Jerry Duncan Ford, Inc. v. J. Roy Frost, d/b/a Frost Construction Company

This case is a consolidation of three breach of contract actions, each of which arose out of disputes regarding major renovations and additions to a commercial building in Harriman housing an automobile dealership owned by Jerry Duncan Ford, Inc. (“Jerry Duncan Ford”). Jerry Duncan Ford filed an action against the general contractor in charge of the project, J. Roy Frost, doing business as Frost Construction Company (“Frost”), after terminating Frost’s services because of unsatisfactory performance. Frost in turn filed an action against Jerry Duncan Ford for breach of contract. The third action was filed by Customer Service Electric Supply, Inc. (“Customer Service”), against Jerry Duncan Ford, Frost, M. Jerry Duncan (“Mr. Duncan”), and Judy C. Duncan (“Judy Duncan”), seeking payment for certain exterior light fixtures that it had installed at the dealership. After a bench trial, the court awarded Jerry Duncan Ford damages reflecting the difference between the total cost of the construction and $313,200, a “ceiling” that -- as found by the trial court -- Frost had guaranteed. The trial court also awarded Customer Service damages against Frost, but denied the former’s request for a judgment against Jerry Duncan Ford and the Duncans. Frost appeals, raising the following issues for our consideration: