HOUSTON — A Houston man who served as vice president and general manager of CECO Pipeline Services is suing his family members who took over the company claiming they owe him more than $1 million in unpaid compensation after his termination.
John Hotze filed a complaint June 23 in Harris County District Court against CECO Pipeline Services Company Inc., alleging breach of contract.
Hotze began working for CECO Pipeline Services, a company owned by his family members, on April 1, 2015 as vice president and general manager. Hotze alleges in his suit that he was employed by CECO for more than 10 years and "dutifully and faithfully" carried out his job duties. Hotze claims he was fired on Jan. 3, 2020, and at the time was owed at least $410,000 for "unpaid compensation" and $653,500 for a "one-time change in control payment." He also claims he is owed $588,000 for a "incentive plan compensation." Hotze alleges CECO has failed to pay him the compensation per his employment agreement and that in December of 2019, Hotze family members took over the company's board of directors, changed the bylaws, fired the company's CEO and appointed themselves to the vacant positions.
Hotze seeks monetary relief of at least $1,651,500, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by W. Broemer of Broemer & Associates PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2020-37460