Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591 (S.D. Ohio 2002). · Go Syfert
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591 (S.D. Ohio 2002). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“hose for whom the secretary of labor files an action are limited to that exclusive remedy”
131 citation events (131 in the last 25 years) across 15 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Acosta v. Rab Communications, Inc. (ohsd, 2019-12-27)
Treatment trajectory · 2004 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2004 2015 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Acosta v. Rab Communications, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2019 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
hose for whom the secretary of labor files an action are limited to that exclusive remedy
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Justin Hubbard v. Southwood Realty Company
W.D.N.C. · 2026 · confidence medium
N.J. 1987), “has many variations” but “generally divides the management of a collective action into two steps.” Richards, 149 F.4th at 906; 1 McLaughlin on Class Actions § 2:16 (22nd ed. 2025) (“Most courts have adopted a two-step approach to ‘certification’ determinations under Section 216(b): (1) the ‘notice’ stage and (2) the ‘decertification’ stage.”) (collecting cases).1 In the first stage of the Lusardi approach, “a district court may facilitate notice of an FLSA suit to other employees upon a ‘modest factual showing’ that they are ‘similarly situated’ …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jones v. West
S.D. Ohio · 2025 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Slush Puppie Limited v. The Icee Company
S.D. Ohio · 2025 · confidence medium
P. 12(b)(1) authorizes dismissal of a claim when a court lacks jurisdiction over its subject matter.24 “If the court determines at any time that it lacks 23 (Doc. 194 PAGEID 7020 (¶ 233)). 24 “The Sixth Circuit has distinguished between facial and factual attacks among motions to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1).” Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lahti v. Consensys, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2025 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Roesel v. DAM Management LLC
N.D. Ohio · 2024 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 596 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Taylor v. Internal Revenue Service
S.D. Ohio · 2024 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Brown v. O'Connor
S.D. Ohio · 2024 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jordan v. Carter
S.D. Ohio · 2024 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Updike v. Jonas
S.D. Ohio · 2023 · confidence medium
ANALYSIS A. Standing Because a motion to dismiss based on a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction must typically be considered before a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, see Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Oglesby v. FedEx Ground Package System, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2023 · confidence medium
Although the “fairly lenient standard” and “modest factual showing” have been followed by District Courts in the Sixth Circuit for over 20 years, Comer v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, 454 F.3d 544, 547 (6th Cir. 2006) (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Spencer v. Jordan
S.D. Ohio · 2023 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cottrell v. Triple J Trucking, Inc.
W.D. Ky. · 2023 · confidence medium
The first step, which occurs at the start of discovery, requires a plaintiff to make a “modest factual showing” that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) McGowan v. Erdos
S.D. Ohio · 2023 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Campbell v. Premierfirst Home Health Care Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2023 · confidence medium
The plaintiff must only show that his position is similar, not identical to the positions held by the putative class members.” Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 594 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Calmes v. Bluegrass Truck and Trailer Services LLC
E.D. Ky. · 2023 · confidence medium
Ky. Feb. 5, 2015) (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 596 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Dorsey v. Aviva Metals, Inc.
N.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Vaughn v. Equityexperts.org Midwest LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 592 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Cordell v. Sugar Creek Packing Co.
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
In short, at this first stage, “the plaintiff must show only that ‘his position is similar, not identical to the positions held by the putative class members.’” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 -47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) McClurg v. Dallas Jones Enterprises Inc
W.D. Ky. · 2022 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) St. Cloud v. Estes Express Lines, Inc.
M.D. Tenn. · 2022 · confidence medium
However, “[a]t the notice stage, the certification is conditional and by no means final.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 . 4 The Eastern District of Tennessee in Manlove cites the Sixth Circuit’s opinion in Comer, 454 F.3d at 547 , in support of that proposition, but it bears pointing out that, in that portion of Comer, the Sixth Circuit was simply summarizing the district court’s decision: Judge Enslen quoted the Pritchard court’s conclusion that authorization of notice “need only be based on a modest factual showing,” Pritchard [v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 596 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Back v. Ray Jones Trucking, Inc.
W.D. Ky. · 2022 · confidence medium
The first step, which occurs at the start of discovery, requires a plaintiff to make a “modest factual showing” that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fortin v. Wise Medical Staffing, Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see"
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
In order to obtain conditional certification a plaintiff need only show that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pyfrom v. ContactUS, LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
Defendants state that the differences among class members would require mini trials for each member to determine how long they worked, what they were directed to do by their supervisor, their payroll data, what training they received, etc. (Id. at 3, 13.) However, Plaintiff need only show that “h[er] position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mullen v. Chaac Pizza Midwest, LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
