- Seenah Wilson and Duryea Caldwell, two ambitious women in Tennessee, dreamt of making a positive impact on their community. Wilson envisioned a bright and welcoming literacy academy for pre-k children, while Caldwell aimed to expand her daycare to accommodate more families. Their dreams turned into nightmares after hiring the same contractor, Andrea Gilliam of AB E Concrete Contractors.
Both women allege Gilliam took a significant amount of money upfront but delivered close to nothing in return. Wilson’s unfinid academy loomed, the opening date rapidly approaching. Caldwell’s daycare expansion stalled, leaving her with an unusable space. Adding insult to injury, the work Gilliam did was reportedly poor quality, failing to meet building codes.
Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern. The Tennessee State Board of Contractors found no license for Gilliam. Even worse, a license number he provided belonged to another company, who confirmed they had no connection to Gilliam or AB E Concrete Contractors. This wasn’t the first time Gilliam allegedly used a fake license. A similar incident occurred with another business, the Black Pearl Millet Academy.
Caldwell, trusting a positive recommendation, had hired Gilliam after seeing his seemingly professional work on residential projects. However, distrust arose when the promised occupancy permit, crucial for opening the daycare, never materialized. Gilliam allegedly assured her it would be “no problem,” but the permit remained elusive. Caldwell was forced to hire new contractors to complete the work and secure the permit, leaving her with a substantial financial burden.
Wilson is facing similar challenges. She desperately needs to complete the academy before the planned opening. The dream of providing a nurturing space for young learners feels increasingly distant. Both women have filed police reports, and the state is investigating Gilliam’s activities. Whether they will recover their money remains uncertain.
This story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering hiring a contractor. Always verify their license and check references thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to walk away if something feels amiss. The financial and emotional toll of falling victim to contractor fraud can be devastating.
