Advertise on podcast: Client Horror Stories

What happens when a new client thinks he's already a superstar—and expects you to make the impossible happen? Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, Founder of Meet the World Image Solutions, shares the story of a rapper who hired her as his publicist, immediately began demanding major opportunities, and quickly proved that he was not the client she wanted to work with.   Rhonda tells Our Beloved Host, Morgan Friedman, how the relationship started innocently enough when she met the aspiring rapper at a college event. He paid for six months of publicity upfront, and Rhonda was excited to take on a new challenge. But things quickly went sideways when he rudely confronted her over an interview opportunity, failed to acknowledge her for getting him on a friend's radio show, and then casually expected her to get him onto NPR's prestigious Tiny Desk.   The experience taught Rhonda some important lessons about undercharging, client expectations, and recognizing when a relationship isn't worth saving. She ultimately returned most of his money after just one month and ended the engagement—an approach Morgan points out was both elegant and smart.   Morgan and Rhonda also explore why clients who pay very little can sometimes demand the most, why people who think they're “cool” can be particularly difficult to work with, and why disrespect that starts small can quickly escalate if you allow it.   Sometimes the best client-management strategy isn't figuring out how to make a difficult client happy.   It's recognizing early that they're simply not your client.     Morgan Friedman Rhonda’s Website Rhonda’s LinkedIn Rhonda’s Instagram Rhonda’s TikTok Rhonda’s Twitter/X Rhonda’s Facebook Rhonda’s YouTube Channel

What happens when customers stop talking to you and start talking about you online? Matt Estrin, Owner of 477 Distilling & Oak & Maple Restaurants in Northern Colorado, shares some of the wildest one-star reviews his businesses have received—and the surprising lessons hidden inside them. Matt tells Our Beloved Host, Morgan Friedman, about customers who complained about everything from cold waffles to having to pour their own coffee, a couple who reviewed his restaurant while sitting inside it, and even someone who left a one-star review without ever visiting the restaurant—because they didn't like how Matt responded to other reviews. But the conversation goes far beyond funny reviews. Matt and Morgan explore how online review culture has changed the way people experience restaurants, why customers are increasingly reluctant to have difficult conversations face-to-face, and how business owners can turn criticism into an opportunity for improvement, engagement, and even viral marketing. Morgan also brainstorms a few unconventional ways Matt could encourage customers to give useful feedback instead of hiding behind their keyboards—including turning the best customer suggestion into a monthly contest. Sometimes, a terrible review isn't a disaster. It might be an invitation to get creative.   Morgan Friedman Matt's LinkedIn Matt's Instagram Matt's Facebook

Today, Our Beloved Host, Morgan Friedman, is joined by Richard Wilmore—Talk Show Host, Game Show Host, Make Your Day Richer Podcast Host, and Producer. He’s here to share a workplace horror story that somehow involved being fired five times in nine months—and still showing up for work afterward.   Richard had left what he describes as one of the best jobs of his life to run a clothing store for an eccentric owner who had opened it because his daughter wanted one. The store opened with no internet, no register, and no system for tracking inventory—but somehow there was already a line down the street.   Things only got stranger from there.   The owner monitored the store through a wall of security-camera screens in his kitchen, watching Richard and his employees constantly. He would call Richard to criticize what he saw, yell at him over minor decisions, and repeatedly fire him—only to ask him to stay until he could find a replacement.   Richard eventually realized that this wasn't a one-time blowup. It was a pattern.   For nine months, he worked seven days a week in an environment so stressful that he was physically sick before going to work. And yet, every time he was fired, he somehow ended up coming back.   The experience taught Richard some uncomfortable lessons about recognizing red flags, trusting your instincts, and understanding when a job has crossed the line from difficult into unhealthy. It also revealed something surprising about the difference between businesses built to make money and businesses built primarily for vanity.   Morgan Friedman Richard's Website Richard's LinkedIn Richard's Instagram Richard's Facebook Richard's TikTok Richard's YouTube Channel