E.g., Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 596 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kordie v. Ohio Living
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Green v. Cornerstone Services, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2022 · confidence medium
E.g., Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 596 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) McClurg v. Dallas Jones Enterprises Inc
W.D. Ky. · 2021 · confidence medium
The first step, which occurs at the start of discovery, requires a plaintiff to make a “modest factual showing” that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kleinhans v. Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Plaintiffs need not demonstrate that their position is identical to the position held by putative class members to show they are “similarly situated”; they need only show that their “position is similar . . . to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 -47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D., 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) McElwee v. Bryan Cowdery, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jones v. Converse Electric, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gambrell v. Rumpke Waste Inc
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
However, at the conditional certification stage, “[t]he plaintiff must show only that ‘his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.’” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Russo v. Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele, LLP
M.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
At that point, “‘the certification is conditional and by no means final.’ The plaintiff must show that ‘his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.’” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Braun v. Coulter Ventures, LLC, dba Rogue Fitness
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
In short, at this first stage, “the plaintiff must show only that ‘his position is similar, not identical to the positions held by the putative class members.’” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 -47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Church v. The Pine Club, LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Because this inquiry usually takes place at the beginning of discovery, the standard for conditional certification of a collective action is Afairly lenient.@ Courts generally require only a Amodest factual showing@ that the plaintiff=s position is similar to the positions held by the putative class members. at 546-47 (quoting , 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Myres v. Hopebridge, LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
In order to obtain conditional certification a plaintiff need only show that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 -47 (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wright v. Verita Telecommunications Corporation
N.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 -47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cockrell v. Spring Home Health Care LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Thompson Clevenger v. SMCS Services, Inc.
N.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 -47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int'l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Branson v. Alliance Coal, LLC
W.D. Ky. · 2021 · confidence medium
The first step, which occurs at the start of discovery, requires a plaintiff to make a “modest factual showing” that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Young v. I Love This Bar LLC
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) York v. Velox Express, Inc.
W.D. Ky. · 2021 · confidence medium
Ky. Apr. 13, 2012), and the plaintiff must only “show that his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class member.” Comer v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 454 F.3d 544, 546-47 (6th Cir. 2006) (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 594 (S.C.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Fortney v. Walmart, Inc.
S.D. Ohio · 2021 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hall v. Gannett Company Incorporated
W.D. Ky. · 2021 · confidence medium
But before courts may authorize notice, they “must first consider whether plaintiffs”—based at this stage on the pleadings rather than proof—“have shown that the employees to be notified are, in fact, ‘similarly situated.’” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 594 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Potter v.Dawn Food Products, Inc.
E.D. Mich. · 2020 · confidence medium
The FLSA does not define the term “similarly situated.” In Cormer, the Sixth Circuit cited approvingly the idea that a “plaintiff must show only that ‘his position is similar, not identical, to the 4 positions held by the putative class members.’” 454 F.3d at 546 -547 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hammond v. Floor and Decor Outlets of America, Inc.
M.D. Tenn. · 2020 · confidence medium
At that point, “‘the certification is conditional and by no means final.’ The plaintiff must show that ‘his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.’” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (quoting Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Shiflet v. Healthcare Ventures of Ohio, LLC (2×)
S.D. Ohio · 2020 · confidence medium
In order to obtain conditional certification a plaintiff need only show that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Morse v. NTI Services, Corp
S.D. Ohio · 2020 · confidence medium
In order to obtain conditional certification a plaintiff need only show that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) WILLIAMS v. BOB EVANS RESTAURANTS, LLC
W.D. Pa. · 2020 · confidence medium
Corp., 210 F.R.D. 591, 596 (S.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Andrews v. Producers Service Corporation
S.D. Ohio · 2020 · confidence medium
In order to obtain conditional certification a plaintiff need only show that “his position is similar, not identical, to the positions held by the putative class members.” Comer, 454 F.3d at 546–47 (citing Pritchard v. Dent Wizard Int’l, 210 F.R.D. 591, 595 (S.D.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Justin PRITCHARD
v.
DENT WIZARD INTERNATIONAL CORP.
No. C2-02-022.
District Court, S.D. Ohio.
Aug 6, 2002.
210 F.R.D. 591
John William Ferron, Rebekah Stasha Sinnott, Ferron & Associates, Columbus, OH, for plaintiffs., Douglas R. Matthews, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease, Columbus, OH, John B. Renick, McMahon, Berger, Hanna, Linihan, Cody & McCarthy, St. Louis, MO, Ira Gutt, Behar Gutt & Glazer PA, Miami, FL, for defendant.
Sargus.
Cited by 96 opinions  |  Published

