Gordian, and their "exclusion of competition" scam.

Friends:

The following statements are both illiterate, and false.  They are designed to isolate competition to ONE roofing vendor. 

 Factually, that one vendor doesn't make half the material they sell.  They outsource it, and then stick a label on it.

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If you have trouble viewing this email, read the online version.

Elevate Your Construction Procurement Through Cooperatives March 15, 2018 | 2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT  PRESENTER: Wes Everett Director of Facilities City of Lubbock TX PRESENTER: Steve Fisher Director of Cooperative Services BuyBoard PRESENTER: John Castillo Account Manager Gordian MODERATOR: Bill Wolpin Associate Publisher & Editorial Director American City & County Wes Everett:  A public official, and has no right to support "exclusion of competition".   is making errant decisions, and costing Lubbock, Texas a great deal of money.  He is more interested in "ease" than taxpayer dollars. Steve Fisher:  I don't know which "Buy Board" he represents, but Attorneys for the Texas Buy Board asked me to review all 508 pages of their specifications, and certify them as fair. I read every page, which was more legal language than actual roofing.  That's because Armko wrote the specifications for them which is illegal, and I told them so.  Yet, here is Steve Fisher's smiling face perpetuating the scam. John Castillo works for the sponsor of this event, and represents Gordian.  That one is obvious.   He is a 'Salesman" only.  Bill Wolpin is with American City and County.  A preposterous assault on fair competition.  They are in bed with Garland, and in my mind, should clean up their act.  IOm insulted by the cavalier attitude, and fake publication.  They do not respond to questions, or emails, and I can prove it. Construction procurement has gained a reputation for being unnecessarily expensive, inflexible and inefficient. Lack of transparency and long bidding processes have frustrated public procurement officials for decades. It is far more costly when no competition ever occurred, and again, taxpayers must pay for their "ease'.  That "ease" translates into an approximately  40% Overcharge.  This is why your schools are broke, and your children are asked to bring their own supplies. They do not care about their disgraceful behavior, how much it costs, or who it hurts.   However, there is an alternative.    Cooperative purchasing is known for its efficiency and group purchasing power. Procurement officials typically use co-op agreements for acquiring supplies, equipment and other services. But using cooperative purchasing for procuring construction services, specifically Job Order Contracting (JOC), can streamline an otherwise burdensome process. In using JOC, government officials can save valuable time with access to competitively-awarded, local contractors available to start work immediately. Preposterous, and 100% false.  Any member of Roof Consultant's Institute can write the correct specification, and provide necessary "third party oversight".  The absurdity of it all is confounding, but that's because it defies logic. This presentation will cover the growth, trends and best practices of purchasing construction through cooperatives. Officials from the City of Lubbock and the BuyBoard® cooperative will share their lessons learned and examples of successful projects procured via co-ops. Public officials require a faster, better and more simplified solution for completing construction projects – cooperative purchasing is it.  I don't think you need me to translate that nonsense.  This is the part that screams exclusion.  Friends, they have ONE MANUFACTURER ONLY. "Public officials require a faster, better and more simplified solution for completing construction projects – cooperative purchasing is it."   SPONSORED BY: Not able to attend? Register anyway! Archived versions of American City & County webinars are available to watch On Demand shortly after broadcast. You will receive an email with login instructions as soon as the replay is available.

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Shame on Gordian, and their henchmen for expanding the lie, and it's insulting to anyone beyond the 6th. grade.  

I wish so badly that I could be in the audience, so I could tell public administrators that taxpayers do not pay for their "ease" at a HUGE premium.  Outrageous! 

I live in the 8th. largest school district in the country, and roofed well over 100 schools.  We have a roofing "Standard", including multiple nationally known manufacturers. 

A few of them are:

GAF:  Largest material manufacturer in the United States.

Johns Manville:  A Berkshire Hathaway Company.

Firestone:  Backed by billions in Bridgestone assets.

I'd love to hear someone tell me why they should be excluded from fair competition?  They all have superior representation, and are not "Commissioned Salesmen" like Garland, Tremco, and others.

On this site, I've produced countless examples of fraud, and backed it up through public record. 

NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit, nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind.  

Clearly, I have no horse in this race, and free to tell the truth as I know it.  I do not traffic in opinions.  I don't value my own "opinion" , much less the opinion of anyone else.  That may sound a bit harsh, but unlike the Purchasing Cooperatives, provide FACTS, and public record so you can make an intelligent choice regarding a new roof.

