Complaint Review: Discount Blind And Shade Factory - Ken Montoya - Wes McLaughlin - Sondra McLaughlin - Kristen Wolf - Chandler Arizona

It appears you own Ken & Kristen http://recorder.maricopa.gov/RecDocData05_net/UnofficialDocs.aspx?rec=20061130724&pg=1&cls=RecorderDocuments&suf=&sar=UnOfficial&bid=&naf=0&bk=0&rec2=&pgs=&map=&bdt=1/1/1983&edt=1/18/2007&nm=Witzke+t&set=250&cde=&lnk=1&Pages=1 and here is what you get to look forward to http://recorder.maricopa.gov/RecDocData05_net/UnofficialDocs.aspx?rec=20061045172&pg=2&cls=RecorderDocuments&suf=&bid=&sar=UnOfficial&naf=0&bk=0&rec2=&pages=4&map=&bdt=1/1/1983&edt=1/18/2007&nm=montoya+ken&set=250&cde= Good luck.

Estate Shutters Inc. 1711 S. 47th Ave. #500 Phoenix, Az. 85043 1~888~602~6020 To whom it may concern, My name is Tom Witzke and I am the CEO of Estate Shutters Inc., an Arizona corporation in good standing. I have invested nearly one million dollars in components, machinery and build out in my new shutter production facility, inventorying over 40,000 sq.ft. of Basswood components on our shelves at all times. Estate Shutters Inc. is a wholesale to the trade only company and has never had a retail customer, as has been alleged. I offer only painted shutters at this time and have never offered stained product to any company. The grand opening of the new facility is Jan~19th from 2pm till 7pm. No customer has been offered installation of product, as it is not an option at this time. No customer should expect installation of product by Estate Shutters Inc... Arizona does not require a contractor's license to manufacture or wholesale shutters to any company in this or any other state. I do however have all required resale licenses, occupancy certificates and tax identification numbers, as well as a multimillion dollar general liability policy to protect my staff and Customers. Kenneth Montoya is my Sales and Marketing lead. Although he had a retail business that failed and was forced to file for bankruptcy protection due to a series of events that I will decline to elaborate on, it is irrelevant to Estate Shutters Inc.. I feel he has the experience and product knowledge that will benefit my customers. He also possesses intimate knowledge of price points and sourcing making Estate Shutters Inc. more competitive than other shutter fabricators or distributors in the state. Kristen Wolf, who is married to Kenneth, will head my office operations. As previously stated, she too has years of experience that will prove invaluable, to both my customers and myself. Unfortunately unfounded statements with regards to outstanding legal issues can go unchecked on some sites such as this one. Kenneth and Kristen's address as well as other personal information has been listed on this site for well over a year and there has been no attempt to hide from any law enforcement personnel. If anyone needs to find Kenneth or Kristen, you can find them working at my facility daily. Please feel free to contact me directly at 602-254-5320 or come by and talk with me in person at 1711 S. 47th Ave. #500 Phoenix, Az. The bogus complaints about my Company are without any merit! I take it as a compliment that there are competitors that will stoop to this type of deception to retain business. My product and delivery time will lead this industry into a new era. I look forward to speaking with anyone who has any questions regarding Estate Shutters Inc. Sincerely, Tom Witzke CEO ~ Estate Shutters Inc.

Estate Shutters Inc. 1711 S. 47th Ave. #500 Phoenix, Az. 85043 1~888~602~6020 To whom it may concern, My name is Tom Witzke and I am the CEO of Estate Shutters Inc., an Arizona corporation in good standing. I have invested nearly one million dollars in components, machinery and build out in my new shutter production facility, inventorying over 40,000 sq.ft. of Basswood components on our shelves at all times. Estate Shutters Inc. is a wholesale to the trade only company and has never had a retail customer, as has been alleged. I offer only painted shutters at this time and have never offered stained product to any company. The grand opening of the new facility is Jan~19th from 2pm till 7pm. No customer has been offered installation of product, as it is not an option at this time. No customer should expect installation of product by Estate Shutters Inc... Arizona does not require a contractor's license to manufacture or wholesale shutters to any company in this or any other state. I do however have all required resale licenses, occupancy certificates and tax identification numbers, as well as a multimillion dollar general liability policy to protect my staff and Customers. Kenneth Montoya is my Sales and Marketing lead. Although he had a retail business that failed and was forced to file for bankruptcy protection due to a series of events that I will decline to elaborate on, it is irrelevant to Estate Shutters Inc.. I feel he has the experience and product knowledge that will benefit my customers. He also possesses intimate knowledge of price points and sourcing making Estate Shutters Inc. more competitive than other shutter fabricators or distributors in the state. Kristen Wolf, who is married to Kenneth, will head my office operations. As previously stated, she too has years of experience that will prove invaluable, to both my customers and myself. Unfortunately unfounded statements with regards to outstanding legal issues can go unchecked on some sites such as this one. Kenneth and Kristen's address as well as other personal information has been listed on this site for well over a year and there has been no attempt to hide from any law enforcement personnel. If anyone needs to find Kenneth or Kristen, you can find them working at my facility daily. Please feel free to contact me directly at 602-254-5320 or come by and talk with me in person at 1711 S. 47th Ave. #500 Phoenix, Az. The bogus complaints about my Company are without any merit! I take it as a compliment that there are competitors that will stoop to this type of deception to retain business. My product and delivery time will lead this industry into a new era. I look forward to speaking with anyone who has any questions regarding Estate Shutters Inc. Sincerely, Tom Witzke CEO ~ Estate Shutters Inc.

I am the owner of a 13 year old shutter factory in Phoenix and hate to hear about things like this. Montoya has opened another shutter factory at 1711 S. 47th Ave Phoenix, Az. 85043 Tel.#1-888-602-6020 His E-Mail address is [email protected] and infact is holding a grand opening party at his new address on Jan 19, 2007 from 2pm to 7pm from what I can see He deserves to have you all show up Have fun!!!

I am the owner of a 13 year old shutter factory in Phoenix and hate to hear about things like this. Montoya has opened another shutter factory at 1711 S. 47th Ave Phoenix, Az. 85043 Tel.#1-888-602-6020 His E-Mail address is [email protected] and infact is holding a grand opening party at his new address on Jan 19, 2007 from 2pm to 7pm from what I can see He deserves to have you all show up Have fun!!!

I am the owner of a 13 year old shutter factory in Phoenix and hate to hear about things like this. Montoya has opened another shutter factory at 1711 S. 47th Ave Phoenix, Az. 85043 Tel.#1-888-602-6020 His E-Mail address is [email protected] and infact is holding a grand opening party at his new address on Jan 19, 2007 from 2pm to 7pm from what I can see He deserves to have you all show up Have fun!!!

I am the owner of a 13 year old shutter factory in Phoenix and hate to hear about things like this. Montoya has opened another shutter factory at 1711 S. 47th Ave Phoenix, Az. 85043 Tel.#1-888-602-6020 His E-Mail address is [email protected] and infact is holding a grand opening party at his new address on Jan 19, 2007 from 2pm to 7pm from what I can see He deserves to have you all show up Have fun!!!

Richard, I was amused by the statement you made. "I paid by a check because I figured someone would say I did not pay" than said "I never dreamed some thing like this would happen". It seems contradictory. Maddie

I am a customer Estate shutters Inc.. I signed a contract on 9-22-06 with Ken Montoya, and was told that they were a little behind, but my shutters would be completed in 8-10 weeks. He told me that if I paid upfront that they would pay the tax. I paid them $7567.00 with a check, so that I would have proof that I paid. I figured if anything, someone might try to say that I did not pay. I never dreamed this would happen. When I tried to call them back to get them a stain sample and check the status, that is when I descovered that these guys are another scam. They use to be Discount Blind and shade factory, USA shutters, North American shutters, and many other names, in and out of business. After coming to this site, I began investigating on my own to find out what was going on. In an attempt to get ahold of someone, I called for Ken Montoya. At first the guy said he was not there but he could take a message. When I asked when would be a better time to reach him, he advised me that Ken Montoya no longer worked there. ( I am not sure why he was offering to leave a message for someone who was not employed there.) I called back again asking for the owners so that I could get some answers. A woman there offered to take a message for David Patai. Her name was Kristen Wolfe. I told her there were other complaints against this company. She said that this was a new company and didn't know anything about any complaints. Being a Police officer, I did a little research myself. I found out all the company names they worked under, found out that they had been in a lawsuit with a shutter compnay in California (Shoreline Shutters) and were liable to Shoreline Shutters for over $300,000.00 under their old company name of Discount Blind and Shade Factory. Ken Montoya and Kristen Wolfe were the owners of Discount Blind and shade factory and filed bankruptcy to avoid their debts. They also ripped off many homeowners that have posted on this website. The District Attorney's office now has a formal complaint as does the contractors license board for Arizona. The deputy DA is a personal friend of mine and has assured me that these two criminals will go to jail for thier actions. Ken Montoya and Kristen Wolfe should be behind bars, and you should not do business with them. They will take your money and rip you off. Kristen will call (in her sweet little voice) and say that your shutters are running late and the factory is slow, but that is just a tactic to keep you from going to the police and filing a complaint. I recommend to all of you that have been ripped off by Ken Montoya and Kristen Wolfe (husband and wife team), to go to your local police department and file a complaint. This will all go to the DA's office and help make sure they spend many years in prison. Richard Gilbert, Arizona U.S.A.

While the courts, ROC and State Attourney Gens. offices are busy juggling cases against Discount Blind and other rip-off spin-offs via Montoya and Wolf, I'd like our group to get in touch with Marie and George as they have much direct experience dealing with these crooks. Certainly other interested parties would be welcome to join us as well. Most importantly, we can't just sit by idly while these con-artists continue to scam innocent homeowners! Marie and George, if you would be willing to meet with us, just name the time and place. Say, a Friday afternoon in a public place? We can only share so much info online, and are restricted from personal contact info (which is a good idea)! We'll leave it up to you, but would enjoy sharing info as you seem to have much of the inside scoop on these people and their associates. Just give us all enough notice so that we can arrange our schedules accordingly, okay? According to the Municipal Court Website, Montoya and Wolf/f/e are using a PO Box as an address. BEWARE ANY OF YOU SENDING INFO TO THEM--THEY WILL NOT SIGN DELIVERY PAPERS AND WILL DENY RECEIVING INFO BY MAIL. This is why they keep changing contact info, and have now settled on a PO BOX! This allows them to stall the legal process for months and months at a time, claiming not to have received any info!! Of Course, we all know better! Seems they intend to drag this out until many of us give up in frustration. Not me, hopefully not all of you! Their new PO BOX address is 123 West Chandler Heights # 13435 Chandler, Arizona 85248. These people are experienced con-artists who, as you can see from this site, haven't changed ANYTHING but their names--the scam remains the same! What date, time and public place works for you?

Greetings, We were also victims of Discount Blind and Shade Factory. Wes was our sales persons and after it was clear that we were getting ripped off and we tried to call Kristin, Wes, Anyone, we could not get Wes to call us back either. So Wes, you can say that you were not involved, but we don't beleive you. You ignored us when we called to complain just like Kristin did and you cannot tell us that you did not know anything was going on as you kept selling product even after the complaints kept coming in. Shame on you!! Thanks,

Things appear to me to be getting quiet, and that's not a good sign! We have also filed with the ROC, Office of the Attorney General and contacted the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. We are awaiting our Order from the Judge. We went to Court against K & K on 1/19/06. We did receive a quick response from the Office of the Attorney General (I am a former employee of theirs) wherein they stated that "the company has ceased operations and we are unable to take further action on your complaint." I telephoned them again this week, and explained to them that they are up and running under a different name. They advised me to write a letter and outline all of our concerns. I am working on that! We have also had a consultation with an attorney who advised that a class action lawsuit would be in order for those that have lost a lot of money. Otherwise, file in small claims court and get a judgment. Be sure that all of you contact K & K's bankruptcy attorney and be sure that your name on is on the list of debtors! This is very important! We will keep you updated on our end, but please, we must ALL stick together. Don't give up, or K & K will have won.