Jodi Koch Peterman, CEO of Elizabeth Erin Designs, interior designer, and host of the Designing in 5D podcast, shares a client horror story that somehow manages to include a runaway cabinet vendor, a $26,000 glazing mistake, furniture dumped into the ocean, mold, miscommunication, and a project that lasted nearly two years.   What began as an exciting whole-house remodel quickly became a perfect storm of problems. The client wanted a dramatic transformation, including a massive "Barbie Dreamhouse" closet and a luxury spa-like feel throughout the home. But delays getting an engineer, escalating design choices, a budget that ballooned far beyond expectations, and repeated communication breakdowns began to put everyone under increasing pressure.   Then things got even stranger. Cabinets were supposedly destroyed by a tornado. Another set of cabinets arrived in the wrong color because two clients' orders had been mixed up. A cabinet vendor disappeared after taking the money—and was eventually jailed. During COVID, one furniture shipment was even dumped into the ocean because of closed ports. Meanwhile, the client was dealing with mold at her temporary home, and Jodi found herself caught in the middle of an increasingly fractured relationship between the client and contractor.   As the project spiraled, Jodi became increasingly involved, sometimes working for months without additional compensation. She even showed up with a sage stick to "sage" the client, the house, and the dog in an attempt to clear the negativity surrounding the project.   But the biggest lessons came afterward. Jodi realized how important it is to establish expectations, communication, boundaries, and budgets from the beginning—and turned the experience into the foundation for her own Designing in 5D process and concierge-level approach to working with clients.     Morgan Friedman Jodi Koch Peterman's Website Jodi Koch Peterman's LinkedIn Jodi Koch Peterman's Instagram Jodi Koch Peterman's Facebook Jodi Koch Peterman's TikTok Jodi Koch Peterman's YouTube Channel

Today, Our Beloved Host, Morgan Friedman, is joined by Paul Sweeney, Founder of Pretium Solutions, Chartered Accountant, Business Growth Specialist, and host of The Business Behind Your Business. Paul shares a Client Horror Story about what happens when excitement, urgency, and trust take the place of contracts, structure, and basic business discipline. What begins as a promising opportunity quickly spirals into a company where employees have different promises, two people think they're the CEO, lawyers are brought in to clean up avoidable problems, and Paul himself goes months without getting paid.   The company had a huge opportunity in front of it: investors, a product in development, plans to become a public company, and plenty of people eager to make things happen. But in the rush to move forward, basic processes were skipped. Contracts weren't signed. Promises weren't documented. Employees were hired before the product was ready. And eventually, Paul realized the company had promised far more than it could possibly afford.   As the problems pile up, Paul finds himself caught in the middle of a fractured company, with disagreements over money, responsibilities, leadership, and who was actually in charge. At one point, two different people believed they were the CEO. Meanwhile, Paul was being asked to solve the company's financial problems while still waiting to be paid himself.   What makes the story particularly striking is that Paul was 42 when all of this happened—and advising others on exactly these kinds of business issues. Looking back, he recognizes how a long-standing relationship, the excitement of a major opportunity, and his own transition between businesses caused him to ignore safeguards he normally would have recommended to anyone else.     Morgan Friedman Paul's Website Paul's LinkedIn Paul's Instagram Paul's Facebook Paul's YouTube Channel

Some client relationships start with red flags so bright you'd think they were impossible to miss. And yet—when you're young, hungry, and genuinely excited about what you do—it's easy to mistake chaos for ambition.   Twenty years ago, Chris Simental, Co-Founder of Ripe Media & Tech Strategist,  was introduced to a client through a mutual acquaintance. The pitch sounded exciting on paper: build a dynamic ecommerce platform that would serve as a cultural hub for visual art, fashion, music, and film. A one-stop digital destination for creatives. The kind of project that makes a portfolio sing.   What they didn't know yet was that the vision far outpaced the client's understanding of what building that vision actually required.   The client—a family of four—came in with enormous expectations and very little grasp of how the digital world worked. From the very first meeting, the demands were overwhelming, and not always rooted in reality. One request stood out above the rest: they wanted their audience to be able to sell art without needing a computer or a camera. No digital footprint. No uploads. No friction.   It was a creative brief that defied the basic logic of ecommerce. How do you sell something that doesn't exist online? Chris and his team did what good builders do—they pushed forward, tried to bridge the gap between expectation and execution, and delivered an initial website they were ready to stand behind.   Then came the soft launch.   In the world of web development, a soft launch is standard practice. You release, you gather real user data, bugs surface, you fix them. It's not a failure—it's the process. Chris knew this. His team knew this. What he didn't anticipate was that the client did not.   Days after the launch, an angry email landed in their inbox. The client was furious. Momentum had been lost, they claimed. Users were disappointed. The bugs—normal, expected, fixable bugs—had apparently derailed everything. The tone was accusatory, the frustration outsized, and the response completely disproportionate to where they actually were in the development cycle.   It felt personal in a way that didn't quite add up.   And then, eventually, it all made sense.   As the relationship unraveled, a startling detail emerged: the business wasn't really about art, fashion, music, or film at all. The entire venture had been constructed as a vehicle—a means for the client to transfer business ownership to his son and secure a US citizenship in the process. The cultural platform was never the point. Chris and his team had spent months pouring their expertise into a project whose real purpose had never been disclosed to them.   In today's episode, Chris Simental breaks down exactly what went wrong, what he wished he'd caught earlier, and what every creative professional needs to know about vetting clients before the contract is signed.   Because sometimes the nightmare isn't in the code. It's in the fine print nobody showed you.   Morgan Friedman Chris's Website Chris's LinkedIn Chris's Instagram Chris's Facebook Chris's YouTube Channel

