Betcha didn’t know that small one-person consulting companies in Canada play a vital role in keeping the US strong, didja? Makes you wonder why I moved to a big US-based company, but I digress.
I found out just how vital these small companies are when an associate producer from a TV production company cold called a few months ago to see whether I’d be interested in taking part in their series called, yup, Keeping America Strong. When I pointed out that I was in Canada and a one-person consulting company, he responded that keeping Canada strong would help the US borders and that small companies also play a vital role. And that the series was hosted by William Shatner, supported by television news anchors and a Navy Admiral.
I must admit, I was intrigued, although I might have been more tempted had it been Leonard Nimoy hosting rather than William Shatner. Still, it was worth spending another few minutes on the phone, explaining what XML does and how it is used by various US government departments such as Homeland Security. XML obviously passed the test of being deemed worthy of the next step, which was to meet the field producer who would write up the proposal for each “entepreneurial company” (their words) that wanted to “move forward in these times” (their words). At about this stage I started wondering just how much this was going to cost, although I was enjoying the polished delivery of the benefits of being on TV with the “American icons” (their words). Eventually I got the answer. The major celebrities were donating their time and energy for this important endeavour, and the only costs were a contribution to the production costs of a mere $US 15,000. A tad pricey for a vanity kick, I thought. So I declined with thanks, got a nice follow-up email, and still have the fax with the details of what I missed out on. Maybe I’ll keep that for posterity; after all, paper doesn’t degrade the same way web sites do.
Then yesterday I found an Invitation for Interview for “Forbes Radio” on American Airlines in my inbox. Yup, another invitation to prove I’m one of these “innovative industry and business leaders, who through effective collaboration, progressive strategies, improved productivity, and increased agility, provide companies and individuals a competitive advantage and better quality of work and life”. This opportunity is to take part in a 3-minute interview to be played on American Airlines inflight program, which has a “captive audience of 3.4 million executive travelers per month”, and offered at the discounted rate of only $US 4,995! So make sure you remember your iPod next time you fly on American Airlines.
{ 55 } Comments
I had a similar kind of interaction with someone who kept me on the phone for at least twenty minutes explaining how he would get my company (ActiveState) mentioned in a brochure that they were publishing for distribution by the UN to 56,000 decisionmakers in asia, as part of a push to support Linux-based products, yadda yadda yadda. He said they had 5 slots, and only one remaining. I asked, expecting little, who the other four companies were. Unfortunately for him, he mentioned Mozilla.org, (“some guy called Mitchell Baker”) and others, equally easily reference-checkable. After a quick email to Mitchell it was clear this was a scam. Still, a remarkably elaborate scam. Given how smooth-talking the guy was, it’s sad to think of the waste of sales talent involved (even if it’s entertaining at times).
Got the same call today.
Keeping America Strong
Would like to know if the one who payed got back there investment.
PhL
I got the same call earlier this week. I’m thinking of calling them back to at least catch the wave and chase the fun. I’d be interested in anyone is ahead of me in this endeavor and what they are in the process… Thanks
I got the email that requested only the CEO or President call back. I called back to find out what are the hidden costs.
Yes, I would also like to know the return on investment from those who paid.
I just talked to them today. I asked them what TV network they are on, and she (the associate producer) said the American Life Channel. Has anyone ever heard of that channel? I couldn’t find it on the Internet, nor on Comcast’s channel listings. I also asked her what channel number and time slot the program airs in the LA area, and she didn’t know. Has anyone seen this program on TV?
I actually have their “producer” coming to my office (home office) tomorrow morning at 10 AM. The associate producer who contacted me was very friendly, no big sales pressure, and totally up front about the $15,000.
The $15,000 is to be paid only if you’re “selected”, though they did not tell me the “criteria” their looking for. As an attorney, I do not plan on signing any document or agreement that binds me to “accept” and pay $15,000 if I’m selected (which I highly doubt anyway). IF that happens, I will take them straight to court — Massachusetts has the strongest consumer protection laws in the country.
I expect that my chances of being “selected” or probably less than being hit by lightning or winning Megabucks. I called them today and learned it’s one hour of time.
However, I figure, for the hell of it, I’ve spent an hour doing worse things (plus, in his “prior life”, Shatner was my childhood “hero” as Captain Kirk of Star Trek.
It’s only a “scam” when they ask for the money. As I said, they were totally up-front about that, so I don’t consider it a “scam” — at least not yet — just my choice whether to spend an hour with their producer. I have NO intention of paying them $15000 even if I’m selected (I don’t have that kind of money anyway).
If anyone is interested I’ll let you know how it goes. Please e-mail me at Needtokno@comcast.net if you’d like me to follow-up after tomorrow.
Thanks.
Ron Wainrib
Franklin, Mass
I actually have their “producer” coming to my office (home office) tomorrow morning at 10 AM. The associate producer who contacted me was friendly and totally up front about the $15,000.
The $15,000 is paid if you’re “selected”. I do not plan on signing any document or agreement that binds me to “accept” and pay $15,000 if I’m selected (which I highly doubt anyway). IF that happens, I will take them straight to court. I expect my chances of being “selected” are less than being hit by lightning.
I figure, for the hell of it, I’ve spent an hour doing worse things (plus, in his “prior life”, Shatner was my childhood “hero” as Captain Kirk of Star Trek.
I don’t consider it a “scam” yet — just my choice whether to spend an hour with their producer. I have NO intention of paying them $15000 even if I’m selected (I don’t have that kind of money anyway). If anyone is interested in a follow-up, please contact me at Needtokno@comcast.net ’
Ron Wainrib
I received the phone call today. I’m curious how and why I was contacted. I appreciate this blog and the comments. My husband, an attorney, does think this is a scam. Are these people (Shatner, et al) that hard up for money?
Of course I have never heard of the American Life Channel, and it all feels a little too “Up With People” for me.
Add me to the list of “you-who-could-be-about-to-be-scammed”. Got a voice mail this am from an associate produce of Keeping American Strong asking me to potentially become a chum of Wm Shatner, market my small business, etc. So of course I immediately googled the bunch and came upon the lowdown in this newsgroup. I hadn’t expected the scam price of $15000, but rents are high in LA.
Needless to say, I won’t call them back.
I’m supposed to be interviewed by these people on Monday (my business is in L.A.). I’m sort of the mind, like others, to just play along and see what happens but not to give them the $15k. That money could be better spent elsewhere. I also seriously doubt that Shatner has anything much to do with this production, or his website would probably say he does. This is just probably a marketing tool to get us to pay for the programming so the producers can air their show.
