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-My journey as a customer of Cortes Campers-

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  • Statement of Intent and Legal Notice

    At this time, I have chosen not to publish the actual email correspondence I’ve received from a representative of Cortes Campers LLC, who has made multiple attempts to intimidate, silence, or discourage me from sharing my experience publicly. I have also been informed that I may soon be contacted by their legal counsel. My purpose in maintaining this website and related content is not retaliation, but consumer awareness — to warn the public about what I believe to be unethical and potentially unlawful business practices. Sharing my experience is both a personal right and a civic responsibility, ensuring that others can make informed decisions before entering into business with this company. This platform documents my long and well-recorded journey as a paying customer of Cortes Campers LLC.

    This website and its related content represent my personal opinions and experiences as a consumer. I am a resident of Oregon and owner of a Nevada-based business. Any attempt to restrict, suppress, or penalize my truthful and opinion-based commentary regarding matters of public interest — including consumer experiences, warranty practices, or business conduct — would lack proper personal jurisdiction in the State of Ohio or any other foreign venue. My statements are protected expressions under both the United States Constitution and state law, including the Nevada Anti-SLAPP statute (NRS 41.635 – 41.670), Oregon’s Anti-SLAPP statute (ORS 31.150 – 31.155), and Ohio’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (R.C. § 2747.01 et seq.). These laws prohibit meritless or coercive litigation intended to silence individuals speaking on issues of public concern and provide for recovery of attorney’s fees and damages against parties who file such actions.

  • Cortes Camper Quality

    After nearly ten months of waiting, one of our Cortes Campers finally arrived at our property in Nevada. Within minutes of inspecting it, we discovered our first issue — the grab bar/entry handle was loose and rattling. At first, it seemed like a small problem. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear it wasn’t that simple.

    Because of Cortes Campers’ double-hull fiberglass construction, the bolts securing the handle were completely inaccessible without cutting into the interior fiberglass wall. I raised the issue directly with Paul Spivak, who assured me someone from the company would reach out with a solution. As you might guess, no one ever did.

    In the end, I had no choice but to remove the handle entirely to prevent further damage. I covered the mounting holes with a protective sticker and our exterior lockbox, which at least prevents moisture from getting in.

    Below are photos showing the removed handle, and a comparison photo from our second camper, which shows how the handle should look when properly installed at the factory.We plan to contact Cortes Campers again to have this issue addressed under our warranty, though at this point, expectations are tempered.

  • Fiberglass Quality (Unit 1)

    As mentioned in previous posts, after nearly a year of missed delivery dates, broken promises, and ongoing disappointment, we finally took delivery of one of our three fully paid-for campers on February 9, 2025—ten months after Cortes Campers issued Certificates of Origin for all three units (including delivery).

    Unfortunately, the excitement of finally receiving a camper was quickly overshadowed by visible quality concerns. As the photos show, the fiberglass shell displays cracks, spidering, and uneven thickness, allowing light to pass through in multiple areas. While I can’t speak to what the industry standard for fiberglass consistency should be, it’s worth noting that this camper has remained stationary since delivery—yet these flaws are already apparent.

    To date, I have not contacted Cortes Campers regarding the craftsmanship issues. Our focus has remained on the ongoing effort to receive the remaining camper that has still not been completed.

  • Preserving Transparency and Respecting the Process

    All previous posts on this site (below) will remain exactly as they originally appeared. I believe in preserving transparency, and these posts represent my honest account of events as they unfolded and continue to unfold.

    Earlier this week, I was informed that an employee, advisor, “head of Cortes Campers,” vice president, and general counsel of the company has filed a lawsuit against myself, my wife, and our small family business.

    At this time, I will not be commenting further on this matter until it works its way through the court system — a process I deeply respect and do not wish to make a mockery of.

    Once this has been finalized, I plan to share the outcome and other appropriate updates that continue to tell our story truthfully and transparently.