OPINION AND ORDER

SARGUS, District Judge.

Plaintiff brings this action under the Fair Labor -Standards Act of 1938, 29 U.S.C. § 216(b), on behalf of himself and all similarly situated employees of Defendant. Plaintiff also asserts supplemental state law claims under Chapter 4111 of the Ohio Revised Code. This matter is now before the Court for consideration of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Claims on Behalf of Persons Other Than Plaintiff pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1) and Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Doc. # 10) and Defendant’s Motion for Leave to File Instanter a Supplemental Memorandum in Support of its Motion to Dismiss (Doc. #27). The Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § § 1331 and 1367.

For the reasons set forth below, the Court GRANTS IN PART and DENIES IN PART Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss and the Court DENIES Defendant’s Motion to File a Supplemental Memorandum in Support of its Motion to Dismiss.

I. BACKGROUND.[1]

Plaintiff, Justin Pritchard, was employed by Defendant Dent Wizard International Corporation as a commissioned paintless dent removal technician from May of 2001 through October 12, 2001. Complaint 11112, 7. Plaintiff was compensated on a straight commission basis. Id. at H 7. Plaintiff claims that Defendant did not maintain accurate time records of the actual hours he worked. Id. at 1! 9. Plaintiff contends that he worked between 50 and 55 hours per week and was not paid overtime wages as required by federal and state law. Id. at 1t 8.

Plaintiff brings this suit on behalf of himself and all persons who have been, at any time since February 4, 1999, employed with Defendant in Ohio as a commissioned paint-less dent removal technician. Id. at 1111. Plaintiff claims violations of the overtime provisions provided by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (“FLSA”), 19 U.S.C. § 216(b) and by Ohio’s analogous statute, the Minimum Fair Wage Standard Act, Chapter 4111 of the Ohio Revised Code, O.R.C. § 4111.03. Id. at H1128, 30.

Defendant moves to dismiss Plaintiffs claims made on behalf of persons other than himself for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be- granted. (Doc. # 10).

II. STANDARD

A motion to dismiss based on Rule 12(b)(1) for lack of subject matter jurisdiction must be considered before a motion brought under Rule 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Moir v. Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, 895 F.2d 266, 269 (6th Cir.1990). A Rule 12(b)(6) motion may be decided only after establishing subject matter jurisdiction since the Rule 12(b)(6) challenge becomes moot if this Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction. Id. (citing Bell v. Hood, 327 U.S. 678, 682, 66 S.Ct. 773, 90 L.Ed. 939 (1946) asserting that a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action may be decided only after establishing subject matter jurisdiction, since determination of the validity of the claim is, in itself, an exercise of jurisdiction).

