Why did St. Augustine Record publish opinions of LYDIA CLADEK INC. investors as a "local news" story on a news page?

Why did the St. Augustine Record publish opinions of LYDIA CLADEK INC. investors as a "local news" story on a news page?



Perspective: Lydia Cladek's Business Model Could Still Work
It's not too good to be true, say backers

By LORIE AND JOHN ZEMLOW

A group of Lydia Cladek, Inc (LCI) private lenders who put money with the company to purchase discounted car notes have declared "It's NOT Too Good To Be True." They believe that it is important for the general public, and their private lender colleagues, to know that the company is not a scam. It is also important for all to know that it is not a forgone conclusion that everyone will lose their money.

The company is engaged in a legal, profitable, business that has operated successfully for over two decades. Lydia Cladek may have scammed those who trusted her. She may have robbed the "piggy bank." If so, that is past history and legal authorities will be sure that she pays dearly for her wrong doings. However, it is now time to help the company recover losses and move forward.

Many who loaned money to LCI want to put proper management in place and continue to run a successful and profitable business. Apparently the FBI looks favorably on this approach as well. Eventually, everyone can still win. Filing lawsuits and bringing the company down will result in huge losses for everyone. Good hardworking, honest employees will lose their jobs. Those who loaned money to LCI will lose their funds.

The private lenders who favor saving the company do not want one "bad apple" to spoil the barrel. There are hundreds of good people who are willing to help re-build the company. There are those who understand the business model very well. They are willing to bring new private lenders to help the company survive. In time, those who loaned to LCI can get their money back.

Alan Bratic, the financial advisor who was recently quoted in The Record, was basically correct. In order to pay 15-18 percent returns, LCI would have to purchase at a discount, and collect on car notes yielding close to 29 percent (Florida's legal limit). That is exactly what LCI does, and more. That is how LCI works, why the company has been successful, and why it can continue to be successful. In fact, there are still revenues coming into LCI from previous discounted car note purchases.

LCI used the business plan successfully for years and years. Those who entrusted their funds with the company were paid handsome returns for years and years. It's time to recapture and rebuild the company without Lydia Cladek involved, and with proper management and safe guards in place. There is no need to "throw the baby out with the bath water!"