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SUMMARY: The DYOJO Podcast discusses a $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon over the fatal shooting of Freddie Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot by a security guard, Logan Gimble, who is now serving life for second-degree murder. Nelson had a verbal altercation with a Lowe's employee over pallets, despite having permission from store staff. Gimble, who was not authorized to carry a firearm, pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife before shooting him. The trial involves the property management firm TMT and the security company Cornerstone, with arguments centering on de-escalation training and the high crime area of the parking lot. In recent years, many contractors have likely noticed heightened security measures at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. It’s becoming more common to see tools locked up and armed security personnel present. This shift raises an important question: What happens when an altercation involving security personnel escalates, leading to the use of force? A tragic case from Oregon offers a sobering example of what can go wrong when security protocols and training fall short. The incident, now at the center of a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit, involves the fatal shooting of Freddy Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot in North Portland. The Incident On May 29, 2021, Freddy Nelson Jr. was shot and killed by Logan Gimbel, a private security guard employed by Cornerstone, the firm contracted to provide security at the Lowe's location. Nelson had an arrangement with a Lowe’s employee to collect and recycle broken pallets, but the property management company, TMT, had implemented a strict "zero tolerance" policy for any unauthorized activity on the premises. On the day of the incident, Nelson was in the parking lot to pick up pallets when Gimbel confronted him. The altercation quickly escalated. Gimbel pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife, who was in the truck with him, and then fired four fatal shots through the windshield of Nelson’s vehicle as he attempted to drive away. Gimbel, now serving a life sentence for second-degree murder, was later found to be carrying a firearm he was not legally allowed to have as a security guard. The Civil Lawsuit Kari Nelson, Freddy’s widow, is now suing both TMT and Cornerstone, seeking $200 million in damages. Her attorney, Tom D’Amore, argues that the shooting could have been avoided if Cornerstone had provided better de-escalation training to its security personnel. He asserts that Gimbel's actions were unnecessary and that Cornerstone’s lack of proper supervision and training led to Nelson’s death. On the defense side, the case is complex. TMT’s attorney, Sharon Collier, acknowledged the tragedy but placed the blame on Cornerstone, claiming the security company did not follow TMT’s instructions to avoid engaging with Nelson. She explained that the Lowe's location was in a high-crime area known for drug activity and gang violence, which is why they hired Cornerstone in the first place. On the other hand, Cornerstone’s attorney, CJ Martin, admitted the company’s negligence but pointed out that Gimbel had passed all necessary background checks and training programs. She emphasized that Oregon law requires security personnel to prioritize de-escalation whenever possible, which she argues was not adequately considered under TMT’s zero tolerance policy. Lessons for Contractors and Business Owners For contractors and business owners, this case highlights several critical lessons when it comes to security on job sites and other properties. 1. Clear Communication and Policies: When property owners and contractors hire security companies, it’s essential to ensure there’s a clear understanding of policies and procedures. In this case, the lack of communication between TMT and Cornerstone regarding their handling of Nelson created confusion that may have contributed to the tragedy. 2. Proper Training for Security Personnel: The most important takeaway is the need for comprehensive, ongoing training in de-escalation techniques for security guards. Gimbel’s actions underscore what can happen when a situation is mishandled, leading to fatal consequences. If Cornerstone had provided better training, or if Gimbel had adhered to a de-escalation protocol, Nelson might still be alive today. 3. Liability and Risk Management: This case serves as a reminder that liability doesn’t just fall on the individual responsible for the incident—it can also extend to the companies that hired and trained them. Contractors, business owners, and property managers must vet the security firms they work with carefully, ensuring that proper safeguards and training programs are in place to prevent unnecessary escalation. 4. Balancing Security Needs and Safety: Finally, it’s essential to strike a balance between protecting property from theft and ensuring that security measures don’t endanger the safety of individuals. While security is crucial in areas with high crime, the policies and procedures guiding that security must prioritize the safety of everyone involved. Closing Thoughts The tragic death of Freddy Nelson Jr. is a sobering reminder of the importance of clear security protocols and proper training. As contractors and business owners continue to navigate the complexities of maintaining secure job sites, this case offers an important lesson in ensuring that those tasked with enforcing security are adequately trained to handle situations without resorting to unnecessary force. As the trial continues, it will be interesting to see how the jury weighs the arguments and assigns responsibility. What’s certain, however, is that this case will have lasting implications for how security companies and their clients handle risk, liability, and training moving forward. For those working in industries that rely on security partnerships, this case emphasizes the importance of making sure everyone understands their role and how to safely resolve conflicts before they turn tragic. Sources: Video - KPTV Fox 12 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DouSndVI4gI Article - CVN - https://blog.cvn.com/25m-trial-over-fatal-shooting-in-lowes-parking-lot-begins-watch-gavel-to-gavel-via-cvn 
