry?

Me (7/27 9:32 am): no worries. Can text or email . Multitasking. Micro and toaster oven are sm. Largest is 18"x 12"x10". Hinge for pantry on rt. Will call u later though

Kathleen (7/27 9:32 am): Thanks

Kathleen (7/27 6:56 pm): Hi Monica, What size is the stove in the island?

Me (7/27 6:57 pm): Not at home yet but it is an advantium (sp?)- trivection slide in range..

Kathleen (7/27 7:03 pm): Oh, when you get a chance just let me know. Thanks

Me (7/27 7:04 pm): Ok .

Kathleen (7/28 10:23 am): Hi Monica. Just wondering if you have some time to go over your order?

Me (7/28 10:25 am): will call you at noon...ok? Lol.. I just sent this text to the wrong person.

Kathleen (7/28 10:26 am): K

Me (7/28 12:02 pm): Call you in 10 min

Kathleen (7/28 12:05 pm): K

Kathleen (8/7 12:04 pm): Hi Monica, How are things going with you? Any news yet?

Me (8/7 3:18 pm): Hi Kathy..put the $ in your account. That bank is S0 not user friendly. I had to sign your deposit and sign another sheet which I assume is a transfer request

Kathleen (8/7 3:36 pm): Sorry about the hassle. Did you go the same bank as before?

Me (8/7 3:37 pm): Yes.

Kathleen (8/7 3:40 pm): Az Central ccu has been really good to work with as far as being a business owner. That really went above and beyond for me. Maybe it is just the Federal ccu.

Kathleen (8/7 3:41 pm): Can you do me a favor? When you get a chance please measure both your toaster oven and microwave? You can also edit the pdf and send it back to me.

Me (8/7 3:42 pm): I sent u measurements in a prev. (couple weeks ago)Email. I know they are not taller than 12''

Kathleen (8/7 3:44 pm): Ok I will look for it. Again, I apologize for the hassle they gave you at the bank.

Me (8/7 3:44 pm): No worries.

Me (9/12 1:42 pm): Hi Kathy, what's the update with my cabinets? Did terry finish them? But most importantly when will they arrive at my house? Thx monica

Kathleen (9/12 1:45 pm): Hi Monica I guess he had to order special wood to finish the sides. He has them put together. They should be complete by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Kathleen (9/12 1:46 pm): I will have the shippers pick them up asap.

Me (9/12 1:48 pm): What kind of wood? I am such dire need of a kitchen, the expense of having to eat outside is unbelievable. :-((

Kathleen (9/12 1:51 pm): I know. That's what I told Terry.

Kathleen (9/17 1:06 pm): Waiting to hear back from Terry. He said he was in a meeting. I will give you an update as soon as I hear from him.

Me (9/17 1:08 pm): I don't really understand why there is a delay since he told you the cabinets were nearly complete four weeks ago and you guys were just waiting for my money:-/

Kathleen (9/17 1:10 pm): It has to do with the finished sides. I don't think he did them correctly the first time. He had to remake 4 cabinets.

Me (9/17 1:11 pm): Uhhhg. That does not sound good.

Kathleen (9/17 1:12 pm): At least they will be right when you do get them. :)

Me (9/17 1:14 pm): Yes. well... I pray they shipped.

Kathleen (9/18 12:16 pm): Just sat down for lunch with a friend. Will call back in a few.

Me (9/18 12:18 pm): Ok.

Kathleen (9/18 1:19 pm): Thanks

Kathleen (9/21 3:56 pm): Hi Monica, Your cabinets are being picked up on Wednesday. I will give you the delivery date as soon as they tell me.

Me (9/21 3:57 pm): Thank goodness! Thx for the good news!!!

Kathleen (9/21 3:58 pm): No problem. I am happy too!

Me (9/23 12:04 pm): Hi Kathy, I need the transport info.

Kathleen (9/23 12:16 pm): I guess they can't pick up until tomorrow. I will give you details once I have them.

Me (9/23 12:18 pm): Oh my god Kathy. This is ridiculous.

Kathleen (9/23 12:38 pm): I have no control over when the trucks deliver. When a truck has enough room they schedule pickups. They thought they had enough room but didn't.

Me (9/24 3:30 pm): ????

Kathleen (10/1 10:40 am): Hi Monica Terry had some issues with 4 of your doors for the microwave cabinets. They should be on the truck tomorrow.

Me (10/1 10:42 am): No. This is not ok. I have waited an extended period of time. I keep getting excuses of why I do not have a product for which I have paid. Nothing has been

Me (10/1 10:43 am): Been provided. I have tried to communicate with terry and I have not received a response. I want a refund for the full amount to be deposited into my checking

Me (10/1 10:43 am): Account by tomorrow.

Me (10/1 10:45 am): This should not be an issue since I deposited the money into your account directly, there is no reason why you cannot do the same. I have contacted an

Me (10/1 10:46 am): A representative. I need my money returned to me immediately.

