A struggling young landlord needed help. Alan gave her every break he could. Years later, he learned that goodwill is not a substitute for payment.
Years ago, Alan assisted a young property owner whose boyfriend was incarcerated and who needed help removing a non-paying tenant from one of her rental units. Respecting her situation, he provided guidance, completed the service, filed the case, and fronted the court costs himself. What followed was a long series of promises to pay, missed opportunities, ignored reminders, and an unanswered demand letter. Eventually, SCCO's legal counsel, Lance, filed a small claims action. The defendant failed to appear, resulting in a judgment for SCCO. "Goodwill" is a lesson about the difference between helping someone and financing their obligations. Compassion has a place in business, but goodwill is not a payment plan.
