Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, Sam Utt-Grubb Design and now.... FARMHOUSE SOUTH

UPDATE!

I want to preface this post by saying this - I had decided sometime back that I was not going to be writing a blog post with the update to the findings on the Utt-Grubbs bankruptcy.  But...I changed my mind.

The Utt-Grubbs were granted bankruptcy in November 2013.  The thousands & thousands of dollars that many customers lost is lost for good.  Unfortunately for all of us it was a pretty draining experience.

I think it says a lot about our system and how it works.  The message I got from this is entire experience... (and believe me I read/heard stories from so many different customers that would literally make your stomach turn, along with hearing from neighbors & locals that emailed me that between new cars, eating out & vacations they didn't understand how this could happen).  

Oh yes...the message I got is this - You can open up a business, run that business poorly (using the money from orders to go on vacation, buy new cars, go out to movies, etc instead of purchasing materials to build the orders that are already fully paid for), get into financial trouble for multiple reasons, and then file for bankruptcy.  So I can take in custom work, take your money, use it for myself, not have enough money to buy materials to finish or even start what you already paid for.....and then after enough time file bankruptcy and never have to pay you back!  Oh and then open the exact same type of business under a different name.

And, then change my name not once, twice but THREE times with each time using the same photos of the same furniture, using the Extreme Home Makeover and the other great media coverage that helped push their business in a manner that any of us small business owners would dream of having.

I received this screenshot from an anonymous person that knows the Utt-Grubbs

I was emailed a screenshot last night of their new business name - Farmhouse South.  It has a new logo, but it's all the same.  

The whole experience made me rethink buying local or from a small mom & pop shop.  This is sad because guess what? I am a small business owner!  I also like to cheer on small business owners & see them succeed!  In fact, I'd much rather buy & support local, and/or small businesses for many reasons!!  Bottom line is do your research, read up on not only the company, but the owners (operators/founders).  It is easy to change a logo & a name of a company, to even change the address or location.  

You as the consumer have the right to make your decision based on reviews of a business and even the ones that run it.  My reviews on any purchase I make is only to help someone else make their own decision on whether or not to spend their hard earned money.  

I have received emails from people from all different walks in life - an attorney that represented a client against the Utt-Grubbs.  A family that pretty much bought every single new piece of furniture to be put in their brand new home.  Several that had saved each & every penny (some that went without a vacation, or gave up eating out & packed lunches, going out to movies, etc) in order to be able to purchase custom furniture.  I've even recently received emails from different consumers who read reviews, found my blog, and emailed me to say thank you....thank you!!

A group of us pulled together a document that was over 100 pages with evidence of reasons as to why the Utt-Grubbs should not be allowed to own or operate another furniture business.  We sent it to the North Carolina Attorney General, the District Attorney, the bankruptcy court.   It was all comprised of factual documents sent directly from customers and taken directly from websites that were updated by one of the Utt-Grubbs.

This is why I say that I have lost faith in our system.

So...  Farmhouse South was founded by Kelly Utt-Grubb that Sam Utt-Grubb is the furniture designer (which according to their Facebook page shows started on September 2013...which means they are using the old Sam Utt-Grubb design page).  The Utt-Grubbs started Carolina Farmhouse, changed the name to Cecil Mack and then Sam Utt-Grubb design.  Kelly Utt-Grubb & Sam Utt-Grubb d/b/a Carolina Farmhouse filed bankruptcy and was granted in November 2013.

You can also read an article that ran in the January issue of Angie’s List Magazine as part of the annual “Best/Worst contractors” package. Here is a link to the online version: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/raleigh-best-worst-contractors-2013.htm#box2! 

All my best!

~Lynn

To make it easy to find additional posts -
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/09/carolina-farmhousececil-mack-co-status.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/06/did-you-know-that-carolina-farmhouse.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/06/you-had-questionsthe-answers-carolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/do-you-have-questions-for-carolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/a-little-information-carolina-farmhouse.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/carolina-farmhouse-update.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/fascinated-by-all-stories-carolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/another-victim-of-carolina-farmhouse.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/moving-forwardone-step-at-time.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/stealing-carolina-farmhouse-update.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/04/the-need-to-stand-up-for-ourselves.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/04/update-to-big-ole-let-downcarolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/04/a-big-ole-let-down.html

5

Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co. Kelly Utt-Grubb, Sam Utt-Grubb

If any of you have been following my blog and you are involved in or have been with trying to get your refund or your furniture from Carolina Farmhouse, please contact me at lfern74@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

0

Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co - Utt-Grubb - BANKRUPTCY FILED

Well folks it happened as we had pretty much knew was going to happen.  The Utt-Grubbs have filed personal bankruptcy!