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of workplace sexual harassment and burnout. Listener discretion is advised.   Sira Laurel didn't enter the workforce with a safety net. She graduated in 2008—right as the financial crisis swallowed jobs whole and turned ambition into a survival test.    But Sira wasn't the type to wait for the storm to pass. She landed a role as a benefits advisor for postoperative equipment at a medical company, and from day one, she showed up differently. She learned fast, built trust faster, and quietly became indispensable.   Her sales team noticed. Her leadership team noticed. In a company full of moving parts and competing agendas, Sira had earned something rare—genuine respect from the people at the top. That visibility came with a promotion to management, a seat at a bigger table, and the kind of momentum that makes you believe the climb is finally worth it.   But momentum, when it's built on unstable ground, has a way of exhausting you before it ever breaks you.   Not everyone celebrated her rise. Whispers started in the back office. Resentment built in corners she couldn't always see. Sira was managing upward, managing sideways, and managing the quiet hostility beneath the surface—all at once. The weight of proving herself never quite lifted. It just changed shape. And without her realizing it, the very drive that made her exceptional was also burning her from the inside out.   Then one day, something shifted beyond just the exhaustion.   It wasn't a memo or a meeting. It was a feeling—a sudden chill in the air that she couldn't explain. The mentor who had championed her, the executive she'd trusted, seemed different. Distant. Guarded. It wasn't long before the reason surfaced: his wife had discovered he was having an affair. The personal had crashed violently into the professional, and Sira was standing in the wreckage without having caused any of it.   They tried to move forward. To compartmentalize. To keep things professional. And for a time, they did.   But something had broken—and what grew in its place added an unbearable new layer to an already heavy load.   Over time, the executive's behavior toward Sira shifted in ways that crossed every line that should never be crossed. What began as professional mentorship devolved into sexual harassment. The man who once advocated for her career began weaponizing his power against her instead. And Sira—already running on empty, already stretched thin by years of fighting to belong—was now forced to carry something no job description ever prepares you for.   The burnout wasn't just professional anymore. It was total.   Her story is not unique. That's exactly why it needs to be told.   In today's episode, Sira Laurel—now CEO and Executive Advisor of North of Normal—opens up about the compounding weight of workplace burnout, the slow erosion that happens when you give everything to a career that doesn't always protect you in return, and the line that was finally crossed. She shares what happened, how she survived it, and what she wants every professional to know about recognizing your limits, protecting your peace, and fighting for the dignity you deserve in every workspace you walk into.   This conversation is heavy. It is honest. And it is necessary.   Because no amount of hustle, no promotion, no professional relationship should ever cost someone their health—or their safety.     Morgan Friedman Sira's Website Sira's LinkedIn Sira's Instagram Sira's YouTube Channel