Best,
Monique
An associate producer (sales person) came to our company yesterday. Ben did not have much of a sales pitch but he did talk about his girlfriend and later his wife…hmmm. It seemed straightforward, “they” just wanted to help small businesses grow, and for a fraction of the cost, you would get a TV program introduced by William Shatner, whose name and image you could then use in perpetuity. However, the hard close really tipped us off. Why do you need $5K down payment today? What is wrong with signing up tomorrow, next week or now that I think about it, never.
I met with Ben Hammer yesterday following a cold call from the folks at “Keeping America Strong”. After the usual sales pitch experienced by the posts before mine, my research has tought me the following.
The Keeping America Strong is a video production company in the business of selling video services. If you are in the market you can find many such like services for hire at price points similiar to 15K they charge. In Claifornia, there is no shortage of companies pandering to new business owners usine retired politician, celebraties and the like. Keeping America Strong has a decent (in my opinion) operation, but I do not appreciate the dceptive sales pitch. I was also concerned about the fact that i could not get any former clients to return my calls regarding their experiences and success/failure with this product.
I teach business, sales and leadership and offer free business training to all veterans of the military (I am a retired Army Master Sergeant). I started 2 companies, Leaders Advantage (Web address the same) and the Northeast Veterans Business Resource Center, http://www.NEVBRC.org, a non-profit that teaches veterans how to run and grow their own businesses and I am a SCORE counselor with the Boston SCORE chapter.
I would be happy to discuss my experience regarding this in further detail if you are interested or concerned. LCelli@LeadersAdvantage.com
Good luck.
Happy for this blog, now I don’t have to return this very strange call..
I met with a representative in San Francisco, while I could not afford the fee since I’m a small business owner, if I had it I’d pay 15,000 to have Shatner promote my company! Heck they paid Tiger Wood like 50 million to step out of a Buick. Ah Hollywood.
I was approached by an associate producer 3 weeks ago regarding thsi show. I have to admit to being highly skeptical at first given that there are numerous scams out there, but as our conversation kept going I found the person to be not a pushy sales/telemarketer, but rather someone trying to find out whether he could justify sendig a producer to meet with me, and the determining factor was whether my business would benefit from it or not. I was intrigued enough to set the appointment, and the producer came to visit just this past monday. his presentation was not high pressure “sign on the doted line” kind of approach, but rather explaining the concept of the show and its purpose. I had previously visited their website and took the liberty of researching some of the companies mentioned there, two did contact me and what they said is that their experience was quite interesting and everything was done as they were told, there was a studio interview, someone went to their location to tape a segment, and it did air on TV, but the value of the show according to the people I contacted was on the CD and video material they get to use for their marketing. to make a long story short, I did not find anything fishy about them, their presentation was interesting, but in the end I felt my product was not ready to be marketed yet and therefore be able to the keeping america strong series to my advantage. surprisingly the producer agreed, did not push me and wished me the best. you know in todays world we all have had some kind of bad experience with someone trying to take advantage, this was not one of them.
I was kind of skeptical myslef. Comeon a TV star and network anchors for 15K. I thought it sounded too good to be true and I was really suspicious. But I checked their sight and looked at what they do. I know this is crazy but these guys a legit. I have heard of upteen groups doing this, but these boys seem to me the real deal. Call me naive, I don’t care but that is what I think. Now 15K no way, I don’t have it. But I think if a guy got some cash and is looking to get a jump on the competition without the scam of infomercials hey this could be what the doctor ordered. Later.
Just so people reading this site know — the last three comments (from “Daniel”, “Simon”, and “Walter”) all came from the same IP address — which makes me somewhat suspicious! Not (yet) suspicious enough to delete the comments, but I may change my mind on that.
We got a call from the “Keeping America Strong” people yesterday. Like most everybody else here, I had never heard of them before, so I decided to do a little Googling.
First I went to their website and looked at the sample videos. It seems that William Shatner just does some generic “bookend” intros and extros for the show. Much of the interviewing seems to be done by Doug Llewelyn (Mr. People’s Court reporter himself… Woohoo!). There were also some “news anchor” types in there, and something about it just screamed “Informercial!” to me.
I looked up the AmericanLife TV Network, and it does indeed exist. Its website can be found at http://www.goodtv.com . They seem to be a minor cable TV network (DirecTV does not carry them, as far as I know) that shows mainly reruns of wholesome comedies and dramas, with some public interest programming thrown in. It actually looks like a channel I would enjoy watching every once in a while.
However, I saw no mention of “Keeping America Strong”, though there did seem to be slots around 5:00 am for “Paid Commercial Programming”. Something tells me this is where the show would fit in.
So as far as I can tell, this seems to be a video production company that will interview you for your own infomercial for $15,000. I am guessing they pay AmericanLife to show your episode once, and then they let you keep the video (or parts of it) for your own use at conventions, expos, etc. Not really sure how effective this would be as a marketing/PR tool, but I suppose that would be up to each individual company.
But $15,000? With William Shatner involved, I would like to think that I could “Name My Own Price”™!
I saw some comments on you web Blog that came from people who obviously had no real experience with the program..and i thought I’d add a statement,from someone who was on the Keeping America Strong Show…my company
helped market a pioneering medical device related to heart and body scanning..and the keeping Ammerica Strong Show,created for ususing great celebrities helped us to attract investors ‚raise the needed dollars„and helped us significantly ot market our centers„through the country..they helped us achive the credibility we needed ‚and w feel they are doing great things..if you wish ffurther infoyou can contact me by email..popestan@yahoo.com
Somebody with firsthand experience, great! Stan, can you share with us your experiences with the show? What was it like? Would it be fair to say that you get a professionally produced interview, which you could then use to market your company? I suppose you and the producers sat down to discuss what types of things would be interviewed, etc.?
Once you did the intervew, *how* did you use it to help promote your business? For example, did you get a videotape/DVD with the interview that you could show to clients and investors? Was it something you would use as an introduction to a presentation, for example? Something you would mail to them? etc.?
Your comments on this blog would be appreciated, as it would help promote a dialog about this company, as opposed to having a bunch of people “guess” as to what is going on. Thanks.
I was contacted by phone to set up an interview with a producer local to my area. Because I was leaving town on an extended trip, we set the appointment for two weeks out. When I asked for a contact number, in the event my trip was prolonged, or that for some reason I had to postpone, I was told that would not be necessary-THEY would contact ME to confirm.
As it turned out, I came back ill, and waited for a phone call or email from them to reschedule, but heard nothing. After I made an an appointment with a doctor for the following day, the day of the interview, I received a fax confirmation, but there was no phone number or email address to which I could respond; I found this quite circumspect and very irritating.
The producer called the day of the appointment to get directions and was surprised to hear that I did not receive his fax until late in the day prior to our meeting. We rescheduled. He was vey nice, sorry to hear about my illness. In the meantime, I researched the program every way I could, speaking to several people I found on the web that had bought into it and reading everything I could find.
When the producer arrived and made his presentation, there was nothing on the video I had not already seen on other participants’ web sites or elsewhere on the internet. But I had many questions. The first question was, “You chose my company at random for this prestigious exposure, but what do you know about me, my professional background, the reputation of my company, its financials, etc., and why would William Shatner want to put his name on a product, service, or individual of which and whom he knows nothing? That is an unnecessary risk that someone in Mr. Shatner’s position need not take.”
The producer replied that I had a legitimate question, and explained that IF my company was selected, the show attorneys would conduct an in-depth investigation on me and my company. OK. Backwards, but OK.
To make a long story short, I am convinced that “Keeping America Strong” is a legitamate marketing program. I do not believe it is non-profit, as my research and telephone conversations with others indicate that the production company involved makes money on the deal, though an amount in keeping with what one would expect to produce these types of marketing tools– CD Rom business cards, videos, DVD’s.
I did not buy into the program for these reasons:
1) I did not like the mystery of who was going to interview me and the fact I was not permitted to have any contact information for my interviewing producer.
2) They expected my ego to play a big part in my buying in, saying how different, interesting, etc. were my services. There are thousands out there who do what what I do, so the fact they could not substantiate the basis for their intense interest told me that their only interest was my $15,000.
3) The part where you have only the next few days to plunk down $5K as your down payment while you are being “approved” is an old sales tactic to close the deal, and it turned me off. I was told that if I did not commit to a $15K investment within the next day or two, my opportunity to do so was gone forever. The pitch here was that Mr. Shatner agreed to brand this program with his name up until June 1. After that date, it would take a special concession to “get in under the wire” at that price, because soon, the price would be raised to six figures– clearly not an option for small business owners.
4) This kind of marketing is not a good fit for my services. Footage would be boring, and I could better spend my marketing dollars elsewhere.
5) While I am quite sure this is a legit deal, I was turned off by their closing tactics and other business practices that totally insulted my intelligence.
William Shatner’s endorsement, your interview being aired all over the country (but at what times and on what stations are anybody’s guess), a day in the studio working with a team of producers, make-up artists, etc… all pretty heady stuff, but only worth the investment if you can overlook the hard sell and justify the exact use of the materials being produced.
I was called by Keeping America Strong. I admit I was intrigued. We arranged for an associate producer to meet with my team and me at our company.
I appreciate that they seem to go out of their way to create a great marketing video package, but their pitch is odd, and if they are legitimate why the song and dance? Let’s be practical and review the opportunity to see if it sounds too good to be true: studio time at ABC studios, brand alignment with Mr. Shatner et al, retained reproduction rights, three edited versions for our use any way that we please, and for $15,000 (common). Look at it another way: why would an early stage company pay desperately needed working capital to be interviewed by people from a TV show on a cable channel no one can find?
When someone finds the network http://www.goodtv.com (thank you Big Al) you can’t even find the show? Besides, if Mr. Shatner is waiving fees why the hard sell? His name would certainly carry an opportunity like this.
Much, if not all, of the “turn-off” sales tactics mentioned in this blog were used. I agree that their pitch does rely on a heavy dose of one’s ego to buy in. However, ego is a strong word. How about just *desire*. All of us striving to launch a new company that would help “keep America strong” do so with a desire to be successful. Their pitch feeds on that. I did not appreciate it no matter how legit their scheme appears to be.
While we are on the subject of *legit* why all of the mystery? The associate producer that met with us could not tell us why we were selected, or how their selection team found us. He didn’t want to leave the DVD that he showed to us (with content matching what is on their website, hmm). He did not want to leave his brochure, which was obviously designed to be left with potential clients. On both subjects he said not until you have been *selected* can I give you this information. He acquiesced and left the brochure, but asked me to mail it back to him if we were not selected. At this point I felt like he was reluctant to leave any evidence of a scam behind. The hard sell then commenced.
The associate producer showed us a simplistic, vague, and ambiguous contract (certainly not one that a major production company would issue). There was a term pertaining to a celebrity fee that could be waived (don’t recall actual language). This is where I think they are scamming to a degree. They were upfront about the $15,000 fee, but they were not upfront about how to find their show on TV, or about the celebrating fee waiving business until after they wasted our time and asked for $5,000 up front. At this point we decided to pass. While our technology supports the automobile industry we have also been car dealers for decades. We know hard sell, soft sell, and everything in between. The associate producer went so far as to try to call Mr. Bert Tenser from my office (the executive producer of the show) to obtain approval to waive Mr. Shatner’s fee. He did not reach him. Mr. Tenser I don’t need any favors. What I need is a level of professionalism worthy of being paid.
If they are legit — how do they make money? The people that they claim are involved don’t work for free. I would not expect them to especially Mr. Shatner at this point in his great career. Besides, if Mr. Shatner were “donating” his time for the benefit of early stage companies you would think that he would mention this personally. If they want some stock in our fledgling company and fees paid their pitch would be more beleavable. After all Mr. Shatner experienced a wind fall income from his early, and continued, involvement with PriceLine.com. However, a flat $15,850 just sounds too good to be true, I will pass.
If someone has had a good experience with their service I would like to hear about it at info@vnscorporation.com
I just received a phone call from them, googled on the program name, found your blog, read the post (all while still “talking” with the sales person), and was able to blow them off post-haste.
Thanks for the info!
I just got a call from these people today. At first it sounded believable but then I went to Google the name of the show and Shatner and thank god I found this blog. Now I can forget about being on TV.
Just got called today. Not interested, but (like Bob above) me, Google led me here. Now I’m really not interested.
–Scott
it started with a call accepting us, and then a package about how the process would work, and how to best prepare for my television interview arrived.
As instructed I wrote out a series of question for their anchor a man named Doug Llewlyn, who I remembered from his insightful coverage of the OJ Simpson trial. He also seemed to be a man who was good at helping average Joe’s and Jane’s look good on TV. Even if they’d just embarrassed the heck out of themselves in front of Judge Wapner on the People’s Court. GREAT SHOW!!!
I worked in the months prior to the taping with a head production guy named Ramdo Sikoly discussing the edit of my thirty minute television show—and the three parts that would ultimately end up on business card CD-Roms and three different videos and content for our website.
Then the big day came and I arrived at the ABC Studios and had an awesome steak dinner with the owner and Mr. Lylewn and we talked and joked and positioned my company for the taping, and the funny thing was a lot of that chit chat really paid off because I was comfortable talking with Mr. Llylewn during the interview and even joked a little and it seemed Well Al, I decided to submit my company and soon after received a telephone call to say things were going really well.
About two days later another production guy Scott Zegner called to set up a B-Roll,which was just shots of my business to inter-cut with the studio stuff. A really great camera guy came to my offices, Mort Basest.
About a week and a half later I got a letter from Sikoly that the show would air on TV, and maybe the next day the videos and cd business cards arrived, and man! the show really captured what we do.
We then took the tapes to several VC meetings and gave them to our sales reps. To make a long story short. I got a nice sized VC investment and started making some decent sales. William Shatner certainly opens doors that were closed to us before the show, no wonder he got millions from Priceline…. Anyway we used the videos to help sell the company which went very, very well. I can honestly say it was totally worth 10 times the amount at the very least. If you’re thinking of doing the show, I’d say go for it. I don’t know what you do but as a health and testing company the show put us on the map in a big way.
So these people called my secretary today, and after a little google-ing around I have to say– IS SHATNER SO HARD UP FOR CASH THAT HE HAS TO STOOP TO THIS LEVEL. Small business owners beware-IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE.….IT IS! I think I’ll just stick with ADwords and CPC’s, thanks. I mean $15k! For that kind of money I could have first line first page!! Thank God for blogs, or I too could have been the next contestant to “come on down”. Oh and by the way, visit my site and BUY something why don’t ya!?
We were “interviewed” by a field producer a few days ago, and we even gave them check (less than $5000). I woke up this morning in a cold sweat obviously dreaming about it, so I decided to do some investigation and found this blog. For a moment in the morning I thought this was a complete fraud. Returning to the “interview”, I even talked to Mr. Tenzer on the phone (while the field producer was there, hopefully it was him) who is a very pleasant man. So was the field producer. I backed out of the deal this morning for two reasons:
1. The pressure was on because Mr.Shatner might demand fees as of September 1st, which of course was waived. We suspected that this was a lie.
2. The TV channel does not show this programming except some paid programming at 3 am in the morning, which might be it. So I think the publicity is not there, which was the main reason we signed on. We want to reach individuals with their own tennis courts or people who are looking for products like ours and baby boomers are a good category.
I think the company is legit and they do what they promise except #2 the above points. The DVD and tape I am sure are done professionally, but I am not sure it would do us much good for the $16,000 we would spend. We could use it as working capital.
What I don’t understand is why some prominent people are involved in this, even if they make some money, and use gimmicks to close the deal. In the age of the Internet these tactics will backfire. If everything were 100% true we might have done it, but these little falsehoods made us uneasy and we felt we were taken advantage of. Bad move on their part. What about just presenting this as a business proposition and forget about being “selected” and all that BS. Maybe more people would buy in because the BS would not raise the red flag in our minds.
We respect what you are trying to do in bringing proper information to people. However, in going through your blog we see that the bulk of the information is from people who have had only had some kind of verbal conversations, mostly on the telephone and have NEVER BEEN ACCEPTED FOR THE KEEPING AMERICA STRONG PROGRAM, and have never gone through the actual steps and procedures and most importantly never experienced the benefits. We have helped over 500 companies nationwide with this program and we feel that is there is an independent website that gives information about it that at the very least it should reveal the facts about what the program actually does. For this reason our vice president sent several times information to you that revels what happens with those who go through program. IN the event that it somehow never got to you I’m sending another copy. To the benefit of all concerned we appreciate you putting the blog up on the net. If for any reason you should refused to post this comment we would like an explanation to news@heartbeatofamerica.tv
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My name is Bernard I joined the Keeping America Strong program two and a half years ago as Senior Producer. I joined the organization because I saw that Keeping America Strong is doing important things for the entrepreneurs of America by giving them the credibility of celebrity icon names and images that only the giants of industry could normally afford. I saw how companies were succeeding from everywhere including Canada, Venezuela China, the USA and how they felt honored to be a part of the program. I also saw how they had all of the rights to use the icon images on videos and CD’s that were edited down from the television show and targeted to their prospective clients. I felt good about it then and even feel better about it today. Every program has doubters no matter how good but without prejudice I will tell anyone that this is real and supported by famous people of the government, the media, and the entertainment world who truly care. The actual 30 minute show airs nationally on the America Life Television Network at 9:00 am EST, it is not on in all areas, consult your local cable provider to see if American Life is in your area. While it may be glamorous to be on a national show, I would say that the main benefit to the companies lies in the Videos and CD that come from the show that are targeted to prospective clients. If you would like to get any further facts instead of the could be’s and should be’s feel free to contact me at 310–607-8380
We respect what you are trying to do in bringing proper information to people. However, in going through your blog we see that the bulk of the information is from people who have had only had some kind of verbal conversations, mostly on the telephone and have NEVER BEEN ACCEPTED FOR THE KEEPING AMERICA STRONG PROGRAM, and have never gone through the actual steps and procedures and most importantly never experienced the benefits. We have helped over 500 companies nationwide with this program and we feel that is there is an independent website that gives information about it that at the very least it should reveal the facts about what the program actually does. For this reason our vice president sent several times information to you that revels what happens with those who go through program. IN the event that it somehow never got to you I’m sending another copy. To the benefit of all concerned we appreciate you putting the blog up on the net. If for any reason you should refused to post this comment we would like an explanation to news@heartbeatofamerica.tv
My name is Bernard I joined the Keeping America Strong program two and a half years ago as Senior Producer. I joined the organization because I saw that Keeping America Strong is doing important things for the entrepreneurs of America by giving them the credibility of celebrity icon names and images that only the giants of industry could normally afford. I saw how companies were succeeding from everywhere including Canada, Venezuela China, the USA and how they felt honored to be a part of the program. I also saw how they had all of the rights to use the icon images on videos and CD’s that were edited down from the television show and targeted to their prospective clients. I felt good about it then and even feel better about it today. Every program has doubters no matter how good but without prejudice I will tell anyone that this is real and supported by famous people of the government, the media, and the entertainment world who truly care. The actual 30 minute show airs nationally on the America Life Television Network at 9:00 am EST, it is not on in all areas, consult your local cable provider to see if American Life is in your area. While it may be glamorous to be on a national show, I would say that the main benefit to the companies lies in the Videos and CD that come from the show that are targeted to prospective clients. If you would like to get any further facts instead of the could be’s and should be’s feel free to contact me at 310–607-8380
I’m glad someone from the program finally responded (and contrary to what he wrote, it’s the first time anyone from the show ever actually sent me information about it for this blog after I wrote the initial post). Since I now have comments from some who turned it down, some who participated, and some who are otherwise involved, readers can draw their own conclusions.
