Today, you will see a true "David & Goliath" story, and one I am delighted to bring.
Many of you know that I fight against purchasing cooperatives, and roofing material manufacturers who abuse the taxpayers. Tremco, and Garland are the absolute worse, but today we will tell a happy story.
Please see;
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-tremco-employees-whistleblowing-leads-to-61m-settlement-of-qui-tam-case-221391811.html
Mr. Gregory Rudolph is the taxpayer hero who exposed Tremco for abusing GSA, and "Line Item" contracts.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
"CLEVELAND, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gregory Rudolph dedicated 20 years of his career to Tremco Roofing, but resigned in 2009 after his concerns about the company's conduct went unaddressed.
Mr. Rudolph, who worked his way from a roofing technician to the Vice President of Product Management/Research & Development, walked away from a high-salary and job security. Instead, Mr. Rudolph took his concerns to the federal government, filing a complaint under the False Claims Act shortly after his resignation.
Mr. Rudolph sued on behalf of the united states government alleging that Tremco, and its parent company RPM, had made false claims to the United States government by offering less favorable pricing to the government as opposed to pricing afforded to private customers, marketing expensive materials to federal government purchasers without disclosing the availability and opportunity to purchase comparable lower-cost, identical materials, and selling and installing defective products and systems on federal government buildings.
On August 13, 2013, Tremco and RPM International Inc. reached a settlement under which they will pay the government $60,958,963 plus interest for claims arising during the period from January 2, 2002 through March 1, 2011. As the whistleblower, or relator of the information leading to the settlement, Mr. Rudolph is entitled to a portion of the recovery, which in this case amounts to 17.9% of the settlement.
"Greg's actions reflect tremendous conviction and courage, particularly in difficult economic times," said Ann-Marie Ahern, counsel for Mr. Rudolph.
Rudolph opened a small roofing consulting business, RAW Solutions in Rocky River, Ohio after leaving Tremco. "The past several years have been very difficult for Greg. But even with the uncertainty of starting a new business and the stress of the lawsuit, Greg has never regretted his decision."
I am very proud of Mr. Rudolph's resolve, and Ann-Marie Ahern, counsel for Mr. Rudolph. I promise you, this was a grueling battle.
Carlisle-Syntec (Michael Ducharme), Mr. Rudolph, Roof Consultant's Institute (Tom Gernetzke, President), Janet Campbell (School Roofing Scam), Diana Rice, Douglas Weeks, Oklahoma SA (Gary Jones) Saratoga Roofing (Denver Green), have sacrificed for the taxpayers. I will amend the list as I am certainly forgetting someone.
My deepest respect, and appreciation goes out to them.
No public entity has the right to "preferred" vendors, proprietary specifications, sole source, or worse, the dreaded "Line Item Contract". I publish this as a notice to administrators who may fall into a false understanding by salesmen/women.
All we ask is that manufacturers have a right to FAIRLY COMPETE for taxpayer dollars. Laws are in place to insure this, but the Tremco's and Garland's circumvent the law through purchasing cooperatives, and the false claim they have "pre-competed". You may not "Compete" on a project you've never seen. There is no roofer on earth that will disagree.
Respect to Mr. Rudolph, Ms. Ann-Marie Ahern. I will continue to fight with you, and on behalf of taxpayers everywhere.
Humbly, I thank each of you for the time you spend here with me. Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC 1325620
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