Pinnacle Promotional Group - Higher Image Advertising - Granton Marketing - DSMax - Cydacor Fraudulent, Rip Off, lie, manipulate, Many company names Twin Cities Minneapolis & St. Paul Minnesota

How is everybody? I am glad I saved a few of you. I am doing good. I have been working my current job now for two years. Love it. Great pay. I should by Keith or Mike a new K-Mart suit!!!!

When I started this like years ago, I was super mad. Over it now. I am happy that I did warn people ahead of time!

Peace,

I will check out this website in a few days!

Wow the crazy things you see when you Google an old boss huh? Ok so roughly 4 years ago I was just getting out of the Air Force I had moved to Minneapolis from La Crosse Wisconsin. It was definatley a "big city" to me and I was looking for work. I responded to an add in the paper that was a little vague but I am a pretty "go-to" guy so I knew I could handle it. I interviewed with Melissa Knight and Benjamin Dinken in the Roseville MN office. Being from a small town I really had no idea of what was going on but I knew I had the opportunity to make a lot of money really quick. I was with Higher Image for almost 11 months......and I don't regreta a moment of it. In fact in response to some of your postings if you interviewed in 2004 or 2005 in the Roseville office I probably interviewed you or at least made some kind of contact with you. In fact I took MATT LARSON out on his Day of O........and that crazy b*****d ended up with an office and I didn't....crazy huh? Anyways we had some great times in that office and random cities. I personally attended the midwest convention in Chicago and me some of the greats in this business, such as Tom Spiro. I can remember running trips to Fargo, Chicago, Indianapolis, Sioux Falls, Rockland man you name it we went there it was awesome. As for not making any money.....if you can't slang pieces in a neighborhood you suck. This stuff was easy to sell and people bought it. Sure I've been kicked out of the MOA at least a dozen times.....but do you think the security guards remember me...hell no. The reason I am writing this response is not to "shun" this business but to thank Mike, Keith and Granton Marketing for opening my eyes to sales, advertsing, and just communicating with people in general. I now have the ability to adapt to any enviornment and talk to anyone....which believe it or not is something they don't teach you in college. Duh

I worked for a Fortune 500 company D2D sales (TruGreen ChemLawn, Servicemaster). They did background checks and had permits. This company is illegitimate so they don't have permits and use 'independant contractors' so they can't be held liable for their actions(they can but the process is much harder).

Legitimate D2D sales will be able to produce a permit w/ identification upon request. If they can't produce these items its a scam, an ethical (well at least somewhat ethical) company isn't afraid of being identified.

If they won't give this they are trespassing which is a crime- call the cops, idiots like these will likely hurt themselves or others. Anything w/ Cydcor is a scam.

I worked for a Fortune 500 company D2D sales (TruGreen ChemLawn, Servicemaster). They did background checks and had permits. This company is illegitimate so they don't have permits and use 'independant contractors' so they can't be held liable for their actions(they can but the process is much harder).

Legitimate D2D sales will be able to produce a permit w/ identification upon request. If they can't produce these items its a scam, an ethical (well at least somewhat ethical) company isn't afraid of being identified.

If they won't give this they are trespassing which is a crime- call the cops, idiots like these will likely hurt themselves or others. Anything w/ Cydcor is a scam.

This is interesting. I have been caught with this before, but was going to take another stab at it. I figured it doesn't hurt to go on an interview. But it seems like 3 of the comapanies I have set up interviews with for this week are all on this site. This post and others.

Business is not a scam. The way it's done is. They seem to be offering legitimate jobs, but the way they advertise them is what's wrong. They should let you know up front that the job is b2b or door2door sales. That way they don't waste our time and if they understood they would realize they're wasting their own time and company money to bring someone in for an interview that doesn't want to do the job. Also the massive posts continuously are a waste of comapany $$$. There are many people out there that would enjoy this type of work and probably aren't finding it because of the way they advertise these positions.

But can anything be done about it. Not really. Especially if you sign an independent work agreement. You actually don't work for them, you work for yourself.

