Rock Tops Granite/Owner Charlie Thiede Rock Tops Granite out of business and takes everyones money in Lenexa Kansas

First let me say sorry to Dan in O'fallon who is out 9K. My story is similar but luckily my wife had a feeling and we put our granite countertops on the credit card. Our charges are being disputed and I'm not out any money.

On Dec. 14, 2008 after shopping several granite places we made our last stop at Rock Tops Granite. The showroom was open just 6 weeks and our salesman was very knowledgeable patient and there was no pressure. We decided to go with them due to their knowledge and specialty in only countertops and that they have been around since 2000.

We were due to get measured on Dec. 19 when 90 minutes before they were to show I get a phone call from the salesman. He tells me that all the employees were just told to leave the building and give up their keys as Rock Tops was out of business. My salesman grabbed his client list before leaving and decided to call all of his clients to give them a heads up. He told me to immediately dispute my charges. He didn't have to call me but he was mad since he had not been paid in three weeks and he did not want his name associated with this company. He also stated he had to call 28 more people in various stages of the process. Some people had their granite sitting in the warehouse ready to be installed and their kitchens already ripped up.

I researched the state of MI for any bankruptcy filings and found none. I also found that the company makes about 8 million a year and that they opened or were opening several new stores across the nation. How does a company like this just fold and steal everyones money. I can only imagine how many people are out there waiting for install in the coming weeks who have no clue that they will never get their product. So far in appears only a few us have figured it out.

I have called several of the companies numbers across the nation and get no answer at all of them. I hope the owner Mr. Charlie Thiede is held accountable for his actions in this tough economic time. My kitchen remodel plans are now on hold. By the way Mr. Thiede has also authored articles on how not to get ripped off by other companies. Just google him and you will see.

Brad
Kansas City, Missouri
U.S.A.