Michigan AG sues snow removal, landscaping companies after 200-plus complaints
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – A long list of snow removal and landscaping companies in Michigan are facing a lawsuit from the state’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel. The companies, owned by John and Michele Church, are accused of abusive practices towards their customers and violating consumer protection laws. The lawsuit seeks to dissolve the Church-owned businesses and prevent them from operating in the snow removal, lawn care, and landscaping sector in the future. The complaint was filed in the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County earlier this month.
John and Michele Church have been providing residential snow removal, lawn care, and landscaping services in the Detroit area for over two decades. However, despite their long-standing presence in the industry, more than 200 consumer complaints have been filed against their companies since 2010. It is alleged that the companies included unlawful non-disparagement clauses in their service contracts, preventing customers from posting reviews or filing complaints that could damage the businesses’ reputation.
The lawsuit claims that the Church-owned companies repeatedly and knowingly violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA), along with a 2018 Assurance of Voluntary Compliance that was reached to resolve previous consumer claims. The alleged violations include breach of contract, unfair and deceptive business practices, failure to fulfill refund requests, misrepresentation of the quality and scope of work provided, and misleading customers about their ability to post negative reviews or complaints.
Michigan Attorney General Nessel emphasized that consumers have the right to freely express their opinions on goods and services they have purchased. She stated, Businesses in this state cannot insulate themselves from honest customer reviews by simply inserting deceptive language into their contracts.
The lawsuit not only seeks to dissolve the existing Church-owned businesses but also requests refunds, damages, a declaration that the defendants violated the MCPA, civil fines, elimination of non-disparagement clauses from contracts, and reimbursement of investigation and litigation costs incurred by the Attorney General’s office.
The affected companies owned by the Churches include Metro Mow ‘N Snow, LLC; The Snow Guys, Inc; John Church’s Snow Service, Inc.; Farmington Mow N Snow; Snow Guy Enterprises; Titan Seasonal Services; Friendly Neighborhood Lawn Service; Friendly Lawn Care; Friendly Lawn & Snow; Lawn & Snow King; Greenkeepers Lawn & Landscape; North Star; BlueJay Outdoor Services; and Mike’s Best.
The Michigan AG’s office highlighted the resumption of customer complaints regarding the Church-owned businesses, indicating a failure to adhere to the 2018 compliance agreement. The complaints were reported to both the Attorney General’s office and the Better Business Bureau.
The Attorney General’s office aims to not only hold the businesses accountable for their actions but also to protect consumers’ rights and ensure fair and transparent practices in the snow removal, lawn care, and landscaping industry.