I had an interview with them today. I caught wind of this site before going in and I couldn't find Pinnacle in Livonia listed.... but I just did above. The guy, Paul, brought me and another girl in for an interview at the same time.... I have a degree in advertising... she has a background in broadcasting. These things aren't related at all so this made for an interview with Paul asking me questions and then her saying "Well this is what I do" ...basically competing for his attention. He said they would put me in the graphic design department.... now this office was SMALL - I don't know where the hell they do their graphic design or production? I asked how soon and he said "Well, we you'll have to start out handing out flyers to see what clients like then you can go into design" What the hell???? Sales and graphic design are TWO DIFFERENT things... and I can understand that they want me to learn about the company but Im not gonna learn anything walking door to door in the ghetto in Detroit. He asked if we could start right away and I was like whoa whoa... what exactly WILL we be doing... he never explained what we would do or what the salary would be. The interview was really rushed then he said he'd call us back. The other girl in the interview seemed eager to start right away, I don't know why considering we were never told what we'd be doing... unless she was placed there by the company?? Anyway... it all seemed pretty sketchy and I wanted to give my two cents. Also... The company name is being changed to Boss Executive Group... and they brought in a new owner named Jason.

Don't you wish you could find out what happened to Britton? I hope you made it. I check back monthly looking for a response from Britton, but there has been zero activity of late.

Once again, I would like to commend the individuals that can be successful in the door-to-door sales world. I sure as hell know that I couldn't do it. People can get nasty. It takes a special breed.

Send out a line Britton...

I was a former employee of a granton-related company. Many of you read these posts and criticize the author's grammar and/or spelling. I am not going to proofread this, so I will conceded now that it wil have errors in it.

Most of you who post uses phrases like "they make their employees go door to door.... " First, they make you do nothing. You get a choice in evetrything. Life is about choices. On your day of o, when you got into the car, you had a choice to ask where you are going or not ask. You had a choice to get in the car. They did not forcibly tell you to do anything.

Now, many of you quit after a month, or two months in the business. I left after exactly 1 year to the day. I was told that the program takes 10-12 months. After my 12th month, I said let's move on.

Mike Wakeland is not a scam artist. Many of you complain that you had to pay re-trains out of pocket. For starters, you knew that going in, (or at least you should have asked when your leader paid you on your training days). When Mike first opened the Philly office, my manager asked me to go help him out. So, I drove from where I was to Philly. Mike put me up in housing for free. Mike took me out for drinks ON HIM. Mike also paid the retrains for me. It was kind of cool for me to take the profits for two peoples work. Mike did not have to do this. Like I said, I asked questions, and knew exactly what I signed up for. Many of you are reading this before a job interview. If that is the case, ask yourself this: Do I make excuses regularly? Do I need someone else to light a fire under my butt? Am I naive enough to believe anyone but my mother has my best interests at heart?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, DO NOT GO ON THIS INTERVIWEW. They answered all of my questions honestly, and when i got all fo the answers, i was able to make a logical deduction for myself whether or not it was right for me.
Like I mentioned, I worked for the company for a year. I lived in NW Washington DC, one of the more expensive urban housing markets in the Northeast. I had a beautiful one bedroom apartment that I was easily able to afford on a "door to door salesman's salary" Money was never an issue. Did I make a "fair hourly wage?"
NO!!! But keep in mind, no one worth their weight in maneaur thinks about what they make per hour. I was regularly listed as a top salesman in the country (a list gets printed weekly of the top 15 sales peopple in the country). I left because I moved out to cleveland and realized that cleveland sucks (no offense). The same skills I used before going door-to-door I use everyday in my job, and it works.

Do not sit heer and give the holier than thou speech about dishonesty. Did your parents know what your job was? If so, they would have told you to ask many questions. And can you honestly say that you gave it your truest and best effort? Probably not, I know I didnt giove a full effort when building a team, and thats why i didnt leave the field. This company preys on the weak-minded and poor-willed people to do its sales because those are the people naive enough to believe if I just keep doing it, the company will hook me up. Life is about hooking yourself up, and the fact that you didnt do that is NO reason to disrespect good-hearted people who take the strong willed and help them run a business. Many of the people running SUCCESSFUL offices didnt graduate college. Without this type of business hungry motivated "unlucky" people would have no shot. Because you couldnt or didnt do it doesnt mean it is wrong, its just not for you...

