The downfall of EPIC Companies has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with many contractors and investors left in the lurch, owed thousands of dollars. In the midst of this turmoil, a lawsuit has been filed against Todd Berning, the former CEO, by 7Seven Property Partners, a Minot-based company, for money due on September 6th. However, the attempts to serve Berning with the legal papers have been met with a series of dead ends, as servers have been unable to locate him at his last known addresses in Fargo, West Fargo, and St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
The inability to serve Berning with the lawsuit has prompted the court to take an unusual step. On September 11th, a judge agreed to allow the papers to be served through the mail, a measure typically reserved for cases where the defendant's whereabouts are unknown or difficult to ascertain. This development underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to hold Berning accountable for the financial obligations left in the wake of EPIC Companies' sudden closure.
The sudden shuttering of EPIC Companies in May, which resulted in the layoff of employees, has left a trail of unpaid debts and unanswered questions. Many contractors and investors are owed significant sums of money, some in the thousands of dollars, as the company filed for bankruptcy in July. The disappearance of Todd Berning has only added to the complexity of the situation, leaving those affected by EPIC's downfall grappling with the uncertainty of whether they will ever see the money they are owed.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the search for Todd Berning has become a central focus. The inability to locate the former CEO has raised concerns about his potential involvement in the financial troubles that led to EPIC Companies' collapse. The court's decision to allow service by mail suggests a growing frustration with Berning's evasiveness and a determination to hold him accountable, should he be found.
The EPIC Companies saga serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices in the real estate development industry. The disappearance of a key figure like Todd Berning raises questions about the integrity of the company's operations and the potential for similar scenarios to unfold in the future. As the legal process continues, the outcome may provide valuable insights and lessons that can help strengthen the industry and protect the interests of all stakeholders.