I have had a good 15 - 20 emails & several blog comments asking about status.  Here is the email from the FORMER attorney -

All -

 

I wanted to provide you an update as soon as possible. I understand and appreciate your frustration with the process, particularly as I have not been authorized by my clients to provide any additional information or updates recently.

 

I am now able to communicate the following:

• The Utt-Grubbs have terminated my representation of them in this matter. All future contacts regarding Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, or the Utt-Grubbs, personally, should be addressed to Stephanie Osborne-Rogers.
• Her contacting information is 

Ms Stephanie Osborne-Rogers 

Northern Blue LLP 

1414 Raleigh Rd., Suite 435

P.O. Box 2208 

Chapel Hill, NC 27515 

Phone: 919-968-4441

 Fax: 919-942-6603 - 

sor@nbfirm.com - 

http://www.northenblue.com/attorneys/stephanie-osbourne-rodgers/

On September 10, 2013, the Utt-Grubbs filed for personal bankruptcy in the Middle District of NC Federal Bankruptcy Court.

• The assigned Bankruptcy Trustee is Sara Conti
• Her contact information is:

Sara A. Conti

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

Middle District of North Carolina

Durham Division

Box 939

Carrboro, NC 27510

Phone: (919)967-3375

 

I will place this notice on my website on the Carolina Farmhouse page. I will leave the website and information in place until September 30, at which point I will remove the page from my website.

• I have been listed as a Creditor of the Utt-Grubbs' in their bankruptcy proceeding, as such I am very limited in what information I can provide at this time. Between my role as a Creditor and as a former attorney for the Utt-Grubbs, I am extremely limited in what I can share or disclose in this matter. Generally, I will direct any inquiries to Ms. Osborne-Rogers.
• I am able to advise you that, because the Utt-Grubbs have filed for Federal Bankruptcy Protection, you are very limited in your rights to collect on the debt(s) owed to you. You should consult with an attorney to understand your rights and responsibilities as a potential Creditor and/or the "priority" of your claim.

I am, on a personal level, so sorry for the way this has turned out. Best wishes and good luck to all of you.

 

John

 

I had sent an email to John letting him know that I heard about the bankruptcy.  I had also sent one the day prior letting him know I had seen their website was down along with their facebook & twitter pages for Cecil Mack.  John emailed me back letting me know he was putting the above together to send out.  He was asked by the Utt-Grubbs not to provide any updates or information for a while now.  He was their former attorney so he is prohibited from saying much other than what is in the above update.  Please know that if you have questions he's willing to answer them if he can. 

I emailed the new attorney for the bankruptcy and received an email with a letter back just a few minutes ago.  The content of the letter is -

RE: Utt-Grubb d/b/a Carolina Farmhouse Bankruptcy Case 13-81144

 On September 10,2013, Kelly and Sam Utt-Grubb, d/b/a! Carolina Farmhouse (the

"Debtors") filed a petition for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. I represent the

Debtors in their bankruptcy case, which is pending in the Middle District of North Carolina,

Durham Division. Sara Conti has been appointed the interim trustee in the case.

As attorney for the Debtors, I am not aware of any assets in this case that will be

administered by the trustee, and believe that it is unlikely that creditors will receive any

distribution in this case. However, this determination is not mine to make. A chief role of the

Trustee in a chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding is to determine if a debtor has assets that can be

Liquidated to pay creditor claims. If the trustee concludes that there are assets that will be

available to pay claims in the Debtors' case, you will receive a notice from the Bankruptcy Court

and instructions on how to file a claim in this case.

Pursuant to §362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the automatic stay immediately went into

effect in the Debtors' case at the time the petition was filed. The automatic stay provides for an

injunction that restricts most creditor actions relative to the Debtors and their property, if such

actions are intended to collect a prepetition debt or obligation. For example, creditors may not

begin or continue judicial proceedings against the Debtors, they cannot take actions to obtain the

Debtors' property, and they cannot take actions to create, perfect or enforce a lien against the

Debtors' property. Additionally, creditors cannot contact the Debtors for the purposes of

enforcing a claim, harassing the Debtors or pressuring the Debtors to satisfy a prepetition

obligation. The Bankruptcy Court takes violations of the automatic stay by creditors very

seriously and monetary sanctions are often imposed on creditors who choose to ignore the

injunction. The protections of the automatic stay apply to the Utt-Grubbs and Carolina

Farmhouse and the property of their bankruptcy estate. I encourage you to contact a bankruptcy

attorney prior to taking any action against the Debtors.