If you talk to enough ex-convicts you will find a small percentage that think prison was an enriching, rewarding experience and they cannot wait to go back. They cannot understand why everyone else does not share their view.

On the other end of the curve you find the vehemently angry percentage that want to burn down the whole system for perceived injustices. THEY cannot understand why everyone else does not share their view.

Are either of these views right? Are they both wrong?

How about: Prison is just a neccessary evil that has been around since the beginning of time and will continue to exist in some form until the end of days.

Now substitute door to door sales for prison or direct marketing for correctional institution (depending on your P.C. level) You see where this is going? Sure pinnacle and their ilk are evil. Are they going away? No. But like prison they could stand some reform. Don't you have an atty general in MN? Legislators? DA in your city? They may not care about HOW Pinnacle snares their strays, but I'll bet they do not want these undocumented people wandering around casing their relatives and neighbors either. Apparently their advertising and deceitful recruiting is bulletproof. So attack the c***k in their armor. Gotta go.

Its been awhile since I checked this site. Let me clarify paperwork. Working this position you are an independent contractor, similar to a real estate agent, constrution worker, or truck driver. You fill out your 1099's and yes, you do have a direct deposit option. How does that work you say? Well you could get paid in cash at the end of the day, or put it into your "account", which, at any time, you could cash out. It was a good way to not spend that cash you got everyday.

Britton, I understand your anger and frustrations over this company, hell, i just stopped coming into work because enough got to be enough, however, like the letter written to you states, they are legal in all they do. They actually go to companies, tell them about their service (free to the company) in exchange for the use of their name, as well as coupons they can offer. Hence, you, the average employee, makes 75% of what you sell a piece for, and the rest goes to management, for business operating costs, and for their own salary. Working this position wont make you rich. It was rare to bring home more than $500 a week. On average, if I actually worked my a*s off for 12 hours a day, 5 days a week I would make atleast $75 a day. Now, $75 / 12 is probably less than what i could make at McD's, however again its an experience, not a "real job".

Again, this is a great education course. You learn a lot of real life sales skills you wont learn working the floor of your local retailer. You do get doors shut in your face, however, about 80% of the time you get people who want to talk to you. Also, you do have the option of working only business's instead of residential areas. It takes talent to get inside past the reception desk at most larger businesses. And if you can, you make bank.

Again, this job is NOT for everyone. If you are a recent college grad needing some skills, or a marketing internship, then this position is for you. Otherwise, it will be a waste of your time, and dont bother showing up for an interview. You need to like working long hours, like being outside, have proffessional clothing, and be able to not be scared of the word NO.

Standing infront of someones door, asking them to buy your product, responding to their rejections, then asking for the sale is a VERY HARD skill to learn. If you want to continue to dis those who do this on a daily basis, not only Pinnacle etc employees but any other sales person in the business go do it yourself and find out how hard it is. Go down your block and try to sell them all something. Its not easy. It might have been in Third Grade when you were selling Candy and Cookies, but as an adult, your "cuteness" appeal has worn off.

Britton, you need to get a life, and stop bashing a totally legit company. I do commend you for warning people that its a tough job, and that you do go through a very "sucky" interview process, but dont dis them. This is how millions of people make their living each day. Weather it be calling your phone or showing up on your doorstep. Its not the most glamourous position, or respected position, but its what they do to put food on the table. What do you do for a living Britton? Are you a computer repair man? A retail store manager? A para legal? Should I start a website frowning on what you do for a living? You get the point.

Thank you for all your articles about Pinnacle. I had an intrview with them this afternoon and luckily my husband research a litlle more about the company.
I cancelled right after reading your post.
Thank you!

Good luck if you are still looking for a job!

I just want to say that I'm glad that I found this out before I went to the interview. I have an upcoming interview with DC Advertising this coming Monday but I will soon cancel that.