Roofing is the costliest item of any school maintenance budget.  The budgets are being decimated by the lies, and exclusion of competition for taxpayer money.  If you buy a roof through a Cooperative, here's where your dollar will end up:

1.)  25 percent "commission" for the "Salesman".
2.)  A minimum of 2% for the Cooperative.

Your dollar is now worth 73 cents with absolutely nothing to show for it.  These people remind me of hyenas, and will stop at nothing. 

The roof you buy through them is often a minimum standard, of only 10 years.  40+ years in the discipline, and not once have I installed less than a 20 year roof system on any public structure.

Administrators are severely disadvantaged because they are Administrators, and have no concept of modern roofing technique, warranties, They are absent credential, or experience, and it's insulting to honorable manufacturers, consultants, contractors, and distributors who are shut out.


To see those facts, and public record, please use the search box.  Please type search words  "School Roofing Scam", "Fraud', Garland, Tremco, U.S. Communities, TCPN, etc.

My colleagues cannot open their mouths, without being ostracized, and that is very unhealthy for our economy. Local, and otherwise.

I've offered $10,000.00 of my own money on a debate with their "Preferred Vendor".  They are gutless, and afraid I will systematically disassemble them in a public setting.  Money goes to a school of my choice.

The comments they make about "Competitive" are bold face lies. They cannot show you any competitive bids by manufacturers, and that's where it should start.

SCAM, SCAM, SCAM, SCAM.

Government "ease' is placed ahead of the taxpayers.  I see this every day, and from every part of the country.  That includes Alaska, and Hawaii.

I am happy to help anyone who is a victim of this obscene "organized crime" scam..  I answer all mail, and do not turn down requests for help.


NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit, nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind.  

After all this time, I grow weary, and can use any help from my Brothers and Sisters of the discipline.

Please know I am very grateful for your time, and know that reading this material is like watching a car rust.

Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect.

Robert R. Solomon

Public Procurement Analyst

State Certification CCC 1325620

Tampa, Florida

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

Oklahoma State Auditor, and School Roofing Report

Oklahoma State Auditor, and School Roofing Report

Friends:

Original investigative report:

http://www.news9.com/story/15953631/school-districts-accused-of-wasting-tax-dollars

That's me in the yellow blazer.

State Auditor's Report:

https://www.sai.ok.gov/Search%20Reports/database/School%20Roofing%20web%20final.pdf

A magnificent effort by the Oklahoma State Auditor, Mr. Gary Jones.  I would also like to thank Mr. Mick Dodson,of the SA's office for putting up with me, and not making me feel like an "Intruder".   

I cannot properly emote my heartfelt appreciation of such FAIR, and HONORABLE, Public Servants.   

I had the unusual experience of interacting with Oklahoma Lawmakers, and I've written about Congressman Jason Murphey several times.  Another clear eyed Public Servant who does his job, and cares about the people he serves.  Senator Jolly's effort may not go without recognition.

The fine people of Oklahoma are well served by their Honorable State Auditor, and you should be proud.  It took three years of my life, but learned a lot about myself, and the process in general.   

NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation or personal advancement of any kind.

I live in Florida, and  will never meet the hard working people of Oklahoma  who were served by this action.  Estimates are that SB630 will save Oklahoma taxpayers approximately $100,000,000.00 per year.  Think about that for a moment, and find the beauty of perseverance.  A brand new High School costs around $50,000,000.00 for comparison, and you can think of it that way.

Factually, you are receiving BETTER services, for LESS money once the "Predatory Sales Models" were exposed.

I don't discuss politics here, but people.  Republicans, Democrats, and Independents ALL PAY TAXES.  You WORK for that money, and it's REAL.  I dig people who work, but despise people who lie, cheat, and steal.  That's as straight up as I can say it.

Forgive me if it seems like I'm 'gushing" a bit, but in my line of work. HONORABLE Public Servants are a rarity.  You stand a better chance of having lunch with the "abominable snowman" than finding one.

It was the experience of a lifetime, and revealed a threshold that was previously unimaginable.  I am paralyzed from a hemorrhagic stroke, but it doesn't mean I have to quit on life, and wallow in sorrow. 

My civic pride will not allow it, and all I wanted to do was return to society as a productive citizen.  

I've been extraordinarily fortunate to have people who genuinely care about me, and my campaign.  If I can attribute it to anything, I would say it is the 'consistency" of my message.
   
A Colonel out of West Point influenced my life by believing in me.  That may not seem like such a big deal to some, but it is when you're trying to "rebuild" yourself in a positive image.