The Sixth Circuit has distinguished between facial and factual attacks among motions to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1). A facial challenge is an attack on the court’s subject matter jurisdiction that takes the ma[*593] terial allegations of the complaint as true and construes them in a light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Singleton v. United States, 277 F.3d 864, 870 n. 4 (6th Cir.2002) (citing Ohio Nat'l Life Ins. Co. v. United States, 922 F.2d 320, 325 (6th Cir.1990)). In contrast, a factual attack is “not a challenge to the sufficiency of the pleading’s allegations, but a challenge to the factual existence of subject matter jurisdiction.” United States v. Ritchie, 15 F.3d 592, 598 (6th Cir.1994). Because Defendant does not dispute the facts that give rise to this Court’s jurisdiction, it presents a facial challenge, as opposed to a factual challenge, to federal subject matter jurisdiction. See generally RMI Titanium Co. v. Westinghouse Elec. Corp., 78 F.3d 1125, 1134-35 (6th Cir.1996).

A motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure “should not be granted unless it appears beyond a doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claim that would entitle him to relief.” Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41, 45-46, 78 S.Ct. 99, 2 L.Ed.2d 80 (1957); Nishiyama v. Dickson County, 814 F.2d 277, 279 (6th Cir.1987) (en banc). In reviewing the dismissal, this Court must construe the complaint liberally in the non-movant’s favor and accept as true all factual allegations and permissible inferences therein. Westlake v. Lucas, 537 F.2d 857, 858 (6th Cir.1976). A “complaint need not set down in detail all the particularities of a plaintiffs claim,” Westlake, 537 F.2d at 858, the complaint must give the defendant “fair notice of what the plaintiffs claim is and the grounds upon which it rests.” Conley, 355 U.S. at 47, 78 S.Ct. 99. Thus, a 12(b)(6) motion tests whether the plaintiff has stated a claim for which the law provides relief. Cheriee Gazette v. City of Pontiac, 41 F.3d 1061, 1064 (6th Cir.1994). Consequently, a complaint will not be dismissed pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) unless there is no law to support the claims made, the facts alleged are insufficient to state a claim, or there is an insurmountable bar on the face of the complaint.

III. ANALYSIS

Defendant claims that the Court does not have jurisdiction over this ease because there is a pending suit brought by the Secretary of Labor against Defendant, and the relief pursuant to that suit is the exclusive remedy available to all employees of Defendant. Defendant’s Memorandum in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Claims on Behalf of Persons Other Than Plaintiff, at 4 [hereafter “Defendant’s Memorandum in Support’’]. Further, Defendant argues that Plaintiff is not similarly situated to those whom he claims to represent. Thus, Defendant concludes that Plaintiff cannot state a claim on which relief can be granted on behalf of those potential plaintiffs under federal or state law. Id. at 2-3. Finally, Defendant asks for leave to file a supplemental memorandum to his motion to dismiss. Defendant’s Motion for Leave to File Instanter a Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss Claims on Behalf of Persons Other Than Plaintiff [hereafter “Defendant’s Motion for Leave to Supplement”]. The Court will discuss Defendant’s claims and request, seriatim.

A. Subject Matter Jurisdiction

The Secretary of Labor is involved in a pending lawsuit against Defendant in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Case No. 4:01CV958 TIA. The Secretary of Labor’s Complaint seeks compensation for unpaid overtime wages allegedly due Defendant’s employees for the period of time between October 1, 1998 and June 4, 2001. Consequently, under the FLSA, the Secretary’s suit is the exclusive remedy for those named employees for that specified time period. Section 216(c) of the FLSA states:

The right provided by subsection (b) of this section to bring an action by or on behalf of any employee to recover the liability specified in the first sentence of such subsection and of any employee to become a party plaintiff to any such action shall terminate upon the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under this subsection in which recovery is sought of unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation under sections 206 and 207 of this title or liquidated or other damages[*594] provided by this subsection owing to such employee by an employer liable under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, unless such action is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary.

