- Report: #625147
Complaint Review: Lightning Specialists Inc. - Palm Harbor Florida
Reported By:
Kyle -
Hudson, Florida, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Lightning Specialists Inc.
4757 Belden Circle Palm Harbor, 34685 Florida, United States of America
Phone:
727 938 3560
Web:
http://www.lightning-specialists.com/
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
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Lightning Specialists Inc. Charlie Wilson Not paid for hours worked, working in an unsafe environment Palm Harbor, Florida
I worked for Charlie Wilson for 2 years. In these 2 years I basically ran this man's buisiness for him and made sure everything ran smooth with the electrical contractors that he works with on a regular basis. Very shortly after being hired I was made foreman of his crew because I proved myself to be honest, hard working and had a great attitude. I was promised bonuses every couple months which I never recieved. I was blamed for all of the things Charlie forgot to do, like order supplies, finish jobs etc. Charlie was rarely available throughout the day when I called him as he was usually fishing or hunting out of state.
I got along with every electrical contractor that we worked with due to my work ethic and wanting to get the job done correctly. I was contantly praised and told that they would definitely send more business our way. Charlie was never anything but mean and greedy man.
On 7/7/10 I was fired. When I asked why, I was told that "this is Florida, and I don't have to give you any reason" and sent out the door. As you can imagine I was a little upset to be treated like this by a man whom I'd worked very hard for, although having been exposed to his selfish and erratic behavior in the past in firing employees for no reason, I was not suprised.
I waited to recieve my last paycheck in the mail. When I recieved it, it was for only 1/3 of the hours I was supposed to have been paid for. I called Charlie to inquire if maybe there was another check on the way, or if there had been some kind of mistake, I was met with a very angry response, cursed at and told that if I wanted my money 'I'd better get a lawyer.' After saying this he remarked that he wasn't worried though because I probably didn't have enough for a laywer anyway.
This is a classic example of a greedy businessman taking advantage of his employees. I am definitely glad to be out of such a bad work environment, but am left with no income and in a fight to get the money owed to me.
I hope that this posting will at least detour anyone seeking a job with this company, or anyone thinking of doing buiness with this company. If this is the way he treats those that work for him, you can only imagine his lack of caring about the customer.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
btm82
Brooksville ,Florida,
this company has no ethical value! doesnt pay! and treats employees like sh*t!!
#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, August 02, 2013
this man I busted my a** foronly to be treated like garbage and fired after you help them complete there project. If you need temporary help?? Then its best to tell that to your employees. We do have bills too! You still owe me 25 hours pay!!
Rob Van Aken
SUNRISE,Florida,
United States of America
Unhappy Ex Employees
#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, November 18, 2010
I also worked for Charlie Wilson and he was one of the greatest employers I have ever worked for, he too offered me bonuses and delivered when I delivered what was expected of me "production with time management" when I made mistakes I did not receive bonuses. While working for Mr. Wilson I learned such great skills and proper ability with customer relations both commercial and residential that his main competitor in the Tampa bay area hired me as a project manager.
On a personal level I feel as I have betrayed Charlie Wilson by working for his competitor, and still I hear great jobs he has closed out with commercial and residential customers through out the entire state. He is respected among peers in this industry for his knowledge and professionalism, he is also respected by the inspecting agency who governs our industry and is consulted daily by the people who engineer these systems that provide lightning protection.
Charlie Wilson is a great business man no matter what side you deal with him on "customer or employee", when my son was born Charlie gave me extra days off "paid" and he treated me like a friend too. It's sound to me that this guy who wrote this is a internet tough guy and that is why I felt a true rebuttal was justified. You got fired basically either you where stealing or you where a f**k up "in my opinion"
Simply_Stunned
United States of AmericaRealize
#4Consumer Suggestion
Sun, September 19, 2010
Charlie Wilson will come to realize that every single person that is considering hiring him will look to the internet before doing so! Thanks to the author, we now know the truth. The ball is now in Charlie Wilson's court to make better or else his business name will be effected. I, for one, will await the update from the author to see if Charlie Wilson makes things right again before hiring them.
Kyle
Hudson,Florida,
United States of America
Your Right...this is SAD
#5Author of original report
Wed, July 21, 2010
Charlie you are absolutely right....this IS sad. You can try to sound like a decent human being all you like, but the fact remains that you are not.
I am a hard working, ethical person who put my blood, sweat and tears in to your business for years. You are a greedy, self righteous, and self absorbed business owner who thinks he can push everyone around because he has more money.
I am not trying to discredit an honest man, nor would I ever do so. I am exposing your true colors to anyone that will listen. You fired me, by your own admission for no reason, just to prove a point that you were still 'big man on campus.' After everything I've done for you, no regard to the fact that I have a family to feed as do you (which you also treat like crap.) You also turned around and fired another employee who is a single Dad with a child to feed....once again for no reason and not a second thought about anything but yourself.
You said you wanted to get the 'root of the problem' (a problem that no one else in the company knows what it is or sees by the way)....well look in the mirror Charlie, YOU my friend are the root of the problem. You are an arrogant and cold-hearted individual who hires employees that you think NEED you, so you can pay them poorly and push them around, then discard them at your convenience.
As far as me being disgruntled, I not. What I am is disappointed that I did so much for someone who gave me so little in return. By the way, people that treat their employees with respect and honesty, and pay them what they are owed don't have disgruntled employees. YOU LOSE.
Charlie Wilson
Palm Harbor,Florida,
United States of America
This is beyond SAD!
#6REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, July 20, 2010
I'm Charlie Wilson owner of Lightning Specialists
This is very SAD!
Untill yesterday myself nor my company had any reports on this site. After seeing these reports from this ex-emplyee "Kyle Shaw" it appears that he has made a decision to do anything within his power to discredit me and my company.
I only hope that when people read this they understand that this ex-employee is disgruntled beyond anything I've ever seen.
I really don't know what else to say. I'm truly lost for words at this point!