I have a very long way to go, but have the greatest role model you could imagine.  I'm just a broken down roofer from "Six Mile Creek", and do not deserve such grace.

Forgive me, but without him, would not know courage in the face of adversity.  With head lowered, thank my God for Col. RS.  Through him, my destiny was revealed.

General Douglas MacArthur:

“Duty,” “Honor,” “Country” — those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn. Unhappily, I possess neither that eloquence of diction, that poetry of imagination, nor that brilliance of metaphor to tell you all that they mean.

Another thing I learned about Oklahoma is that you don't say the word "Texas", lest you be accused of blasphemy. 

I want ALL Oklahomans to know you have a friend in Florida who cares about you, and your schools. 

NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation or personal advancement of any kind.  

You working people don't have the time, or hunger, for copious reading, long hours, and certain heartbreak that comes with it.

That's just my game, and have an aptitude for it.

I will help anyone who asks for help.

That's how I ended up in Oklahoma in the first place.

Reject negativity in all forms and always  remember to keep looking "UP".

Much Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Public Procurement Analyst
Florida Certified  CCC 1325620

Garland Roofing Materials: "Sell by FEAR"

I will take a brief respite from TCPN and their unusually rabid support of Tremco in public works.  They know what they're doing is wrong, and so do I.  The Pechacek name permeates TCPN, and will stun you with how it's all "connected".

So, it's time for more TCPN/Tremco research, and will share the results at a later date. 

In the interim, Garland Co. can "tag out" with them :

Garland Roofing Materials:  "Sell by FEAR"

NOTE:  Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation, or personal advancement of any kind.

The following information was graciously provided by:

 http://schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/

If you want to see the damage being done to our schools through "predatory sales models", Ms. Campbell's site is the reference standard.  Once again, I will acknowledge her very long difficult journey to bring truth into light.

There is a HUGE difference between the Private Market versus Public Market.  Procurement laws are in place to PROTECT taxpayers in the Public Market.  The government doesn't own anything. The taxpayers (we the people) own buildings and their contents.  Therefore, great consideration must be given to competition for our taxpayer dollars.  Subject to all local, state, and federal LAW.

All participants in any transaction appear in public record.  They are therefore susceptible to inquiry.

A Private owner is free of such oversight.  They earned that money and right to spend it without oversight.  

Again, thank you to Ms. Campbell.


Garland's view:  (click to enlarge)

  

That's about as "Point Blank" as it gets folks.  "Sell by Fear" damn the taxpayers.

Please note that in 2011, Garland's top salesman (New Jersey) "Sold" $5,400,000.00, and received 25% commission on that number.

 .

If that doesn't grab you, nothing will. 

I know, let's see how a Garland Representative describes his job:

This is directly from an application I received (05-10-2013)

“The Garland Company"

"As a consultant for The Garland Company, I developed relationships with high-end, governmental, educational, and municipal clients to assist them in managing their roof assets.

The Garland Company is a premium roofing manufacturer that values the relationship-based sales approach.

After a three week immersive training program, I was charged with completing inspections and forensic roof evaluations for companies and clients like: Lockheed Martin, The Dallas County Community College District, The City of Dallas, The City of Mesquite, Raytheon, Texas Instruments, Dell, Air Liquide and others of similar merit.

As part of my duties I worked closely with architects, designers, and specifiers to ensure that The Garland Company’s line of products was the only roofing manufacturer named in the specification or offered to the client.

OUTRAGEOUS!

Upon completing the design phase, I would solicit bids from qualified, local roofing contractors to perform the work under my consult and supervision.

Design Build Solutions - The Garland Company

Design Build Solutions is The Garland Company's design and construction arm. Prior to 2006, it was a vastly underused entity created to control specifications through the bid process. However, once awarded The US Communities Buying Co-Operative Contract in 2006, I saw a massive opportunity to do much more than control specifications.

I began marketing and actively soliciting projects to be designed and built by DBS all over Texas.

Working mostly on military contracts, I marketed our design capabilities to The Office of The Surgeon General, The Army Core of Engineers, and The Office of Veterans' Affairs.

Most of our projects were small, multi-family base housing and medical center upgrades. As DBS was not "completely" set up to handle large, multi-disciplinary bids, I solicited bids, evaluated sub-contractors, and engaged in buy-out and VE process with subs and owners.

Soon, it became necessary to create budgetary checks and balances. I implemented a customized version of a project management software created for me by Podio and created and managed construction budgets using Quickbooks Contractor Suite.