Kelly Utt-Grubb has written a blog recently about her being an entrepreneur.  An entrepreneur (ⁱ/ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜr/, a loanword from French) is an individual who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on financial risk to do so.

She has created and opened many different business ventures - letterberry (which no longer exists), name counsel,  the creative media people, cecil mack (was under the name Carolina Farmhouse which neither no longer exists), and her newest Thanksforward. 

She & her husband Sam Utt-Grubb had every opportunity with Carolina Farmhouse.  You see they had the chance most of us would love to have had - featured on Extreme Home Makeover in less than a year of starting up their business!!  Orders pouring in...

I am beyond sorry that this is the end result.  I really wanted to see each & every customer get their money back that they were owed. 

I started writing the blog about our situation & I became vocal because I felt there were lots of people out there that just didn't know what their options were.  I then became compassionate because I heard story after story of so many that had been saving for a long time to make this kind of purchase.  It is heartbreaking to know that someone was using wedding money to purchase their first dining room table together, or someone had lost their job and had finally regained themselves, saved the money to celebrate by buying their family a new table....  We are no exception of where the money came from for our pieces...  I mean we were supposed to be getting a table given to us from the Utt-Grubbs program "Farmhouse Families" due to losing our home in a fire.

I wonder how it feels to lay your head down each night knowing that you had your hands wrapped around a successful business that was able to give back in such a big way, but instead you let it slip from your grasp for not managing your business properly....multiple vacations in a year, brand new cars, etc.

Give me one successful running business any day over starting 5 or 6 different business that never become successful enough to provide for my family...

I wholeheartedly believe this was coming down the pipeline for sometime.  I just don't think there was any other solution for the Utt-Grubbs.  I have my thoughts on what was going on over the last several months.

I wish everyone the very best of luck!  If I receive any additional information I will update you here!

~Lynn

6

Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co. status update

It has been quite some time since I've updated with information on the ongoing situation.  In fact my last update was back in June.

I still have new customers reaching out to me that want to know what to do.  I was trying to continue to update with what the status is to date.  Honestly I will say it just emotionally had me drained.  It is such a negative energy that I am tired of having in our life.  So... unfortunately there isn't anything new that is positive.  I am providing the email status from the attorney that represents the Utt-Grubbs as they move forward.

There's much I'd like to say (concerns mostly), but I think the status updates speak for themselves.  I haven't heard anything since August 9 (almost a month).

My husband & I have come to the conclusion that we probably will never see the almost $2,000 we paid them ever again...it's devastating!  I can't lie...I am angry, bitter and seething with disappointment, but I need to move forward with our lives with positive things.

So if you are curious about where & what is going on...

From: John Szymankiewicz
To:
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2013 2:35 PM
Subject: Carolina Farmhouse Refund List - Update 2

All -

You are receiving this broadcast email because you are owed money by Carolina Farmhouse and you have an established place on the "Refund List." Please read the following carefully:

 Updates and Backround

I have updated my website (at http://www.jslawcenter.com/carolina-farmhouse/) with additional FAQs as of today, July 12, 2013.

 Additionally, if this is the first time you’re receiving this type of communication, please review the website above and the previous communication(s) there.

 "What's next?"

As I said, I've spoke with many of you directly already on this issue.

 I can tell you all that the time since the last communication (on June 19), many thing have not improved or changed substantially for Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, or the Utt-Grubbs generally.

 For example, the total orders for Carolina Farmhouse / Cecil Mack in the past ~30 days were only a few hundred dollars. This represents the only income for the companies and the Utt-Grubbs. Much of the income that has come in for the company is going to materials for orders.

 We are still hopeful that we will begin paying Refund List customers within the next 30 or so days, though how that will happen is not entirely clear at this point. Additional work is being done to try and increase orders through marketing, social media, etc.

 The Utt-Grubbs are also looking at additional employment opportunities to generate income to pay Refund List customers.