I worked for the company, and I question their honesty and integrity???? … I came,…I saw.…I left?**&^…the concerns I read are also my concerns plus more???
I was just called and reseached to find this blog. I have only returned the phone call and left a message. There is no way I can afford $15,000 as I am working here in Afghanistan to help pay for my company. My wife and I are working hard at building our personal and business credit to try for a loan. $15,000 in my pocket right now would surely go to putting more money into my company. I have a GREAT story but you wont hear it on this show. Does anyone have information on business loans for a start up company with less than average credit? If you got a business loan how did you do it and through whom? PLEASE email me. I would love to be back home instead of here in the desert. howardqent@yahoo.com
I used to work for this company as an “AP”. DO NOT go with this company or give them your money!!!
PEOPLE!!! I used to work for this company and I will TELL you what goes on:
They pay whomever they can get to cold call off a bunch of lists…they didn’t “get your name” because they were impressed with you…they are calling EVERYONE they can get to cut them a check for $15,000.00. They have lists upon lists of prospective people to cold call and solicit to. They are no different from everyone else that cold calls your office trying to solicit…
The people who actually run this office are so far from professional its not even funny. They are unbelievably incompetent, have little to no integrity, are hell-bent on commissions. If you SAW this office or even really SPOKE with these people, you would not even CONSIDER giving them your money. The “Field Producer” gives the same sales-oriented speech to everyone. You’re not special, trust me.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS CRAP!!!! YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!!
I just had these idiots call me and when I asked “how much” they hung up on me. I can smell a scam a thousand miles away. It reminds me of another scam going around that was airing on Channel 6 (real estate channel)in L.A. a few years back. I think the name of that show was made in America or something like that.
Run as fast as you can from these idiots.
Now I remember. It is Heartbeat of America that is behinh this scam. They came to my office a few years ago. These Idiots are working out of a lettle office in Malibu. Here is their contact info.
But don’t call them unless you want to be scammed.
Heartbeat Of America Production Department
22761 Pacific Coast Hwy
Suite 104
Malibu,CA 90265
Toll Free Telephone:(800) 956‑1787
Fax Number: (310) 317– 0098
E-Mail: news@heartbeatofamerica.tv
Contact: Scott Tenzer (Production Manager
They target small businesses a lot. Its so awful! These poor people are lead to believe that they are making a wise investment that will cause their business to grow like nothing else and in many cases will spend all the money they have ($15,000 is a lot of money for anyone!) It is a huge scam that costs innocent people a lot of money and I hope word gets out to as many people as possible!!
These people must have the WORST karma!!
Just so people know — the comments from “Anonymous”, “Paul”, and “Kevin” all come from the same IP address, which I find suspicious. The company Heartbeat of America left me a message to state that they have never employed anyone named Paul. Since I have no way of verifying anything that anybody writes on my blog, and no way of knowing who commenters are (IP address is not sufficient to identify people), I’d like to remind people that I also have no way of verifying the accuracy or otherwise of any statements made by others on this blog.
ATTENTION!!
We are not using our real names. If you were going to tell the truth about the company you worked for, neither would you. Especially if you knew what kind of people they were (some can just be real jerks).
Anonymous and Kevin are both me, and no I am not using my real name. “Paul” isn’t using his real name either.
Want proof?? Here is the number to the job hotline! Cal yourself!
You can discredit us if you want to…but I can verify all the information and everything that has been said to you as well as little things you can ask them. How would anyone who did not work there be able to do that??
If the people who worked there are willing to speak out agains them that should be a BIG red flag!! And since we are not the only ones, it is not possible that all of us were fired or something! We just want people to know that is it a scam that will not give you the results you want.
Each of the cold callers (Called “AP“s for Associate Producer) that call you stand to make half a thousand and everyone else stands to make quite a bit too (and you had better believe the field producers do!)if the field producers are able to extract money from you for the show. The people that work there (and they always need new people) are lured there by a craigslist ad in the Los Angeles area promising them the possibility of thousands of dollars a week. (Few of you will as you will soon see-to all you hopeful people!)
Your concerns are legit…can YOU find the Good Life Network on your channel station?? Chances are no. It’s an infomercial on a channel that no one will ever see no matter what they tell you. And those little cds and crap are NOT worth $15,000 and will probably not help you much.
And anyone can get them done, there is no real qualifying, that’s just a sales technique called the “take away”. (A lesson for you for ANYONE that cold calls your office).
This is not a non-profit organization, and if you directly ask them they have to legally admit that they do not claim to NOT make a profit. We are just telling you where that profit goes– they’re pocket! Not to saving America.
We just feel it is REALLY WRONG for these people to use 9–11 in their sales pitch when they are not even helping America much but themselves, that’s what got us the worst! (they might not now, watch! But there are plenty of other commentary above that backs that up, so if they don’t, just know they did). Perhaps they have no REGARD OR RESPECT for the people who died and what that really meant for our country to use that to further their own money-making when it is not even a non-profit organization!! For shame!!
The office is very small and on the PCH highway. They stuff a lot of callers (“AP“s) into it and a few of the “producers” who are basically people they can find that are corrupt enough to be loyal (and they do not make calls). We understand it’s a tough economy, but damn.
Here is the ad they are currently using on Craigslist in LA to recruit new callers:
(look for yourself and make your own call. You can search it for yourself under Craigslist in LA before they change it! And the fact they call themeselves “among the leaders in the industry” is the funniest thing to anyone who will even interview there. It has to be the biggest lie in the world):
PLEASE FIRST CALL OUR JOB HOTLINE 310–607-8383!
We are among the leaders in the television and motion picture industry. We are currently using the power of major superstars to promote emerging businesses on our 30 minute national business TV show. We are looking for intelligent, well-spoken appointment setters who are willing to make a large volume of calls to set up meetings with Presidents and CEOs regarding a possible interview on our show. You will be working out of our office in Malibu, CA.
The position pays a base salary plus a commission of $500 per appointment you set, which results in a closed deal/show. This can easily equal $900-$1,400+ per week on average. This is a full time job. Hours are Monday through Friday 8a.m. — 4p.m. SERIOUS APPLICANT, interested in making a substantial income we would love to talk to you.
PLEASE FIRST CALL OUR JOB HOTLINE 310–607-8383!
Once again (for all you people who are too lazy to read to the end)HERE IS THE AD ON CRAIGSLIST IN LA THEY USE TO RECRUIT THE VERY TELEMARKETERS THAT CALL YOU!! CALL IT YOURSELF!!!:
PLEASE FIRST CALL OUR JOB HOTLINE 310–607-8383!
We are among the leaders in the television and motion picture industry. We are currently using the power of major superstars to promote emerging businesses on our 30 minute national business TV show. We are looking for intelligent, well-spoken appointment setters who are willing to make a large volume of calls to set up meetings with Presidents and CEOs regarding a possible interview on our show. You will be working out of our office in Malibu, CA.
The position pays a base salary plus a commission of $500 per appointment you set, which results in a closed deal/show. This can easily equal $900-$1,400+ per week on average. This is a full time job. Hours are Monday through Friday 8a.m. — 4p.m. SERIOUS APPLICANT, interested in making a substantial income we would love to talk to you.
PLEASE FIRST CALL OUR JOB HOTLINE 310–607-8383!
I am a former LA executive with Keeping America Strong who presented its program to companies in the field, and I now live in beautiful Sanoma, Arizona. By accident I ran across this blog and after reading it I find that most of it is the biggest insult and disgrace I’ve ever seen and I just had to comment even though I’m no longer with Keeping America Strong. The posts I read are mostly written by people who received an isolated telephone call or claim they previously worked for the company and give phony names and no identity and no way to reach them and hide behind what might be some kind of hidden agenda. Now let me tell you the real world.
First of all, a business that comes aboard becomes the feature of a thirty minute national cable television show with a copy for them to re-broadcast it locally if they wish to. But more importantly they also receive the three different videos, CD-Roms plus a website production all edited from the television show to approximately 10 minutes each and given to them to exclusively use in unlimited numbers to target their prospective clients who may miss the TV show. Every one of these five productions includes William Shatner, famous network anchors, and an Admiral of the US Navy presenting their story. Can any of you on this blog provide smaller companies with celebrity Icons that they can associate with? Could you provide these Icons who normally receive millions of dollars to participate for approximately $15,000? Or better yet, could you do it for $100,000? Or could you even do it for $500,000 or a million dollars? If you are for real come out of your hiding place and contact me with the name of a giant television, motion picture, or athletic star that you could provide to small companies to help them promote their importance and credibility, and tell me the dollars it would take.
Keeping America Strong has done the impossible for hundreds of companies nationwide who are grateful and have sent their letters thanking Keeping America Strong for the honor of presenting them. You who knock this program, what could you do to create five shows with giant stars and Icons and deliver them to a smaller company for $15,850 instead of $500,000 to a million?
Keeping America Strong is for real and so am I and my name is Michael Firewalker and you can reach me at Michael_firewalker@yahoo.com, I would really love it if you would step up to the plate, tell me who you are and where you can be reached and what you now think, and maybe we can end some of these scam comments and unjustified insults and slanders that are on this blog.
I got a polished call yesterday (1/24/06) from these people using the same tactics described above.
I checked the company on the web and then found this blog. What really irks me is what they are willing to do to prey on desperate small business owners.
Anonymous
I received a call yesterday (3/1/06) from a girl claiming to be William Shatner’s personal assistant. Needless to say I had some doubts as to whether Mr. Shatner’s personal assistant would actually be making cold calls to companies. Thanks to Google, I found you. Now my boss won’t have to waste his time calling these people back. Thank you Lauren for keeping this blog up for those of us out there that have not heard of this scam before.
What I find most interesting about this whole scheme is that they are giving some awards (not sure how many) to participants of this show for “Keeping America Strong”. Sure sounds like they should be giving awards to participants for “Keeping The Show’s Pockets Full”.
We just got back from our taping at HD Broadcasting’s studio in North Hollywood and I am glad I accepted the proposal prior to reading this bolg or else we may not have paticipated. Some of the negative comments outlined here are accurate but I beleive the benefits outweigh these points. Let me explain.
1) The point about being selected because you are special, I beleive is false. I think any company who is interviewed and wants to be selected will indeed be selected.
2) We too had the phone interview with Bert Tenser who gives the impression that Shatner’s fees are on a day to day basis and that we are just getting in under the wire. It seems like blogs going back to mid 05 say the same thing. After going through the process, it is not at all obvious why they feel the need to place urgency on this point. After all this is just a contractual point to ensure that there are no hidden charges after the fact.
Given the above two points, I would like to address the positives.
1) We have a friend with prior experience in TV productions and she advised that the $15850 was not at all unreasonable and that if you were to do this level of profesisonalism, it would likely cost much more.
2) Our pre-taping interview with Doug Llewelyn and Bert Tenser was very postive and we spent an hour tuning the types of questions to put our story in the best possible light. They took the time to really understand our business.
3) The production studio was very professional and the actual interview gave us about 23 minutes of face time that included a 10 minute segment about what it is that we do and the customers that we serve. This was followed by a, 8 minute segment that dealt with alliances we have with other large companies and we had invited a representative of one of the worlds leading manufacturers of personal computing products to join us and help plug our comapny. HBA welcomed them to the studio to join us. A final 5 minute segment dealth with our backgrounds and how we got to this point.
Now the proof of the pudding will be in the results which remain to be seen. The actual TV viewing on American Life TV is not what is important for us. We want the video that we can stream on our web site as well as the CD/DVD that can be handed out at trade shows. Additionally we want to be able to mass mail CDs to prospective dealers who can see the endorsement value of Shatner as well as a high quality, professionally produced piece describing our business.
In conclusion, $15850 is a big bite for many companies but we believe it will be well worth the investment. One final comment. We were at the studio for around 6 hours. They staggered us with 3 other comapnies as we cycled through the various stages of the process. As we talked with these other companies, we got the same reaction from them that we ourselves had felt.