Today, we're joined by Lance Cayko—serial entrepreneur, award-winning architect, and co-founder of F9 Productions. He's here to share a client horror story that starts as a straightforward business deal and unravels into something far more sinister.   Years ago, Lance met a couple who had relocated from the south to Colorado. The wife, an interior designer, came with beautifully crafted drawings of their dream home. Impressed by her talent, Lance actually encouraged them to skip his architectural services altogether and simply hire an engineer—a gesture of genuine respect for her work.   That could have been the end of it. But years later, the husband resurfaced with a new project—and a new fiancée. The work began smoothly enough, but two-thirds of the way through, the invoices started going unpaid, communication went cold, and strange emails began trickling in. The reason soon became clear: the client had started construction himself without waiting for the building permit. Lance had seen enough. He sent a final email rescinding all involvement and walked away.   Then the fiancée called. She was devastated—and completely in the dark. Over coffee, she revealed that her partner had drained her accounts entirely. She pressed charges, and he fled the state.   The story didn't end there. After the dust settled and her home was completed through another firm, Lance came across a mugshot of his former client—charged with multiple counts of fraud. Driven by curiosity, he reached out to the man's first wife. What she shared over coffee confirmed everything: the man had been living a double life from the moment he arrived in Colorado.   Some clients aren't just difficult. Some are dangerous. Listen to hear the full story.     Morgan Friedman Lance's Website Lance's LinkedIn Lance's Instagram

Beth Trejo, CEO & Co-Founder of Chatterkick, has a horror story—but it's not about a difficult client. It's about a partnership that nearly cost her everything she built.   Beth's entrepreneurial journey started early. After winning a competition and walking away with $1,100, she bought a laptop, had a conversation with a friend, and launched a social media business. Chatterkick thrived—but as Beth began building her family, she felt the company needed more resources and guidance than she could provide alone. So she sold it.   Looking back, the red flags were there from the start. The acquiring company's portfolio was rooted in farming and milling—industries worlds apart from social media. Chatterkick was the odd one out, and the misalignment only deepened over time. Within three years, it became undeniable: they simply didn't know how to run a social media business.   The pressure was immense. Beth was navigating the very real possibility of losing the company, watching her team's livelihoods hang in the balance—all while raising young children at home. But she refused to walk away from what she had built from scratch. She fought back, bought Chatterkick back, and made a decision she wouldn't repeat: this time, she would grow it on her own terms, alongside the team that believed in it as much as she did.   Watch this episode to hear the full story.   Morgan Friedman Beth's Website Beth's LinkedIn Beth's Instagram Beth's YouTube Channel

Eric Robinson, retired FBI agent, author, and former pastor, shares a gripping story from his time working in the FBI's National Security and Counterterrorism Division. This episode dives into one of his earliest and most unforgettable cases—and it comes with a warning: parts of the story are intense and may be disturbing.   The case involved an individual already charged with providing financial support to a spokesperson for Al-Qaeda. While in prison, the suspect confided in another inmate that he wanted to have the judge overseeing his case murdered so a new judge could take over. That inmate quickly became a critical informant.   Following the lead, Eric and his team carefully guided the informant on how to handle future conversations. During their discussions, the suspect openly described how he wanted the murder carried out. The informant then suggested he knew someone who could perform the hit.   When the suspect agreed, shook hands on the plan, and exchanged money for the job, the evidence was undeniable. The plot sealed his fate—ultimately resulting in a 40-year prison sentence.   As part of the operation, Eric had promised the informant a possible five-year reduction in his sentence for cooperating. But in a surprising twist, the informant declined the deal and walked away from the offer entirely.   Morgan Friedman Eric's LinkedIn Eric's Instagram

Have you ever poured your heart into a project—only to be left unpaid in the end? Rich Wright, Artist, Designer, and Podcast Host, shares a Client Horror Story that left a lasting mark on his career.   At the time, Rich had already begun building a strong reputation, even doing design work for Bacardi. Through those connections, he was introduced to a well-known musical act. The band was big, successful, and looking for someone to design their stage outfits for an upcoming event—and they wanted Rich.   Thrilled by the opportunity, Rich presented his ideas, showcased his portfolio, and signed an agreement to begin the work. But something about the situation made him uneasy from the start. Trusting his instincts, he arranged to be paid in three installments.   After pouring his creativity and effort into the project, Rich personally delivered the final piece of the costume directly to the band's dressing room. That's when everything went sideways. Instead of paying the remaining balance, the band refused—and even handed the situation over to their attorney.   And believe it or not, the story only gets stranger from there. Tune in to hear how Rich navigated the chaos and ultimately fought to claim the payment he rightfully earned.   Morgan Friedman Rich's Website Rich's LinkedIn Rich's Instagram Rich's TikTok Rich's X/Twitter Rich's Facebook Rich's YouTube Channel

