Christopher Dietz: Taking a Stand

Owner

Dietz Development, Washington, D.C.

Age 39

In 2012, Chris Dietz and his company sued a former client for defamation based on reviews that were posted to Yelp and Angie’s List. The case played out in national news, and although the outcome was less than he had hoped for, the case shined a light on the plight of small-business owners dealing with false reviews.

Chris’ stand-your-ground attitude in the lawsuit is a natural extension of his enthusiasm and commitment to his work. His respectful leadership style instills confidence; while his willingness to question the status quo helps his staff see issues from all angles to find the best solutions.

Chris is a Universal Design Certified Professional and is active in the remodeling industry. He’s a member of NKBA and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Metro DC chapter where he serves on three committees, as well as on the board of directors. Dietz Development supports its community by donating reusable materials to Community Forklift, a nonprofit reuse center for home improvement supplies.

Read more about the 2015 Professional Remodeler 40 Under 40 awardees.

By defending his reputation, this remodeler is drawing attention to the plight of small-business owners dealing with false online reviews