I won multiple lawsuits against a corrupt businessman who tried to destroy me
The Fight Against Monopoly
I won multiple lawsuits against a corrupt businessman who tried to destroy me for breaking his monopoly. I’m 26 and opened a liquor store in my small hometown this year.
The nearest liquor store was 30 minutes away in the city, charging $15 for a six-pack of local beer that cost them $3. Highway robbery, but they had a monopoly.
My friend’s mom was president of the local bank. With co we’re desperate to give out business loans, great rates right now.
I pitched my idea: undercut the city store’s 80% markup with my 40% markup. Still profitable, but fair.
Got the loan, bought the old bank building, hired my dad, general contractor, for renovations. Opened in May, first week, $4,000 profit.
The location was perfect, near a national forest, tons of weekend tourists. My girlfriend and I worked 12-hour days, but it was worth it.
3 weeks after Memorial Day, an old guy walked in. He was friendly at first, then offered to buy my store. The amount wouldn’t even cover my loan principle.
“You’ll be sorry you rejected that offer,” he said, leaving. A month later, I got sued for liel by someone I’d never heard of.
Googled him. It was the old guy. Turns out he owned both liquor stores in the nearby city and sat on city council.
Further digging revealed the city had an ordinance. Any business institution that does not fulfill the definition of a restaurant, tavern, or liquor dispensary will be excluded from obtaining a license for the sale of alcohol.
Guess who headed the liquor license board? Same guy. Small town corruption at its finest.
My uncle’s a lawyer in a neighboring state. I called for advice.
“Hang on, I got to make a call.” He hung up. Hours later, “my partner and I will take your case pro bono.”
Turns out my uncle was licensed in three states. The liel suit claimed my newspaper ads damaged his reputation.
3 weeks later, case dismissed. My uncle warned he’ll try again.
The next day, I got served again. Same lawsuit, but now I was the defendant personally, not my business. 4 weeks later, dismissed.
Over 3 months, I was sued five times. Before the fifth hearing, we had a settlement meeting.
“Is there any way to stop this cycle of faulty litigation?” the judge asked. His lawyer handed over an offer.
“You should be happy I’m offering anything instead of suing you into bankruptcy and buying that crap hole from the bank.” The judge baleiff and his own lawyer stared at him in shock.
He’d admitted the real reason for the lawsuits. My uncle smiled.
“Actually, I’ve taken all my nephew’s cases pro bono.” “He’s only spent gas money and your outburst just guaranteed a lawsuit.”
The case was dropped days later. We’re now preparing to sue him.
I want to go big, get press attention. My uncle says we need to be careful not to appear vindictive.
Last week, things escalated. A health inspector showed up. Anonymous complaint about rats.
No rats. But he found violations. A slightly crooked shelf. A light bulb that was too dim. $500 in fines.
Next day, another inspector. Fire safety. More mysterious violations. Another $500.
Then the police. Reports of underage sales. I card everyone, even obvious seniors. They watched for 3 hours, found nothing.
This continued daily. Building inspector, OA, even someone claiming to check our signage permits.
My girlfriend quit. “I can’t handle this stress.”
My dad called, “Son, maybe you should just sell, but I’m stubborn.” Then came the letter from my bank. They were calling in my loan early.
“Unusual account activity and multiple city violations make you high risk.” My friend’s mom called me personally.
“I’m so sorry.” “The board overruled me.” “Richard Brennan sits on our board, too.”
Richard Brennan, the corrupt businessman. He was on my bank’s board. I had 30 days to pay the full loan or lose everything.
My uncle filed an emergency injunction, but the judge assigned to our case. Played golf with Brennan every Sunday.
Motion denied. I was finished. No loan, no business, probably bankruptcy.