Fresh off her resignation from a large corporation, Trisha Daho, now CEO & Founder of Empowered Leadership Cultivation, set out to build her own business. Like many new founders, she quickly learned that the road to success is rarely smooth—and often comes with unexpected challenges.   One of Trisha's first clients came through a trusted friend: the owner of an interior design company who had mastered her craft but had little experience running a business. Trisha stepped in as a consultant, offering guidance on leadership, strategy, and growth. Almost immediately, yellow flags began to surface. Employees openly claimed their boss was the problem, and the owner floated wildly unrealistic ideas—like selling a $700 pair of slippers—then told others it was Trisha's recommendation.   As the situation worsened, the client continued spreading false narratives that damaged Trisha's reputation. Eventually, Trisha was forced to send a cease-and-desist order to put a stop to the misinformation. Although she was never fully paid for her work, walking away from the client became one of the best decisions she ever made.   This episode is a powerful reminder that not all revenue is good revenue—and that protecting your name, boundaries, and peace is sometimes the real win. Tune in to learn more.   Morgan Friedman Trisha's Website Trisha's LinkedIn Trisha's TikTok

Early in his coaching career, Carlos, Executive Coach & Neuromanagement Expert, was brought in to work with a company's top C-suite executive—someone brilliant at their job, consistently delivering exceptional results. But behind the performance was a serious problem: team members were quitting in droves, admitting they could no longer tolerate their boss's behavior. Simply put, he was a bully.   The company found itself trapped in a lose-lose situation. Letting him go could jeopardize the business due to his irreplaceable expertise. Keeping him meant continued attrition and a toxic culture that threatened the company from within.   Carlos faced an uphill battle. Bullies often disguise aggression as "passion" or "high standards," and rarely recognize the damage they cause. Instead of tackling the issue from one angle, Carlos took a strategic approach—coaching the executive while also equipping the team with tools to communicate, set boundaries, and protect themselves.   If you've ever worked under a bully—or felt powerless in a toxic workplace—this episode offers insight, validation, and practical strategies for navigating it with strength and clarity.   Morgan Friedman Carlos' Website Carlos' LinkedIn Carlos' Instagram

Today, we're joined by Jane Muir, Shareholder at J Muir & Associate PA, who opens up about one of the most difficult Client Horror Stories of her legal career.   Early in her career, Jane represented a group of older clients who had jointly invested in a Chinese restaurant. The group believed they weren't being given accurate financial figures and hired Jane to help negotiate a settlement. To protect both herself and the firm, Jane required everyone to sign a waiver of conflict of interest that confirmed that the attorney-client privilege included the whole group—meaning no one could withhold information from anyone in the group, and if conflicts arose, representation would immediately end.   That safeguard proved critical. After Jane sent a routine status letter to the entire group, internal tensions exploded and secrets surfaced. The situation escalated so badly that Jane and her firm were threatened with ethics complaints—despite having done nothing wrong and fully complying with Florida's professional standards for attorneys.   To make matters worse, Jane was paid just $2,500 for work that ultimately totaled more than $50,000 in legal services.   This episode is a powerful lesson in client boundaries, legal protections, and knowing when a "group client" is actually a liability.   Tune in to hear how Jane used this experience to change how she protects herself, her firm, and her future cases.     Morgan Friedman Jane's Website Jane's LinkedIn Jane's Facebook Jane's YouTube Channel

When Scott Gilbert, Founder of Aesthetic Flight, first launched his business, he didn't yet have the marketing expertise needed to scale effectively. And while this series usually features Client Horror Stories, this time Scott is the client—sharing what went wrong when he hired an agency to generate leads.   A few years in, Scott understood the basics and felt confident enough to outsource growth. He trusted the agency to handle paid ads and bring in leads. But during what should have been the busiest season of the year, something alarming happened: zero leads. Not low performance—none at all. Weeks passed. A/B tests were run. Still nothing.   Sensing something deeper was wrong, Scott scheduled a call with the agency's CEO. That's when he discovered the real issue: the agency had used the wrong credit card to run his ads, causing Google to flag his account as fraudulent and shut everything down.   Although Scott eventually received a refund, the financial damage—and lost momentum—couldn't be undone.   Tune in to hear how Scott turned this costly mistake into a system for protecting his business, and what he now does to ensure he never hands over blind control again.   Morgan Friedman Scott's Website Scott's LinkedIn Scott's Instagram