    Again, the purpose of this consumer website is to share our story as customers of Cortes Campers LLC — to document our experience and provide honest information for others who may be considering purchasing from or engaging with the company. Part of that story includes mentioning the owners, employees, and other representatives in a responsible manner, as they have each played a role in our experience. My goal is simply to allow consumers to make an informed decision based on verified facts and firsthand accounts.

  • Should you work for Cortes Campers???

    In our ongoing effort to document the experiences surrounding Cortes Campers, we recently came across a very negative employee review posted on Glassdoor. The review, dated December 28, 2024, was written by someone claiming to be a Sales Manager with over a year of experience at the company.

    The reviewer gave Cortes Campers an overall rating of 1.0 out of 5, stating bluntly:

    “There are no positives here. The business is a con.”

    According to the review, the individual alleges that the company is run by “two convicted felons (securities fraud)” and claims there were ongoing payroll issues, where employees were allowed to leave or quit and replacements were hired without ever issuing the pay that was owed. The post also accuses the company of owing substantial amounts to customers, dealers, and vendors, and of hiding the true financial condition from shareholders.

    The review describes the company as having no clear direction or management plan, echoing many of the same patterns we’ve personally observed through our own experience as a customer.

    While this Glassdoor review represents one individual’s opinion, we believe it adds valuable insight into the internal dysfunction and ethical concerns that continue to surface around Cortes Campers.You can read the full review on Glassdoor here:

    https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Cortes-Campers-Reviews-E9033710.htm

  • Fraud and Coercion Reported to Federal Authorities

    Earlier this week, we mailed a formal letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio to report what we believe** to be criminal fraud and subsequent attempts to suppress and coerce our company into silence.

    The report outlines actions involving the submission of fraudulent Certificates of Origin that triggered a financial transaction for three fiberglass campers that did not exist. These documents were, to the best of our knowledge, issued under the direction of Paul Spivak and signed and transmitted by authorized employee Morgan Jarrell.

    We also included information regarding attorney Taylor A. Bennington, who, in our view, has attempted to intimidate and silence us through coercive legal communications and documents rather than address the underlying fraud of which he claims to not be part of. The same U.S. Attorney previously prosecuted Paul Spivak for earlier fraud-related offenses that resulted in his conviction and current 17-year federal prison sentence.

    While we believe Olga Smirnova, Melanie Touchette, and Patricia Salaciak may also have been involved in or aware of business practices that harmed consumers, they were not listed in the initial filing we submitted.

    —

    What Happens Next

    As this process moves forward, we intend to continue sharing our experiences and opinions publicly so that other consumers and small business owners can recognize similar patterns and take appropriate action.

    If you have personally experienced what you believe to be deceptive or fraudulent business practices related to Cortes Campers or any associated entities, we encourage you to file your own report with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and any relevant federal authorities.

    Transparency, in our opinion, is the best defense against coercion — and we remain committed to ensuring that these matters are brought to light.

    **Disclaimer:** *The statements above reflect our personal opinions and experiences based on documented events and communications. Readers are encouraged to review official filings and draw their own conclusions.*

  • What we know about Cortes Campers LLC from their SEC fillings

    Cortes Campers’ Parent Company Faces Financial and Leadership Turmoil

    Cortes Campers is a struggling company that reported just $2,847 in cash as of its latest SEC filing. In late 2024, its parent company US Lighting Group (USLG) announced the departure of both its CEO and CFO, leaving the board of directors to run day-to-day operations. The company later appointed attorney Taylor Bennington as Vice President and General Counsel in 2025 — one of several high-profile changes following months of financial losses, leadership churn, and legal troubles involving key insiders.

    📊 Financial Red Flags

    • Revenue collapse: 2024 sales dropped to under $1 million, down roughly 70% from 2023’s $3.6 million.
    • Almost no cash: Only $2,847 on hand as of September 30, 2024.
    • Deep deficit: Shareholders’ equity was negative $5.8 million (compared to -$4.6 million the prior year).
    • Mounting debt: Over $6 million in related-party loans, many tied to former CEO Paul Spivak and other insiders.
    • Ongoing defaults: Multiple notes in default with lenders and former executives who personally borrowed money to fund the company.
    • Going-concern warning: Auditors and management acknowledge “substantial doubt” about the company’s ability to continue operating.

