When Good Faith Turns Into False Promises

For many Americans, the dream of homeownership represents more than just real estate—it’s the symbol of a life built with intention. For Julie and Boyd Norris, that dream took a modern twist. They envisioned a minimalist future nestled in a handcrafted tiny home on their own plot of land in Texas. But what started with excitement and plans for a sustainable lifestyle quickly turned into a costly cautionary tale.

The Norrises had done their homework. They thought they’d found the perfect builder: a Georgia-based company called Kokoon Homes, run by a man named Dave Rades. The couple liked his eco-friendly approach to construction and wired him more than $22,000 in early 2017 to get started.

And then… nothing.

No house. No refund. Just silence, broken only by a string of excuses.

 

What started with excitement and plans for a sustainable lifestyle quickly turned into a costly cautionary tale (source: iStock)

 

The Vanishing Act and a Trail of Excuses

The Norrises’ experience followed a playbook all too familiar in contractor fraud cases: initial charm, sudden delays, and a vanishing act when questions start piling up. When Julie and Boyd pressed for answers, Rades allegedly dodged their calls and continued to promote his services at home shows—even after failing to deliver on their contract.

Determined not to let their hard-earned money disappear without a fight, the couple didn’t just file complaints. They took action. Julie made her own protest T-shirts and confronted Raitis at a major Atlanta home show. He was swiftly removed from the event—but not before the damage had been done.

And it wasn’t just the Norrises. Others began to surface with similar stories, each one pointing to a larger issue in the consumer protection landscape: what happens when law enforcement labels a clear deception as a “civil matter”?

 

The Loophole Con Artists Rely On

When the Norrises tried to report Rades to local law enforcement, they hit a brick wall. Because the transaction involved a business agreement, their complaint was dismissed as a civil dispute. That left them stuck navigating a long, expensive legal path to recover their money—one where the only guaranteed winners are the lawyers.

As Dale Cardwell and his TrustDALE investigative team explain, this isn’t a fluke. It’s an all-too-common pattern. In what he calls “The Rip-Off Range,” con artists regularly steal thousands from consumers, knowing full well that pursuing them in court often costs more than what was lost.

Rades, who continued dodging accountability, was eventually tracked down by the TrustDALE team at yet another home show. When confronted, his tone changed. He claimed the refund was “in process,” but no such payment materialized. Meanwhile, he continued spending money on legal maneuvers rather than resolving the dispute.

After months of pressure and persistent investigative reporting, the case finally gained traction. Authorities in Georgia arrested Rades and charged him with felony theft by conversion. He now faces serious consequences for allegedly converting the Norrises’ payment into personal use without delivering the promised product.

 

When they caught up with him, Georgia authorities arrested Rades and charged him with felony theft by conversion (Source: TrustDALE TV)

 

Fighting Back—and Moving On

Incredibly, the Norrises never gave up on their dream. After cutting ties with  Kokoon Homes, they found a reputable builder in Colorado. This time, the experience was everything they had hoped for. The new company delivered their tiny home kit three weeks early—and the Norrises were finally able to build the home they had waited years for.

“I’m very happy,” Julie shared, reflecting on the hard-earned justice. “He knows we’re not going away.”

Their story serves as both a warning and a reminder: persistence, public exposure, and trusted resources can turn the tide in consumer disputes that seem unwinnable.

 

Protect Yourself: What You Can Do

The Norrises' ordeal highlights a painful truth—if someone wants to take your money and disappear, it’s often easier for them to do than you might think. But here’s how you can reduce the risk:

  • Vet contractors thoroughly: Look beyond the pitch and presentation. Ask for references, proof of licensing, and examples of completed projects.
  • Use payment milestones: Avoid paying large sums upfront. Instead, agree to pay in stages based on completed work.
  • Document everything: Emails, receipts, contracts—keep it all. If things go south, a clear paper trail makes a difference.
  • Know your resources: Organizations like TrustDALE.com exist to help you verify businesses and hold them accountable. Every TrustDALE Certified Partner is backed by the “Make It Right Guarantee.”

Conclusion: Don’t Be Silent—Be Smart

The Norrises’ story could have ended in quiet defeat. Instead, they turned their frustration into action—and got justice in the process. Their experience underscores a deeper issue in the American legal system: when fraud masquerades as a “business dispute,” too many bad actors escape accountability.

But when consumers speak out, when they organize, and when they have access to trusted advocates—things can change.

Have you been misled or mistreated by a business? Don’t let silence be the end of your story. Share your experience and explore your options at TrustDALE.com.

Because no one should get away with stealing your dream.