JACKSON, Mich. — He put $1,000 down, but the roofing work was never finished.
Brian Cole just wanted some roofing work done, so when a friend recommended a man named Johnathan Berry, he didn't think twice. He doled out $1,000 for materials and the first half of the job but that job would never get done
"I do have all the material for your roof, we'll get the permit going, so we are coming over Saturday to start gearing up shingles man," a voicemail from the contractor said.
Homeowner Brian Cole says the contractor, Johnathan Berry of Berry's Good Construction, disappeared after doing only a fraction of the work.
"And I didn't see him after that, he did a little small portion, small portion in the back my kids were helping him carry shingles up there. I went somewhere to do something and as I was pulling back up he was pulling out and I tried to catch him and he took off," Cole said.
Cole says Berry left behind shingles, nails, and a ladder still with tags on it. That was about a month ago, and his communication with since has been minimal.
"Tried to contact him, no answers from his phone, no text messages from him. The last text that I got from him was on Father's Day saying 'Happy Father's Day to you, you deserve it,' and I was like wow that's kind of random and weird. But yeah, I guess I do deserve it if you're not going to come back and finish your job."
Megan Hiler was able to track down Berry's address and showed up to his place in Parma, but no one came to the door. Cole says others reached out saying they had similar issues with Berry. Feeling duped, Cole says he hopes no one else makes the same mistake as him.
"He was a great salesman, con artist, salesman, whatever you want to call them these days. You know what, what's that old adage? I hate to say it again, but If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If anyone comes with this guy or this card, say no," Cole said.
We also called Berry numerous times today and was sent to voicemail.
The Better Business Bureau of West Michigan says they don't have any records of the business or person.
For a full list of things the Better Business Bureau says to do when hiring a contractor, click here.
To report a business to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, click here.
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