Tremco Sales Manual.

Tremco is the firm who received a $61,000,000.00 fine by the DOJ, for abusing GSA contracts.

Tremco and Garland push this "Predatory Sales Model" through fake purchasing cooperative bid rigging scams.  Do not take my word, and type "School Roofing Scam" into your browser, and try the same on YouTube.  Every word I say is confirmed through public record.

I don't want to go into an individual page by page breakdown at the moment.  After this Tremco Sales Manual, you will see Garland's full sales manual as well.  These things are in hard copy form, and scanning each page (in sequence) takes time, and order.

So, here is the great Tremco, "Black Sheeping" it up as usual.  Any public entity that uses them should be audited.  There is no sane reason to use them.  NONE.

Continued in next post.

That's the first 21 pages of 79 total.  

Stay tuned, because it get's better (just not for them).

Garland is next, although I've offered them EVERY OPPORTUNITY to tell the truth.  They lied to me in person, and I am very unappreciative of base behavior.  For that, I will repay them with the truth.

I do not lie, cheat, or steal, and despise those who do.  My promise is to hunt them down, find them, and expose them for what they are.  Last week, I was able to expose the scam in a school district , and a hospital with help from my consultant friends across the nation.  Administrators were told to visit my site here, and compare fact with sales drivel.  They did, and that was the end of Garland in their districts.  This is happening more frequently, and I am elated.

That represents about $2M in lost  revenue, and maybe when they get tired of losing money, will regain their manners. Civilized people do not steal from schools.  Those who do must be held accountable, and shunned by decent people everywhere.

Fight hard, but fight fair.

Friends, I am so thankful for the time you spend with me here.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

Public Procurement Analyst

State Certification: CCC 1325620

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon

20 more pages:

We've got about 40 pages to go, so please be patient.  After I've furnished each page, I will do a 'Breakdown" on verbiage, and what it means.  Roofing procurement through Purchasing Cooperatives MUST BE STOPPED!!  The cooperatives are liars, and I can prove it any day of the week.  If anyone wants to call me down on this (especially a purchasing cooperative), you are welcome to write my central email address:  RobertRSolomon@aol.com

I've already offered $10,000.00 of my own money on a public debate with Tremco, and Garland.  No takers after 5 years.  Money goes to a school of my choice.

I argue based upon science, and public record.  Not emotion. 

Friends, I am so thankful for the time you spend with me here.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

Public Procurement Analyst

State Certification: CCC 1325620

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon

Here is the balance of the sales manual:

Please forgive any duplicates, and I'll delete them after a second reading.

NONE of this is joyful for me, but neither can I sit by and watch our schools being abused.

Friends, I am so thankful for the time you spend with me here.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

Public Procurement Analyst

State Certification: CCC 1325620

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon

Collusion: Garland, U.S.Communities, and Cobb County, Georgia.

This one will be harsh.

Reason:  The Cobb County "Pricing" does not exist, and U.S. Communities (prior to today's date) cannot prove that it does.  On U.S. Communities website, they show 54 pages of BLANK "Line Items".  No construction project can be "competitive" with Garland, and all of them know it.  Yet, they keep deceiving the public (throughout all of North America).

So, we round up a few politicians to "go along" with the scam, and guess who pays for it?  I've grown tired of people who lie, cheat, and steal.  Further incensed over personal greed, at the expense of our schools.

In a fair, transparent, and 'open" bid scenario, Garland will lose 100 out of 100 times.  They know it, and everyone else knows it.

I've requested pricing from U.S. Communities (David Kidd) five times without benefit of reply.  This is an outfit purporting to save money, but the opposite is true.  U.S. Communities is paid a 2% "Commission", and the Garland Representative gets paid 25%.  Your tax dollar immediately turns into 73 cents, and nothing to show for the stupidity.

Click to enlarge:

If you ever see Garland, or U.S. Communities involved in your school district, you are getting soaked, and your children denied services.  My best suggestion is to insist upon 4 major manufacturers, locally distributed, and locally represented.  Here are a few:

Johns Manville: A Berkshire Hathaway Company.
Firestone: Backed by billions of dollars in Bridgestone assets.
GAF:  Largest roofing material manufacturer on earth.

We have a number of qualified manufacturers like Carlisle Syntec, Barrett, Sika Sarnafil, etc.

ANYTHING but Garland, or Tremco (just fined $61,000,000.00 by the DOJ for abusing GSA contracts.  The schools they defrauded got NOTHING.  Purchasing Cooperatives STILL use them as if nothing happened.  The arrogance is offensive, and shameful to any rational person.

