How a Small-Time Texan Plumber's Truck Ended Up in the Hands of Syrian Extremists Texas resident Mark Oberholtzer has filed a $1 million suit, citing 'shock, fear, anxiety, mental anguish, humiliation and degradation.'

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

caleb weiss | twitter

One year after a truck bearing the logo and contact information of a small plumbing business ended up in the hands of Islamic extremists -- after photos of the so-called "Muhajireen Brigade' in Syria manning the vehicle blew up over social media -- Texas City, Texas, resident Mark Oberholtzer has filed a $1 million lawsuit for damages inflicted upon his business and family.

Oberholtzer, the owner of Mark-1 Plumbing -- a name that coincidentally alludes to a military vehicle -- is the victim of an unlikely series of events that represents any business owner's worst nightmare. After trading in the vehicle at a local dealership, AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway, Oberholtzer's son began peeling the insignia off the vehicle, whereupon the dealer told him that they would have it taken care of so as not to ruin the paint job.

Evidently, they never did. The truck was subsequently sold to Turkey, according to The New York Post, before ending up in Syria, where it was modified to transport an antiaircraft gun in its flatbed.

Related: Isis Mobile Wallet Changes Name to Distinguish Itself From Terror Group

During a hunting trip last year, when photos of the truck were initially posted to Twitter, hundreds of calls to Mark-1 began pouring in from around the world, with many accusing Oberholtzer of being a terrorist sympathizer. A segment on the Colbert Report garnered even wider attention, and Mark-1 staffers began to receive threatening calls as well.

"We had numerous death threats," the 52-year-old told The Post. After the FBI warned him to protect himself, he began carrying a gun at all times. His business also began to suffer. Though old clients stuck by his side, Oberholtzer says he grappled to get new customers.

"Whenever ISIS commits an atrocity that is reported nationally, which occurs with distressing frequency," according to the suit, "Plaintiffs receive more phone calls than normal all over again."

Related: Why Social Media Giants Are Taking Discreet Steps to Combat Militant Propaganda

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Marketing

The One Mistake Is Putting Your Brand Reputation at Risk — and Most Startups Still Make It

Many businesses pour resources into branding and marketing but overlook PR — yet it's PR that builds the trust, credibility, and reputation that turn attention into lasting revenue in a crowded market.

Leadership

Here's What It Takes to Evolve From Hands-On Founder to Strategic CEO

Making the leap from founder to CEO requires more than just growth — it demands a shift in mindset.

Marketing

If You're Using ChatGPT This Way as a Marketer, You're Missing Out on Its Full Potential. Here's How to Maximize Your Results.

The real value of AI isn't in what you ask — it's in how you shape the conversation. Mastering prompt interactions means better content, sharper thinking and fewer generic outputs.