29 U.S.C. § 216(c) (emphasis added).

Section 216(c) of the FLSA clearly removes a plaintiffs right of private action once that plaintiff is included in the Secretary of Labor’s action against an employer for the period of time named in the Secretary’s action. Thus, the Court has jurisdiction over only the claims made by Plaintiff and those similarly situated to Plaintiff who are not named in the Secretary of Labor’s lawsuit, and are not making claims for unpaid overtime for the period of time between October 1, 1998 and June 4, 2001. Those for whom the Secretary of Labor files an action are limited to that exclusive remedy. For those similarly situated employees who are named in the Secretary of Labor’s suit, they may only pursue their claims in this Court for the period following June 4, 2001.

Accordingly, Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.

B. Failure to State a Claim Upon Which Relief Can Be Granted

Defendant argues that Plaintiff did not plead sufficient facts to present claims on behalf of persons, other than himself, upon which relief can be granted. Specifically, Defendant claims that Plaintiff is not similarly situated to the persons he seeks to represent and that the FSLA does not permit class actions. Defendant’s Memorandum in Support, at 2.

Defendant is correct that the FLSA does not permit the certification of a class of plaintiffs under Rule 23(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Miklos v. Golman-Hayden Companies, Inc., No. 2:99— CV-1279, 2000 WL 1617969, at *1 (S.D.Ohio Oct. 24, 2000); Schmidt v. Fuller Brush Co., 527 F.2d 532, 536 (8th Cir.1975). Section 216(b) of the FLSA, however, specifically provides for a collective action to be brought by a complaining employee on behalf of other “similarly situated” employees. Section 216(b) provides:

Action to recover such liability may be maintained in any court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more employees for and in behalf of himself or themselves and other employees similarly situated. No employee shall be a party plaintiff to any such action unless he gives his consent in writing to become such a party and such consent is filed in the court in which such action is brought.

29 U.S.C. § 216(b).

Courts commonly employ terms such as “class” and “certification” when discussing Section 216(b) claims, even though such terms are hallmarks of Rule 23 litigation and are not mentioned in Section 216(b). FLSA representative claims, however, are clearly governed by Section 216(b) and not Rule 23.

One important rationale for distinguishing between Rule 23 class actions and FLSA collective actions is that the requirements of Rule 23 are designed to protect the due process rights of absent class members, whereas in an FLSA “opt-in” collective action the requirements need not be strictly observed because there are no absent class members for the court to protect. Curtis v. Sbarro, Inc., 982 F.Supp. 249, 263 n. 17 (S.D.N.Y.1997) (citation omitted). The procedural protections of Rule 23 are unnecessary in a Section 216(b) class action because of the statute’s “opt-in” requirement. A plaintiff who “opts in” presumably has decided that the benefits of joining the class outweigh any benefits of bringing an individual action. That is to say, there is no need for the court to determine whether a class action is the most efficient method to proceed because each individual plaintiff has already concluded that a sufficiently common issue of fact or law exists and that he or she will be adequately represented. See Lusardi v. Xerox Corp., 118 F.R.D. 351 (D.N.J.1987), mandamus granted in part, appeal dismissed sub nom., Lusardi v. Lechner, 855 F.2d 1062 (3rd Cir.1988), vacated in part on other grounds and remanded.

In addition, certification under Rule 23(b) ensures that unnamed plaintiffs are adequately represented and given notice of the[*595] suit because those parties will be bound by the judgment, for better or worse, unless they opt out of the class action. See Phillips Petroleum Co. v. Shutts, 472 U.S. 797, 809-14, 105 S.Ct. 2965, 86 L.Ed.2d 628 (1985); Hanlon v. Chrysler Corp., 150 F.3d 1011, 1020 (9th Cir.1998) (“To satisfy constitutional due process concerns, absent class members must be afforded adequate representation before entry of a judgment which binds them.”) (citing Hansberry v. Lee, 311 U.S. 32, 42-43, 61 S.Ct. 115, 85 L.Ed. 22 (1940)). In a Section 216(b) action, no one is bound by the judgment unless they “opt-in.” Sims v. Parke Davis & Co., 334 F.Supp. 774, 782 (E.D.Mich.1971) aff'd 453 F.2d 1259 (6th Cir.1971) (unlike Rule 23, individuals can neither benefit from nor be bound by any judgment rendered under a Section 219(b) representative action). Also, there is no danger that named plaintiffs are not representative of unnamed plaintiffs, because all plaintiffs will be identified, and, as discussed below, the “similarly situated” test will ensure that all parties are properly joined in the same action. Bonilla v. Las Vegas Cigar Co., 61 F.Supp.2d 1129, 1136 (D.Nev.1999). “The § 216(b) requirement that plaintiffs consent to the suit serves essentially the same due process concerns that certification serves in a Rule 23 action.” Id.