I do not want to "Exclude" Garland, or Tremco, but add them to a bid list with mainstream manufacturers, and let them have an opportunity to "Compete".

Does that seem fair?  Does that seem reasonable? Does that seem rational to clear thinking people?  Of course it does.

It is against the law for any administrator to show even the slightest hint of favoritism.  That is called "Collusion".  It is happening at an alarming rate, and you are paying for it.  YOU are putting that 25% "Sales Commission" directly into one person's pocket.  YOU are paying U.S. Communities 2% 'Commission' for the privilege of being cheated, and paying approximately 40% MORE for a school roof.

By the way, "Roofing" is the only construction trade U.S. Communities lists.  Why is that Ron?  It's because roofing is the costliest item in any school maintenance budget.  Administrators are normally "soft targets' for the sales pitch "We handle it all".  A grotesque dereliction of responsibility may not be countered with the argument of "Ease" over "Cost".

All publicly funded structures are subject to oversight, and evaluated by "measurable units".  Not a new "made up" system that invites deceit, collusion, and corruption.  That is the Garland/U.S. Communities way however, and if they focus on public work, must "Compete" just like everyone else.

I don't want Garland "Excluded", but "Included".  Garland will not openly bid, and will quickly run away if asked to compete.

Cobb County, Georgia is responsible for conducting fake pricing scams to suit U.S. Communities, and Garland.  Period.  

Friends, I am thankful for the time you spend with me here.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
Public Procurement Analyst
CCC 1325620

Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon

VA goes one BILLION over budget in Denver, and THIS is why.

ASSAULT ON VETERANS

HEINOUS, UNCIVILIZED, GREED

Often, I write about the frailty of human greed.  This particular case involves the dregs of humanity, soulless miscreants, and gluttonous hogs sucking gravy at the trough.  ALL with the enthusiastic help of government.  

This is what happens when government practices "exclusion", instead of fair competition, and the private sector.  UNDOUBTEDLY, Government "Purchasing Cooperatives" were involved.  Corrupt, and rotten to the core. "Triple Money Back Guarantee" on that one folks.

Please read this, and you will be SHOCKED by the ignorance.  When "Free Money" is flowing, NOBODY CARES, and it disgusts me.  The "Free Money" I'm referring to is, of course, your money as taxpayers.

This heinous act of pure greed will not stand, and I will begin researching every person, every signature, and every recipient, who engorged themselves at the expense of Honorable Veterans.  STEALING from those honorable men, and women, who were to be served by the VA.

STEALING is unspeakably ugly to me, but STEALING from Veterans is a SIN that will not go unpunished.  I will hunt them down, I will find them, and I WILL expose them.

Government buys from Government, and the money just gets bigger as it circulates through the same hands.  The only way they can get business is through the complete "Exclusion" of fair bidding practices.  "Exclusion' of competition is against the law in all 50 states.

Please call your lawmakers, and DEMAND justice.  Forgive me, but emotion runs high.

Much respect to Mr. William Lucus for such a fine story, and brilliant expose'.  When you check the link, there is a place for you to participate, and help Mr. Lucus.  Anyone with a procurement background will be an enormous help to him.  I am contacting him tomorrow, and offer any assistance I can, and every resource I possess.

http://www.constructionjunkie.com/blog/2015/5/26/biggest-construction-failure-ever

"Biggest Construction Failure Ever" is, Unsurprisingly, a Government Project

September 23, 2015 William Lucus

"Take a second to imagine the worst construction project that you ever worked on.  Chances are, it was either over budget or finished behind schedule.  Now, imagine working on a project that is not only a year behind schedule, but $1 BILLION over budget.  No, not $1 Million…$1 BILLION.  With a big ole fat “B” right at the beginning of it.  That’s a pretty good reason to name a project the “Biggest Construction Failure Ever.”

That’s exactly the deficit that the Department of Veterans Affairs has gotten themselves into by once again proving that they are unfit to handle large construction projects.  The new medical center in Denver, Colorado was originally supposed to cost $328 million dollars in 2005 and then ballooned to $880 million after lobbyists convinced Congress to throw more money at it, and now, 10 years later, has reached astronomical heights at a cost of $1.73 billion dollars.  There’s that “B” again.  This complex was supposed to serve roughly 400,000 former military service members and their families, but this ongoing delay undoubtedly has them questioning if they will ever get to use the facility.