I went to their website and things didnt look right to me. At first I was very excited about getting an interview with them, hoping that this company could be the one for me... but something was very fishy. Their website, www.dcadvertisinginc.com didn't really provide that much information about the company. So, of course I wanted to find out more about this company and I googled it... and I found this site, ripoff report. I noticed that the Pinnacle Promotion was in the same subject with DC Advertising. If you go to the Pinnacle Promotion website (www.pinnaclepg.com)and go to their link "About Us", the writing in that page is similar to DC Advertising's "about us" page. I got very suspicious. They even used the same type of layout in each page. And now, with all the complaints and reports done by all these people that have been deceived by this company, I know what to do now. So, thank you. To tell you the truth, I'm so disappointed and sadden by all this. I was really looking forward to this interview but I'm glad I didn't waste my time.

By the way, DC's website was already deceiving from the start... I thought it was kind of weird having the Sears Tower in their website when they're located in Downers Grove... they were making it seem like their office was in Chicago...hahaha

I just want to say that I'm glad that I found this out before I went to the interview. I have an upcoming interview with DC Advertising this coming Monday but I will soon cancel that.

I went to their website and things didnt look right to me. At first I was very excited about getting an interview with them, hoping that this company could be the one for me... but something was very fishy. Their website, www.dcadvertisinginc.com didn't really provide that much information about the company. So, of course I wanted to find out more about this company and I googled it... and I found this site, ripoff report. I noticed that the Pinnacle Promotion was in the same subject with DC Advertising. If you go to the Pinnacle Promotion website (www.pinnaclepg.com)and go to their link "About Us", the writing in that page is similar to DC Advertising's "about us" page. I got very suspicious. They even used the same type of layout in each page. And now, with all the complaints and reports done by all these people that have been deceived by this company, I know what to do now. So, thank you. To tell you the truth, I'm so disappointed and sadden by all this. I was really looking forward to this interview but I'm glad I didn't waste my time.

By the way, DC's website was already deceiving from the start... I thought it was kind of weird having the Sears Tower in their website when they're located in Downers Grove... they were making it seem like their office was in Chicago...hahaha

I just want to say that I'm glad that I found this out before I went to the interview. I have an upcoming interview with DC Advertising this coming Monday but I will soon cancel that.

I went to their website and things didnt look right to me. At first I was very excited about getting an interview with them, hoping that this company could be the one for me... but something was very fishy. Their website, www.dcadvertisinginc.com didn't really provide that much information about the company. So, of course I wanted to find out more about this company and I googled it... and I found this site, ripoff report. I noticed that the Pinnacle Promotion was in the same subject with DC Advertising. If you go to the Pinnacle Promotion website (www.pinnaclepg.com)and go to their link "About Us", the writing in that page is similar to DC Advertising's "about us" page. I got very suspicious. They even used the same type of layout in each page. And now, with all the complaints and reports done by all these people that have been deceived by this company, I know what to do now. So, thank you. To tell you the truth, I'm so disappointed and sadden by all this. I was really looking forward to this interview but I'm glad I didn't waste my time.

By the way, DC's website was already deceiving from the start... I thought it was kind of weird having the Sears Tower in their website when they're located in Downers Grove... they were making it seem like their office was in Chicago...hahaha

I just want to say that I'm glad that I found this out before I went to the interview. I have an upcoming interview with DC Advertising this coming Monday but I will soon cancel that.

I went to their website and things didnt look right to me. At first I was very excited about getting an interview with them, hoping that this company could be the one for me... but something was very fishy. Their website, www.dcadvertisinginc.com didn't really provide that much information about the company. So, of course I wanted to find out more about this company and I googled it... and I found this site, ripoff report. I noticed that the Pinnacle Promotion was in the same subject with DC Advertising. If you go to the Pinnacle Promotion website (www.pinnaclepg.com)and go to their link "About Us", the writing in that page is similar to DC Advertising's "about us" page. I got very suspicious. They even used the same type of layout in each page. And now, with all the complaints and reports done by all these people that have been deceived by this company, I know what to do now. So, thank you. To tell you the truth, I'm so disappointed and sadden by all this. I was really looking forward to this interview but I'm glad I didn't waste my time.

By the way, DC's website was already deceiving from the start... I thought it was kind of weird having the Sears Tower in their website when they're located in Downers Grove... they were making it seem like their office was in Chicago...hahaha

I've never heard about these companies in particular, but this whole setup with the chain of advancement and the kinds of things that these people are going out and selling sounds very familiar to a comapny I once worked for out of Livonia, MI called Pinnacle Advertising, (These people are creative, ne?) and I think I may have an explanation for the numerous business names out there that may make this come off as a scam.

The company I worked for, and in all likelihood the other companies described in this report by those who have posted, are branch offices or franchises of a larger company called Cause Marketing Solutions, that specializes in 'Direct Marketing' as it's called, which is nothing but a fancy euphamism for door to door sales. As it's been described, you're only supposed to start there, while they're trying to promote you to management, where'e they'll let you open up your own branch office, and even pay your overhead at first to get you started with 0 out of pocket expense. It sounds like the greatest deal in teh world. With no experience required, you can be making over 100,000 dollars a year. Too good to be true? Probably. Does it work for some people? Absolutlely.

These people have to know that this job isn't going to keep people interested for very long. It's hard, tedious work, and we'd start at 10AM, and I wouldn't get home until probably 10PM from selling nothing but coupon books and promotions door to door. Some days I'd make decent money, over 100-150 dollars a day, and it would be worth it. Then other days (Most of the time, that is), I'd get sent to Cracktown, USA, where nobody had any money anyway, and walk away from a 12 hour day empty handed, or near empty handed. After a while, I just quit. I'd had enough.

However, I think some research should be done into Cause Marketing Solutions, to see if there is any correlation between these companies under this corporate name. And some of these names sound familiar... perhaps there were conference calls between them and my boss Paco? I know they had offices all over the country, in places like the ones described here. Also, I have to agree with the idea of this job being cult-like. I've heard the acronym JUICE before (Join Us In Creating Excitement, if you didn't read it above), and those who've worked for the company a long time seem to be entirely too on fire for the whole thing, like overly zealous religious fanatics, almost.

While my final conclusion is that this job is not a scam, it's still certainly not for everyone. To top that off, it's just plain crap, and creepy to boot. But there's no doubt in my mind from my experience that the company wasn't legitimate, and that their tactics weren't effective. Thanks for reading this long winded explanation, but I felt I had to add some clarity to the situation.

I remember back a few years ago sending in a resume to a similar operation under the heading. They claimed that they were a division of Citi Group or something like that. I was just finishing up my degree at a local University that had a posting for "Sports Marketing", "No experience necessary", "High School diploma or 2 year degree" and they promised 30-40k. As a typical college student I thought it was a great opportunity. It is the same story that everyone keeps telling, little to no explanation of what the company is about, promises of working with Professional athletic teams, great money and on-the-job training. It gets back to the whole catch-22, can't work without experience, can't get experience without work. I sent in my resume and they got back to me the next day. They called me at home and said they wanted to set up an interview. I went in for the interview and immediately started feeling weird about it. The office was some shanty that they were probably squatting at. The walls were adorned with cheap/generic pictures of the Professional sports teams and fortune 500 companies that they work with. I am not sure which corner they picked up their receptionist, but it could have been any corner in mpls. I eventually made it into this guy's office for an interview. He was only a couple years older than me and we had a great conversation, but I didn't realize until later that we failed to get into any specifics on what the job entailed. They called me back the following day and said that they wanted to conduct a field interview. At this point I talked to a couple friends that confirmed my suspicions.

There is another group out there that operates under the heading "Primerica" that has some sort of weird set-up similar to Pinnacle...it might even be the same thing. I might have met Jordan from Chaska at one of these "Primerica" meetings. I was the guy that asked the question "What do you guys actually do?" and when the leader of the presentation couldn't answer my question...I was the guy that walked out and said "You guys are a joke." Of course the people at the door tried to stop me and said "Hey buddy (they were probably upset because they couldn't call me by my first name due to the fact that I took off my name tag but I had already taken the stupid thing off. That's another tell-tale sign, the name tag...who the hell has to wear name tags these days) where you going?" Sorry but I ain't your buddy. Another thing to note, any time you are set up in a presentation room with 20 or so people, only about half of the people in the audience are there for the presentation, the other half are seeds...planted by the presenter to help corroborate their story.

