By Matt Theriault
5 Minute Read
WHY I STOPPED FIGHTING FAIR.
I used to think a handshake meant something. Then I lost $4,500 learning that some people only respect leverage.
I am not a lawyer.
I am a real estate investor who got tired of being pushed around by people who thought I wouldn't fight back.
This is the story of how I stopped being a target.
What to do when a contractor takes your money and doesn't finish the job.
THE $4,500 HANDSHAKE
A few years ago, I hired a contractor named Dave to renovate a rental property.
We shook hands. He seemed like a good guy. I gave him $4,500 upfront for materials.
Two weeks later, the job was half-finished. Dave stopped returning my calls.
I drove to the property. Tools were gone. Materials were gone. Dave was gone.
I called a lawyer. He quoted me $7,500 to file a lawsuit. To recover $4,500.
That is when I realized something:
The legal system is not designed for regular people. It is designed to protect people who can afford to use it.
THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED
A few months later, I got into a dispute with an HOA.
They were threatening to fine me $500/day for a landscaping issue that wasn't even my fault.
This time, I didn't call a lawyer. I didn't negotiate. I didn't beg.
I opened my phone, clicked a button, and had my law firm send them a demand letter from a law firm.
"The fines stopped immediately. The HOA apologized. The whole thing was resolved in 48 hours."
Cost to me? $0.
That is when I understood the game. Legal help for contractor disputes and HOA battles doesn't have to cost thousands—if you have affordable legal protection for homeowners.
THE "LETTERHEAD" LOOPHOLE
That moment changed my entire business philosophy.
I realized that in America, you aren't paying for the lawyer.
You are paying for the Letterhead.
That logo at the top of the page—that lawyer demand letter to contractor or HOA board—sends a very specific signal to a bully:
"This person is not a civilian. This person has a legal department. If I keep messing with them, it's going to cost me everything."
It flips the power dynamic instantly.
ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT (THE MLM THING)
Now, we have to talk about the awkward part.
If you Google LegalShield, you are going to see some noise.
"It's an MLM." "It's a Pyramid Scheme." "My aunt tried to sell it to me at Thanksgiving."
Here is my honest take:
Yes. It is an MLM.
The "Business Opportunity" side of it attracts some annoying people. The sales tactics can be cringe-worthy. The cancellation process requires a phone call (which is annoying).
I do not care.
I am not asking you to join a cult. I am not asking you to sell memberships to your neighbors.
I am telling you that the Product—the actual access to the law firm—is the single most undervalued asset in the country. When you need to know how to fight a bad contractor legally or deal with a shady contractor who stole your money, this is the weapon.
If you use it ONCE to fight a speeding ticket? It pays for itself.
If you use it ONCE to review a contract? It pays for itself.
If you send ONE letter that gets a contractor to finish the job? You have made a 1,000% return on investment.
A WARNING FOR MY INVESTORS
However, there is a trap. And because I'm not a "LegalShield Rep," I'm going to tell you the truth.
The Personal Plan ($29.95) does NOT cover your business.
If you are a Landlord, an LLC owner, or an Entrepreneur, and you try to use the basic plan to evict a tenant or review a vendor contract... the lawyer will say "No."
They will tell you it's a "Business Matter."
Do not be cheap.
If you have assets, you need to add the "Home Business Supplement" or get the "Small Business Plan."
It costs a few dollars more. Pay it.
That is the "Landlord Mode." That is what unlocks the coverage for your rentals, your LLCs, and your commercial disputes.
CHOOSE YOUR POSTURE
You have two choices today.
Choice 1: The Victim.
You can continue to rely on "Good Faith." You can hope the contractor doesn't steal. You can hope the HOA acts reasonably. You can pay the traffic ticket because you "don't have time" to fight it.
You can be the person the system is designed to exploit.
Choice 2: The Owner.
You can walk through life with a Rottweiler on a chain.
You can operate with the swagger of a billionaire who has General Counsel on speed dial.
You can hit a button on your phone and unleash a law firm on anyone who tries to disrespect your time or your money.
I built BullyProofMyLife.com to give you the direct link to the tool I use.
No recruiting. No sales pitch. Just the weapon.
Get the membership.
Get the business rider if you own rentals.
And the next time someone tries to push you around...
Push back.
Matt Theriault
Founder, Epic Real Estate
Desert Storm Veteran (USMC)
P.S. – I spent $4,500 learning that being "nice" doesn't work with bullies. You can learn that lesson for free right now.
TAKE ME TO THE OPTIONSVIEW OPTIONSDon't let the next bully cost you $4,500
Get your legal shield for $30/month