The “Government Accountability Office”, which appears to be the excuse giving parent to VA's annoying child, cited several reasons as to what was behind the inflating cost of the project.  Stating "changes to veterans' health care needs, site-acquisition issues, and a decision in Denver to change plans from a medical center shared with a local medical university to a standalone VA medical center."  So basically they decided to do a renovation, to an addition, to a building under construction. Once you spend $500mil on a building that isn’t complete and has changed three times you don’t really have a choice but to finish it.  The recent Congress approved $100 million for three more weeks of work, won’t even finish the project. And the kicker is, after almost $2 billion dollars in spending for this project, you wouldn’t even bat an eye at it.  It looks like Cold War-era drab.  Currently, the VA is running an impressive 30 months behind schedule, on average, for each of its construction projects.  If this is how the VA runs construction can you imagine how they treat our Vets?

The VA later laid out a short-term plan to avoid the aforementioned shutdown.  In a memo release by the VA they stated that in order to prevent the shutdown Colorado Veterans will have to do without a planned community living center and a post-traumatic stress disorder residential clinic. Secretary of the VA McDonald said that these moves were not “the best decision for Colorado veterans," but were "the only option available" under a Congressional mandate to cut costs.  And as if that were not unbelievable enough; McDonald asked for additional $100’s of millions from congress on top of the other $100 million asked for last week.  The loss of these two buildings further accentuates the failure of this project.  PTSD is a disorder that does not and traditionally has not received enough attention from our military or Government.  So it is a shame that once again this vital facility is cut due to Government incompetence.  As for a Community Living Center it sounds important and is probably much needed, but, as with many things, it will be up to charities and non-profits to pick up the slack.

This situation, as well as past situations involving the VA, have prompted Republican Rep., Jeff Miller, of Florida to introduce a bill that would take the VA out of the business of constructing medical facilities that cost more than $100 million.  If we’re being honest, $100 million dollars is still probably too much for them to handle. According to The Hill, that bill was added to the National Defense Authorization Act as an amendment and recently passed with a vote of 71-25.  All projects over that threshold will now be overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers.

After conducting a thorough review, the Army Corps of Engineers concluded that gross mismanagement of the project’s Integrated Design and Construction methodology was the main contributing factor to the delays and project overruns.  The VA had actually never used that project delivery system on any of their projects previously.  In the Corps official report, which can be viewed here, the group also blamed the fact that the project executive was some 2,000 miles away, which did not allow for proper oversight; the lack of “disciplined governance,” which allowed for a constant change of scope with little to no regard for cost or time impact; and lack of proper staffing and resources in the local Department of Veteran’s Affairs."

SHAMEFUL, AND DISGRACEFUL

Thank you to Mr. Bill Hubbell of Roof Consultant's Alliance for his vigilance.  

As always, I am humbled you spend time with me here, and thankful you care one bit about what I have to say.

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

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

Public Procurement Analyst

CCC 1325620

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

Profile;    https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon

"Public Roofing Procurement, through Purchasing Cooperatives : The scam that steals from our schools."

Friends:

"Fair Competition" is the law, and may not be replaced by "Sole Source", "Line Item". "Job Order Account", "Proprietary Specifications".  All terms used to defraud you, the taxpayers.

They will also try to make the roof replacement an "Emergency" and thereby avoid the bidding process.  Instead, some "Committee" without the slightest knowledge of roofing will make that choice for you.  

First, I will show you the Cobb County "Sign In" sheet.  Tell me if it looks like the outcome is predetermined.  

Please review pages 4 and 5 before continuing.  Looks like half of Garland's sales force was called to attend.  It's so corrupt, that most manufacturers won't go through a wasted exercise.  I wouldn't. 

http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/14-5903_Addendum_1.pdf

A sixth grader can figure out what's going on here.  Garland, nor Tremco, offer 'value" by any means or measurable unit.  

obfuscate 

• 
  

verb (used with object), obfuscated, obfuscating.

1.

to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy.

2.

to make obscure or unclear:

to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.

3.

to darken.

Garland, nor Tremco will ever "Bid" anything, because their sales model is designed to take advantage of administrators, and public works, ONLY.  If they're so competitive, how come I've never seen them used ONCE on any open, fairly bid, project?

