Official Statement by Dos Rossouw Regarding WOEDCO Matter and Property at 1801 East US Hwy 80, White Oak, TX
Official Statement by Dos Rossouw
My name is Dos Rossouw. I am the owner of Ebenezer Investments, LLC and the founder of Clean Cut Roofing, a company I started in 2005 that has earned an impeccable reputation and the highest concentration of 5-star customer reviews in the White Oak–Longview region.
I am issuing this statement to correct the public record regarding prior media coverage involving the White Oak Economic Development Corporation (WOEDCO) and a property located at 1801 East US Highway 80.
Use of Funds
In 2022, Ebenezer Investments entered into a Performance Agreement with WOEDCO related to a planned mixed-use development. The agreement provided for a grant, not a loan or investment, structured as $150,000 prior to construction and $150,000 upon completion.
Not one dime of WOEDCO funds was misused.
Every dollar received was spent lawfully and directly toward cleaning, improving, and developing the property in pursuit of the original project goals. There was never any allegation, audit finding, or evidence of misuse.
Why the Project Did Not Proceed
The project was not completed due to economic conditions outside my control:
- Interest rates increased more than 4% over three years
- My financing was not fixed-rate, resulting in unexpected, astronomical additional interest expense
- Investor confidence declined sharply nationwide
Continuing the project under those conditions would have been financially irresponsible.
Repayment and Lawsuit
When WOEDCO requested repayment of the initial $150,000, I did not dispute the request. Although the agreement required repayment only in the event of misuse—which did not occur—I voluntarily returned the full amount prior to the end of 2025.
A lawsuit was filed as a matter of procedure before and was almost immediately dismissed.
A lawsuit filed by a public entity can naturally imply wrongdoing. That implication was incorrect in this case.
Sale of the Property
The property was sold in late 2025 for $1,285,000, resulting in a substantial personal financial loss to me. The buyer is MINC Manufacturing, a respected Colorado-based company employing more than 40 people and exploring relocation of its full manufacturing operation to White Oak.
MINC indicated it could have paid a higher purchase price had local relocation or incentive assistance been available. None was offered. I reduced the sales price to complete the transaction and help ensure the opportunity remained viable for the community.
Prior Proven Partnership
This situation should be viewed in the context of a successful prior partnership with WOEDCO.
In 2013, WOEDCO provided a $50,000 grant and a $100,000 low-interest loan to support the startup of Top-Notch Roofing Supply, which I founded. That business was later acquired by SRS / Home Depot for more than $3 million, bringing a major national supplier to East Texas where it continues to operate today.
That outcome represents exactly what effective economic development is meant to achieve.
Closing
The full and accurate record is this:
- No funds were misused
- All funds were returned
- The lawsuit was dismissed
- The property transitioned to a strong employer