Am I the only one? Or does this last comment sound like it came from someone who will benefit from your business? Why would someone want to say that other companies felt the same way, sounding like a commercial, and oh yea it isn’t really the infomercial I want it is the streaming video and the cds which is what you are really paying for and oh isn’t everyone there just so great! It just sounds fake. Forgive me if I am wrong but hopefully someone else here agrees. Just be cautious, all
Well i got the same call as many of you from Keep America Strong. My appointment is in five days and I can’t wait to ask him questions. Who ever these people are they did spend time making the two websites for their scam. I wonder if William Shatner knows his name is being used for this scam? My business is in Phoenix and I wonder if they fly someone to Phoenix to give me the pitch? Their scam must be working because they do spend money to make money. Funny thing they called my cellular store to give me the pitch. Why would they call a cellular store?
Jim
All people looking for information about Heartbeat of
America should know that it is a SCAM.
I initially received a call from these people about a month
ago setting up an ‘interview’. At that time they mentioned nothing about the
company ‘Keeping America Strong’. I think the organization was forced to change
the way they marketed the company because of this blog.
If you Google ‘Keeping America Strong’ this site ranks as the second
link – if you Google ‘Heartbeat of America’ this site doesn’t come up in the
first few pages. So I figure we should help people find information.
The website http://www.heartbeatofamerica.tv mentions nothing
about the cost of the ‘show’. The organization wasted my time — I am in the process of starting a business, I initially thought this would be a great way to advertise my company. Unfortunatley — my google searches about a month ago brought up nothing. One of my partners actually re-scheduled an important business meeting to be available. These people are vultures — they prey on those that actually produce. Its really sad to see what people go through to swindle others out of money.
If someone is actually reading this from ‘Heartbeat of America’ — understand that you are producing NO VALUE. Your contribution to society is NOTHING. Because of your work NO persons quality of life is improved — except perhaps your own. But even that is questionable — when was the last time you didn’t have to avert your eyes when looking yourself in the mirror.
Change your life — become something better — work as something that actually brings value to those around you. Good Luck.
I had a meeting with them at my office and by mistake they left behind their confidential brochure which is given to only those who appear on the program.
Check it out! Below is a word for word quote from this brochure. It details the way the program works.
Some of you might be interested. If what they’re saying is for real it looks pretty good.
Step one: An initial welcome aboard telephone call and package for those who are invited to participate.
Step two: Analyze company information and develop questions and answers for the television news interview to be conducted at our television studios by a top level news anchor and reporter. During this process we would also be creating the important introduction to your company. The anchor/reporter introductions, the interview, the award presentation, Mr. Shatner’s and the Admiral’s introductions set the stage for the interview. They are all structured by Heartbeat to create the credibility of the news broadcast.
Step three: The creation of the personalized KEEPING AMERICA STRONG award that is introduced by the Admiral and presented by the news anchor on the show.
Step four: Discussing the edit of the thirty minute television show–including the main company interview and all the other celebrity performances into three parts that would ultimately end up on business card CD-Rom and three different videos and content for website use.
Step five: Assisting the company with transportation and hotel arrangements for the television shoot at the Santa Barbara studio. Complete make-up services will be available at the studio.
Step six: An in depth script conference and rehearsal with the director and the news anchor/reporter on the day of interview at the studio.
Step seven: Following the television interview, Heartbeat sends a cameraman to the company’s location or any other site or location to film B-Roll of the organization in action. This is then edited into the interview during post production.
Step eight: Combining all the elements to create the complete thirty minute TV show. Following that, Heartbeat will edit condensed versions of the show for a wallet-sized business card CD-Rom, and three different videos.
Step nine: The final stage is the airing of the thirty minute show on national cable television. We also deliver your personalized master copy of the thirty minute show. Most importantly you will receive a master of a wallet-sized business card CD as well as masters of the edited down videos to make copies for trade shows, direct mail, sales reps, websites etc. Included in the package will be sample VHS and CD copies.
Step ten: Using the program to increase revenues. There are many ways to use the business CD-Rom, Videos, and Website to open doors and create new revenues. The purpose of Keeping America Strong is to help small, entrepreneurial companies. Heartbeat of America will always be there to counsel companies to maximize the use of the program.
What is everyone so upset about? It’s a business just like any other business. You get what you pay for and if it doesn’t look like something you want, then don’t buy it. It’s not like they’re taking your money and giving you no product…which is what I think of when I think of a scam. It is what it is…and if it can benefit your company then it’s the best thing in the world…if it can’t or you don’t have the money then carry on…no big deal. It’s not going to be right for everyone. But for many companies it has accomplished a miracle at a price that is pretty darn affordable…especially given the names you get to use. I mean you can say what you want to I guess…but one thing you also don’t see anywhere on here is someone who actually did the program and was unsatisfied with the result…only people who didn’t for one reason or another. It’s not like William Shatner is really going to call you himself. No program works that way. Everyone is entitled to an opinion…but please keep things in perspective and be fair.
I also met with them and they played a video in my office, well I had a hidden tape recorder going through the entire interview! I thought you all may be interested! See, I taped a copy of their recorded presentation because I’m and old fan of Doug Llewellyn and I thought you might be interested on how he introduced a guest which is on their tape and this is what he says.:
AROUND THE WORLD THERE ARE CHILDREN AND ADULTS WHO CANNOT GET THE HEALTHCARE THEY NEED. THE TECHNOLOGY AND THE EXPERIENCED MEDICAL SURGEONS, DOCTORS AND NURSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR IT IS TOO COSTLY. SO THE QUESTION IS WHAT CAN BE DONE?
IN 1997 AN ORGANIZATION CALLED THE WORLD SURGICAL FOUNDATION STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND EVER SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING CRITICAL HEALTHCARE WHERE IT HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN AVAILABLE.
BEFORE WE FIND OUT MORE FROM THE FOUNDER OF THE ORGANIZATION THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT LET ME TAKE A MOMENT TO READ A FEW STATEMENTS FROM SOME NOTABLE OFFICIALS FROM OUR GOVERNMENT.
Doug Llewellyn then goes on to read some positive statements from Governors. I must say I was impressed.
After reading each comment, this is what I think. It seems like “Heartbeat of America” is not a scam and not a charity, but a business which is selling a marketing tool (“credibility” in the form of a video with Shatner, news anchors, etc.) at the going rate/reasonable price.
Negatives:
1) They seem to be offering their services to every possible business they can find and telling us that we’re special.
2) There are some questionable sales tactics being used such as saying that the offer is for a limited time (going on 3 years, now?), perhaps over promising on how valuable a marketing tool this could be and some people reported a high-pressure presentation (which I myself did not experience at all when I met with them).
3) There are some negative comments from people who claim to have worked for the company. (If it’s really that bad, why is Shatner associated with it and why aren’t we hearing from disgruntled customers/businesses?)
