INGLEWOOD – If you are a regular listener of 102.3 Radio Free KJLH then there’s a strong possibility you have heard a local contractor that regularly advertises on the black-focused station about his home improvement company.
“You know me, Jerome” is the catchphrase prominently featured in the 30-second commercial spots played throughout the day.
Owner Jerome Gardner was recently featured on Fox 11 Los Angeles, not because of the great work he is doing but because he charged an elderly black couple for home repairs that have yet to be completed.
Gina Silva interviewed the couple who shared their frustrations with their home not completed in time for the holidays.
“This is my kitchen, and this is the dining room,” says Gilbert Fears, pointing to his unfinished home.
Gilbert and Sheryl Fears, an elderly couple, spent $61,000 on a kitchen and laundry room remodel, but months after work began, they say they have little to show for it.
The contractor, Jerome’s SoCal Home Improvement, promised to complete the remodel by May 17, 2024. Excited about their new space, the Fears were planning to host family for Thanksgiving.
“It’s been such a headache for us. I was devastated because I felt like they didn’t care. We had to cancel our family’s tickets for Thanksgiving dinner,” says Sheryl.
When asked about the delays, Jerome Gardner, owner of Jerome’s SoCal Home Improvement, pointed to unforeseen issues with the property as the cause of significant setbacks.
“This is not a typical kitchen remodel. We had to enlarge the footing, build new footing, and handle framing. This can’t be done overnight,” said Jerome.
Gardner also cited customer-requested revisions that required resubmission to the city of Los Angeles for approval. However, for the Fears, the delays and excuses have left them feeling misled and frustrated. Gilbert says, “Don’t believe the hype. They call it Jerome’s SoCal Home Improvement, but I call it Jerome’s So Cold Home Improvement because they haven’t done what they said they’d do.”
To drown out the noise, he is now running commercials on KJLH featuring the voices of “happy customers”.
Have you hired Jerome? What’s your experience been? Some commenters are suggesting KJLH stop promoting his business until he does right by the Fears.