 Living Too Well

I have heard from several folks that the Utt-Grubbs are going on lavish vacations, buying new cars, and generally “living too well.” I can assure you that this is not currently the case. The Utt-Grubbs have taken vacations earlier this year (paid for largely by their family to visit them) and did replace their cars (last year), when the business was in a much better financial position.

 That I am aware of, there are not substantial assets that we’re “trying to hide.” To my knowledge, the Utt-Grubbs are trying to pay their living expenses (with limited success), that is all.

 I understand that many, if not all, of you may feel cheated or robbed. I can assure you that was not the intent of anyone at Carolina Farmhouse or the Utt-Grubbs. In fact, the Utt-Grubbs continue to assure me that it is their intention to see that everyone that is owed money is paid back.

 Now, what does that mean for those on the Refund List?

 I understand that many people feel that they want Carolina Farmhouse and/or the Utt-Grubbs punished. (as a personal aside, not being sure how you’re going to pay your bills next month, I argue, is a pretty significant punishment especially with school age children). First, in the absence of “intentional fraud,” “malice,” or “theft,” there is no criminal conduct here and, even if there were, I doubt there would be jail time associated with any such conviction. Also, I use quotation marks around those the words “intentional fraud,” “malice,” and “theft,” for a reason – these are legal terms of art with specific definitions and standards of proof, not that you feelthat they stole from you or that you believe there was fraud.

 Second, your private right of action against Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, or the Utt-Grubbs is a civil matter, feel free to hire an attorney and pursue legal action. Past customers have done so and are also waiting on being paid (and are on the Refund List). At this point, legal action will not get you paid substantially faster and may only result in you additional expense of attorneys fees and court costs.

 Disclaimer: I am not your lawyer. I represent Carolina Farmhouse and the Utt-Grubs. I believe your best chance of receiving your refund is to wait your turn on the Refund List. It has been made clear to me that the Utt-Grubbs do not intend to file for bankruptcy protection and they want to ensure that everyone is paid back.  However, if the Utt-Grubbs are forced to file for bankruptcy protection, I assure you that no one on the Refund List is likely to receive any substantial payment and any underlying debts would be discharged. Please consult with an attorney, or have your attorney contact me, if you would like to verify this statement.

Conclusion

Again, I understand this is frustrating and painful for everyone. I’m sorry that we are not able to provide you with a full refund immediately. I am sorry that it will take some time for you to receive your refund. I am sorry that you feel cheated or lied to. I can only ask for your patience in this process and to relay the information that I have.

 My website at http://www.jslawcenter.com can be a resource (there is a page dedicated to Carolina Farmhouse issues) as we will be posting updates, announcements, and communications on a regular basis. My contact information is below. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Email is often the best method to reach me.

 Please look for additional communications approximately every two to four weeks for the Refund List and more frequent communications individually as we near your position "in line" for refunds.

 Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work toward getting you paid back as soon as possible.

John

*************************************************************************

From: John Szymankiewicz
To:
Sent: Friday, August 9, 2013 1:23 PM
Subject: Carolina Farmhouse Refund List - Update 3

All -

 You are receiving this broadcast email because you are owed money by Carolina Farmhouse and you have an established place on the "Refund List." Please read the following carefully:

 Updates and Backround

I have updated my website (at http://www.jslawcenter.com/carolina-farmhouse/) as of today, August 9, 2013.

 Additionally, if this is the first time you’re receiving this type of communication, please review the website above and the previous communication(s) there.

 “What’s going on?”

 I've spoke with many of you directly already to let you know the status of refunds or your particular place in the refund list.

 However, I am sad to report that financial issues for Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, and the Utt-Grubbs continue to deteriorate in many respects. For example, I can report that the Utt-Grubbs are in the process of being evicted from their home. The landlord has refused to renew their lease in part because of the comments and phone calls they have received regarding Carolina Farmhouse and in part because they would prefer to sell the home and the Utt-Grubbs are not in a position to purchase it. Additionally, the lender has repossessed one of the Utt-Grubbs’ vehicles.

 As such, while not “delayed” per se, we are not able to pay off as many people as quickly as we had hoped. Some of you who were communicated a target payment timeline (such as 30-60 days) may see that extended somewhat. We are still working diligently to try and acquire funds to pay back former customers as quickly as possible, but because the business(es) only received ~2 orders in the last 45 days, it is becoming more difficult.