As I read through all of these e-mails, Wes is still continuing to lie and lie and lie somemore. Wes, you never had the courage to even return my numerous phone calls and put on a false face when you met with us at our home. Don't try and sugar-coat what you did. You knew actually what was going on and when it was going to happen. Do not under estimate the intelligence of the customers that DB&SF deceived! The majority of us are college graduates and as for myself I have a B.A. in Law & Paralegal Studies! Everyone that has suggested a meeting, count us in! We have already had our hearing and are still awaiting our signed Order. I telephoned Tom Allen this week who is K & K's bankruptcy attorney. Spoke with Sherry. She told me that Kristen finally gave her all of the necessary paperwork for them to file Chapter 7. ALL of you need to contact Tom Allen at (602) 256-6000 to be sure your name is on the list of creditors. In addition, each and everyone of us needs to contact the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and report these guys for engaging in "criminal enterprises". Please be sure and use that term. We agree with each and everyone of you, except Wes, Sonya (Wes' wife), K & K and other that were involved in this scam. K & K are already in business as Shutters USA and may I suggest Wes that you do YOUR homework and stop pointing fingers at those of us that trusted you! Regarding the meeting date of January 20th, please check to be sure that the ROC is open that day. It is President's Day! Our thanks to ALL of you and let's stick together.

Alana, I was at Ken and Kristen's house the last monday in January inquiring about my money that was owed as well as my W-2 form. I was told "Kristen is working on them now." If they are not postmarked by 01/31/2006, they will have a much more severe problem to contend with as this is the law. Now I know it does not seem like they much care about the law and doing what is right, but I will be honest with you in that they did not keep very good records when it came to my pay, as well as my paperwork (im sure the customers would agree), so I have a bad feeling you are going to need to contact your tax advisor (if you dont have one, go to HR Block or likewise company and speak with someone there) and ask what you will need to do for this. Being Valentines day, this is how long I was giving them to send me mine, incase the mail was running behind or it had to go through a mail forward to my new address, and I too have not gotten it, nor anyone else I know of. Two weeks is plenty of time to have recieved instate mail, and if I were you, I would simply prepare to not get it.

I am also an ex-employee. I worked for Kristen and Ken for a year and a half before I was fired. I witnessed things going downhill, but never thought things would elevate to this degree. I am very sad to see this has happened. I am in seek of my W-2. I am worried now, after reading this, that I will not get it. I do not know how to go about contacting Kristen, as email has proved fruitless, and I see that addresses and phone numbers are now useless. I see Wes has made comments on here, and maybe Wes can direct me on how to get this document? I've read that Kristen and Ken read this report daily, and if that is the case, then hopefully one or both will feel it necessary to find me and get this information to me. I do not want to be one of the "snookered" ex-employees. I simply want my W-2 so I may go on with my life and provide for my son. If ANYONE has any information on how I may find these people or get this info from another avenue, I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Wes, if your not more involved and "just an employee" then why did you post that the CFO "an owner" why not say who it is? Kristen? I was told by the girl who answered the phone at Shutters USA that Kristen is the 'bookkeeper' for Shutters USA. The bottom line is we're giving as many names as possible to the courts and Attorney Gen. office. If your innocent like to claim you wont be charged with any crime. I would also be curious to know if Discount Blind and Shade Factory paid the sales tax that all of us didnt have to pay if we paid in full? I'll bet Kristen and Ken didnt....ripping off the state not a good move!

Sherry, you need to talk to your husband about conversations "for a seven month period". I spoke to him quite a few times. Especially concerning the time that the product was switching from one factory to another. This was in the July time frame. I'm not looking for compassion from you in this situation, it is was it is. Losing income for the period that I did effects a lot of things. It's not where I want or deserve to be at this point in my life. I will tell you that in the time period from May to December, a lot of customers did get their product, shutters included. This is why I didn't see a reason to panic, I was told everything would be ironed out if we kept selling and kept the revenue coming in. Yours was one that got between the two factories, this is something that I had no control over. My job was to sell the products and to build a team to sell products (VP of Sales), we did that. The problem was in the order payment process, again, something that I was not involved in. This was handled by our CFO, an owner. Your particular order was being handled by the other owner, assuring me that it would be taken care of. Your husband spoke with him on a few occasions. At this point, your situation was between the owner and your husband. There was nothing else that I could do to speed things along. The conversations that I had with your husband, and you should know this, were of sincere honesty on my part. I tried to do what was right, and only went by the things I was told would happen. If you ever want to speak in person, I would be glad to. Let me know.