As I look at what I can say are negatives, the list doesn’t actually seem that serious. I find it interesting that not one negative comment has been left by a business owner who purchased their production services and was disappointed. Also, “Heartbeat of America” is listed with the BBB without any negative whatsoever. It all comes down to: what are you getting for $15,000 and will you see a return on your investment?
To have a video presentation of my products associated with Shatner and Llewelyn may be worth that to me. However, financially this is not the right time for me to put up $15,000 and since their price has remained stable for the past few years (!), I don’t think I need to be in any hurry. So, I’m planning on giving it 6 months and then re-evaluating.
Everyone, thanks for your comments. They have helped me clarify my position on all this.
My name is Ramsay Seikaly I have been with the organization referred to in this blog for some five years. I believe in internet blogs because they represent American democracy giving people the opportunity to express openly their ideas and beliefs. However, unfortunately there are a few out there who use it to vent their personal grudges to falsely poison the minds of others therein harming the good work of many good organizations throughout our country. Case in point: About a year ago, a disgruntled employee placed most of the complaints on this blog using false identities or no identities without anyone able to contact her and to respond to her fabricated statements. A famous politician once said, “You can run but you can’t hideâ€. Unfortunately, these people run and they do hide. Once again, history repeats itself. A recent posting on the blog signed by an ex-employee without identifying his or herself made false statements degrading the good people involved in this organization. An example is the audacity to state that we hire students to produce the show in order to save money when the reality is that the show is produced in a major, highly acclaimed Hollywood Studio where network news shows shoot segments with top-level camera, lighting and production professionals who have done the major shows for many, many years. They would be outraged by someone calling them “Studentsâ€. Another point: this poor soul thinks they can produce a thirty minute television show including three different 10 minute marketing videos with a famous network TV host with 15 years on a national program supported by Network News Anchors, an Admiral, in addition to all of that an A List Celebrity Icon known by everyone in America that adds the ultimate credibility to the program for, and get this, $7,000. If this person can do this for us, we hereby go on record to make this official offer: WE WILL PAY THIS PERSON A HUGE SUM OF MONEY TO PRODUCE THE ABOVE FOR OUR COMPANY FOR THE AMOUNT THEY CLAIM TO BE OUR COST. LET THIS PERSON SURFACE AND RECEIVE THE INCOME OF A LIFETIME.
Without dignifying, all of the rest of the absurd and twisted statements by responding to them and wasting a lot of needless time I will conclude with the following REAL FACTS.
1. WE HAVE DONE APPROXIMATELY 800 SHOWS AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT THERE IS NOT ANY KNOWN COMPLAINT FROM ANY OF THE 800 CLIENTS FROM NATIONAL AND LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS. THIS IS PROBABLY A FIRST IN THE HISTORY OF BUSINESS.
2. WE HAVE RECEIVED MANY LETTERS FROM DOZENS AND DOZENS OF CLIENTS AND SOME 800 TELEPHONE CALLS FROM THEM THANKING US FOR THE GOOD WE ARE DOING FOR THEIR BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY OF OUR COUNTRY AND ALSO FOR ASSOCIATING THEIR IMAGE WITH GIANT NAMES WORTH IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MORE.
These are the real facts and not the distorted, twisted verbiage of an unhappy soul looking to damage the reputation of a good organization, good staff and good businesses that have appeared on the show. We are an open book. My name again is Ramsay Seikaly. My personal e-mail is ramdonseik@hotmail.com. I am for real. If this last so-called ex-employee is for real, let this person identify himself or herself and e-mail so that these false and vicious statements can be discussed in the open.
My name is Ramsay Seikaly I have been with the organization referred to in this blog for some five years. I believe in internet blogs because they represent American democracy giving people the opportunity to express openly their ideas and beliefs. However, unfortunately there are a few out there who use it to vent their personal grudges to falsely poison the minds of others therein harming the good work of many good organizations throughout our country. Case in point: About a year ago, a disgruntled employee placed most of the complaints on this blog using false identities or no identities without anyone able to contact her and to respond to her fabricated statements. A famous politician once said, “You can run but you can’t hideâ€. Unfortunately, these people run and they do hide. Once again, history repeats itself. A recent posting on the blog signed by an ex-employee without identifying his or herself made false statements degrading the good people involved in this organization. An example is the audacity to state that we hire students to produce the show in order to save money when the reality is that the show is produced in a major, highly acclaimed Hollywood Studio where network news shows shoot segments with top-level camera, lighting and production professionals who have done the major shows for many, many years. They would be outraged by someone calling them “Studentsâ€. Another point: this poor soul thinks they can produce a thirty minute television show including three different 10 minute marketing videos with a famous network TV host with 15 years on a national program supported by Network News Anchors, an Admiral, in addition to all of that an A List Celebrity Icon known by everyone in America that adds the ultimate credibility to the program for, and get this, $7,000. If this person can do this for us, we hereby go on record to make this official offer: WE WILL PAY THIS PERSON A HUGE SUM OF MONEY TO PRODUCE THE ABOVE FOR OUR COMPANY FOR THE AMOUNT THEY CLAIM TO BE OUR COST. LET THIS PERSON SURFACE AND RECEIVE THE INCOME OF A LIFETIME.
Without dignifying, all of the rest of the absurd and twisted statements by responding to them and wasting a lot of needless time I will conclude with the following REAL FACTS.
1. WE HAVE DONE APPROXIMATELY 800 SHOWS AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT THERE IS NOT ANY KNOWN COMPLAINT FROM ANY OF THE 800 CLIENTS FROM NATIONAL AND LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS. THIS IS PROBABLY A FIRST IN THE HISTORY OF BUSINESS.
2. WE HAVE RECEIVED MANY LETTERS FROM DOZENS AND DOZENS OF CLIENTS AND SOME 800 TELEPHONE CALLS FROM THEM THANKING US FOR THE GOOD WE ARE DOING FOR THEIR BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY OF OUR COUNTRY AND ALSO FOR ASSOCIATING THEIR IMAGE WITH GIANT NAMES WORTH IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MORE.
These are the real facts and not the distorted, twisted verbiage of an unhappy soul looking to damage the reputation of a good organization, good staff and good businesses that have appeared on the show. We are an open book. My name again is Ramsay Seikaly. My personal e-mail is ramdonseik@hotmail.com. I am for real. If this last so-called ex-employee is for real, let this person identify himself or herself and e-mail so that these false and vicious statements can be discussed in the open.
I think there have now been enough comments on this program on this blog; since I find it unlikely that anybody is going to say anything new I am closing comments for this entry.
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