 “What are you doing about it?”

Both Kelly and Sam are actively looking for full time, salaried positions, rather than relying on the business to “pick up.” That said, the Utt-Grubbs are committed to the business and will continue to make high-quality, hand-crafted furniture, though on a part-time basis until the current financial situation is addressed.

 Other Developments

Additional individuals and families continue to come forward with requests for Refunds. Approximately half of these are valid or are entitled to full refunds. Some customers received partial orders and some who received partial orders are demanding full refunds. We don’t believe this is fair to the Utt-Grubbs nor is it fair to the other customers waiting for refunds. We’re working on developing a process for slating partial refunds into the Refund List so that we can pay customers what they are owed and not adversely impact others who have been waiting as long or longer for Refunds. For example:

Let’s say Customer A ordered a table and bench on August 20, and they received their table on time but have not received their bench at all. Let’s say that Customer B ordered a table on August 21, but never received any furniture. Should Customer A get a full refund? Should Customer A get their refund before Customer B, even though Customer A has had their table for more than 7 months and Customer B never received anything?

I’m sure that everyone can appreciate that dealing with this in a fair and equitable manner (as best as we can) with limited funds is an issue. We want to do the best we can for everyone involved and we appreciate your patience.

 We have been contacted by a commercial customer who is owed a substantial refund (over $12,000) and who has been waiting for some time. This customer has threatened a lawsuit to assert their claims. We’re working with them to avoid court action which would involve expense and distraction from paying those on the Refund List. We will keep you updated as we resolve this issue.

 Additionally, we have been in contact with the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) regarding the numerous complaints that have been filed against Carolina Farmhouse at their office. We are cooperating fully with their investigation and want to share whatever information we can with the NCDOJ to address their concerns about refunds, business practices, and recovery on any claims asserted.

 Conclusion

Again, I understand this is frustrating and painful for everyone. I’m sorry that we are not able to provide you with a full refund immediately. I am sorry that it will take some time for you to receive your refund. I am sorry that you feel cheated or lied to. I can only ask for your patience in this process and to relay the information that I have.

 My website at http://www.jslawcenter.com can be a resource (there is a page dedicated to Carolina Farmhouse issues) as we will be posting updates, announcements, and communications on a regular basis. My contact information is below. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Email is often the best method to reach me.

 Please look for additional communications approximately every two to four weeks for the Refund List and more frequent communications individually as we near your position "in line" for refunds.

 Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work toward getting you paid back as soon as possible.

John

 ~ Lynn

2

Did you know that Carolina Farmhouse changed their name to Cecil Mack Company

.**Sorry to my blog readers but I need to continue to provide updates about Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co here.  I've had a few "new" customers contact me for additional information,**

Carolina Farmhouse changed the name to Cecil Mack Co. at the beginning of June.  

There are still many unanswered questions that customers have and probably will have for quite some time. 

Coming directly from Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack attorney...you can also find this on his website.  

Re: Carolina Farmhouse changes its name to Cecil Mack

It is with our sincerest apologies that we caused any concern, worry, or angst amongst previous customers of Carolina Farmhouse or those waiting for refunds with regard to the name change to "Cecil Mack." Carolina Farmhouse is working to separate themselves from what they feel to be unfair and overly damaging publicity. Regardless of the validity of the publicity, hurt feelings, or prior interactions, Carolina Farmhouse and its owners see the ability to produce quality custom furniture as the best and most promising way to address the needs of its customers past and present. Whether customers are due refunds or furniture items, custom furniture builds are the best source of revenue to meet the needs of the those that Carolina Farmhouse owes obligations to.

This name change is significant as it marks the end of the larger business presence Carolina Farmhouse once embodied, and the beginning of a new intentional direction in which Sam Utt-Grubb works alone as an individual artist as well as lends his craftsmanship to remote work on special projects. Specifically, Carolina Farmhouse once had visions of a larger workshop style venture with many craftsmen, employees, and lines of furniture. It has taken some time for everyone with Carolina
Farmhouse to internalize that that vision just is not meant to be for the foreseeable future. With the name change to Cecil Mack, Carolina Farmhouse is trying to refocus the brand and advertising of the work that Sam does. Refocusing the brand (i.e. the name) on the custom/artisanal nature of the furniture and the business, we hope, will lead to less confusion about "ready made pieces," the production shop, and the scale of the endeavor.

