I worked around the clock, doing websites, print jobs… anything to bring money in, working at home. Carole worked for Sharp Image Home Remodeling Company. She made decent money, but the company was ailing.

The two partners were aware of our situation, and a scheme was concocted to solve all our problems. If Carole and I could get financing, they could build an addition to our house, the added equity can help us refinance and save the house.

The additional money would make Carole a third partner and save the company. Sounded good on paper right?

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to save Sharp Image, as they closed their doors in January 2000. Both partners were never to be seen again, and our sunroom was never finished. The bank began foreclosure proceedings, as my earnings were nowhere near enough.

With the leftover equipment, contacts, and clientele, Carole formed Do It Right Construction with former construction supervisor John Rose, and a handful of now-unemployed construction workers, three weeks later.

But it was too late. A string of bad business decisions, including buying out a bad company from a con-artist, there was nowhere near enough money to save the house.

On top of a legal nightmare, our house was one of many sold by the Sheriff in June 2000.

Game over.