A group of seven companies, including a Florida-based kosher food distributor and a Utah hospitality consultant, found themselves entangled in a dubious loan scheme that left them out of more than $10 million. In 2023, these businesses paid substantial upfront deposits for what they believed would be 10-year loans at 6% interest. However, the promised financing never materialized, leading to ongoing legal battles as the firms seek to recover their funds. Kenneth Chase, representing five of the affected companies, described the situation as "devastating," noting that one company, Abbson—a New York digital marketing firm—was forced to cease operations due to the alleged fraud.
The peculiar aspect of this case lies in the involvement of Messner Reeves, a reputable Denver law firm with over a century of combined experience. The companies claim that entrusting their deposits to Messner Reeves alleviated any concerns about potential risks. Yet, instead of securing the loans, the firms now find themselves suing Messner Reeves, alleging that the law firm played a central role in orchestrating the fraudulent transactions.
Messner Reeves acknowledges holding the funds but insists it was merely acting on behalf of INBE Capital LLC, a Wyoming-based investment company. According to court documents, the firm distributed over $10 million from a trust account as directed by INBE before the latter dissolved late last year. Despite demands for transparency, Messner Reeves has refused to disclose where the money went, leading to heightened tensions between the parties involved.
One of the key figures in this saga is Torben Welch, a partner at Messner Reeves who allegedly facilitated the loan arrangements. With nearly two decades at the firm, Welch leads its Utah office and specializes in complex business transactions. However, his actions have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his relationship with INBE and Clearwater Premiere Perpetual Master LLC, the joint venture partner mentioned in court filings.
Legal experts are questioning the unusual nature of a law firm holding such large sums for loan transactions. Jan Jacobowitz, an ethics specialist, noted that it would be highly irregular for a law firm to manage these funds, even in legitimate circumstances. This raises further doubts about the legitimacy of the deals and the extent of Messner Reeves' involvement.
Kosher Eats, based in Davie, Florida, is among the most vocal plaintiffs. The company wired $2 million to Messner Reeves in April 2023 for an $8 million line of credit, expecting the funds to support its expansion plans. Instead, it faced months of delays and conflicting information, culminating in a lawsuit filed in July 2024. Kosher's president, Noah Lasko, accused Messner Reeves of lying about the whereabouts of the deposit and attempting to cover up the theft.
Abbson, another victim, transferred $3.5 million for a $14 million loan, only to find itself unable to continue operations without the promised capital. The company now faces lawsuits from creditors, exacerbating its financial woes. Other plaintiffs, while declining to comment directly, have echoed similar frustrations in court filings.
The trail of money leads to several entities tied to Welch and Messner Reeves, including INBE and Titan Financial LLC, both of which were administratively dissolved in late 2024 and early 2025. These companies, along with Clearwater, are owned by Todd Owen, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Despite repeated requests, Owen has not responded to inquiries about his involvement.
In addition to the Utah lawsuits, Messner Reeves and Welch are facing claims in Nevada related to a failed basketball arena project. The Nevada suit accuses them of setting up fraudulent banks to fund phony loans, mirroring the allegations in the small business cases. The firm has vigorously defended itself against these claims, arguing that they lack merit and were filed too late.
Messner Reeves, established in 1995, prides itself on helping businesses grow from minor operations to global enterprises. Partner Torben Welch's impressive track record, highlighted on the firm's website, once instilled confidence in the companies. Now, however, those accolades serve as a painful reminder of misplaced trust. As the legal battles unfold, the companies hope for answers and justice, while Messner Reeves maintains its stance of innocence and seeks to protect its reputation.