Section 216(b) of the FLSA provides that only “similarly situated” employees may utilize this “opt-in” procedure. “In order to establish that other employees are similarly situated to the named plaintiff, the named plaintiff ‘need only show that [his] position [is] similar, not identical,’ to the positions held by the putative class members.” Viciedo v. New Horizons Computer, Learning Center of Columbus, Ltd., No. 2:01-CV-250, slip. op. (S.D.Ohio December 4, 2001) (citing Riojas v. Seal Produce, Inc., 82 F.R.D. 613, 616 (S.D.Tex.1979) and Schwed v. General Elec. Co., 159 F.R.D. 373, 375 (N.D.N.Y.1995) and Allen v. Marshall Field & Co., 93 F.R.D. 438, 443 (N.D.Ill.1982)). Thus, putative class members “whose causes of action under the FLSA accrued at about the time and place in the approximate manner of the named plaintiff would be similarly situated and can opt into the action.” Id. (citing Miklos, 2000 WL 1617969, at *1).

In Miklos, this Court explained that the opt-in provision of Section 216(b) “requires some procedure for identifying the potential class members. The first step, of course, is to identify those employees who may be similarly situated and who may therefore ultimately seek to opt into the action.” 2000 WL 1617969, at *1. In Viciedo, this Court discussed what is required of a plaintiff to show others are similarly situated at the notice stage stating:

In Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. v. Sperling, 493 U.S. 165, 110 S.Ct. 482, 107 L.Ed.2d 480 (1989), the “Supreme Court ... made it clear that the collective action provisions of the FLSA, 29 U.S.C. § 216(b), authorize a trial court to issue court-supervised notice to potential class members.” Belcher v. Shoney’s, Inc., 927 F.Supp. 249, 251 (M.D.Tenn.1996). “That power is to be exercised, however, only in ‘appropriate cases,’ and remains within the discretion of the district court.” Severtson v. Phillips Beverage Co., 137 F.R.D. 264, 266 (D.Minn.1991). However, the Supreme Court “gives little guidance on how the district court should proceed in determining whether a case is appropriate for court-authorized notice.” Id. Furthermore, “the lower courts have not agreed as to the factual showing that must be made by a plaintiff to show who is ‘similarly situated’ at the notice stage.” Belcher, 927 F.Supp. at 251. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has not addressed this issue.

Viciedo, No. 2:01-CV-250, slip. op. at 4 (S.D.Ohio December 4.2001).

This Court went on to explain the standards that have been set forth for the purpose of identifying potential class members that are similarly situated stating:

“Some courts hold that a plaintiff can demonstrate that potential class members are ‘similarly situated,’ for purposes of receiving notice, based solely upon allegations in a complaint of class-wide illegal practices.” Belcher, 927 F.Supp. at 251. See, e.g., Allen v. Marshall Field & Co., 93 F.R.D. at 438. “other courts hold that a plaintiff meets this burden by demonstrating some[*596] factual support for the allegations before issuance of notice. Belcher, 927 F.Supp. at 251. See, e.g., Jackson v. New York Telephone Co., 163 F.R.D. 429, 431 (S.D.N.Y.1995). However, authorized notice [need only be] based on a modest factual showing.” Severtson, 137 F.R.D. at 266. Courts requiring a factual showing “have considered factors such as whether potential plaintiffs were identified; whether affidavits of potential plaintiffs were submitted; and whether evidence of a widespread discriminatory plan was submitted.” H & R Block, Ltd. v. Housden, 186 F.R.D. 399, 400 (E.D.Tex.1999) (citations omitted). The Severtson court reasoned that
[requiring a showing that there is some factual basis for the class allegations, however, hardly places an unreasonable burden on the plaintiffs. To obtain court authorization to send the proposed notice, plaintiffs must submit evidence establishing at least a colorable basis for their claim that a class of “similarly situated” plaintiffs exist. 137 F.R.D. at 267.

