A shareholder dispute has erupted into a legal battle involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and other serious accusations. The complaint was filed by Christopher Fikes on September 17, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Michael Linn and his associated companies, Southwest Thermal Technology Incorporated and HeatX Inc.
The case centers around Fikes’ claims that Linn, as the former controlling shareholder and CEO of Southwest Thermal Technology (SWT) and current CEO of HeatX Inc., breached his fiduciary duties owed to Fikes as a minority shareholder. According to the complaint, Linn unilaterally dissolved SWT without proper authorization or notice to Fikes and transferred its assets to HeatX Inc., a corporation incorporated in Wyoming. Fikes alleges that this transfer was part of a fraudulent scheme designed to oppress him as a minority shareholder and avoid legal obligations owed to him.
Fikes asserts that he was deprived of his rightful ownership interest in SWT due to Linn’s refusal to honor a Stock Option Agreement allowing Fikes to purchase additional shares. Despite meeting profit thresholds outlined in the agreement, Linn allegedly refused to sell the shares after receiving an installment payment from Fikes. “As I sit here with a check written out in response to an agreement we made years ago, I can’t honestly say that I feel good about cashing it,” Linn reportedly stated in an email dated February 27, 2025.
Furthermore, Fikes accuses Linn of intentionally interfering with his economic relations by terminating his employment with HeatX under false pretenses. Despite previously agreeing to Fikes’ remote work arrangement from Texas, Linn cited poor sales performance as the reason for termination. This action is claimed to have been part of a strategy to gain leverage over Fikes by depriving him of income and devaluing his shares.
Fikes seeks compensatory damages for lost profits and diminished share value resulting from these alleged breaches. He also requests punitive damages for what he describes as malicious conduct by Linn intended to cause harm. Additionally, Fikes demands access to corporate records under California law, which he claims have been wrongfully withheld by Linn.
Represented by attorneys Scott W. Williams and Blake M. Wells from The Small Business Law Firm P.C., Christopher Fikes brings this case before Judge Maryssa Padilla under Case No.: 2025 CUB TOS1064.
Source: 2025CUBT051084_Chirstopher_Fikes_v_MichaelL_Linn_Complaint_County_of_Ventura_California.pdf