Thanks, Greg for sharing this information! I've also just learned that Montoya and Wolf[e] renewed their Arizona ROC license on 1/11/06 using their former business address (abandoned) and phone number (disconnected). This with 36 current complaints against them! Wes, I would very much like to feel a sense of compassion regarding your particular predicament. However, I'm curious as to why only one of the numerous calls we made to you over a 7 month period was ever returned? I'm also curious as to why, if you felt sorry for all of those consumers who have and were about to lose their money, you didn't bother to return a phone call giving us some kind of warning? As far as I can tell, people have been purchasing window coverings since at least May up until December and have yet to see a quality product, if any, for the return on their purchase. As the Vice President of this company, you had to know something was up, even as orders continued to be written. Yes, we're disgruntled and wish to resolve this issue to the satisfaction of as many of us as possible. C., I'll go ahead and post a meeting announcement in hopes of getting as many customers involved as possible. The suggestion of a neutral and public place is most appropriate. We'll see how many folks we can get together on January 20th, 2006, 3:00 at the Phoenix location of the ROC, located at the Northwest corner of 8th Avenue and Washington Street at: Arizona Registrar of Contractors Industrial Commission Building 800 West Washington Street, 6th floor Phoenix 85007 (602)542-1525

Thanks, Greg for sharing this information! I've also just learned that Montoya and Wolf[e] renewed their Arizona ROC license on 1/11/06 using their former business address (abandoned) and phone number (disconnected). This with 36 current complaints against them! Wes, I would very much like to feel a sense of compassion regarding your particular predicament. However, I'm curious as to why only one of the numerous calls we made to you over a 7 month period was ever returned? I'm also curious as to why, if you felt sorry for all of those consumers who have and were about to lose their money, you didn't bother to return a phone call giving us some kind of warning? As far as I can tell, people have been purchasing window coverings since at least May up until December and have yet to see a quality product, if any, for the return on their purchase. As the Vice President of this company, you had to know something was up, even as orders continued to be written. Yes, we're disgruntled and wish to resolve this issue to the satisfaction of as many of us as possible. C., I'll go ahead and post a meeting announcement in hopes of getting as many customers involved as possible. The suggestion of a neutral and public place is most appropriate. We'll see how many folks we can get together on January 20th, 2006, 3:00 at the Phoenix location of the ROC, located at the Northwest corner of 8th Avenue and Washington Street at: Arizona Registrar of Contractors Industrial Commission Building 800 West Washington Street, 6th floor Phoenix 85007 (602)542-1525

Thanks, Greg for sharing this information! I've also just learned that Montoya and Wolf[e] renewed their Arizona ROC license on 1/11/06 using their former business address (abandoned) and phone number (disconnected). This with 36 current complaints against them! Wes, I would very much like to feel a sense of compassion regarding your particular predicament. However, I'm curious as to why only one of the numerous calls we made to you over a 7 month period was ever returned? I'm also curious as to why, if you felt sorry for all of those consumers who have and were about to lose their money, you didn't bother to return a phone call giving us some kind of warning? As far as I can tell, people have been purchasing window coverings since at least May up until December and have yet to see a quality product, if any, for the return on their purchase. As the Vice President of this company, you had to know something was up, even as orders continued to be written. Yes, we're disgruntled and wish to resolve this issue to the satisfaction of as many of us as possible. C., I'll go ahead and post a meeting announcement in hopes of getting as many customers involved as possible. The suggestion of a neutral and public place is most appropriate. We'll see how many folks we can get together on January 20th, 2006, 3:00 at the Phoenix location of the ROC, located at the Northwest corner of 8th Avenue and Washington Street at: Arizona Registrar of Contractors Industrial Commission Building 800 West Washington Street, 6th floor Phoenix 85007 (602)542-1525

