Northglenn Project

December 2025

My name is Meghan Conradt and I’m the Director of Foundation for Better Business Bureau. This past year, as we’ve grown and shaped the Restoring Trust program, I’ve continually been reminded of one truth: every story is different, yet every story reflects the same deep need for trustworthy businesses, community support and human connection. Our newest project is no exception.

In 2023, Peggy, a senior citizen with a loving family behind her, made a big decision. She sold her home and moved in with her daughter and son-in-law so they could build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property—something safe, functional and close to family so she could age in place with dignity. It should have been a hopeful, exciting chapter.

Instead, it became a nightmare and was even reported on by CBS Colorado.

After hiring Cooner Construction to build the mother-in-law suite, they took more than $300,000 in progress payments while construction slowly crept along. Then, with no warning, work stopped. Subcontractors filed liens. Communication ceased. And eventually, the contractor filed for bankruptcy—leaving Peggy living on her daughter’s couch and a half-built ADU sitting in limbo. Peggy also drained her retirement funds to re-start construction, just to try and keep the project moving while her family began legal proceedings with the original contractor.

When I first spoke with Peggy’s daughter, Christina, she described the emotional toll of watching her mother go through something like this at 80 years old. Not just the financial strain, but the heartbreak of watching a dream meant to bring comfort and stability become a source of stress, anxiety and fear.

This is where Restoring Trust enters the picture.

After learning about Peggy’s situation, our team began exploring whether this could be the last project we take on in 2025. And as fate would have it, the timing aligned with a new partnership BBB recently formed with Contractors of Colorado, a mission-driven group of ethical builders who believe deeply in giving back and uplifting their industry.

When I brought this case to their Founder & CEO, Andrew Laverenz, he didn’t hesitate.

Andrew immediately began identifying potential partners who could help finish the final, critical pieces of Peggy’s home—from accessibility upgrades like bathroom grab bars and a glass shower door to safe storage access and landscaping fixes that will protect the home’s foundation. These tasks are essential and they’re exactly the kinds of needs that can put further financial strain on fraud survivors who have already lost so much.

One of the first contacts of Andrew's to raise his hand to help was Justin Martinez from Colorado Glass & Mirror, who offered to donate the entire shower door and grab bar installation. The glass is ordered and on it’s way – we’re hoping to be able to install right around Christmas!

Then came conversations about securing donated labor and materials for landscaping, storage access and more, which we’re working on diligently. Each step, each business, each offer of help has reminded me what Restoring Trust is really about: bridging the gap between those who have been harmed and the businesses who want to make it right.

Peggy’s ADU is incredibly close to the finish line. She has weathered financial loss, legal battles, construction setbacks and deep disappointments. She and her family deserve these gifts of businesses giving back. It is an honor to step into this moment with her and her family as we help complete the final work needed for her to move into her home at last.

I look forward to sharing more updates soon as our partners begin their work on-site. In the meantime, do you have any ideas for other ways we might be able to help this family or brighten their days during the holiday season?

I would love to hear from you: bbbfoundation@thebbb.org

Yours in trust,
Meghan Conradt, Director of BBB Foundation

Our Foundation delivers on BBB's mission of advancing marketplace trust by providing consumer protection and business celebration programs to our community.