Discover How Financial Dialogue Became a Beacon of Stability Amidst Chaos
Navigating a New Chapter: From Employment to Entrepreneurship
Five months before the official start of the pandemic, I had made a significant career shift. After 12 years at a job I loved, I ventured into consultancy, marking the longest tenure of my professional life. This transition meant leaving behind the security of a regular paycheck, something I had relied on for nearly three decades. Suddenly, every dollar counted more than ever before. The hustle to secure retainers, complete projects, and send out invoices became my daily routine. The stakes were higher, especially with dual households spanning continents and plans to relocate to Italy, all requiring substantial financial planning.The pandemic only intensified this pressure. Fear loomed large, not just from the virus but also from the economic instability it brought. Yet, amidst these challenges, business thrived unexpectedly. I achieved record earnings in 2020, surpassing any previous year in my 45-year career. This success was a beacon of hope, a reminder that despite the chaos, there was still stability to be found.Money Talks: A Pathway to Emotional and Financial Security
Talking about money wasn't just about numbers; it was a way to stay connected and grounded. Each conversation with Elvira about billing rates, new clients, and projected revenues reassured us both that we were doing everything possible to protect our family. According to a 2022 literature review in "Frontiers of Psychology," the pandemic posed unprecedented socio-economic challenges, affecting individuals and societies profoundly. Many people faced financial worries, with a Pew Research Center survey revealing that nearly 30% of U.S. adults were concerned about repaying debts daily. Despite these anxieties, couples like us found solace in open financial discussions. A 2021 TD Bank "Love and Money" survey showed that 52% of couples felt it easier to talk about finances during the pandemic, breaking down stigmas surrounding such conversations.For me, discussing money became an expression of love and responsibility. It was a way to reassure Elvira, our children, and grandchildren that we would weather the storm together. In those moments, money transcended its material value and became a symbol of care and commitment. It was as if each dollar earned was a testament to my dedication to our well-being.A New Perspective on Money: Love Quantified
After the pandemic's peak passed, I realized that my intense focus on money stemmed from a deeper place—love. For the first time, I saw money not just as a means of exchange but as a vehicle for expressing affection and ensuring safety. Every conversation about finances was a way to say, "I'm working hard because I love you." This shift in perspective transformed how I viewed money. It was no longer just about transactions; it was about building a future filled with security and happiness.Today, while money remains important, the urgency of those conversations has waned. We are reunited in Italy, living under one roof. The need to constantly discuss finances has diminished, but the lessons learned remain. Money can be a powerful tool for expressing love and providing peace of mind, especially in times of crisis.In a twist of financial misfortune, McLaren's hopes of recovering a significant sum from its former Formula 1 sponsor, Huski Chocolate, appear increasingly unlikely. The Swedish company, known for its involvement in various sports sponsorship deals, has entered bankruptcy, leaving McLaren and other entities struggling to recoup unpaid debts. This situation marks the end of a complex saga involving legal battles and financial instability.
The Saga of Unpaid Sponsorship: A Detailed Look
In the vibrant world of motorsport, partnerships between teams and sponsors are crucial. In 2019, McLaren welcomed Huski Chocolate, a Swedish hot chocolate brand primarily associated with alpine ski resorts, onto its rear wing. The sponsorship agreement spanned three seasons but ended abruptly in 2021 when Huski’s branding disappeared from McLaren’s cars. According to court documents, a €4.66 million deal was never fully paid, and with Huski’s parent company, Choki AB, declaring bankruptcy in January 2024, the likelihood of resolving this debt is slim.
Huski's history is marred by controversy. The company faced numerous legal challenges, including lawsuits from shareholders and conflicts with sponsored entities. One notable instance involved Stockholm’s prominent football club Hammarby, which took legal action against Huski for missing payments. Additionally, Huski had sponsored Sauber’s F1 car in 2019 and supported Marcus Ericsson during his tenure at Chip Ganassi Racing’s IndyCar team from 2020 to 2023.
Choki AB’s financial troubles were evident in its recent annual report, which revealed a net loss of 79 million Swedish krona (approximately £6 million) in 2023 alone. The company admitted to winding down operations, leading to multiple disputes with sponsors. In 2022, it was also embroiled in a conflict with its U.S. partner, Stanton Barrett, who successfully overturned a forced dilution of his stake in Huski Americas and Choki.
McLaren’s pursuit of the unpaid €1.1 million began in earnest after the payment deadline of December 1, 2021. Despite initiating legal action, Kvalitena AB, a real estate company acting as guarantor, failed to respond to communications or submit a defense. In May 2024, the High Court of Justice in the UK ruled in favor of McLaren, ordering payment of €1,250,910.30 and £81,884.66. However, despite repeated demands, neither Choki nor Kvalitena responded, and the debt remains unresolved.
As McLaren prepares for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, fresh off a constructors’ championship win and impressive pre-season testing, the shadow of this unresolved financial matter looms large. The team's resilience and success on the track stand in stark contrast to the lingering uncertainty off it.
From a journalist's perspective, this saga underscores the precarious nature of sponsorship deals in high-stakes sports like Formula 1. It highlights the importance of thorough due diligence and robust contractual agreements. For readers, it serves as a reminder that even in the glamorous world of motorsport, financial stability can be fragile, and unforeseen challenges can arise at any moment.