CJ-2026-1286 - UniFirst Holdings, Inc. v. Keith's Transmission Repair, LLC

What's This Case About?

Let’s cut straight to the absurdity: a transmission repair shop is being hounded through arbitration and now the Oklahoma County District Court—yes, the actual state court system—over $15,067.73… for unpaid work uniforms. That’s not a typo. We are not talking about a breach of a multimillion-dollar supply contract or a case of industrial espionage. We are talking about a company that apparently stopped paying for rented coveralls and now owes nearly twenty grand when you factor in interest, legal fees, and the cost of the arbitrator’s time. If that doesn’t scream “petty civil drama gold,” we don’t know what does.

So who are these players in the great American drama of who owes who for grease-stained jumpsuits? On one side, you’ve got UniFirst Holdings, Inc., a national uniform rental and facility services corporation headquartered in Massachusetts. Think of them as the Nordstrom of industrial workwear—they’ll dress your entire crew in matching logoed polos, clean them weekly, and charge you for the privilege. They’re the kind of company that has a slick website, a fleet of delivery vans, and a legal team on speed dial. On the other side? Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC, a small auto shop based in Oklahoma City, run by one Keith Lee, who, based on the filings, appears to have ghosted UniFirst harder than your ex after a group text.

Their relationship started, like so many doomed romances, with a contract. On February 14, 2025—Valentine’s Day, ironically—Keith’s Transmission Repair signed a three-year Customer Service Agreement (CSA) with UniFirst. Under the deal, UniFirst would provide rented uniforms and other apparel to Keith’s employees. In return, Keith’s would pay up, presumably on time, like a functioning adult business. The contract, as these things do, included a clause that any disputes would be settled through binding arbitration—a private, faster alternative to court, often used in business contracts to avoid the circus of public litigation. It’s supposed to be efficient. It’s supposed to be final. And in this case, it became a debt collector’s dream.

Somewhere along the line, Keith’s Transmission Repair stopped paying. The filing doesn’t say why—maybe cash flow dried up, maybe they switched to a cheaper uniform provider, maybe someone at the shop just really hated the shade of blue UniFirst chose. But whatever the reason, the non-payment triggered UniFirst’s right to pursue arbitration. So off they went to the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the corporate equivalent of couples therapy, except instead of working things out, someone just issues a binding decree.

Here’s where it gets deliciously petty. UniFirst submitted their documents. They laid out their case: “We delivered the uniforms. They didn’t pay. Here’s the invoice. Here’s the contract. Here’s the math.” And then… crickets from Keith’s Transmission Repair. No response. No defense. No “actually, we returned those coveralls in July.” Nothing. They didn’t show up, didn’t file anything, didn’t even send a carrier pigeon. It was a full-on no-show.

So the arbitrator, one James R. Waldo—who sounds like a character from a legal drama about a mild-mannered mediator with a secret past—reviewed the evidence (which was, let’s be honest, one-sided) and issued an Ex-Parte Final Award on December 18, 2025. Translation: “One side showed up, so I’m ruling for them.” The award? $15,067.73 in unpaid charges, plus $1,515.85 in interest accrued so far, with 18% annual interest piling on after that. Let that sink in—18%. That’s credit card from hell territory. Oh, and also: $1,749 in attorney’s fees, because why should UniFirst pay its lawyers when Keith’s can? And to really twist the knife, the arbitration costs—$950 in AAA fees and $2,000 for the arbitrator’s time—were also dumped on Keith’s, adding another $2,950 to the tab. Total bill? $19,627.58. And remember: it all started with $15K worth of laundry services.

But here’s the kicker: even after the arbitrator said “pay up,” Keith’s still didn’t pay. So now, UniFirst is back in actual court—not arbitration, not a collections agency, but the District Court of Oklahoma County—asking a judge to officially confirm the arbitration award. That’s what this whole filing is about. It’s not about arguing the case again. It’s about saying, “Your Honor, we already won. The arbitrator said they owe us. They haven’t paid. Please make it official so we can start garnishing wages or seizing assets or doing whatever you do when you’re chasing a mechanic for unpaid polo shirts.”

And what does UniFirst want now? Well, they’re asking the court to rubber-stamp the arbitrator’s decision, which includes the full $19,627.58—the original debt, interest, legal fees, and arbitration costs. Is that a lot for a uniform bill? Absolutely. For context, that’s enough to buy a brand-new compact car. Or, if you’re a small transmission shop, that’s several months of rent, utilities, and maybe even a new lift. But in the grand scheme of business litigation, it’s not exactly Enron money. It’s the kind of sum that makes you wonder: did Keith’s just forget? Or did they think they could outlast UniFirst’s legal team like a game of corporate chicken?

