The dispute arose from a 2022 contract for branding and marketing services for Legends Fanfest Phoenix 2023, a Super Bowl-related event. Big Vision operator Charles Haifley initially contacted Dixon about the project and instructed the company to 'get your contract done with Dan' Gorham, whom Haifley identified as the person who 'signs the contracts' and 'is handling all the money.' Dixon performed Phase 1 services including creating promotional graphics, which Haifley approved, telling Dixon 'You have my approval! Looks great!' before the contract was terminated due to lack of funding.
Judge Staton found that Gorham acted with 'ostensible authority' to bind Big Vision when he signed the agreement, reasoning that Haifley's actions 'gave rise to a reasonable belief in the agent's authority.' The judge noted that Haifley directed Dixon to contract with Gorham and was copied on emails where Gorham asked Haifley to 'review and approve' the terms, yet 'did nothing to clarify to Dixon that Gorham was not acting on behalf of Big Vision.' Staton also found Big Vision ratified the contract by accepting Dixon's deliverables.
The case was filed in December 2024 after Dixon's $144,300 invoice went unpaid. Original defendants Legends Fanfest LLC later filed for bankruptcy and Daniel Gorham was dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction, leaving only Big Vision and Haifley as defendants in the amended complaint.
While Dixon succeeded against Big Vision, Judge Staton rejected the company's alter ego claim against Haifley individually. Though Haifley used personal email and credit cards for some Big Vision business, the judge found Dixon failed to show critical factors like asset commingling or undercapitalization, noting that Big Vision maintained separate bank accounts and financial records. The ruling means Dixon can collect the full damages from Big Vision but cannot pursue Haifley's personal assets.