If you’re in Wisconsin you may have heard of a potential scandal involving a window company called Windows Select. It even sounds like the Green Bay Packers are involved. Let’s find out what’s going on.
For starters, this article from a local new outlet covers the issues pretty clearly. The accusations are that this company took deposits from hundreds of customers and is unable to pay their bills. This would potentially put them at risk of bankruptcy which would make their customers pretty nervous.
Lets start at the beginning
It seems the owner of Windows Select, Justin Kiswardi, had been involved in the Universal Windows Direct location in West Allis that had gone out of business. Here’s another article outlining some of the difficulties there.
Once that location had closed Justin opened Windows Select which also offers similar products and services.
It seems things started strong, but that didn’t last.
Problems at Windows Select
According to the article listed above Windows Select has received 66 BBB complaints in the last 12 months. That’s not ideal. It also says the owner of the company had previously been sentenced to three years in jail in Ohio for financial crimes. I’m a firm believer in rehabilitation, but it seems like there may be a pattern here.
They say that many customers report paying deposits for windows that were never ordered. If that’s the case it could be that the company is using deposits from one customer to pay for windows for another which is a tricky position to be in.
Are the delays from manufacturing?
Here’s a pretty unusual thing. It seems that the manufacturer Windows Select was using posted a negative google review about them.
Here it is:
The claim there is that Windows Select was blaming the delays on manufacturing. The manufacturer says they’re making the windows but not shipping them because of unpaid invoices. That’s not a great sign.
Why are the Greenbay Packers involved?
Well, it seems that the company was advertising with the Packers. They were offering things like free tickets when you get a quote for windows. It’s relatively common for home improvement companies to advertise with sports teams so that’s not a problem.
The companies pay the sports teams for the advertising. In this case it seems the company didn’t pay the advertising bills and the Packers have now cut ties with them. Again, not a great sign.
What’s happening now?
Towards the end of that article they mention that the company was setting up at a home and pet show in Kenosha just a few weeks ago. That would mean they’re still looking for new customers.
Finally, they do mention that the owner of the company denied most of these claims and offered to provide info that would explain things, but never did.
If anyone out there has any more info on this situation please let us know. We’ll be happy to update this page as more info becomes available.
What should you do if you think I’m wrong about something?
That’s easy, just post a comment below and let us know. It’s always my objective to share facts as I know them to be true and my opinions. If you think I’ve missed the mark on anything I would LOVE to hear from you. Please post a comment and I may follow up by email too. Thanks for taking the time to contribute to the site!
How can you find a great window company?
That part is easy. Check this section for recommendations of window companies all over the country including two in Wisconsin. There’s no better way to get new windows.