Carolina Farmhouse has not “declared bankruptcy,” “gone out of business,” or “disappeared.” Carolina Farmhouse is not trying to "run away" from its obligations to past and present customers. In fact, given the recent trend of order cancellations before the Carolina Farmhouse has had the time to produce the pieces (and before the expiration of the delivery date), Carolina Farmhouse is trying to protect the revenue stream that is the best chance for customers to receive their full refund. And, by no means is the name change a “magic bullet” to escape bad publicity. For example, due in large part to the negative publicity online, orders have dropped by nearly two-thirds over the last few months.

While we are sure that that was precisely the intention of many who have been posting online, contacting others, and registering complaints, it has also contributed to (and continues to
contribute to) delays in refunds. Further, we do not wish to argue right now whether those complaints, etc. were warranted or whether Carolina Farmhouse “brought this on themselves.” Our primary concern is to address the needs and demands of our customers. And future custom furniture orders are a big part of Carolina Farmhouse’s ability to do that.

We do not suggest, in any way, that everyone should "make nice" or "go tell your friends to order from Carolina Farmhouse - so you can get your refund," but we do want to make everyone aware of the adverse impact that ongoing scrutiny and complaints have. And sometimes a side effect of that is to delay refunds to people who deserve them because the cash flow is simply not there.

Please understand that, for Carolina Farmhouse, the issue is not one of willingness to pay refunds, or
understanding that refunds are due in many cases, it's simply an issue of cash-flow, assets, and ability. All of which Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, Sam, Kelly, and I are working hard to address as soon as we possibly can.

John Szymankiewicz Esq for Carolina Farmhouse

I have continued to receive emails from individuals that are greatly concerned of the name change and that Carolina Farmhouse now Cecil Mack Co. is trying to hide under a new name.  I can only go based on the information provided by the attorney. 

I know for a fact that Better Business Bureau has updated their site to show the alternate business name. 

There are also concerns with the refund process that many customers have emailed me about.  The way I understand it basically in order to receive your refund Cecil Mack Company must generate more orders.  Once a new order is in and paid for, then we get our refund. 

Not one single customer that has been in touch with me is happy with the response from the attorney and Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co.  There were/are some major concerns raised that I won't go into here...

I think for most and for myself my question is... Where did our money go the first time?  I, like many, were told that our money was used to purchase materials to build our furniture.  My furniture was never started so.... 

Based on the name change information given by the attorney and reviewed by Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co, it is because of the negative reviews/complaints/blasts, etc that the refunds are coming in at slower pace due to orders have dropped by nearly two-thirds over the past few months. 

One customer asked "how is it that they feel that they have received unfair and damaging publicity?"  Good question.  Stated above..this is why they changed their name was to work on separating themselves from that "unfair publicity".  The customer went on to say "isn't that trying to hide under a new name?".  I don't know the answers and I believe this was just a way for the customer to work out the frustration within themselves.  Is it unfair publicity?  I will let you make your own conclusion.  

We (customers) are not sitting here arguing "if they brought it on themselves"...it goes without having to say anything more. And, while I think all of us customers fully understand that posting online, contacting others, and filing registered complaints can and did have a negative impact on the business of Carolina Farmhouse and resulted in the name change to Cecil Mack Co., and maybe it was the intention of some to create the business to "slow down", it is a right to give our reviews based on what happened to us, just like someone that had a positive review can give a thumbs up. At some point you have to be held accountable for your actions....it's all about the choices we make in life.  

As I felt that we were alone when I first realized that something was up, I believe many others have felt that way as well...some have even said as much.  Even though the situation sucks, it is somewhat comforting to know you are not alone.  I am not some troll hiding or sitting behind a computer trying to stir up trouble or call people out for no reason.  So I am NOT sorry that I spoke up, and at the end of the day I feel much better when I lay my head down at night knowing that I did the right thing. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend... It's beautiful here :)

~Lynn

2

You had questions..the answers - Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co.

I was inundated with emails on Monday going into Tuesday about the name change of Carolina Farmhouse to Cecil Mack Co.  There are some pretty angry customers out there and pretty much every single one of you that contacted me had the exact same comments - They shouldn't be able to hide under another name and run from their broken promises and making shoddy furniture. 