Now, let’s talk about our take, because come on—this is glorious. The most absurd part isn’t even the amount. It’s the escalation. We’ve got a company going through arbitration—a formal, paid, legal process with sworn arbitrators and filing fees—over work uniforms. Then, when the other side ghosts, they tack on 18% interest and $2,000 for the arbitrator’s time like it’s nothing. It’s the financial equivalent of serving a five-course meal for a dinner party of one. And Keith’s Transmission Repair? Either they had a catastrophic administrative failure, or they’re playing the long con of ignoring legal notices and hoping it all blows over. Spoiler: it didn’t.

Are we rooting for the little guy? Sure, in theory. But also, dude, you signed a contract. You got three years of clean uniforms. You didn’t pay. You didn’t respond. You didn’t even send a “lol sorry” email. UniFirst didn’t bring a flamethrower to a knife fight—they brought an accountant, a lawyer, and a very patient arbitrator. And now, thanks to the magic of compound interest and legal procedure, a $15K bill is on its way to becoming a $20K+ albatross.

So here’s the real lesson: if you’re going to stiff a uniform company, at least return the polo shirts. Otherwise, you might just find yourself in court—again—over something that started with a logo and ended with a judgment.

Case Overview

Petition

Jurisdiction

District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

Filing Attorney

Matthew Neill Davis

DAVIS BUSINESS LAW, P.L.L.C.

Relief Sought

$19,628 Monetary

Plaintiffs

UniFirst Holdings, Inc. business
Rep: Matthew Neill Davis, OBA #16482 and Paige N. Oku, OBA #33740, DAVIS BUSINESS LAW, P.L.L.C.

Defendants

Keith's Transmission Repair, LLC business

Claims

#	Cause of Action	Description
1	Confirmation of Arbitration Award	Confirmation of arbitration award in favor of UniFirst Holdings, Inc. against Keith's Transmission Repair, LLC