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In our next episode of The DYOJO Podcast, we’re diving into a tragic story that’s making headlines: the $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon. This episode short will discuss the details related to a civil suit following a tragic Confrontation Between Armed Security and a Pallet Flipper at an Oregon Lowes.  Click photo for link to YouTube Short Nearly two years ago, Freddy Nelson Jr. was fatally shot in a North Portland Lowe’s parking lot by Logan Gimbel, a private security guard for Cornerstone, now serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. Nelson, who had an agreement with Lowe's to collect and sell unwanted pallets, was confronted by Gimbel, and things escalated quickly. The security company and the property management are now facing a civil trial related to their involvement in this tragic outcome. This incident raises critical questions about security practices and training—topics every contractor and business owner should be aware of. Tune in THIS THURSDAY (YouTube, Spotify, and Apple) for this important episode, where we break down the case and discuss the implications for security and risk management on job sites. Sources: Video - KPTV Fox 12 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DouSndVI4gI Article - CVN - https://blog.cvn.com/25m-trial-over-fatal-shooting-in-lowes-parking-lot-begins-watch-gavel-to-gavel-via-cvn  You're Invited: Elevate Your Business at Our Exclusive Contractor Training Event in Vegas!8/20/2024 Are you a contractor, or do you work in a service-based business like water damage restoration, carpet cleaning, remodeling, or insurance claims? If you’re nodding your head, this invitation is for you. We get it—you’re always looking for ways to invest in your business, sharpen your skills, and grow your team. Well, we’ve got the perfect excuse (I mean reason) for you to head to Vegas in September! Join us for an unforgettable training experience that’s all about real-world, practical strategies to elevate your projects and your business. I’ll be presenting on the "3 Ps of Project Management," a powerful framework designed to help professionals like you build processes that deliver consistently great project outcomes. When everyone’s doing their own DANG job—well, that’s how champions are made, right?  This isn’t just another seminar. We’ll be diving into actionable insights, discussing proven project management principles, and exploring simple tools that will empower your team to step up their game. Whether you’re looking to refine your current systems or find new ways to enhance your services, this training is going to give you exactly what you need to take things to the next level. And did I mention it’s in Vegas? Imagine learning valuable skills while hanging out with other like-minded professionals and taking in everything the city has to offer. We’ll be working with principles from my book, So You Want to Be a Project Manager, to guide you through hands-on exercises and discussions that you can directly apply to your business. So don’t miss out—mark your calendar, pack your bags, and get ready to elevate your business. We can’t wait to see you in September at this one-of-a-kind event. Let’s grow together and become the champions our clients deserve! Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024 Time: 9:40 am - 10:40 am Location: Caesar's Forum Conference Center, Room 122, Las Vegas, NV Topic: The 3 Ps of Project Management – Real-World Strategies for Better Project Outcomes Secure your spot today! See you in Vegas!  The water damage response and repair industry has emerged into the consumer discourse. But how many property restoration contractors are aware of the rich history of innovation and collaboration that have laid the groundwork their livelihood? In this episode we take a field trip into the past with Ron "Alfie" Alford and complete our recap of RIA 2024 with Ed Cross. In Episode 118 of The DYOJO Podcast 0:00 The 5th Water Damage Air Mover Made 12:49 Robust Conversations with Xactimate 18:16 History and Headway with the AGA 28:00 Becoming a Class A Contractor with Ron Alford References and guest appearances for this episode include: Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, video from Ron Alford, Cliff Zlotnik, Jim Thompson, Mark Springer, Katie Smith, excerpts from Ron Alford's book How To Win The Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast.  The DYOJO Podcast for Contractors
New episodes are released on Thursdays at 12:01am PST Jon Isaacson had the honor of being selected to present The 3 P's of Project Management for multiple construction tradeshows this year. Friday, February 2, 2024 Pete Consigli's Winter Break 2024 (Naples, Florida) Jon Isaacson is Speaking on The 3 P's of Project Management for Construction Professionals Thursday, February 29, 2024 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders Show (Vegas, Nevada) Jon Isaacson is Speaking on The 3 P's of Project Management for Construction Professionals Wednesday, April 10, 2024 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM CT Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Annual Conference and EXPO (Dallas, Texas) Jon Isaacson is Speaking on The 3 P's of Project Management for Restoration Professionals  During these presentations, Jon shares from his over twenty years of experience in the skilled trades. He also shares principles from his third book, So, You Want to be a Project Manager? The 3 P's presentation reviews the traditional metrics of project management which require an organization to bring projects to completion ON scope, ON budget, and ON schedule. As the discussion progresses, Jon helps owners, managers, and construction professionals better prepare for consistent outcomes with the dynamics of project management. In addition to those core competencies, modern professionals have to always be learning to improve their skills with People, Process, and Projects (The 3 P's).  The two resources that attendees most ask for after the attend the 3 P's of Project Management presentations are The DYOJO Production Sequencing and Project Tracking spreadsheets (see images above). If the reader is interested in these resources they should check out Jon's books, So, You Want to be a Project Manager (production sequencing) and How to Suck Less at Estimating (project tracking). How to Suck Less at Estimating is also a six module course available through Restoration Technical Institute. Contact The DYOJO today to discuss these resources.
Tradeshows are an excellent way to expand your knowledge and your network. Industry expos can also be socially awkward. To maximize professional value you must embrace social awkwardness by pushing through personal discomfort. Be intentional to move yourself from attendee to participant. One creative way I have found to force myself to meet new people is to try to meet a member from every state at larger industry events. This practice gives me a goal, forces me out of my shell, and has opened up some fun conversations. A few suggestions to help professionals embrace social awkwardness and harvest more value from industry events:
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