It's all "sizzle' and no "steak" folks.  

https://www.uscommunities.org/suppliers/garlanddbs-inc/garlanddbs-inc-contract/

Garland/DBS Inc. Contract

Roofing Supplies and Services, Waterproofing and Related Products and Services

Lead Agency:

Cobb County, Georgia

3 year initial term, January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Option to renew for (2) additional (1) year periods

Postings

Number of suppliers who responded to RFP: 1

Posting Information:Date Posted:

·         U.S. Communities Current SolicitationsFeb 14-March 13, 2014

·         Canadian MERX Public TendersFeb 14-March 13, 2014

·         Onvia DemandStarFeb 14-March 13, 2014

·         Cobb CountyFeb 14-March 13, 2014

·         Association of Oregon CountiesFeb 14-March 13, 2014

·         State of Hawaii and OregonFeb 14-March 13, 2014

----------------------------------------------

Long Form:

http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/ITB_14-5903.pdf#search="purchasing cooperatives"

-----------------------------------------------

http://www.garlandco.com/educational/ytr/best-value-tax-dollars.html

Delivering the Best Value for Taxpayer Dollars

---------------------------------------------------

http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/14-5903_RESPONSE_PKG_FOR_WEB.pdf

Fake RFP response.

Fake sign in sheet.

http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/14-5903_Addendum_1.pdf

-------------------------------------

Garland apology tour:

http://www.garlandco.com/our-story/quality-performance/roofing-scam.html

"Administrators have a "right".

---------------------------------------

http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/ohio-contract.html

Notice, emblazoned across the page is:

Projects Awarded on “Best Value” Rather than Lowest Price

THIS CONTRACT IS BASED OFF OF THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) CONTRACTS, ALLOWING STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES TO PURCHASE GOODS AND SERVICES WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT THE COMPETITIVE BID PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

---------------------------------------

https://www.uscommunities.org/about/advisory-board/

---------------------------

https://www.uscommunities.org/resources/coop-standards/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've asked U.S. Communities (David Kidd) for a current price list, as they no longer use the Roth,. Simon, Garland, and abused Firestone numbers.  I can prove it, just like I can  prove anything else I say.

The fact is they haven't gotten any 'competitive pricing",   They got ONE reply to their RFP, and that ought to tell you something.  Not everyone is equipped to handle such blatant abuse by Purchasing Cooperatives.

NEVER BUY A ROOF THROUGH A PURCHASING COOPERATIVE.

NEVER.  NEVER.  NEVER.

You will get soaked by a manufacturer costing about 40% MORE than honorable manufacturer's like Firestone, GAF, Barrett, Johns Manville, Carlisle Syntec, Sika, and others.

Reward "Honorable" manufacturers by writing P.O.'s to them.  They don't steal your money, they "Bid" on work.  THAT, I respect.

SHUN, AVOID, REJECT, AND CONDEMN PROCUREMENT OF ROOFING THROUGH PURCHASING COOPERATIVES.

ALL THE "WE COMPETE SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO" IS AN ABSOLUTE LIE.  There is no truth in the comment, and anyone with a lick of sense will concur. 

If you have a problem:  RobertRSolomon@aol.com

I will help you.

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

I am thankful for the time you spend with me here.  

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

You can see me on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
Public Procurement Analyst
CCC 1325620















  

"Tremco, Garland, and Purchasing Cooperatives, Decimate School Maintenance Budgets"

Friends:

The costliest, maintenance issue with all schools, is roof replacement.

That is why public administrators are targeted, and a lot of money changes hands.  By that, I mean through "Purchasing Cooperatives", and that means "NO COMPETITION".

So, while it is illegal, highly unethical, absent all moral, or compliance to law, the people at Garland, Ind., and Tremco, DO NOT CARE.  They care about your money, and how much of it they can siphon off.  One example might be the 25 % sales commissions straight into one person's pockets.

How much "Value" do you think our schools receive for that 25% sales commission?  The answer is "Zero".

Garland, and Tremco, do not, and will not, participate in an open, transparent, bid.  What does that tell you?

Garland, Tremco, and Purchasing Cooperatives who enable them, are preying upon public works, and I can prove it.

Rather than watch me drone on about this "stain" on the roofing discipline, I will (as always) offer public record, and you may decide for yourself.  Remember that Tremco was busted by the DOJ, and fined $61,000,000.00 for abusing GSA contracts.

I cannot overemphasize this enough:  Openly, and competitively bid all public projects, with "third party oversight"  Manufacturers could include Tremco, and Garland, but not EXCLUSIVELY!  Once the "Standard" is set, you can invite mainstream manufacturers like Firestone, GAF, Johns Manville,, Carlisle Syntec, Barrett, etc.

REJECT any deal choosing a SINGLE manufacturer.  By the way, naming a single manufacturer, and then having them choose their own contractors to bid, is not "Competitive".  The manufacturer has no incentive to compete, and the outcome a foregone conclusion.

