Woman’s Faith in Humanity Restored Alongside Her Roof

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

After being scammed out of $7,000 by a man who said he would fix her roof, Linda Jones is gifted a new roof by three Gainesville businesses. 

Linda Jones has lived in her home in Woodbine, Texas for over four decades. She spent the bulk of those years with her late husband, Perry. “He was an amazing man. Marine Corps veteran, was sprayed with Agent Orange and fought cancer, diabetes, everything you can imagine,” Linda said in an interview with KXII News. “He was the one who did everything. And I let him.”  

Perry left Linda a widow nine years ago. So, when hail and wind damage called for Linda to get a new roof, the 69-year-old found herself looking for a contractor for the first time. 

Linda found a man who supposedly could fix the roof. He claimed to be a Denton County contractor and gave her an estimate of $7,000. He asked for money to be paid upfront, so Linda gave him her insurance check.  

Months passed with no repairs happening. Then months turned into years. Two and half years later and the roof has never been fixed. “He said they filed bankruptcy. And there was nothing they could do,” Linda shared with KXII News. “I was certainly ripped off.”  

Linda relies on social security; so, she couldn’t pay again for the job to be done. “Nice stuff just doesn’t seem to happen anymore,” Linda said. 

“I was like wait a minute, this isn’t right,” says Springtree Restoration Consultant Jodie Sampson. Jodie inspected Linda’s roof and was heartbroken by her story.  

Springtree Restoration partnered with D&H Roofing and within the next few days a new roof was finally put on Linda’s home. McCoy’s Building Supply donated roof shingles. “This is the highlight...just being able to do something so amazing for someone,” Jodie said to KXII News. 

The job ultimately cost around $5,300 total and was provided by the companies as a courtesy to Linda.  “I’m so grateful and I thank God for everything they’re doing,” said Linda, who had her faith in humanity restored alongside her roof.  

Springtree Restoration Owner and President of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas,(RCAT), AJ Huckaby, has urged people to take precaution against being scammed during storm season.  

He told KXII News his top tips for hiring a roofing contractor are: 

• Do not provide payment upfront.  

• Interview more than one contractor. 

• Hire local. 

• Ask your contractor if they are a part of any associations. 

• Obtain proof of general liability insurance. 

• Get a written contract.  

• Check references. 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

Photo credit: KXII