Winter Springs, FL — October 7, 2025
A Central Florida welder is calling for accountability after alleging he completed two critical welding projects for Robin Neilen—owner of Sanford Electric and the soon-to-open Clubhouse Deli—but has yet to receive payment totaling $8,500. The unpaid invoices, he says, threaten the survival of his small business and the livelihood of his family.
The welder, who operates a modest welding and fabrication business alongside a part-time employee, says the saga began on June 1, 2025, when Neilen contacted him via Facebook Messenger. Neilen requested welding work for the Clubhouse Deli, located at 898 Gary Hillery Dr in Winter Springs, Florida. After meeting to discuss the scope of the job, the welder completed the project on June 6. According to him, Neilen was “thrilled” with the results and expressed satisfaction with the craftsmanship.
Just over a week later, on June 17, Neilen allegedly reached out again with an urgent request: a generator system at Moontide Condominium in New Smyrna Beach required custom welding work to ensure it could power emergency elevators in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster. The welder accepted the task, fabricating and installing a muffler, shroud, and exhaust pipe from scratch. The project was completed on July 1 without any reported issues, complaints, or follow-up requests.
Invoices for both jobs—$1,500 for the Clubhouse Deli and $7,000 for the Moontide Condominium—were submitted on July 1. But three months later, the welder says he has received no payment, no response to calls, texts, or emails, and has been blocked by Neilen on Facebook and other platforms.
“I’m not a big company with deep pockets,” the welder said. “I’m one person trying to support my kids and keep my business alive. That $8,500 isn’t just a number—it’s rent, groceries, and peace of mind.”
In a final attempt to resolve the issue, the welder visited the Clubhouse Deli on October 7, hoping to speak with Neilen face-to-face. Instead, he says Neilen remained inside and sent an employee out to warn him to leave or the police would be called. The welder, who says he never exited his truck and parked in a public space, was soon approached by law enforcement. Officers informed him that Neilen wanted him trespassed from the property.
The welder expressed frustration and disbelief at the escalation. “I showed up to talk, not to cause trouble. I just want to be paid for the work I did—work that helped protect lives in case of a disaster.”
The situation has sparked concern among other small business owners in the area, many of whom rely on trust and word-of-mouth to secure contracts. The welder says he’s now exploring legal options, including filing a claim in small claims court, but hopes public attention will prompt Neilen to settle the debt without further conflict.
“This isn’t just about me,” he added. “It’s about every small business that gets pushed around by someone who thinks they don’t have to pay. We deserve respect. We deserve to be paid.”
Robin Neilen has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
If you’re a small business owner facing similar challenges, resources are available through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and local small claims courts.
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