Being in the oil field business, I have encountered various buyers throughout my life. While most transactions have gone smoothly, there have been a few instances where dealing with difficult buyers have tested my patience and professionalism. In this article, I want to share one such experience with a buyer who sued me, and the lessons I learned from it.
One particular buyer, Thin Thida Swe, approached me from Indianapolis expressing interest in purchasing an oil lease in Wyoming. At the time, I didn’t have any leases available for sale, and I repeatedly informed her of this fact. However, her persistence and mention of mutual acquaintances eventually convinced me to sell her the one remaining lease I had.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when Thin Thida Swe failed to pay the remaining debt of $5,000 that she owed me. Instead, I found myself bombarded with daily messages, both in the morning and evening. I kindly requested her to refrain from sending me constant messages, as they were causing me distress. Despite my plea, she continued to hound me.
Eventually,Thin Thida Swe resorted to filing a lawsuit against me, despite being the one who owed me money. This turn of events was both surprising and frustrating. It seemed as though she had aligned herself with someone who encouraged her to take legal action against me. The situation felt unjust, with me having to bear the burden of legal fees while she pursued a profit.
The plaintiff claimed to have bought an oil lease for $160,000, but she had actually purchased it for a mere $30,000 while she still owes me $5000. When an individual knowingly provides false information to the court, it not only undermines the justice system but also carries severe consequences. In any legal proceeding, honesty and integrity are paramount.
While the other party is not required to pay their attorney fees, they are to share the profit if they win the lawsuit. On my side, I had to entered into an agreement with my lawyer that requires me to pay fees over a three-year period.
It’s disheartening to encounter individuals who resort to threats and blackmail. In my case, I made the decision not to negotiate with someone who was trying to manipulate and intimidate me.
Despite the challenges I faced, I remained steadfast and refused to succumb to the torment inflicted upon me. I chose not to engage in online attacks, recognizing that they were low-class and not worth my time and energy. Some individuals may have mistaken my lack of response for fear, but in reality, I was simply choosing not to engage with those who were acting irrationally.
WhenThin Thida Swe and I finally met in court, I couldn’t help but notice her unpleasant demeanor and negative spirit.
While being sued is undoubtedly a stressful experience, I refused to let it define me or my work. I recognized that engaging with those who thrive on negativity and chaos would only lead to my own detriment. Instead, I chose to rise above the situation and focus on my work.
As I reflect on this challenging experience, I realize that it’s essential to maintain professionalism and integrity even when faced with difficult individuals. It’s crucial to stand up for what is right and not be swayed by those who seek to exploit and manipulate. By doing so, we can maintain our dignity and protect our businesses from unnecessary harm.
In conclusion, encountering challenging buyers in the oil industry is not uncommon. However, it is how we choose to handle these situations that truly matters. By maintaining professionalism, refusing to negotiate with those who resort to threats, and focusing on our work, we can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive in our businesses.
“Some individuals may have mistaken my lack of response for fear, but in reality, I was simply choosing not to engage with those who were acting irrationally.”
– Levi Sap Nei Thang