Here are typical examples of what's happening TODAY:

Director of human resources roof expert
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/03/16/inspection-reveals-problems-with-school-roofs.html

"Spend a million on a roof because of ironclad bumper to bumper warranty"?  

http://www.eastoncourier.com/19847/region-9-approves-contractor-for-roof-replacement-project/

"Consultancy firm" Garland reports on roofs:

http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/local/education/waps-talks-roofs-approves-trap-shooting-team/article_cdf2fed6-1444-5e4d-ba18-9e0bf2dc6693.html

"Owner filing a petition over Garland metal roof"

http://muscatinejournal.com/lifestyles/announcements/legals/louisa-muscatine-csd-minutes-of-the-regular-meeting/article_b1fd066a-cf20-11e4-910f-2b3b6d322146.html


"Owner pays Garland for materials direct"?
https://www.claremont-courier.com/education/t14578-schools

So, that is your update, and confirmation that corruption of the roofing discipline is still dominated by the same known scam artists.  A "Salesman" can walk away from problems, while the school district, and taxpayers own it for 30 years (bonds).

If you want to steer clear of trouble, stand clear of Tremco, and Garland.

Thank you for spending time with me here.

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

You may reach me;  RobertRSolomon@aol.com

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
Public Procurement Analyst
CCC 1325620

"Canadian Roof Education Course"

Friends:

We are always talking about education, and on behalf of our respected Canadian members, support  Mr. Wilson's effort.   I do not allow advertising here, and only share information I feel  relevant , and useful to those who spend time with me here.

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


   
Web site address for this course is www.roofingtrainingcourse.com

Some of you may want to book his class, or think of someone in your employ that is serious about "learning". 

I think that would include almost everyone. I have great disdain for advertising, for the sake of advertisement alone.  Here is some additional Course information and the next course dates available.

 

**********
 

"Web site address for this course is www.roofingtrainingcourse.com
 
Be sure to open the above attachment for additional info and photo's. 
2014 & 2015 Dates
-Nov. 24 - 28 (Full)
-Dec. 8 - 12 (9 open spots)
-Jan. 19 - 23
-Feb. 9 - 13 (Full)
-Feb. 23 - 27
-Mar. 9 - 13

The course is, generic, non-biased and very up to date with today's technology.

Although it is very intense and busy for those 4 days of training, we have also succeeded in making the training process fun.  We believe in hands on learning, not just listening to someone talk about Roofing.
 
People from all walks of the Roofing Industry, (Consultants, Inspectors, Roofers, Property Managers, Estimators, just to name a few), have attended this course, and all have rated it extremely high.

It's not often that staff in roles mentioned above can have the opportunity to weld PVC, TPO, glue EPDM, torch, cold adhere and peel and stick 2 ply Modified Asphalt and learn the best method/techniques for each membrane.

They also get a chance to construct complete roof assemblies from the deck up. I believe this is the very best way to learn roofing.

There is a segment on leak detection. Proper leak repairs are done on all major membranes.
 
There is also a portion of the course dedicated to roofing safety.
 
After this course, the attendee knows what works and what doesn't. If their role is designing roofing, this course will make them a better designer, if their role is installing or monitoring roofing quality , it will make them a much better roofing installer or monitor, etc.

The course is held at 52 Bramwin Court in Brampton, 20 minutes away from the Airport with a number of Hotels nearby.

Space is limited since the maximum class size is restricted to 12 people to ensure the hands on quality of the program.

The courses start on Monday at 12:00pm and runs to 4:30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday start time is 8:00am to 4:30pm and Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm, this allows the participants from out of town some travel time.

When we receive your enrolment we respond with a confirmation. Six to eight weeks prior to the start of course we will send all the required information. (Hotels, what to bring, how to get there, and course hours).  At that time we will also send the invoice so the attendees can pay in advance.

Something we did not include in the information attached is what is covered in the course tuition.
It includes a very comprehensive 162 pages Roofing Manual; a framed course completion certificate from Building Envelope Technologies Inc. and Cindott Inc also the Roof Consultants Institute will now award 29.5 CEUs to participants that have completed this course.

See additional information in the attachment above.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Course bookings are all done by email.

Thank you,
George Wilson RRO
Cindott Inc.
416 606 3270

You can forward this as you see fit. If you have any other suggestions please let me know. "
 
Web site address for this course is www.roofingtrainingcourse.com

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

 

 Thank you for caring about what I have to say, and please know I am very thankful. 

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

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance (4,000 Members)
Public Procurement Analyst
CCC 1325620