Chatter

By Nick

September 25, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Personally, I’m glad they have shut down - sorry people lost jobs - but I bought a car from them several years ago - they had horrible customer service, blatantly lied about their vehicles, and were awful to deal with. In comparision to other dealerships, it was amazing they stayed in business as long as they did.

By CJ

September 25, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

The economy is NOT what forced Bill Heard out of business! Bill Heard falsified records to GMAC, their primary lender!

GMAC cut off its financing to Bill Heard, so Bill Heard had no way to finance cars.

This is NOT a result of the economy! It’s a result of crooked business practices.

Visit the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer for the real facts.

By The Alpha Male

September 25, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Blaming the economy is bunk…. Bill Heard lost his business because he is a crook. Other dealerships are surviving and some even thriving in spite of economic concerns. Heard lost it all because you reap what you sow.

By Jimmy Allen

September 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

My wife & I did business several yrs ago with Bill Heard Chev. Worst experience I have ever had. Adv. one great deal; didn’t have it when we got there-surprise!surprise! I learned a terribly expensive lesson that day…..NEVER,EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES STEP ON THEIR PROPERTY AGAIN. Yes, I should have known better. But, they were, without a doubt the most unethical people I have ever dealt with. I am laughing my head off at them having to close their doors. I feel no sorrow for anyone working for them. They were trained to be what they were & apparently had no qualms about ripping the public off. I think people should have to go to prison for their business practices. No matter I do hope Mr Heard & his head cronies walked out the door wearing their birthday suits & have to beg the homeless people for a place to lay their heads down. That feels good to get that off my chest. There is some justice in the world after all.

By Jimmy Allen

September 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

My wife & I did business several yrs ago with Bill Heard Chev. Worst experience I have ever had. Adv. one great deal; didn’t have it when we got there-surprise!surprise! I learned a terribly expensive lesson that day…..NEVER,EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES STEP ON THEIR PROPERTY AGAIN. Yes, I should have known better. But, they were, without a doubt the most unethical people I have ever dealt with. I am laughing my head off at them having to close their doors. I feel no sorrow for anyone working for them. They were trained to be what they were & apparently had no qualms about ripping the public off. I think people should have to go to prison for their business practices. No matter I do hope Mr Heard & his head cronies walked out the door wearing their birthday suits & have to beg the homeless people for a place to lay their heads down. That feels good to get that off my chest. There is some justice in the world after all.

By EmCee

September 25, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Does anyone happen to know what happens to his fleet of cars now that he’s shutting down?

By T.

September 25, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Well, maybe they wouldnt have to falsify records if customers would let dealerships make money. Everyone thinks dealerships are just a cash cow. Little do they know that EVERYONE that comes in does nothing but try to buy a car below invoice. And beat us down on price, complain about everything and then tell us how they know someone whos ready to buy a car and wont recommend them unless they get the car at invoice. Its tiring.

What other industry can you find out what the company paid for the product? None. You let Publix make a profit, you buy your Polo shirts from Macys and let them make a profit, why should we be any different? It cost millions to just run a dealer, to keep the employees paid and the lights on. Come work for one and see how it really is. I bet if I come complain to your boss I wont get all the free sh*t people expect when coming to a dealer.

By MelLee

September 25, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I bought a car from Bill Heard and it was a lemon. They knew it when they sold it to me and they would not do anything as far as service to help me and I know I’m not the only one. They are definitely reaping what they sowed.

By Doug

September 25, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Sleazy, false advertising? Check. Trying to snow over their own lender? Check. Awful customer service? Check.

Bill Heard dealerships have had terrible reputations for years now - when shopping for a car this month, my wife and I avoided them like the plague. I feel for their former employees, but this is a result of greed and poor business practices.

By Tracey

September 25, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I am so glad they have shut down. Close them all. I bought a truck from them in 2002 and although the salesmen were nice, I felt I had been scammed. I did not really know how they did their financing until they came to me on my job three times after I thought the deal was closed, and I think I may have signed about 4 actual contracts. Now I am so screwed that I am glad they are closing. Nobody should have to go through all that and after 6 years, still owe on the vehicle. Tough break to Bill Heard and to me for “dealing” with them.

By Susan

September 25, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Who cares?

By jwatl

September 25, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

This should be in business major’s text books. If you run a business to take advantage of folks, you will subsequently lose. Using the Union City store as an example, the management always seemed to be scheming to get the last penny from the customer. After a few dealings with them in 1999 and 2000, that was it for me. They could never put the customer first! Really have NO SYMPATHY for them!!

By SJ

September 25, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

tHEIR FLEET OF CARS WILL BE CONTROLLED BY GMAC WHO HELD THEIR FLOORPLAN.

By Rick

September 25, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

They went out of business for lying. They did not pay the balances off on cars that were traded in and were under investigation.

T: You need to stop. Making a statement that if they were allowed to make a profit maybe they wouold not HAVE to falsify records? Come on, if they are to stupid to make a profit on deals they need to go out of business. All business are allowed to make a profit, but gouging and stealing should not be allowed. If a customer trades in their car and owes a $2k balance and you the dealer excepts the deal, then you should be paying off the $2K loan, not pocket the money and let it ride. Come on there is no excuse. And your statement proves BH and his employees were crooks.

By nypeach

September 25, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Susan, if you don’t care, don’t post. T, please…cry me a river. Others manage to stay in business without being thieves. Now that Bill Heard has had his comeuppance, I can’t wait for Curry Honda to reap what it has sown. They are the BIGGEST crooks on the face of the planet. They lie, cheat, steal and lie some more. Good riddance.

By Indifferent

September 25, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Good riddance Bill Heard. Be thankful that you are not in jail.

By CJKatl

September 25, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

T -

Your Polo shirt and Publix examples don’t work.

If I want to buy a Polo shirt, I can look at Macy’s, Sears, or Kohl’s. Each purchases the shirt from a middleman and competes in the open market. Same thing with, let’s say, Oreo Cookies, which I can get from Publix, Kroger, Wal-Mart, or Target. Macy’s and Kohl’s cannot work together to set the price, nor can Publix and Kroger.

In the car industry, though, the dealerships are not free to really set the price. Pricing is under the control of the car manufacturer. Car dealerships work under unique rules and laws that allow things like price setting and limit competition.

Until the day that Wal-Mart and Sears can stock Chevy’s and Hondas, the public will treat purchasing a car differently that buying a shirt or cookies.

The bigger question is why do these rules still exist? Why can’t we go to a car store and compare different brands? Why can’t a single retailer stock different brands? Could you imagine having to go to three different stores to compare a Frigidaire, Samsung, and Maytag refrigerator?

As long as we have the current system, we’ll have thieves like Bill Heard. If we went to a true open market system, we’d have choice, lower prices, and better consumer experiences.

By Jackie Reid

September 25, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Bill Heard is a crook he has just what he deserve taking the advantage of poor people.

By Buford Buyer

September 25, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I purchased two cars over the years from the Buford location. Deal was good both times, service was good,people were good, never had any problems. However I had an appointment today for some service that will now not happen and I have to find another dealership. I do feel for all the employees at this location.

By john

September 25, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Nothing but a bunch of deceitful, dishonest, shady people working for them. They got what they deserved. Typical car dealer rip off artists.

Good Riddance.

By Fed Up

September 25, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Chevrolet has had their head in the sand for too many year. US Automakers in their arrogance failed to provide what the rest of the world already recognizes as the new standard. Affordable, economical vehicles that do not fall apart after 75,000 miles. Look for much more of the same. The gas crisis, economy, lender issues will only intensify their problems. NOW they come up with an electric car that runs a whopping 40 miles on a charge. At huge price tag to boot. Sad state of affairs for America.

By Kiljoy

September 25, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I just got off the phone with Hank Paulson. Bill Heard has been included in the bailout and the dealerships will reopen on Monday morning.

By nicole

September 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

So unfortunate for people to loose jobs, but I was laughed out of Heard’s dealership and bought the same car the next day at clancy for the price that Heard ridiculed me on. Rude customer service contributed I’m sure.

By Fed Up

September 25, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Chevrolet has had their head in the sand for too many year. US Automakers in their arrogance failed to provide what the rest of the world already recognizes as the new standard. Affordable, economical vehicles that do not fall apart after 75,000 miles. Look for much more of the same. The gas crisis, economy, lender issues will only intensify their problems. NOW they come up with an electric car that runs a whopping 40 miles on a charge. At huge price tag to boot. Sad state of affairs for America.

By One Chris

September 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

SONNY is GONE FISHING The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in 2005 that Heard executives had asked aides of Gov. Sonny Perdue to intervene with consumer regulators on the company’s behalf.

They also suggested that Perdue, who had received campaign contributions from the company and its executives, fire the head of the consumer agency. The governor dismissed the agency head months later, but officials in his office denied a connection to Heard’s request.

To settle earlier cases, Heard promised to drop ads that falsely suggested the dealer had a special relationship with GM or financing companies that would benefit car buyers. The dealer’s October mailing, however, appeared to be recalling cars on the manufacturer’s behalf, the lawsuit said.

By Tomhere

September 25, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

CJ said: “This is NOT a result of the economy! It’s a result of crooked business practices.”

THE ENTIRE PROBLEM WITH THE ECONOMY is a result of crooked business practices. Cheney, W, and their rich republican friends have RIPPED US OFF and now they’re getting ready to SEAL THE DEAL! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA - You stupid suckers! IF YOU HURRY YOU CAN PUT A McCAIN BUMPER STICKER ON YOUR CAR….! Did you vote for W? - YOU SCREWED YOURSELF, FOOL…. HA HA HA HA HA Now what did Bush say last night? - “You won’t be able to borrow money.” HA HA HA - That’s how we got into this mess - AN ECONOMY RUNNING ON CONSUMER DEBT - You can’t pay for your house? TOO BAD - The bailout is not about saving YOU - It’s about saving their RICH FRIENDS. PASS THE VASELINE!

By TW

September 25, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

This is the Republican World the morons in the state of Georgia voted for. Georgians who supported Bush-Saxby-Johnny-Sonny deserve every lost job, every foreclosed house, and ever ten hour wait at the ER.

As John McCain would say - QUIT YER WHINING!

By Dave

September 25, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

It’s about time! I also feel sorry for those honest and hard working employees who lost their jobs. However, I feel no remorse for the dishonest, untrustworthy, sleazy owners and senior managers of the Heard Corporation. They finally got what they deserved.

By Edex

September 25, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

They were crooks anyway. Good bye

By TouchDown

September 25, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Tom Jumper has not been the same since Bill Heard took it over even when they said it would continue to operate as it always had = BS! I bought & serviced 4 vehicles from TJ only to get treated like a first time, off the street buyer when looking for my son’s car. Bill Heard had a bad rep in Columbus that followed him here & finally caught up with the company.

By mj

September 25, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I dealt with that crooked dealership in Union City. I had a trade-in and the sales manager Armando told me to avoid having negative equity in it, get somebody to steal it and set it on fire. He said that’s what he did to one of his cars. Anyway, after being in the office for over 5 hours, they found someone to finance the deal. After 2 weeks, they called me and told me to come in and sign more paperwork. They said I had to do it that day. I rushed, got down there to sign papers, everybody was kinda hush mouthed and wouldn’t tell me what was going on. I talked to some guy who said he was a manager. He told me that they couldn’t find anybody to finance me with the trade in and as we were speaking, they were bringing the card that I was trading in around front. I asked for an explanation and nobody would say anything. Worst experience I ever had. I hate for people to lose their jobs but karma will get you evety time.

By steven

September 25, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

well, I have seen enough Democrat BS to last me two lifetimes. All of those squashing the republican party need to realize that Bill Heard was a crook. he was ripping people off. He is also a Democrat and an Obama supporter - not a republican.

As if it makes any difference.

By Bill Heard Jr.

September 25, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Bill Heard is also gay!!

By Mark

September 25, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Everyone who voted for W and his other “values” candidates like Purdue, Chambliss, etc. — this is the Georgia and the US you voted for. Enjoy it! The rich get to risk it all, still get paid when they fail and the poor shmucks at the bottom of the economic ladder get to pick up the tab while the Wall Street fat cats keep their penthouses and limos. The only thing the GOP values is winning elections and protecting their rich friends. Enjoy the next couple of years. I hope you don’t starve.

By Tee

September 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I’m so glad they closed down. Its a shame people lost there jobs, but some of the sales people are a mess too. I recently got a car from them. I had the car for 2wks then they called me telling me it was a problem I had to return the car. It was problem after problem. Ive bought cars before and have never had this to happen. The GM got mad because I wanted my down payment back. I never seen a busniess practice the way they did. Im glad as hell they closed

By joyce

September 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

about time this dealership closed it’s doors. I feel bad for the sales and the shop guys for losing their jobs but Bill Heard is a CROOK and I was one that got taken..Yea Yea I know I should of not bought the SUV…

By judy

September 25, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the folks who lost their jobs. Bill Heard is out of business based on greed. I tried to buy a car from Bill Heard but found them to be dishonest, disrespectful as well as crooks. After that experience, there is no way on earth I would ever do business with them.

We are better off without them. Love my Chevy anyway!

By Tee

September 25, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad they closed down. Its a shame people lost there jobs, but some of the sales people are a mess too. I recently got a car from them. I had the car for 2wks then they called me telling me it was a problem I had to return the car. It was problem after problem. Ive bought cars before and have never had this to happen. The GM got mad because I wanted my down payment back. I never seen a busniess practice the way they did. Im glad as hell they closed

By Tee

September 25, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad they closed down. Its a shame people lost there jobs, but some of the sales people are a mess too. I recently got a car from them. I had the car for 2wks then they called me telling me it was a problem I had to return the car. It was problem after problem. Ive bought cars before and have never had this to happen. The GM got mad because I wanted my down payment back. I never seen a busniess practice the way they did. Im glad as hell they closed

By Mrs. Bill Heard

September 25, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Bill screwed each of you….and I watched!

By Mrs. Bill Heard

September 25, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Bill screwed each of you….and I watched!

By RobC

September 25, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

This is not a democrat or republican issue, this is just plain bad business, but for you people who want to blame Bush for the economic problems, please go back to school and take a civics and econimics class. When you are finished you may understand the difference between the legislative branch (congress) and the Executive branch (President)and who controls what.

By BobDog

September 25, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

T., when you have crooks out there in the car business, it makes it tough on the honest ones to stay in. Saying someone had to be dishonest because customers won’t let them make a profit is sad. Nobody pulled a gun on them to make them sell at a loss.

By Jeff T.

September 25, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

T. -

Your post is exactly the reason that consumers hate car salesmen. As already pointed out, the automobile market is a unique beast, and none of your pathetic metaphors carry over.

You also act as if consumers are the only ones trying to get the best possible deal. Let’s not overlook the fact that finance managers the world over would GLADLY drop a 25% interest rate on anyone stupid enough to sign. Salesmen and finance people alike have learned to talk “payments” instead of “price” because this enables them to manipulate the sale in their favor. So don’t give us your poor-mouthing about how we’re all taking advantage of you…BOO-HOO…

By ed

September 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

They also forgot to payoff customers trade-ins beside defraud GMAC. I said forgot to be polite. The did good in the community to look good but were just about the biggest snake in the industry. I sold Chevys for reputable dealers and you get to know the bad ones. There is a Chevy dealer in Loganville Georgia that was as bad at one time.

It is a shame the Chevy has all these nice vehicles but took so long to stand up for the consumer. Crooked big volume sales should not have been over-looked so long.

By Scooter

September 25, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

maybe Bill Heard’s sales people that lied should run for office. They would fit right in. He got what was coming to him and it wasnt the economy. If he wants to blame that then how come no other dealership is closing? HMMM?

“What goes around comes around”

By E

September 25, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry about that many people being unemployed now, but the fact is Heard’s Dealerships were deceptive in their practices. The United States has a lot of economic problems, but Heard can only blame themselves for what happened.

By CW

September 25, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I am tired of whiny people who only care about themselves. What about the poor man who has lost his job, and won’t get a paycheck. He has four children to take care of. Do you honestly think he knew the things that you are talking about? Please, have a heart and pray for the families who lost their jobs. I think that is alot worse than you not liking somebody or their business practices.

By Smitty

September 25, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Jerry Brown Chevrolet always did you right, back when Buford was a great place to live.

Smitty

By MsWordWiz

September 25, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Bill Heard Enterprises specifically Tom Jumper Chevy had crappy customer service, overbearing pushy sales clowns, and LIED about a GM “recall”. The flyer I got a while back in the mail about my 1997 Chevy was a bait ad, not a recall. I complained, it was wrong to “adverstise” like this.

GM put food on my families table for the 41 plus years my dad worked for the company. My replacement vehicle came from a Pontiac dealer who treated my husband and I with respect and did not lie about financing, paying off a trade in, and you really could talk about the actual purchase price with them, instead of the BS run around we got at Tom Jumper.

GOOD RIDDANCE TO THE CROOKS.

By About Time

September 25, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Bill Heard built his business on deceptive practices. Bought two cars from them in the past……bad decisions on my part. Lemons and they wouldn’t repair. Had a friend who worked there and he told me that their whole deal was big volume and they didn’t care about repeat business. Said there was always another customer in the wings, so they didn’t have to have great customer service. I am so glad to see this finally happening. Sad that folks lose their jobs, but on the other hand, those jobs couldn’t have been that great to begin with. Find employment with someone who cares……you can look yourself in the mirror and be proud of what you do.

By slaughdog

September 25, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Sorry for 80% of the employees & their families(the other 20% are out-right CROOKS).

Reaganomics + trickle down = bad economy ahead.

Remember, a “capitalist” will go to bed with the “devil”, if a dollar is to be made. EXAMPLE: US & CHINA.

By Diana

September 25, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Too bad for the folks that have lost their jobs. But…if you associate with folks like this (Bill Heard) you will eventually pay the price…your reputation is at stake. Who hasn’t heard of the type of business practices this guy has?!!!!

By Chief Wiggum

September 25, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Everyone who is trying to make this about politics…needs to drink a big, steaming coffee cup of STFU. This has to do with a particular dealership and their sleazy tactics. Not the auto industry in general, and not politics.

Those who seem to tie EVERYTHING to politics…what is the saying? When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. :-)

By dick

September 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

TYPICAL CEO MILKING A COMPANY COMPLETELY DRY.

By salesman

September 25, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I was a salesman at Bill heard for about a year and I had to leave because of the practices. I saw women with 680 beacon scores walk out of there with 650 dollar payments when they could have had 300 dollar payments. We were made to rip people off. We were told that if we didnt sell a car that wastraded in for 4,000 dollars and if we couldnt sell it for 19,900. then we were losing money and messing up deals. When they make big profits like that they called it knocking people heads off and all of that. I left because I could not negotiate the type of deals they needed me to. Bill heard is also quite racist, in the union city dealership, they would make they had all of these black car salesmen. When Bill heard came to town, they would make those salesmen go to the back or take long breaks and bring in white people who we had never seen before to walk the floor. Bill Heard got what he deserved. Red A** Neck. I never went to the back though. I stayed right there and went and shook Bills hand so he could see me. I said ” hey Masa” howz weez doing today” and when I saw someone just standing around, I screamed “Boss” he aint working”!!!! Then Bill heard told this little black dude that use to carry his shoes around, he said “tellem bout the gunline”

By J Brooks

September 25, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Its thinks it’s Awesome… Chevy has always built crap cars, Chysler is next I hope. Some redneck once told me to buy American once, I replyed… I would if it would last more then 2 years.. On a side note, I do feel for the 2700 layoffs, That is a shame!

By J Brooks

September 25, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Its thinks it’s Awesome… Chevy has always built crap cars, Chysler is next I hope. Some redneck once told me to buy American, I replyed… I would if it would last more then 2 years.. On a side note, I do feel for the 2700 layoffs, That is a shame!

By J Brooks

September 25, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Its thinks it’s Awesome… Chevy has always built crap cars, Chysler is next I hope. Some redneck once told me to buy American, I replyed… I would if it would last more then 2 years.. On a side note, I do feel for the 2700 layoffs, That is a shame!

By Toyota driver

September 25, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

WOW - a lot of venum out there for this company! Doesn’t sound like “it’s the economy stupid” to me!

By Purple One

September 25, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Good for ‘em. Sorry the employees are out of work but the company sucks! They screwed me over royally so they are only reaping what they sowed!

By MrLiberty

September 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

American auto makers have been out of touch with the buying public for some time now. Foreign auto makers have responded with higher gas mileage and more reliable vehicles. The only thing that kept these automakers in business was the excessive cash the Fed threw at the economy enabling tons of low interest loans on overpriced vehicles. Much the same as with the housing market.

Now the bubble is bursting and things are going back to the way they should have been all along.

I’m sorry that Bill Heard was goaded into expanding his businesses based on the artificially boosted economy, but we all have been conned by the Fed. This is the necessary deflation that must come.

Much like the financial situation, the answer is not to bail out, for this end must come eventually, but to allow the liquidation of inventory and bad debt so that the market can get back running again.

No matter what there will be pain all around. Those who make the bad choices should take their lumps. Their mistakes MUST not be socialized by bailing them out with OUR taxes or our futures.

Other dealers will now be able to pick up this inventory at reduced prices and that will help their bottom line. They may even be able to hire some of Bill’s employees.

By AJ

September 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Bill Heard is just the first one to get caught. They all do it.

By stephen

September 25, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Bad Car-ma Smacks Bill Heard Consider the following if you want to understand part of the reason for the demise of Bill Heard.

From the WFTV Channel 9 news archives in Orlando: *SANFORD, Fla. — A 911 call from a desperate sounding customer at Bill Heard Chevrolet in Sanford shows what is happening.

Dispatcher: “911, police… Where are you?” Caller: “Bill Heard Chevrolet.” Caller: “They don’t want to give me my money… I’m not leaving here until I get my money.”

Action 9 found dozens of angry Bill Heard car shoppers dialed the police for help in the past three years. Caller: “I think this is bull——.” Caller: “They’ve got me so frustrated and I’m 5 months pregnant.” An analysis of 911 logs found on average, sheriff’s deputies were called to Bill Heard Chervolet in Sanford about customer disputes, every other week. One woman claimed a salesman would not let her leave until she bought a car.

Caller: “I’m shopping for an automobile and supposedly they lost my keys and I can’t leave here.*

Word up, business people. When the prospects are calling the police on you, your business model is failing.

By WD

September 25, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

It’s great to see karma in action. I worked at Bill Heard in Columbus for a few months and had to leave because of their dishonest business practices. We were regularly told to lie on credit applications. False advertising brought people from as far as 6 hours away, only to be told there was no way they qualified for a loan. They took terrible advantage of the very young soldiers at Ft. Benning. These naive soldiers were told to stay away from Bill Heard. The Heard family is set for life financially which is unfortunate becase they are deserving of the same fate as those they are leaving in their wake.

By WhatDoIKnow

September 25, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

It was not the economy that got Bill Heard Enterprises, it was their reputation. GM pulled their line of credit because they handled their business fraudulently.

Yes, the economy is challenging right now but in addition to cheating their customers, they were biting the hand that fed them. GM got tired of putting up with their crooked, thieving ways.

By YO

September 25, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

George Bush does not car about car dealers in black areas

By lee

September 25, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Good..bad business goes out of business…Perfect! Even good Chevrolet dealerships are in trouble too…inferior products…cost too much..because of unions…not enough gas mileage…it’s a changing world…change or die!

By Pam

September 25, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I am ashamed of all of you. I do blame Bill Heard, BUT NOT ONE OF YOU HAD HIS OR HER JOB HANDED TO THE ON A PLATE ALONG WITH THEIR HEADS AND NO SEVERANCE.

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT DOES TO YOU, AND HOW YOU FEEL WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF WORK, AND IN THIS ECONOMY, YOU MAKE ME SICK SHAME OF ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the truth

September 25, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

it is Bill Heard Mr. all promise thinking high volume and low ethics will survive. While it can make one man rich, a business will not last that way and I am not surprised at all. Has for the car salesman talking about how dealers dont make any money, you just need to be a better sales person and maybe dabble in used cars every once in a while too. Dealers make money, and lots of it, especially the ones that can sale a customer a car with good technique and honesty.

By Reign

September 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

He probably lost it because he’s a crook and that has to do with the economy because they’re crooks too. The same financial institutions that involved in wall street are the same golf buddies that he used. I’m sure he has money in his pocket and his employees, as the rest of Americans have to figure it out…there’s no one to bail them out of the trouble they’ll be in from losing their jobs and access to health care and ability to feed their families, etc.

By lee

September 25, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Good..bad business goes out of business…Perfect! Even good Chevrolet dealerships are in trouble too…inferior products…cost too much..because of unions…not enough gas mileage…it’s a changing world…change or die!

By lee

September 25, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Good..bad business goes out of business…Perfect! Even good Chevrolet dealerships are in trouble too…inferior products…cost too much..because of unions…not enough gas mileage…it’s a changing world…change or die!

By Gary

September 25, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I do feel sorry for the guys in the service department at Bill Heard in Buford. Most of those guys have been there since the Jerry Brown days and were very cordial and did a great job in a short amount of time. I have bought two cars from there and the recent one in 2007 was the last time. I do not feel sorry for their jackass of a General Manager at the Buford store nor any of their financing managers who would scoff anytime you said an interest rate was too high. Hopefully someone will come in and buy the place. Someone like the Hardy’s.

By so what

September 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

For those of you that feel sorry for the employees that are now out of a job ever think that these are the SAME employees that screwed you, wouldn’t fix your car when it was under warranty, not allow you to talk to the sales manager, added on ridculous fees to the sales contract and on & on

I have no sympathy for any of them!

& those of you that blame the republicans should look back to dear Bill Clinton because this mess started when he was prez. He is the one that allowed Fannie Mae to loosen up lending practices. W is just the one that got hit with the snowball.

By Susan

September 25, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Bill Heard was a crook and if you worked for him tough- you knew the score and I hope it hurts real bad! You wont get a job at our company coming from there either!..one of our managers was ripped off there. It wasn’t the bad economy- its the pieces of crap that ran the place. I’m surprised it took so long. Losers. Good Riddance.

By Goober

September 25, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I think this too is self-induced. With a pack mentality we let another industry screw us over so it’s our fault Heard goes under. I still haven’t got over my part in global warming and am so ashamed.

By Pandora

September 25, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Bill Heard Chevrolet was a terrible company. The owner had the nerve to say on the news awhile back that he was “sorry” that people were “hurt” because of the things he was “accused” of and how “sensative” he was…blah..blah…blah…..I KNEW HE WAS FULL OF IT WHEN I SAW THAT LIE HE TOLD THE WORLD!!!! That man was a crook and the current economy has absolutely nothing to do with all of his dealerships closing down…it’s because he was a crook and it FINALLY caught up with him…you see we all reap with what we sow…

I feel really bad for the people that lost their jobs, but they should have known better than to continue to work for that company knowing the illegal practices they practiced every single day….

By Burroughston Broch

September 25, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

This is an advance look at what will happen with GM, Ford and Chrysler.

By Eddie F

September 25, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I have been in the automobile business for 13years. It is a relief to hear that Bill Heard is shutting down. You talk about a black cloud in the Car Business they always have given the profession a bad name. I’m sorry for their honest employees that have families to support.

By Stan

September 25, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of bandwagon losers you all are….shame on you!!….Granted Mr Heards business practices werent the best but none of you people have a clue what he did for his community….Do you know how many kids he sent to school?..MY guess is you dont have a clue…..And to susan who wrote she was glad the employees were out of a job…you have to be the biggest idiot i have ever seen…Im a used car dealer who competed daily against the heard enterprises and Mr heard has my condolenses…and most of you dont have a clue what the auto industry means to our contry…Maybe ummmmm #1 no doubt

By White Knight

September 25, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Has Sonny Perdue turned his back on his buddy Bill Heard? Probably just like George Bush did regarding Enron’s Kenny-boy Lay. Heard is a crook, and he has gone down. No sympathy for all the people who worked for him: They knew they were working for a corrupt outfit. Poisonous fruit from a poisonous tree. Anybody who defends this evil outfit is nothing more than a pimp.

By Reign

September 25, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

When people compare Bill Heard and some of the other dealerships or businesses to the economy, they’re simply saying they’re all crooks!!! It has to do with the economy in that they’re all taking advantage of the average American citizen. They are all falsifying records, lying, cheating, taking our money, etc. and they all have made BIG money off the American citizens. And the guy that’s saying congress and the president are not in bed together is crazy. All of these crooks are friends and they all have their hands in the pot of taking from the American citizens on some level. So, yeah, it is a part of the economy. The companies that offer the financing, aren’t they financial institutions? And this bail out will help a lot of these crooks. Please people don’t support this bail out. Do you think the congress or the president would create programs to bail out the American citizens who have fallen victim to the foreclosures? Come on now!

By Peter Griffin

September 25, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Stan, don’t give me that BS. Mobsters, gantsers, rappers, etc. have done a lot for the community too. They do these things to ease their guilty conscience. With you being a used car dealer, who by the way are not known for honesty, I can see way you would send your condolenses to Bill Heard. Word of advise for everyone, never trust a fast talker.

By jerry

September 25, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

I purchased one vehicle from Bill Heard Kennesaw back in 2002 and will never again. Their shady & underhanded business practices concerning financing leave a lot to be desired.

By James

September 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I worked for Bill heard and I hated every minute of it!!!! We were made to lie to people constantly in order to get deals. The management stole from the employees as often as often as they did the customer. Don’t buy from Maxie price chevrolet either. John Bratton, an old Bill heard GM now works for Maxie. Just go to Maxie price at about 8:30am and stand in the showroom; you will hear him screaming at his employees in their daily sale/ motivation meaning. You no longer have to worry about buying from Bill Heard, but buyer beware at Maxie Price…. John will get you……

By jerry

September 25, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

I purchased one vehicle from Bill Heard Kennesaw back in 2002 and will never again. Their shady & underhanded business practices concerning financing leave a lot to be desired.

By tiff

September 25, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Stan, how many children he sent to school should not factor into all the other things he did wrong. That’s like saying I robbed a bank but gave some of the money to charity. But I do agree with you on one thing. Some people are saying they are happy about this have no idea how many lives this has changed. All those people out of work have families. What would happen tomorrow if they lost their job. Their kids depend on them for food, clothing, lunch money, shelter, etc. So they are in fact saying that they are happy all these kids parents won’t have income to provide for them. Let’s all pray it don’t happen to them. God help this country. Because as bad as this economy is, we are all a footstep away from being unemployed.

By Gary V

September 25, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

* IT”S ABOUT TIME! *

By Southern Born

September 25, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

This has to be killing the AJC too. Heard must have bought 40 pages of ads in the Fri/Sat papers every week.

By Todd Kirk

September 25, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

If you want to see why Bill Heard shut down, type in their name on this site: ripoffreport.com

That’s what happened to them.

By Simple Jacl

September 25, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

To Emcee reading the fleet of cars:

Looks like GMAC will be snatching the majority of those cards up for unpaid debts.

By Simple Jack

September 25, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

To Emcee reading the fleet of cars:

Looks like GMAC will be snatching the majority of those cards up for unpaid debts.

By BigJohn60

September 25, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Good Deal; another thief closed up!

By atwork

September 25, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

MJ The sales manager Armando told me to avoid having negative equity in it, get somebody to steal it and set it on fire.

And you still bought the car from him?

2 weeks later you went and signed more paperwork?

Quit foolish don’t ya think there buddy?

By Chad

September 25, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

All of you that are complaining about the way you were treated at Heard should really take a look at yourselves. I have read sevreal times in this blog that you bought not just one but several cars from Heard. If they were so bad, then why did you keep going back. And for the rest of you that come to the honest dealerships like the one I work at. If this is how you felt about Heard then why the heck have you been bringing in their ads and saying “Bill Heard can sell me the car for this much.” You folks should read this and realize that they really couldn’t do it. As for the employees at Heard, I am worried for you guys. This is a tough market. But very few of you can honestly say that you didn’t know that your employer was dirty. And I learned as a child, if you lay with dogs, you will get fleas!

By bufordite

September 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

As a former employee of Bill Heard and lucky enough to get out before the ship sunk, I want to wish the employees good luck in locating a new job. Not all of the employees agreed with the Bill Heard way of conducting business, I agree he is a slime ball, but it was a job and paid the bills. Give the workers in the departments, other than sales, a break. We worked hard with what we were given to work with. We were low on the totum pole and did not have a say in the way business was conducted. I hope the service customers know that just because you own a Chevrolet doesn’t mean you have to take it to a Chevrolet dealership for service. You can take it to any GM dealership. If you live in North Gwinnett County try John Bailey Pontiac in Buford. I hear this small town dealership knows how to treat their customers right. I have always heard good things about them for the past 27 years.

By SmarterThenU

September 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

ECONOMY? This has nothing to do with the economy, just a turd dealer with turd tactics and turd workers. They were getting smacked around in numerous states so it’s rather obvious acting like turds came from the top, good riddance. Hope the failure was worth it.

By Toyota_Driver

September 25, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Crooked dealership selling inferior cars…it was only a matter of time!!

By George

September 25, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

They will be back in business under a different name shortly.

By snowbunny

September 25, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Guess what people bill heard enterprises may be gone but the family is not gone. Word is bill heards son bought bill heard in sugar land texas an he is gonna change the name an say under new management but that’s not true. The heards will live on an I’m sure they will still do business the same way they always have. So you see they are still fooling people. I have confirmed that this rumor is true his son who has been running the texas stores for quite some time bought the sugar land store yesterday! DO NOT continue to allow them to take innocent peoples money any longer. The heards are probably the reason for half of the bad credit around houston!

By snowbunny

September 25, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Guess what people bill heard enterprises may be gone but the family is not gone. Word is bill heards son bought bill heard in sugar land texas an he is gonna change the name an say under new management but that’s not true. The heards will live on an I’m sure they will still do business the same way they always have. So you see they are still fooling people. I have confirmed that this rumor is true his son who has been running the texas stores for quite some time bought the sugar land store yesterday! DO NOT continue to allow them to take innocent peoples money any longer. The heards are probably the reason for half of the bad credit around houston!

By snowbunny

September 25, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Guess what people bill heard enterprises may be gone but the family is not gone. Word is bill heards son bought bill heard in sugar land texas an he is gonna change the name an say under new management but that’s not true. The heards will live on an I’m sure they will still do business the same way they always have. So you see they are still fooling people. I have confirmed that this rumor is true his son who has been running the texas stores for quite some time bought the sugar land store yesterday! DO NOT continue to allow them to take innocent peoples money any longer. The heards are probably the reason for half of the bad credit around houston!

By snowbunny

September 25, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Guess what people bill heard enterprises may be gone but the family is not gone. Word is bill heards son bought bill heard in sugar land texas an he is gonna change the name an say under new management but that’s not true. The heards will live on an I’m sure they will still do business the same way they always have. So you see they are still fooling people. I have confirmed that this rumor is true his son who has been running the texas stores for quite some time bought the sugar land store yesterday! DO NOT continue to allow them to take innocent peoples money any longer. The heards are probably the reason for half of the bad credit around houston!

By snowbunny

September 25, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Guess what people bill heard enterprises may be gone but the family is not gone. Word is bill heards son bought bill heard in sugar land texas an he is gonna change the name an say under new management but that’s not true. The heards will live on an I’m sure they will still do business the same way they always have. So you see they are still fooling people. I have confirmed that this rumor is true his son who has been running the texas stores for quite some time bought the sugar land store yesterday! DO NOT continue to allow them to take innocent peoples money any longer. The heards are probably the reason for half of the bad credit around houston!

By JB

September 25, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Bill Heard sounds a lot like an investment banker these days. Greed is a dead end road and eventually you have to or are forced to stop. Reverse is only an option if you didn’t drive to the very end of Greed Rd. like Mr. Heard and the investment bankers did. Let me introduce you to my good friend, Karma.

By snowbunny

September 25, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Guess what people bill heard enterprises may be gone but the family is not gone. Word is bill heards son bought bill heard in sugar land texas an he is gonna change the name an say under new management but that’s not true. The heards will live on an I’m sure they will still do business the same way they always have. So you see they are still fooling people. I have confirmed that this rumor is true his son who has been running the texas stores for quite some time bought the sugar land store yesterday! DO NOT continue to allow them to take innocent peoples money any longer. The heards are probably the reason for half of the bad credit around houston!

By NoDeal

September 25, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

one word for everyone complaining about car dealer experiences and getting shafted: CARMAX - a great deal for my trade, a great price on the car, great service, in and out within 3 hrs. by the way, business is booming at CarMax.

By NoDeal

September 25, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

one word for everyone complaining about car dealer experiences and getting shafted: CARMAX - a great deal for my trade, a great price on the car, great service, in and out within 3 hrs. by the way, business is booming at CarMax.

By Buck Futt

September 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

They got what they deserved. The Heard dealerships were full of dishonest jerk salesmen and fraudulent jerk service guys. Good riddance.

By Sandi Love

September 25, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

HUSH YOUR MOUTH!!!!!!!!!!! STOP PREJUDGING AND TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SAY TO YOUR SELF.. WHO AM I TO PREJUDGE?

By atwork

September 25, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Why do people keep posting the same thing over and over again?

By RETT

September 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

CAUSE THEY DUMB@SSESS

By RETT

September 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

CAUSE THEY DUMB@SSESS

By RETT

September 25, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

CAUSE THEY DUMB@SSESS

By Buck-tooth Bob

September 25, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Please, stop!! If you are going to post a comment, at least make it sound intelligent. Too many of you have been watching much too much ABC,CBS,CNN and NBC.

By RETT

September 25, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

NOPE…..FOXX

By RETT

September 25, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

NOPE…..FOXX

By RETT

September 25, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

NOPE…..FOXX

By JB

September 25, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

The Bill Heard way of doing business was learned from the General Motors way of doing business back in the day. He’s old school. I grew up watching my parents deal with General Motor dealerships from Chevy to Cadillac and that is why I grew up and do not do business with General Motors. That is why GM is in the position they are today. It’s just a matter of time before it all comes crumbling down for people who do business this way. You are riding high one day and in the ditch the next. It might take a generation but it will happen. It always does.

By atwork

September 25, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Haaaaa RETT. For real why.

And nope TruTV not reality…actuality.

By Paul Midler

September 25, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Wow. I read all of the comments. I work at a car dealership. I am a Sales Manager. I have always thought Bill Heard dealerships were idiots. They would never let another dealer get any of their inventory thinking they were the only kids on the block. I guess they fianlly got what was coming to them. I have heard but can’t comfirm that they left GMAC on the hook for about $55 million. So if that is the case I see it hard for any lenders to give them a floor plan. At least I hope not. I also read a lot of people calling us all crooks. That is not true. There are dealerships out there that work very hard to find the middle. Give good deals and make the customer happy. At the same time try to make a profit and keep the doors open. I have been doing this for 24 years, and times are different now. Back when I first started, people came in and saw the price and acted like it was Winn Dixie. Pick out what you want and add the tax. You also did not trade in a vehicle without it being paid off. You also did not buy without down payment. In todays market 80% of the buyers owe more than what the vehicle is worth and blame it on the dealer that sold it. Well did you trade in a car that you owed more than it was worth. Did you put no money down…not even taxes. I am not saying there are not bad dealers out there. I know there out there. Just not all of us. We decided this year to sell all new vehicles at invoice and give the customer any rebates as well. It does not matter how good you can haggle. But would you believe that even then people ask …what else are you going to do. How far under are you going to go? When you say thats it. You hear…”you guys just don’t want to sell a car.” The good thing about sell at invoice is….if we can not do what the customer wants….we don’t get upset. Cause “it’s just a car deal.”

By Derick

September 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I have an interesting story about some used cars going to Bill Heard in columbus in the 1990’s. Was deep down a dirt road in alabama riding with a friend of mine looking for his friends shop. We pulled up and there were car after car with engine and transmissions pulled out. The mechanic said that once he got them running they went to Bill Heard used car lots. Cars they would buy for little or no money and put used and rebuilt motors in them and sale them as like new. They are called lemons today. True story.It was like a chop shop.

By Sirlun

September 25, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Chickens have come home to roost. And unfortunately they will probably pull a Ugly Duckling/Drivetime transformation and be back in business in time. Will they have learned any lessons from this experience probably not. A white tiger is just as dangerous as one that has stripes. If they do anything different it will probably be perfecting how they disguise and perfect new ways to fleece the consumer.

By Bill Heard

September 25, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Good Afternoon,

Mr. Big Volume here. Just hang tight and we will back in action real soon.

See ya later SUCKERS!

Bill Heard

By Carl Black Kennesaw

September 25, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Carl Black Kennesaw has been in business for over 14 years and have always sold cars and trucks with good business practices.

If you have purchased your vehicle from Bill Heard and need parts or service, come next door to our facility we will be glad to assist you and service your GM vehicles.

When you need to trade your vehicle in stop by and see us for a great experience!!!!

By NyCnTrYgAl

September 26, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

My personal experience with Bill Heard was a horrible and exhausting experience. I drove around in a brand new Malibu for 4 months, without payment because the dealership “misplaced” my paperwork. Come to find out the dealership falsified my information to the bank. That dealership was full of crooks and liars. I was honest in calling the bank to ensure they would send me a payment booklet and come to find out the dealership never sent my paperwork into the bank. They took my down payment and had the nerve to come to my place of business to pick up a car that I had papers on. This experience is one that I will NEVER forget and almost regret not suing the dealership for taking my car, and putting me through pure hell last year. Like I told the lying salesman, “You reap what you sow!”

By Bill Heard

September 26, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Bill Heard here.

We are slashing prices on all new Tahoes. Vehicles in our service dept are for sale as of today. Ask me about the $1500.00 Bill Heard warranty option still available.

Down payments are still being accepted. NO RECEIPTS WILL BE GIVEN.

Heard Out

By Dan

September 30, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Maxie Price is no Bill Heard…at least in the service dept. I bought at Bill Heard in Buford and never went back after one visit. I drove 22 miles to Maxie Price in Loganville because I heard their service department cares. It does. Their people are genuine and they know how to listen and fix your vehicle right. I would go back there and buy a car just based on their service. They have some guys there that used to be with Oldsmobile in Duluth several years ago and they are tops!

By NT

October 6, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I bought my Chevy out of state so have had no sales dealings with any Heard dealerships—never stepped foot on any of their lots. However, over the past fews years I’ve had my car serviced by the Tom Jumper service department (which was at a separate location) and those guys always did great work for me. I must’ve been under a rock somewhere cause I had no idea they closed and was about to take my car in for a regular oil change/maintenance. I trusted them with my car…enough to drive from Decatur all the way to Sandy Springs. So while a bunch of you others are complaining about the shoddy sales, I’m really going to miss the work and guys in the service department (hate they lost their jobs!!) and am now going to have to find another place that I trust to do maintenance on my car.

By cricket

October 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

can someone please tell me how i can outright buy my vehicle (which i have had for 4 months without financing) i just want my trk ya know. anyone with info please email me at lil_cricket58@yahoo.com thanks!

By biskit

October 8, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

This is for people to know the truth. I worked for Tom Jumper Chev in the service dept-and on behalf of my co-workers on the service drive-meirski-brain-yogurt-garr-and big hair-we never lied or were deceptive with our customers-I can’t speak for management or some salesmen-but the salesman I sent my cust to for a sale was honest and caring-thats why I sent my cust to him. Some of you say we got what we deserved because we worked for bill heard. We did not dictate policy or procedures set forth by corp. and weren’t always informed as such. We simply did the best we could for each and every cust Our csi scores were always above region-you don’t get that with poor cust service-also I can’t speak for the other heard dealerships, but I’m sure there were good people there also-maybe not all. I also had techs that would find some cust concerns were actually operator error and would waive their time spent looking for a problem that wasn’t there. So were all crooks huh-well it’s people like you that give dealers a bad name for no reason-I hope each of you get fired with no notice and see what it’s like for people to slam you when your down and out-Good luck meirski-brain-yogurt-garr and big hair-hopefully we will recover from this-thanks, biskit

By Sue

October 21, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

My husband worked for Tom Jumper in Sandy Springs in Service. We moved from a job as a Corvette Technician at Bill Jacobs in Joliet fro 26 yrs to work for Bill Heard Ent because they were the biggest in the country and we wanted to move to a warm climate. What a mistake!! But how was he to know this would happen? (Of course he’s blaming himself for moving) It is a kick in the stomach to be told you have no job, no income, no warning!! I would not wish this on my worst enemy! But it is definately not his or any other service dept workers fault. This was because of upper management being shady and bad sales practices. It just happens to affect many people. Just hoping they will sell Tom Jumper or the Buford store and he can go back to work for them.