Viciedo, No. 2:01-CV-250, slip. op. at 4-5 (S.D.Ohio December 4, 2001).

In the case sub judice, the Court concludes Plaintiff has sufficiently alleged a collective action under Section 216(b) of the FLSA. Plaintiff meets his burden of showing he is similarly situated to those whom he requests to represent under either standard set forth above. In the less restrictive standard, i.e., demonstrating “similarly situated” based upon allegations in the complaint of class-wide illegal practices, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has set forth allegations of Defendant’s class-wide practice of not paying overtime wages to its paintless dent removal technicians. Under the more restrictive standard, ie., requiring factual support for the class allegations in the amended complaint, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has set forth sufficient factual support for his class allegations in his Amended Complaint. Plaintiff has sufficiently alleged that there were numerous paintless dent removal technician’s employed by Defendant in Ohio, that all of these technicians were paid on a commission basis, and Defendant did not pay these technician’s overtime for certain periods of time. Whether many or few of these technicians choose to opt-in to this suit, or are capable of opting-in to this suit, remains to be seen. At this stage of this stage of the litigation, however, the Court cannot conclude that Plaintiff can prove no set of facts that would entitle him, or those he would represent, to relief.

Likewise, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has sufficiently alleged a cause of action under Ohio’s Minimum Fair Wage Standard Act, Chapter 4111 of the Ohio Revised Code. Ohio Revised Code § 4111.03, incorporates the standards set forth by the FLSA. As a result, Plaintiffs state-law overtime compensation claim necessarily survives if his FLSA claim survives. Gibbs v. Montgomery County Agric. Soc’y., 140 F.Supp.2d 835, 844 (S.D.Ohio 2001).

Accordingly, Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted is DENIED.

C. Leave to File Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss

Defendant requests leave to file a memorandum to supplement its motion to dismiss. Defendant asks to be allowed to supplement the record with Plaintiffs responses to interrogatories. Defendant argues that if the Court considers the affidavit submitted by Plaintiff in his Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss in ruling on Defendant’s Motion, then the Court should also consider facts admitted by Plaintiff in his interrogatory responses. (Doc. # 27).

The Court, however, did not consider the affidavit submitted by Plaintiff in his Memorandum in Opposition. Thus, the Court will not consider Defendant’s submission of Plaintiffs responses to interrogatories. Accordingly, Defendant’s Motion to File Supplemental Memorandum in Support is DENIED.[2]

[*597] IV. CONCLUSION

Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. (Doc. # 10). Specifically, Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction is GRANTED as to any of Defendant’s employees that are named in the Secretary of Labor’s suit against Defendant, who are making claims for the period of time between October 1, 1998 and June 4, 2001. Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction is DENIED as to any of Defendant’s employees who are not named in the Secretary’s suit or who are making claims for a period of time that is not between October 1, 1998 and June 4, 2001. Defendants Motion to Dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted is DENIED.

Defendant’s Motion for Leave to File Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss is DENIED. (Doe. #27).

IT IS SO ORDERED.

1

As required by the current procedural posture, the following Background section of this Opinion and Order assumes the truth of the allegations in the Complaint.

2

The Court notes that if it were to consider either the affidavit or the Plaintiff's responses to interrogatories, this Rule 12(b)(6) motion would be converted to a Rule 56(c) motion. If a court relies upon matters outside the record, the moving party (here Defendant) has the burden of showing there are no genuine issues as to any material facts, as the motion shall be treated as[*597] one for summary judgment. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c); BMI Titanium Company v. Westinghouse Electric Corp., 78 F.3d 1125, 1134 (6th Cir.1996). The Court does not elect to convert the motion to dismiss to a motion for summary judgment.