Rolladen, Inc. Operates a Ponzi Scheme. Their contractor's license expired 8/31/10. Your deposits will be used to complete prior orders and/or payroll. Hallandale, Florida

My situation is almost identical to CAT.  I signed a contract for hurricane shutters on 8/21/2010 and gave the required down payment of $3,319.  We probably had the same pushy salesman.  On 9/25/2010, I received a second bill for $3,319, but decided not pay it and called and told Rolladen I wanted to see some progress such as the manufacture of my shutters before making another payment.  I was told that would be O.K.  However, by mid-October I called again to inquire on the status of my shutters and was told I would have to send in the second payment along with the HOA approval.  I was also told that the shutters would not be manufactured until a permit was issued by the City of Pembroke Pines.  I sent another $3,319 payment in along with the HOA approval.  Unfortunately, I was not as smart as CAT and paid by check instead of credit card.

On 12/2/2010, after numerous calls to speak with the owner or salesman, I finally talked to someone in the permit department who told me that the shutters were definitely not manufactured yet because there was no permit.  When questioned, he said the reason there was no permit was because they did not have an "up to date" license on file with the City of Pembroke Pines.  I later checked with the Pembroke Pines Building Department and found this to be true.  Rolladen does not have a State Contractor's license period.  It expired 8/31/2010.

Later that night (12/2/2010) I saw a report on WSVN 7 with investigative reporter, Patrick Fraser, showing several other customers with similar stories.  The president, Robert Hoffman, gave a refund check of $4,300 to one couple, but it bounced and had to be replaced with another check.  The next day, I hand delivered a written request to Robert Hoffman, Pres. for a refund of my $6,638 payment.  After another letter and several phone calls to both Mr. Hoffman and his register agent,  Robert Dady, Esq., I received a call from Mr. Dady.  He informed me that there were others with my same problem and that he was working with Robert Hoffman on putting together some financial packages.  He also promised to discuss my situation with Robert Hoffman.

On 12/22/2010, Diane Sosa, Office Manager,  called me and after some discussion finally admitted that the reason my shutters had not been manufactured or installed is that they were trying to find a new qualifier for their contractor's license.

As of today 2/15/2011, I have not received a refund of my $6,638 payment.  Rolladen still does not have a valid contractor's license after telling WSVN 7's Patrick Fraser that he does 3 to 4 jobs a week after his license expired on 8/31/2010.  I even went to the Pembroke Pines Police Station to report Rolladen for fraud.  The officer said it was probably a civil matter, but called Rolladen and someone quickly lied to him and told him that my shutters were manufactured.  No Permit, but Rolladen, a company probably on the verge of bankruptcy, manufactured my shutters after I asked for a refund.  I don't believe it and I question the integrity of anyone who would like to a police officer that fast. 

This has been very stressful to me.  I have been ill the entire month of January and I won't rest until I recover the money due me.  I have filed a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  The amount owed me is over $5,000, so I cannot go through the small claims court.  I was told I could pick up paperwork at the law library at the Broward County Courthouse and file the claim myself.  I will do that as soon as possible because I believe any day the house of cards will collapse.  I just hope I can go to court and recover my money before Rolladen goes under.

As CAT stated,  caveat emptor!!!