PUNTA GORDA, FLA. — Shoddy work.
Incomplete homes.
And broken promises.
That's what people who have spoken to Fox 4's Rachel Loyd for months say they've gotten from Mark Southwick, the man behind rhino custom homes.
So many people have complained about Mr. Southwick, that he was formally charged by the Charlotte County Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Thursday night, he spoke at hearing to determine his future as contractor in the area.
"It was getting too big too fast. I went from small to 75 with houses a year. I couldn't do it," said Southwick.
Southwick also put a lot the blame on his former business partner and the fact that his contractor's license was suspended for two months in 2019.
"Since I got my license back I meter with Erin and I'm paying liens, I'm getting houses done, I got rid of my partner, I closed my offices," said Southwick.
But that did little to appease the angry customers who showed up, many of whom say they've paid him thousands of dollars for homes that aren't complete.
"I'm one of the lucky ones. I gave a $5,000 dollar deposit," said one woman.
"A lot of things mark says isn't necessarily true," said another customer.
"This was going to be our retirement home," said an out of state couple.
In the end the board voted to suspend Southwick's ability to pick up any new building permits, until he finishes the existing properties he's working on and pays the $110,000 in liens that he owes on them.
He will also have to come back to the next meeting on March 5, 2020, to provide an update on his progress.
