Local, Christian Business Needs Support
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This appeal is for Dan & Esperanza La May, who own a small moving business in Northern Virginia. The La Mays started their business from scratch over 20 years ago and have worked hard to build a company that cares for others and goes the extra mile for their customers and employees. They have been able to make a comfortable living, but like many small business ownersthey are not wealthy. They are a faithful Christian couple in their 60s, who have served their local and faith communities over the years. They are known for their good character and excellent customer service. Dan and Esperanza have sustained their business on referrals and relationships without needing to advertise.
However, they now face a significant financial challenge as a result of lawsuit, which could bankrupt their business. The details of events that led to this crisis are below, but we are asking for your help in four ways:
1. Please pray for Dan and Esperanza as they seek God’s wisdom in how to best manage their business and continue to support their employees
2. Consider giving financially to help them cover the costs of their legal fees and the settlement. No donation amount is too small, and every dollar is appreciated.
3. If you or someone you know is moving or in need to moving services, please contact them. They don’t want to close their business and are continuing to work hard. Their contact information is Dan’s Van Lines, [phone redacted] or dansvanlines.com.
4. Share this post with your friends and families – let’s help a small, local Christian business to stay in business!
Details:
In late 2016, a man hired them to pack and relocate household goods remaining in his residence after an estate sale. On the day of the move, the man opened his doors for the crew, but then left saying he would be back later. He never returned. Upon finishing the job, the crew leader called the man to touch base, but the man said he could not leave work, but would come to the office the next day to sign the paperwork and settle the bill. The man never showed up or respond to numerous voicemail messages, text messages and emails.
Dan & Esperanza’s company stored the goods without paymentfor more than six months and eventually sold them at auction. What didn’t sell was disposed of. Unbeknownst to them at the time, the man had been going through a divorce and his wife was completely unaware of the man’s actions. She did not know that the household goods had been abandoned by him. After the divorce was finalized, they sued Dan and Esperanza’s company,claiming they did not receive proper notice or paperwork.
There are numerous records of emails, text messages and phone messages which contradict these assertions. The man was even sent a certified letter notifying him that the goods would be sold. Of course, they were not provided the paperwork since the man never showed up to get it! Despite the man never payinganything for the services (packing, materials, moving and storage of goods), the suit continued.
After almost nine months and escalating legal fees in excess of $90,000 and an expected additional $90,000 to get to trial, Dan and Esperanza agreed to professional mediation. Ultimately, the cost of rising legal fees made it impossible for them to do anything other than settle the suit. They settled not out of an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, but rather in the hopes of being able to stay in business and protect jobs of their employees. Even with the settlement, however, they find themselves owing approximately $180,000.
The legal system has failed Dan & Esperanza, but we can step alongside them and help offset this injustice, to protect their business and the jobs of their employees. Thank you so much for reading and any support you provide. God bless!
However, they now face a significant financial challenge as a result of lawsuit, which could bankrupt their business. The details of events that led to this crisis are below, but we are asking for your help in four ways:
1. Please pray for Dan and Esperanza as they seek God’s wisdom in how to best manage their business and continue to support their employees
2. Consider giving financially to help them cover the costs of their legal fees and the settlement. No donation amount is too small, and every dollar is appreciated.
3. If you or someone you know is moving or in need to moving services, please contact them. They don’t want to close their business and are continuing to work hard. Their contact information is Dan’s Van Lines, [phone redacted] or dansvanlines.com.
4. Share this post with your friends and families – let’s help a small, local Christian business to stay in business!
Details:
In late 2016, a man hired them to pack and relocate household goods remaining in his residence after an estate sale. On the day of the move, the man opened his doors for the crew, but then left saying he would be back later. He never returned. Upon finishing the job, the crew leader called the man to touch base, but the man said he could not leave work, but would come to the office the next day to sign the paperwork and settle the bill. The man never showed up or respond to numerous voicemail messages, text messages and emails.
Dan & Esperanza’s company stored the goods without paymentfor more than six months and eventually sold them at auction. What didn’t sell was disposed of. Unbeknownst to them at the time, the man had been going through a divorce and his wife was completely unaware of the man’s actions. She did not know that the household goods had been abandoned by him. After the divorce was finalized, they sued Dan and Esperanza’s company,claiming they did not receive proper notice or paperwork.
There are numerous records of emails, text messages and phone messages which contradict these assertions. The man was even sent a certified letter notifying him that the goods would be sold. Of course, they were not provided the paperwork since the man never showed up to get it! Despite the man never payinganything for the services (packing, materials, moving and storage of goods), the suit continued.
After almost nine months and escalating legal fees in excess of $90,000 and an expected additional $90,000 to get to trial, Dan and Esperanza agreed to professional mediation. Ultimately, the cost of rising legal fees made it impossible for them to do anything other than settle the suit. They settled not out of an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, but rather in the hopes of being able to stay in business and protect jobs of their employees. Even with the settlement, however, they find themselves owing approximately $180,000.
The legal system has failed Dan & Esperanza, but we can step alongside them and help offset this injustice, to protect their business and the jobs of their employees. Thank you so much for reading and any support you provide. God bless!
Organizer and beneficiary
McCullough Family
Organizer
Ashburn, VA
Dan La May
Beneficiary