    ⚙️ Leadership Shake-Up

    • Sept 27, 2024: CEO Joseph Matozzo and CFO Michael Coates resigned simultaneously.
    • Interim management: Board members Olga Smirnova and Patricia Salaciak took over as co-executive officers; Smirnova also became acting finance chief.
    • April 2025: Attorney Taylor Bennington named Vice President & General Counsel.
    • Internal-control failure: The company disclosed its financial-reporting controls were not effective due to limited staff and oversight.

    ⚖️ Legal & Governance Issues

    • Former CEO Paul Spivak was convicted on some federal fraud counts in 2024 and pled guilty to others.
    • Olga Smirnova, now running day-to-day operations, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in August 2024.
    • USLG itself is not charged but admits these events pose material risks to its reputation and stability.

    💸 Stock and Investor Concerns

    • Massive dilution: Shares outstanding rose from ~103 million to over 112 million within ten months as the company converted debt to stock.
    • Defaulted loan: A high-cost note with 1800 Diagonal Lending LLC (60% effective rate) went into default, triggering penalties and debt-to-stock conversions at steep discounts.
    • Late SEC filings: USLG filed a Form 12b-25 admitting it missed its annual 10-K deadline and wouldn’t file within the grace period.

    🧭 Why It Matters for Buyers and Dealers

    • Delivery risk: Deposits and deferred revenue are rising while actual camper sales have dropped sharply.
    • Warranty risk: Minimal cash and negative equity threaten the company’s ability to support repairs and parts.
    • Transparency risk: Leadership turnover and weak financial controls raise serious concerns about the reliability of public statements.

    Bottom line: Cortes Campers’ parent company is operating on thin cash, deep debt, and temporary leadership while its key executives face federal criminal fallout. Consumers and dealers should weigh these risks carefully before signing a contract or depositing money.

  • Who Is Paul Spivak?

    The Man Behind Cortes Campers and US Lighting Group (USLG)

    If you’ve found this site because you’re researching Cortes Campers, you’re not alone. Many consumers have reached out after facing long delays, broken promises, and warranty issues tied to the Ohio-based company. At the center of both Cortes Campers LLC and its public-company affiliate US Lighting Group, Inc. (USLG) stands one man: Paul Spivak — an engineer, businessman, and now a convicted felon.

    From Engineer to Executive to Federal Defendant

    Paul Spivak built his reputation in Euclid, Ohio, as a self-described engineer and inventor, overseeing the design of fiberglass boats and campers. But behind the glossy marketing of innovation was a much darker story — one that culminated in a federal criminal conviction for securities and wire fraud.

    In October 2024, a jury in the Northern District of Ohio found Spivak guilty of:

    • Conspiracy to commit securities fraud
    • Two counts of wire fraud

    He later pleaded guilty to additional charges of securities and wire fraud tied to a related investment scheme.

    In April 2025, Spivak was sentenced to 17 years and 5 months in federal prison, fined $200,000, and ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
    Source: U.S. Department of Justice

    What the Federal Case Revealed

    According to the Department of Justice, Spivak and his associates used US Lighting Group (USLG) as the centerpiece of a multi-year stock manipulation scheme.

    • They ran a pump-and-dump operation, inflating the value of USLG through aggressive cold calls and deceptive marketing.
    • Between 2016 and 2019, investors poured in approximately $6.9 million.
    • Roughly $2 million was secretly paid to unlicensed brokers as “commissions.”
    • Even after federal agents began investigating, Spivak continued the fraud, working with undercover officers posing as new partners.

    DOJ conviction announcement (Oct 2024)

    Cortes Campers: Another Chapter in the Story

    Cortes Campers LLC was promoted by USLG as one of its key “new technology” divisions, manufacturing fiberglass campers and boats. While the company positioned itself as innovative, many buyers have since reported delayed deliveries, warranty disputes, and incomplete or misleading communication.