These schemes are hilarious! After you get out of the presentation you feel like the biggest moron for being duped. This is probably why Britton is so pissed off. You want to believe it true, and when you figure it out you just get pissed! Although the door-to-door salesperson is about as low as it gets in the business world...you have to give these people a certain amount of respect (not sure if that is the right word) for doing the job no one else wants to do. If you can sell oil changes door-to-door, and can convince others that they can make a living doing it, then Kudos to you my friend. If you can make something like that look appealing to 1% of the people that interview with you then you deserve a piece of their commission because that is not easy to do. They aren't exactly ethical, but they aren't really doing anything illegal (well, ignoring a "No Soliciting" sign is, but getting someone excited for an interview by talking something up to be bigger and better than it is, isn't illegal).

So, to anyone that has been tricked by one of these schemes, keep your head up and take your college degree to your next interview, or in Britton's case your GED, there is no way you have a college degree with such horrendous grammar.

I remember back a few years ago sending in a resume to a similar operation under the heading. They claimed that they were a division of Citi Group or something like that. I was just finishing up my degree at a local University that had a posting for "Sports Marketing", "No experience necessary", "High School diploma or 2 year degree" and they promised 30-40k. As a typical college student I thought it was a great opportunity. It is the same story that everyone keeps telling, little to no explanation of what the company is about, promises of working with Professional athletic teams, great money and on-the-job training. It gets back to the whole catch-22, can't work without experience, can't get experience without work. I sent in my resume and they got back to me the next day. They called me at home and said they wanted to set up an interview. I went in for the interview and immediately started feeling weird about it. The office was some shanty that they were probably squatting at. The walls were adorned with cheap/generic pictures of the Professional sports teams and fortune 500 companies that they work with. I am not sure which corner they picked up their receptionist, but it could have been any corner in mpls. I eventually made it into this guy's office for an interview. He was only a couple years older than me and we had a great conversation, but I didn't realize until later that we failed to get into any specifics on what the job entailed. They called me back the following day and said that they wanted to conduct a field interview. At this point I talked to a couple friends that confirmed my suspicions.

There is another group out there that operates under the heading "Primerica" that has some sort of weird set-up similar to Pinnacle...it might even be the same thing. I might have met Jordan from Chaska at one of these "Primerica" meetings. I was the guy that asked the question "What do you guys actually do?" and when the leader of the presentation couldn't answer my question...I was the guy that walked out and said "You guys are a joke." Of course the people at the door tried to stop me and said "Hey buddy (they were probably upset because they couldn't call me by my first name due to the fact that I took off my name tag but I had already taken the stupid thing off. That's another tell-tale sign, the name tag...who the hell has to wear name tags these days) where you going?" Sorry but I ain't your buddy. Another thing to note, any time you are set up in a presentation room with 20 or so people, only about half of the people in the audience are there for the presentation, the other half are seeds...planted by the presenter to help corroborate their story.

These schemes are hilarious! After you get out of the presentation you feel like the biggest moron for being duped. This is probably why Britton is so pissed off. You want to believe it true, and when you figure it out you just get pissed! Although the door-to-door salesperson is about as low as it gets in the business world...you have to give these people a certain amount of respect (not sure if that is the right word) for doing the job no one else wants to do. If you can sell oil changes door-to-door, and can convince others that they can make a living doing it, then Kudos to you my friend. If you can make something like that look appealing to 1% of the people that interview with you then you deserve a piece of their commission because that is not easy to do. They aren't exactly ethical, but they aren't really doing anything illegal (well, ignoring a "No Soliciting" sign is, but getting someone excited for an interview by talking something up to be bigger and better than it is, isn't illegal).

So, to anyone that has been tricked by one of these schemes, keep your head up and take your college degree to your next interview, or in Britton's case your GED, there is no way you have a college degree with such horrendous grammar.