A change in Garland's Scope of WOrk under The US Communities Contract lead them to steer me away from Design-Build projects. As I had created valuable relationships in the industry, I chose to start XXXXXXXX  with a group of like-minded construction professionals to continue pursuing larger contracts and to branch further into the private sector”.

THAT is what Garland thinks of you as taxpayers.  SELL AT ALL COST.

I wonder how much "benefit" the taxpayers, and school districts of New Jersey received to justify paying one man well over $1,000,000.00 in one year?  Keep in mind that Garland also marked up materials, therefore making their profits on top of the $5,400,000.00.

In the roofing discipline, it is rare to mention Garland, where Tremco isn't immediately followed.  The sales models funnel money to purchasing cooperatives and in return they are claimed "competitive".  THEY AREN'T.

My concern is for school districts and administrators, who are being unnecessarily exposed to suit by following promises of a "salesman".  

Please avoid "Exclusionary" or "Preferred Vendor" situations. They are clearly against the law, which may unknowingly include YOU when the topic arises.

"Pre-Compete" is a LIE.  You may "Pre-Compete" on Post-It notes, but not complex construction projects with many variables like "hidden damages".  NO roofer on earth will disagree with that comment.

If one were to include (in my humble opinion) an HONORABLE manufacturer such as GAF, Carlisle Syntec, Johns Manville, or Firestone, you will be assured of a true "Competitive" number.  I stake my reputation on that.

Garland and Tremco despise competition.  If you throw in one of the manufacturers listed above, they will immediately move on to another unsuspecting "target".  I guarantee that GAF, Carlisle Syntec, Johns Manville and Firestone will beat the pants off Garland or Tremco every single time on a competitively bid project. 

Why should the Public (especially schools) suffer as purchasing cooperatives manipulate, interpret, and rearrange local, state, and federal procurement law?

My best suggestion is to write purchase orders to manufacturers who fight hard, but fight FAIR.  For goodness' sake, at least include them on a bid list.  Garland will not compete.  They can't, and even say so on their own website.  Garland says Administrators 'have a right to choose", and that's absurd.

Administrators may not give even the slightest hint of favoritism.

Respect to:

Garland, nor Tremco can compete, nor will compete against mainstream manufacturers and that's a fact.  Don't believe me?  Tell your Garland (or Tremco) Rep you'd like to get a quote from them as well as one of the above.  Sheer panic will set in, and if they can't change your mind, they will walk away from the project.

Remember: they are battling the idea of losing a 25% commission, and to them are in the middle of a nightmare.

Our schools are suffering at the hands of purchasing cooperatives with false claims.

Thank you for spending valuable time with me here . I am humbled that you care.

Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

NOTE:  Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation, or personal advancement of any kind.

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Public Procurement Analyst

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

(5,000 Members Worldwide)

CCC 1325620 (Florida)

RobertRSolomon@aol.com



  





"Roofing Scams Targeting Public Work"

Dear Friends:

Tomorrow, I'll be embarking on what will surely be a monumental journey. I will be punished for bringing detailed information to you which illustrates common "scams" that cost you hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

The FBI is involved, and many people are squirming beneath the light of truth. Others who have tried to expose them have been exposed to death threats, full time surveillance, and anything you can dream of.

The ones who have come before me deserve all the credit, as I've only been researching the topic for 4 years. YOU WILL BE SHOCKED, and that's a guarantee. I can work day and night on these wrongdoings, but cannot solve the problem alone. This is why I've joined about 5 others in the United States who selflessly give of themselves on your behalf.

Roofing professionals can be of the highest moral character, and I respect them for it. But we have a few manufacturers, and consultants, who do not feature open, fair, competition, and seek to use alternative sales methods which are not in your best interest.

As always, I will simply provide the data in it's entirety, and you will be in charge of whatever level you wish to pursue it. If at all. But I am certain of this: Charging taxpayers twice the price of equal products is wrong. Locking out competition is wrong. Exclusivity is wrong.

These issues are easily solved, and after I describe what is going on, we will discuss how we can stop it. Here, we discuss modern roofing technology, sustainability, taxpayer value, and inclusiveness of all people.

Tomorrow will make you angry, but I hope it invokes action. You deserve a much better return on your tax dollars, and roofing investments. I am bracing for backlash from the perpetrators, but I'm not the one under investigation by the FBI.

Thank you so much for visiting, and for those who've embraced what we do here. Bless you.

Enjoy your day, and remember to keep looking "UP".

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon