Cedar Crossing Enterprises

My advice: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DEALING WITH PAUL MEADOWS!
I’ve been around the block a time or two when negotiating commercial leases, and this, by far, was the most frustrating. Even with residential real estate, sometimes (often) the owner, or lessor of a property thinks that the value is much more than what its really worth. How do we determine worth? Well, quite simple– its merely the price that someone is willing to pay. Or, in this economy, take the under.
During my due dilligence phase, I asked the appropriate questions that any astute buyer or lessee would ask, such as:
1. The condition of the HVAC
2. Plumbing, i.e. grease trap (restaurant)
3. Electrical
And, so on, and so on. You get the drift.
Paul Meadows, the President PRICK of Cedar Crossing stated that everything was fine. He even went as far to state that that the AC was in «good working order» and that asking for an allowance was «realllllyyyy» a stretch. And yes, he did place emphasis on «really.» Is he just dumb, or is he a blatant liar? I have my opinion, but I’ll keep it to myself.
When I took possession of this property, the plumbing went haywire on the first evening. On day 2, or maybe day 3, the AC went out. Now, the AC is a several ton commercial unit, so this wasn’t a trip to Lowes and a quick fix. No, I received quotes in excess of $ 12K to replace.
Now, here’s where it gets fun: When I called Mr. Paul Meadows– you know, the President PRICK of Cedar Crossing, and he simply started swearing at me when I informed him of the problems. Now, I could possibly understand if I came to him 2 years after taking possession, but the multiple problems were from DAY 1!
His response was that «I really pissed him off during the lease negotiation phase.» Hmmm, so I guess that I should’ve just paid the over market value, per square foot price that he was asking, so we could be buddies? He even went as far to refer to me in an anti-​semitic term. Honestly, I couldn’t believe a President of a commercial real estate company was using this type of sophomoric language, especially seeing as though I signed a lease just south of $ 500K!
When I informed him that I discussed his misrepresentation of the property, he became even more furious. Now, this goes back to the «dumb» reference I made earlier. It almost reminds me of when you catch someone in a lie, and instead of either apologizing or discussing the problem (s) in a rational manner, a dumb person generally starts making threats, raising their voice, and swearing, profusely. This is what Paul Meadows did. Now, is he dumb? You be the judge.
To go further, he even made a comment that «if you sue me, I assure you that it will cost you more than you ever get.» No Paul, I just want *you* to correct the misrepresented problems.
Now, I could write for hours about this asshole, but I’ll refrain. In my opinion, this jerk should’ve got down on his knees, and thanked me for leasing a property in these lean economic times. But, no, the situation got really ugly, and I’m still amazed that we avoided a lawsuit. Our lawyers worked everything out, but I think the internet can be a beautiful tool in revealing the truth about businesses that act in this manner.
****FYI– Even though Cedar Crossing Enterprises is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and Paul Meadows has a (904) area code cell phone, he does not live in Florida. He actually lives in Alexandria, VA, so he really doesn’t want to come to Florida for a lawsuit. He talks (threatens) a lot, but he’s simply a coward.
My advice: Have a reputable attorney go over any lease with a fine tooth comb before entering into any agreement with Paul Meadows of Cedar Crossing Enterprises!