Kathleen (10/1 11:55 am): I just text him. He hasn't gotten back with me yet. I am also pissed. I will come down and help you with your ikea cabinets if you like. I'm so sorry.

Me (10/1 11:57 am): I am so heartbroken about this situation. But it is beyond impossible for me to keep waiting. I may have to take you up on your offer. I know you understand ...

Me (10/1 11:57 am): And am very thankful for that.

Kathleen (10/1 12:00 pm): I was a single mother for 14 years. I understand. I'm so disheartened. I have been in tears myself about this so I can't talk on the phone. Sorry

Me (10/2 5:50 pm): Kathy, I have been on the road. Can u give me an update?

Kathleen (10/2 5:52 pm): He is finished with them and a truck is coming on Monday. It was too late to get one for today. He was being a complete jerk. I told him you are getting the

Kathleen (10/2 5:52 pm): The pantry for nothing because of all the bs you had to put up with.

Me (10/2 5:56 pm): That's one good thing. But I am still not closer to getting them. how long is transport? I have no faith in what he says :-(

Kathleen (10/2 5:57 pm): I will talk with the shipper on monday and find out for sure. They really are freakin nice cabinets though.

Me (10/2 5:59 pm): Thank you for your help with this. Uhhhg!

Kathleen (10/2 6:00 pm): I just get so upset and emotional about this whole thing. I haven't stop crying since yesterday. I really pride myself on good customer service.

Me (10/2 6:03 pm): I just feel like melting. It is so hard. I know you are a good person and it sucks he put you in this position.

Kathleen (10/5 11:01 am): Your cabinets are crated and ready to be picked up. I contacted the shipper. Just waiting to hear back. I am excited to finally have them to you.

Me (10/5 11:01 am): Oh I so needed some good news today! Thank you!!!

Me (10/8 11:08 am): Kathy I have not heard anything from the transport company.

Kathleen (10/8 1:31 pm): You will. I know they are on there way. They will call soon. Hang in there.

Me (10/10 10:21 am): Kathy can you send me the transport info. I want to call them.

Kathleen (10/10 10:23 am): My computer is down right now and is being worked on as we speak. I should have it back on Monday. I will send you info then.

Me (10/10 10:49 am): When did the leave Houston?

Kathleen (10/10 10:49 am): Tuesday

Me (10/12 9:28 am): Kathy. I need information. I want the phone number for the transport company. I want to know when my cabinets will be AT my house.

Kathleen (10/12 9:31 am): Its Columbus day. No one is in. They will call a day before they get there.

Me (10/12 9:32 am): When?? When will they be at my house. I want their number.

Kathleen (10/12 9:36 am): I just checked my email. Sorry. They are coming tomorrow. You need to get some strong guys to help unload the pantry. Its super heavy. Have them uncrate it firs

Kathleen (10/12 9:36 am): Uncrate in the truck. They pantry.

Me (10/12 9:37 am): I need a time I have to ask people to help me.

Me (10/12 9:37 am): Phone number please.

Me (10/12 10:42 am): Kathy, I am tired of being strung along. I just want a refund. This is just not right.

Me (10/12 11:06 am): Terry has a copy of my check. My account number is on there. I will call you later to give it to you verbally.

Kathleen (10/12 11:10 am): I am not giving you the freight companies number. I have a great relationship with them. I don't them being harrassed by my customers. They will call you tomorr

Kathleen (10/12 11:11 am): tomorrow when he gets closer. I am not trying to give you a line of crap! Freight companies are on the road and don't have exact times. Weather, car acidents.

Kathleen (10/12 11:11 am): They will call you. I promise you that!!!!

Kathleen (10/12 11:13 am): You need to just be patient one more day. I have gone above and beyond for you! I also have other customers I am dealing with.

Me (10/12 11:14 am): Harrassed??? I have been EXCEEDINGLY patient.

On the 15th of October I received notice that my cabinets were in Phoenix but could no be delivered directly to me. After negotiating with the trucking company they were finally delivered to my home on the 22nd at 7pm.

What I received was Horrifying. The craftsmanship on the cabinets were horrendous!

I immediately called Kathleen and my call went directly to voice mail. This was no surprise since she had been directing my calls to voicemail for sometime.

I did not receive a call back. The following Day I called her and she was unresponsive...she felt ger job was done and she hung up on me.

I sent both Terry and Kathleen he following email with pictures:

My drawers were 1/2" plywood.. a far cry from Solid Maple.

As of his writing , I have not had a response or received the remainder of my order!

The cabinets are simply embarrassing... the craftmanship from IKEA would out shine the ones I received.

Prior to receiving the cabinets, Kathy had stressed that I needed to get a professional Installer because there were *Furniture grade European Cabinets* . This is laughable! I had an Installer come out to see if the cabinets could be corrected and he simply said it would better to just donate the cabinet to Goodwill. To fix the poor craftsmanship would take as much time and cost that it would just be cost effective to buy new cabinets.

This has had a significant negative impact on me and my family emotionally and financially. We still don't have a kitchen after all this mess.