As of today we have answers to a some of the questions you had asked.  The attorney is still working on the other questions that were asked.  The attorney for Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co. has answered the questions for you.  You can also find a link on their attorney's website with the information as well found HERE.  At the bottom of the questions you will find a link to take you to the answers to the questions.

 

The list of questions asked were (some may have been changed to better represent the question):

1.      If Carolina Farmhouse has no money, how are they going to provide refunds?

2.      Also, will they be issuing refunds in order of purchase dates?

3.      How long do I have to wait to receive my refund?

4.      How many customers are currently on the refund list?

5.      How many customers are on the store credit list?

6.      How many customers are still waiting for the furniture to be made, and how long have they been waiting?

7.      How many employees do they have?

8.      Is Carolina Farmhouse planning to file bankruptcy?

9.      What happens to my money if Carolina Farmhouse files bankruptcy?

10.  If Carolina Farmhouse files bankruptcy, do they plan to open another furniture making business?

11.  What legal obligations is Carolina Farmhouse under?

12.  Is Carolina Farmhouse still taking orders?  If so, what is the lead time for previously ordered furniture?  What is the lead time for newly placed orders?

13.  How is Carolina Farmhouse communicating to new customers there is a lengthy lead time?

14.  What is Carolina Farmhouse doing to become better at customer service/customer interface?

15.   Who is handling customer inquiries?

16.   What role does Kelly have in Carolina Farmhouse?

17.  What role does Dan have in Carolina Farmhouse?

18.  What role does Sam have in Carolina Farmhouse?

19.  Can Carolina Farmhouse lose any privileges of owning/operating another business in North Carolina?

20.  What type of protection does the customer have now that Carolina Farmhouse has their money?

21.   If this is the livelihood of Sam, Kelly & Dan, how is their home and cars protected from being seized as an asset should they not be able to refund the existing customers?

22.  How are they paying their bills if they have no money and no new business?

23.   It appears that Carolina Farmhouse changed their name to Cecil Mack.  Why did Carolina Farmhouse make the name change?

24.   What legal obligations is Carolina Farmhouse under now that they’ve made the name change?

25.   What legal obligations is Cecil Mack now under since it was once Carolina Farmhouse?

26.   What roles do Kelly, Sam & Dan now have in Cecil Mack?

27.   Now that they’ve made the name change to Cecil Mack, is Carolina Farmhouse filing bankruptcy?

28.   Now that Carolina Farmhouse has changed their name to Cecil Mack, how is the business formed?  Is it a sole proprietorship, LLC, S Corp, or partnership?  How was Carolina Farmhouse formed?

29.    If I ordered and received my furniture, and it is now showing poor quality such as warped boards, cracks between boards, or splinters coming through, what are my options?  Do I get a refund or will someone be fixing my furniture?  If someone is going to be fixing my furniture, what kind of a timeframe am I looking at for it to be completed?

30.   When will CF start to pay back customers?

31.   Do they have a start date?

32.    Are they going to wait until they have so much money in the bank or when they feel like they have all their needs taken care of?

33.   How do we know they are actually paying people back and will we be able to see and verify that people are indeed being refunded? And I would like some time frame.

34.   Why am I not being offered one of the ready-made tables?  I’ve offered to take one that has been posted for sale at an extreme discount and would have been happy to have it.

 

In regards to the name change from Carolina Farmhouse to Cecil Mack Co. CLICK HERE!

FAQs for Carolina Farmhouse CLICK HERE!

 

Happy weekend everyone!! 

~Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do you have questions for Carolina Farmhouse?

Well...here's your chance to ask.  I wrote a blog a couple of days ago HERE about the attorney that is working with Carolina Farmhouse that you can reach out to.

I am working with John (the attorney) to gather your questions to be answered by him.  He has asked me to trust him (a big thing with me right now..and he realizes that's a lot to ask for)....  He said he is willing to build that trust and that is by creating open communication and willing to answer questions openly and honestly.  Keep in mind that there are some questions that may not be able to be answered, and if not I am certain John will try his best to give you a reason why. 

So...  If you have any questions (and don't be shy...ask the hard ones) you'd like to have answered, you can either email me at lfern74@gmail.com or you can leave them in the comment section.  I will compile them and send them to John. 

Once we have a good list of questions (I've sent some to him already from myself and others), I will do a FAQ blog post. 

We are hoping that this will give everyone some answers to the questions that haven't been answered.  And, a chance for you to get a better understanding. 

I look forward to hearing from you!
~Lynn

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