Petition Text

1,197 words

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA UNIFIRST HOLDINGS, INC., ) Plaintiff, vs. KEITH'S TRANSMISSION REPAIR, LLC, ) Defendant. PETITION FOR CONFIRMATION OF ARBITRATION AWARD COMES NOW, Plaintiff UniFirst Corporation, ("UniFirst") and respectfully requests this Court confirm the Arbitration Award in favor of Plaintiff and against Keith's Transmission Repair, LLC ("Defendant"), in the amount as set forth therein plus associated interest, fees, and costs of this action. In support of this Petition, Plaintiff would show this Court as follows: 1. Defendant, Keith's Transmission Repair, LLC, hired UniFirst to provide apparel and other products on a rented basis. 2. On February 14, 2025, Defendant and UniFirst entered into a Customer Service Agreement (CSA) for the provision of uniforms and other products on a rented basis. 3. That the CSA was for a term three (3) years with a provision for renewal of additional three (3) year terms. 4. That Keith Lee is the Registered Agent for Keith's Transmission Repair, LLC at 3221 S.W. 29th, Oklahoma City, OK 73119. 5. That in response to the Defendant's breach and pursuant to the contract, UniFirst initiated arbitration proceedings with the American Arbitration Association and due and good notice of the same arbitration was provided to the Defendant. 6. That on the 18th day of December 2025, James. R. Waldo, on behalf of the American Arbitration Association, Commercial Arbitration Tribunal, entered an Award in favor of UniFirst as follows: Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC shall pay to Claimant the sum of FIFTEEN THOUSAND SIXTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-THREE CENTS ($15,067.73) for its claim, together with the sum of ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS AND EIGHTY-FIVE CENTS ($1,515.85) for interest to date of this Award and interest accruing at eighteen percent (18%) per annum thereafter. Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC, shall pay to Claimant the sum of ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-NINE DOLLARS ($1,749.00) for its attorney’s fees. The administrative fees of the American Arbitration Association totaling $950.00, and the compensation of the Arbitrator totaling $2,000.00, shall be borne by Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC. Therefore, Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC, shall reimburse Claimant the additional sum of $2,950.00, representing that portion of said fees and expenses in excess of the apportioned costs previously incurred by Claimant. The above sums are to be paid on or before thirty days from the date of this Award. This Final Award is in full settlement of all claims submitted to this Arbitration. All claims not expressly granted herein are hereby denied. A copy of the Award is filed with the Court herein as “Exhibit A.” 7. To date, UniFirst has not received payment on any of the amounts awarded to UniFirst by the arbitrator. 8. This Court may confirm the Award, not previously modified or corrected, under 12 O.S. § 1873 and other statutes pursuant to the Oklahoma Arbitration Act. 9. That Plaintiff, UniFirst Corporation, is a Massachusetts corporation with a branch office located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. 10. That Defendant, Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC, is a resident of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. 11. That this Court has jurisdiction over this proceeding pursuant to the 12 O.S. § 1877 (an arbitration agreement “confers exclusive jurisdiction to the Court to enforce the agreement and to render judgment on award[,]"). 12. That Oklahoma County is the proper venue for this action as Defendant is a resident in Oklahoma County. See 12 O.S. § 1878. FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION (For Confirmation of Arbitration Award against Defendant, Keith’s Transmission Repair, LLC) 13. Plaintiff incorporates the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein. 14. Pursuant to 12 O.S. § 1873, this Court “shall confirm the award” upon application of a party. 15. Plaintiff hereby requests this Court to confirm the Award against Defendant. 16. This application is timely made pursuant to Oklahoma law. 17. The Award is valid and enforceable as against Defendant. There are no reasons to vacate, modify, or correct the Award, nor has Defendant timely raised any challenge to the Award. 18. Plaintiff requests this Court to confirm the Award of the American Association and to award attorneys’ fees and costs for the presentation of this action. PRAYER WHEREFORE, UniFirst requests that this Court affirm the Award under 12 O.S. § 1873, for attorney’s fees and costs for the presentation of this action and for all other just and equitable relief. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Matthew N. Davis Matthew Neill Davis, OBA #16482 Paige N. Oku, OBA #33740 DAVIS BUSINESS LAW, P.L.L.C. Post Office Box 346 Enid, Oklahoma 73702 Phone: (580) 237-5820 Facsimile: (580) 701-2448 [email protected] [email protected] Attorney for Plaintiff AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION Commercial Arbitration Tribunal Expedited Procedures UniFirst Holdings, Inc., Claimant, - vs - Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC, Respondent. Case No. 01-25-0003-9265 EX-PARTE FINAL AWARD OF ARBITRATOR I, James R. Waldo, THE UNDERSIGNED ARBITRATOR, having been designated in accordance with the arbitration agreement entered into by the parties, dated February 14, 2025, with UniFirst Holdings, Inc. represented by Paige Oku of Davis Business Law, P.L.L.C. and Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC not participating, and having been duly sworn, and the oral hearings having been waived in accordance with the Rules, and having fully reviewed and considered the written documents submitted to me by UniFirst Holdings, Inc., and Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC having failed to submit documents after due notice by mail and email in accordance with the Rules, hereby AWARD as follows: This matter arises from a commercial relationship between the parties governed by an executed written Customer Service Agreement dated February 14, 2025 between UniFirst Holdings, Inc. and Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC which contains, among other provisions, a clause by which the parties agree to resolution of all disputes between the parties by arbitration. The Document Submission Procedure pursuant to Rule E-6 of the Commercial Arbitration Rules was utilized in this matter. The case was submitted pursuant to the Scheduling Order filed by the Arbitrator and served upon the parties. Documents were submitted by Claimant. There were no submissions by Respondent. The hearing was declared closed as of December 5, 2025. Based on complete review of documents submitted and the foregoing findings, I AWARD as follows: Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC, shall pay to Claimant the sum of FIFTEEN THOUSAND SIXTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-THREE CENTS ($15,067.73) for its claim, together with the sum of ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS AND EIGHTY-FIVE CENTS ($1,515.85) for interest to date of this Award and interest accruing at eighteen percent (18%) per annum thereafter. Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC, shall pay to Claimant the sum of ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-NINE DOLLARS ($1,749.00) for its attorney’s fees. The administrative fees of the American Arbitration Association totaling $950.00, and the compensation of the Arbitrator totaling $2,000.00, shall be borne by Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC. Therefore, Respondent, Keith’s Transmission Repair LLC, shall reimburse Claimant the additional sum of $2,950.00, representing that portion of said fees and expenses in excess of the apportioned costs previously incurred by Claimant. The above sums are to be paid on or before thirty days from the date of this Award. This Final Award is in full settlement of all claims submitted to this Arbitration. All claims not expressly granted herein are hereby denied. I, James R. Waldo, do hereby affirm upon my oath as Arbitrator that I am the individual described in and who executed this instrument which is my Award. December 18, 2025 Date James R. Waldo, Arbitrator