    Though Cortes Campers’ marketing presents itself as a fresh, stand-alone business, its origins trace directly back to Spivak’s control of USLG and his network of affiliated companies. The overlap in leadership, operations, and even factory locations between the two entities has made it difficult for consumers to determine who is responsible for refund decisions, warranty service, or legal accountability.

    Why This Matters for Consumers

    • Spivak’s criminal record shows a pattern of misrepresentation and financial manipulation.
    • His conviction demonstrates a failure of oversight at the corporate level.
    • Customers report similar behavior at Cortes Campers — broken commitments, missing refunds, and silence when demanding answers.

    Learn More

    Editor’s note: This post reflects personal opinion and commentary based on public records and consumer reports.

  • Who signed the MCO??

    When a Company Issues a Fake Certificate of Origin — What You Should Know

    If you’re a Cortes Campers customer (or any RV buyer) who received a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)that turned out to be fake or misleading, you’re not alone — and you should know this isn’t just unethical. It’s illegal.

    A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin is a legal document that proves a vehicle was completed by the manufacturer and has never been titled before. It’s what your bank, your DMV, and your state all rely on to issue a valid title.
    When a company signs or provides a fraudulent certificate to get money from a customer or lender, that’s fraud, plain and simple.

    In Ohio, where Cortes Campers LLC is based, Ohio Revised Code § 4505.19 makes it a felony to knowingly issue or use a false or fraudulent certificate of origin.
    That can mean up to 12 months in jail and thousands in fines for each violation — and each document can count separately.

    At the federal level, if that document crosses state lines (as happens when a Nevada customer wires money for an Ohio product), it can fall under wire fraud or mail fraud statutes (18 U.S.C. § 1341 / § 1343), which carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison and massive fines.

    The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (§ 1345.02) also applies, allowing customers to recover damages and regulators to impose civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

    In our case, the Certificates of Origin provided to our bank appear to be signed by company representative Morgan Jarrell, who remains employed at Cortes Campers. These documents were used to release more than $112,000 in funding for three units that, according to the company’s own admissions, were not actually built or completed at the time the certificates were issued—a clear misrepresentation of fact and, in our opinion, a violation of both state and federal law.
    Further evidence supports this timeline: in a legally recorded phone conversation, company owner Paul Spivak—a convicted felon—stated that the campers were not even started until October 2024, months after the funding was released. This statement aligns with the text messages and photos he personally sent prior to his incarceration, which corroborate the delay and the misleading nature of the documents provided to our lender.

    This situation underscores why documentation matters. A single signature on a false Certificate of Origin doesn’t just break trust — it breaks the law. And those responsible can be held personally accountable for the financial and legal fallout that follows.

    As always, this is my personal opinion and interpretation based on publicly available Ohio and federal law.

    *This photo was provided to me by Paul Spivak on October 5, 2024*

    *Bank representative information redacted*

  • “Holding on by a thread”

    On March 31, 2025 I called Paul Spivak for an update on another delivery date Cortes Campers didn’t fulfill. Here is a 40 second clip from that legally recorded phone call. As a preview, I have recorded over 2 hours of phone conversations between myself and Mr. Spivak.

  • Report Cortes Campers to the Ohio Attorney General

    This Morning’s Inbox Told a Story…

    I woke up today to a handful of new messages from others caught in the same web (even a dealer reached out to provide information) — people who have paid Cortes Campers thousands of dollars and are still waiting for what they were promised. Some never received their campers. Others took delivery only to discover serious warranty issues that Cortes Campers has refused to honor or delayed addressing for months.

    If you’re one of them — if you’ve sent money to Cortes Campers or have been denied warranty service — please take five minutes to report your experience to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Their online complaint form is simple, fast, and it matters. Each report builds a record that helps expose the full scope of what’s happening behind the company’s polished marketing and broken promises.

    For those who haven’t done business with Cortes Campers, please don’t file false reports. Accuracy matters. The real victims — those of us who’ve lost money, time, and trust — need our voices to be taken seriously.

    As always, this post reflects my personal opinion and direct experience — but judging by my inbox, I’m far from alone.

    https://filecomplaint.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

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