Strong & Kensington Import aka Strong & Ken -- Affiliate Of Innovage aka DS-MAX, Powers Imports new affiliate of same old MLM story ripoff I'm concerned that this firm may be using less than professional methods to recruit and "develop" people. Farmingdale, Suffolk County, Long Island New York

Responded to the below ad on Monster.com. Was contacted later and called in for an interview same day or next day. Came in that afternoon, and had difficulty finding the office in the building -- no name on the door. Staff at another office in the same building asked me why people kept coming upstairs to them. (Other office on ground floor had a sign, and it wasn't Strong & Ken, so I followed the sound of people talking to the only apparent life in the building.)

After a witnessing a rather well timed "feel good" interaction between the interviewing "manager" (who later described himself as a "Quarterback" for the company) and the receptionist, got standard pitch (read other posts on DS-MAX methods) with a twist -- talk about contracts with Disney, Crayola, NFL, NBA, etc.

On leaving was told that after my resume was reviewed I'd probably be called by 6 pm that day to have me come in for a day of observation. Was given a Website for the company (strongk.com) and for their "parent" (innovage.com). [Note that the actual site is innovage.net -- the manager who gave me the URL was not particularly savvy about computers, or his own sponsor's Web address.]

CEO and Founder of Strong & Kensington is listed as "John Doe" -- there are 20-odd some people by that name in NYC area, but still.

Did some digging. The local affilate's domain, "strongk.com" was registered on April 1, 2004, by one Chad Powers, of Powers Imports, Houston, TX. Mr. Powers is the first of four individuals who provide "testimonials" on the otherwise sparse innovage.net Web site.

Eventually tracked down articles tying Innovage to DS-MAX. Called back and informed them I wasn't interested. (Phone was answered at 6:30 pm by someone who, oddly, was not anywhere nearly as chirpy as the receptionist who arranged the interview -- call to their President's direct dial number (0013) wasn't even picked up -- no voice answering system in place, apparently.

Strong & K posted another advert to Monster.com today, April 27, with headline: "Spring Training for the Major League! We will develop capable Rookies into Major Players!"

Some people are naturally good at direct sales. More power to them. But based on what I've read here and elsewhere on the Web, I'm concerned that this firm may be using less than professional methods to recruit and "develop" people.

Hopefully a responsible government agency or media outlet in the Nassau area will take some time to review just what is happening out of the nameplate-less ground level door at 280 Route 109. If they're in fact legit, then the spotlight might just might help their recruiting efforts...

---- COPY of JOB ADVERT FOLLOWS ----

HEAD HURT FROM HITTING A GLASS CEILING? 8-10 ENTRY-LEVEL Openings with RAPID Advancement!!

Company: Strong & Kensington Imports, Inc.
Location: 11735
Status: Full Time, Temporary/Contract/Project, Employee, Intern, Seasonal
Job Category: Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations
Career Level: Entry Level
Education Level: High School or equivalent

Use the employer's preferred method to send your resume - click Apply Now!

Job Description

Strong & Kensington Imports, Inc.

Executing unique, professional and effective marketing
strategies throughout the central Long Island area.

Strong & Kensington Imports, Inc. is the industry's leading promotional marketing firm in the consumer products field. We work with Fortune 500 clients and over 2,000 well known name brands. We execute the most effective marketing methods to enable out clients to build brand awareness by attracting new customers, penetrating new geographical areas and exposing their products to new tiers of distribution.

Strong & Kensington Imports has a fast-paced, results driven environment where decisions are shared not handed down. The openings are ideal for individuals seeking a REAL career move, that work well in a team oriented environment, and are anxious to learn a new concept from the ground, UP!!

We currently have openings in:
*CUSTOMER SERVICE
*DISTRIBUTION
*SALES/PROMOTIONS
*PUBLIC RELATIONS
*ENTRY-LEVEL MANAGEMENT

We have an opportunity for people to enjoy real responsibility from the start with NO GLASS CELINGS, where compensation and advancement are based on performance, NOT SENORITY! If you are looking for a challenge with fast-paced growth; a young, team-oriented environment and an exciting atmosphere then respond IMMEDIATELY. Email your resume to opportunity@strongk.com attention Perry Adams.

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Strong & Kensington Imports is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex or creed. You must be a citizen or have a valid US Visa. Competitive compensation and promotions based on initiative and merit.

Contact Information

Company: Strong & Kensington Imports, Inc.
Contact: Perry Adams
Email: opportunity@strongk.com
Address: 11735
Reference Code: 111

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Todd
Brooklyn, New York
U.S.A.

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