Thanks, Greg for sharing this information! I've also just learned that Montoya and Wolf[e] renewed their Arizona ROC license on 1/11/06 using their former business address (abandoned) and phone number (disconnected). This with 36 current complaints against them! Wes, I would very much like to feel a sense of compassion regarding your particular predicament. However, I'm curious as to why only one of the numerous calls we made to you over a 7 month period was ever returned? I'm also curious as to why, if you felt sorry for all of those consumers who have and were about to lose their money, you didn't bother to return a phone call giving us some kind of warning? As far as I can tell, people have been purchasing window coverings since at least May up until December and have yet to see a quality product, if any, for the return on their purchase. As the Vice President of this company, you had to know something was up, even as orders continued to be written. Yes, we're disgruntled and wish to resolve this issue to the satisfaction of as many of us as possible. C., I'll go ahead and post a meeting announcement in hopes of getting as many customers involved as possible. The suggestion of a neutral and public place is most appropriate. We'll see how many folks we can get together on January 20th, 2006, 3:00 at the Phoenix location of the ROC, located at the Northwest corner of 8th Avenue and Washington Street at: Arizona Registrar of Contractors Industrial Commission Building 800 West Washington Street, 6th floor Phoenix 85007 (602)542-1525

FYI... There is a new business listed in Maricopa County under the name "Blind and Shade Factory." Kristen Wolf is listed as the sole proprietor. She lists the business address as 5780 S. Marion Place, Chandler AZ 85249. This is her residence. She apparently has spent your money well. The home is valued well over $300,000. You people should pay them a visit. Those of you that have judgments vs. any of the individuals should make sure they are recorded in Maricopa County

Sherry, your information is wrong. Manley, myself, my wife, were all employees of Discount Blind and Shade Factory only. None of us were owners or held any financial responsibilities for that company. In fact, my wife left the company in September, Manley and I only stayed longer because we were told that everyone (customers included) would be taken care of. If you've been reading everything on this you'll see exactly why I left. If you are who I think you are, you KNOW that I tried to help you. I believed everything that was told to me by the owners, why wouldn't I? You say that I'm a victor??? I didn't get paid for the last month and a half that I was there. My insurance was not paid for and cancelled, in September!!! I didn't know this until December. How am I a victor in this, the spelling should be victim. I had to move on with my life, do you think I should have stayed there? Everything that I told you when I was there is what I had been told, I had no control over the lies that were being fed to me. I understand how upset you are with this, I am too. You're putting my name on the internet. If you are going to do all of the homework and file class action suits and call me a criminal, DO your homework. Before you put innocent people's names on the internet, DO your homework. Please know the difference between filing a name for a company, and owning one (articles of incorporation, licensing, the stuff that make you an owner). I have not went into business with Kristen, nor will I ever. What's corrupt here is that you can put this information on the internet, without knowing the facts. I'm out more money than you paid for your shutters, so I understand financial loss. Believe me. I'm sorry that it turned out this way for you Sherry, I'm sorry that it turned out this way for me, my family, and everyone involved.

I agree we need as many people as possible if we want to recover our money and stop these crooks. Also, we need a certain dollar amount to qualify for a class action suit. I'm not sure what that is?

I'd like to see us gather as many folks together as are willing and able to compare notes. We all seem to have bits and pieces of information. Perhaps if we meet together we can dispel any outdated info and get the latest word on all of these people--locations, addresses, numbers, etc. We need the most accurate, up to date info as possible if we intend to take greater legal action. I agree that meeting at the PHX ROC, a public place, is a great idea. How about Friday, January 20th at around 3:00pm? Would this work for you? If so, let's post an announcement of some kind, perhaps as a new report (if possible)at least until we can exchange contact info off-line.

How about the Phoenix location of the ROC off Washington? As noted Wes McLaughlin, Kristen and Ken Montoya read this site so I think the ROC would be a good place and less chance of them doing something nutty. Monday, Wednesday and Friday work best for me mornings or early afternoons but I can be more flexiable if needed.