Complaint Review: 24 Hour Self Storage; Aka Dr. Richard Bowie

I went to work for Dr. Bowie as an office manager in November, 2008. Things were bright, pay was great, I dubbed it the best job I'd ever held. Soon after, I was informed that not only would I be managing the businesses finances, but also one of his personal bank accounts.

Unfortunately, the good doctor was so paranoid that his prior office manager (or managers, seems he has a history of putting people that handle his money in jail) had stolen from him, that he would harbor his little suspicions and let a fictitious 'case' build up against me, rather than talk to me about these issues and let me explain them away.

Dr. Bowie also had a habit of signing a paper ticket for 200-400 dollars cash, at various times during the week. But this was 'completely legit', as 'he's the owner'. He would also constantly mix his business and personal accounts, spending from one to buy for the other, then getting 'annoyed' or 'angry' when the books didn't come up right. Dr. Bowie also had a horrible habit of never remembering anything that was told to him after he took three steps away from the conversation...if you can't remember something like an office supply list, or the fact that you've given an employee a raise, then how can you make a claim like I'm about to detail?

What this all boiled down to was on Jan. 21, 2009, I was called at closing time...6pm. By the doctor, who was on vacation in Utah. Asking me to leave my keys and get out. Quote: "We'll bring an accountant in there and find out what you've done in the past couple of months." "I didn't bring this up to you sooner because I didn't want you destroying evidence." In short, I was accused of embezzlement with no proof, just suspicion and heresay.

I regret that I did not hold his office keys for ransom. As of the writing of this report, it's been 3 months to the day, and I have received neither a final paycheck for my last week's work, nor a separation notice. Both of these are completely illegal, immoral, and reprehensible. My phone calls go unanswered or are taken by an employee saying "I'll pass the message along", but all contact has been lost since about mid-February. I contacted the labor board, and was told 'we'll look into it', and still have no word. I cannot afford to take him to small claims court on an unemployment draw.

I filed an unemployment claim, stating termination for no reason. My claim was approved. A month later, I receive word that he's disputing my claim. No kidding. Disputing it. Since he couldn't prove embezzlement, he was citing 'falsification of my time card' from one day I came in late and had to write my time in. Somebody's digging at straws. After conversing with the labor board, his dispute was refuted, and my claim continued.

On April 7th, I check my mail again. He. Has. Filed. An. Appeal. Yeah, the first decision that he was full of BS by the labor board wasn't good enough for him. He can't return a phone call, mail a last check, or try to contact me, but by jove, he can appeal a justified unemployment claim. Currently awaiting the details on this appeal.

I've witnessed firsthand once, where an employee had asked Dr. Bowie for a raise. Didn't specify an amount. Was awarded a $2.00/hr. raise, then within three days he reneged on it, saying that 'his hand was forced' and 'he didn't feel right'...if he was that apprehensive, why not say 'let me think about it', rather than say 'okay, here's your raise', then rescinding it within a week?

Also, my mother did some tax advising and computer work for the good doctor, and she has also received no compensation after sending three invoices. She's on the verge of sending him to collections over it.

In short, while the business may be convenient, and there's nothing bad I can say about his storage facilities in general; I strongly advise people to avoid this place due to poor ownership, and horrible internal business practices. People like the good doctor need to be taught a serious lesson.

Jherek
Milligan College, Tennessee
U.S.A.