Southers Scandal: How One Contractor’s Collapse Left Homeowners and Crews in the Dust

Nearly a year after New Hampshire’s Attorney General accused Southers Construction and Lee Haight of running what investigators called a “Ponzi scheme,” the fallout is still spreading.

In this video, Dmitry revisits the Southers story — not through court filings, but through the eyes of one homeowner who lived the nightmare. His experience is a warning for every homeowner and contractor in the industry.

A Project Gone Wrong

In 2020, a homeowner — we’ll call him John — hired Southers Construction to replace siding on his home. The company looked professional, the contract was signed, and materials were delivered. But after that, everything started falling apart.

Crews stopped showing up. Subcontractors said they weren’t getting paid. Project managers seemed inexperienced, and Southers kept asking for more money. Even when management got involved, problems continued. Eventually, the owner Ricky Southers went silent — and the job was left unfinished.

The Fallout

Frustrated and out thousands of dollars, John and his wife ended up finishing the work themselves. They took Southers to court and won a judgment — but by then, Ricky had already shut down operations, drained his accounts, and moved to New Hampshire.

According to the New Hampshire Attorney General, Southers Construction received a $1 million loan from RRCA, the company owned by Lee Haight. When Southers couldn’t repay it, Haight allegedly took over control of the business — leaving customers, employees, and subcontractors unpaid.

The AG’s office accused both men of misleading homeowners and using new deposits to pay off old debts — the very definition of a Ponzi-style operation. Southers is now banned from contracting in New Hampshire, while lawsuits and investigations continue across multiple states.

A Bigger Lesson for Contractors and Homeowners

This isn’t just about one company. It’s about spotting red flags before they cost you everything. Dmitry reminds viewers that even once-legitimate businesses can go downhill fast when greed or mismanagement take over.

For homeowners, the lesson is clear:

  • Always verify licenses and insurance.
  • Avoid large upfront payments.
  • Use escrow services like PayKeeper or hire through Directorii, where every contractor is background checked and financially verified.

For contractors, it’s a reminder that reputation is everything — and transparency is the only path to long-term trust.