I remember back a few years ago sending in a resume to a similar operation under the heading. They claimed that they were a division of Citi Group or something like that. I was just finishing up my degree at a local University that had a posting for "Sports Marketing", "No experience necessary", "High School diploma or 2 year degree" and they promised 30-40k. As a typical college student I thought it was a great opportunity. It is the same story that everyone keeps telling, little to no explanation of what the company is about, promises of working with Professional athletic teams, great money and on-the-job training. It gets back to the whole catch-22, can't work without experience, can't get experience without work. I sent in my resume and they got back to me the next day. They called me at home and said they wanted to set up an interview. I went in for the interview and immediately started feeling weird about it. The office was some shanty that they were probably squatting at. The walls were adorned with cheap/generic pictures of the Professional sports teams and fortune 500 companies that they work with. I am not sure which corner they picked up their receptionist, but it could have been any corner in mpls. I eventually made it into this guy's office for an interview. He was only a couple years older than me and we had a great conversation, but I didn't realize until later that we failed to get into any specifics on what the job entailed. They called me back the following day and said that they wanted to conduct a field interview. At this point I talked to a couple friends that confirmed my suspicions.

There is another group out there that operates under the heading "Primerica" that has some sort of weird set-up similar to Pinnacle...it might even be the same thing. I might have met Jordan from Chaska at one of these "Primerica" meetings. I was the guy that asked the question "What do you guys actually do?" and when the leader of the presentation couldn't answer my question...I was the guy that walked out and said "You guys are a joke." Of course the people at the door tried to stop me and said "Hey buddy (they were probably upset because they couldn't call me by my first name due to the fact that I took off my name tag but I had already taken the stupid thing off. That's another tell-tale sign, the name tag...who the hell has to wear name tags these days) where you going?" Sorry but I ain't your buddy. Another thing to note, any time you are set up in a presentation room with 20 or so people, only about half of the people in the audience are there for the presentation, the other half are seeds...planted by the presenter to help corroborate their story.

These schemes are hilarious! After you get out of the presentation you feel like the biggest moron for being duped. This is probably why Britton is so pissed off. You want to believe it true, and when you figure it out you just get pissed! Although the door-to-door salesperson is about as low as it gets in the business world...you have to give these people a certain amount of respect (not sure if that is the right word) for doing the job no one else wants to do. If you can sell oil changes door-to-door, and can convince others that they can make a living doing it, then Kudos to you my friend. If you can make something like that look appealing to 1% of the people that interview with you then you deserve a piece of their commission because that is not easy to do. They aren't exactly ethical, but they aren't really doing anything illegal (well, ignoring a "No Soliciting" sign is, but getting someone excited for an interview by talking something up to be bigger and better than it is, isn't illegal).

So, to anyone that has been tricked by one of these schemes, keep your head up and take your college degree to your next interview, or in Britton's case your GED, there is no way you have a college degree with such horrendous grammar.

I remember back a few years ago sending in a resume to a similar operation under the heading. They claimed that they were a division of Citi Group or something like that. I was just finishing up my degree at a local University that had a posting for "Sports Marketing", "No experience necessary", "High School diploma or 2 year degree" and they promised 30-40k. As a typical college student I thought it was a great opportunity. It is the same story that everyone keeps telling, little to no explanation of what the company is about, promises of working with Professional athletic teams, great money and on-the-job training. It gets back to the whole catch-22, can't work without experience, can't get experience without work. I sent in my resume and they got back to me the next day. They called me at home and said they wanted to set up an interview. I went in for the interview and immediately started feeling weird about it. The office was some shanty that they were probably squatting at. The walls were adorned with cheap/generic pictures of the Professional sports teams and fortune 500 companies that they work with. I am not sure which corner they picked up their receptionist, but it could have been any corner in mpls. I eventually made it into this guy's office for an interview. He was only a couple years older than me and we had a great conversation, but I didn't realize until later that we failed to get into any specifics on what the job entailed. They called me back the following day and said that they wanted to conduct a field interview. At this point I talked to a couple friends that confirmed my suspicions.

There is another group out there that operates under the heading "Primerica" that has some sort of weird set-up similar to Pinnacle...it might even be the same thing. I might have met Jordan from Chaska at one of these "Primerica" meetings. I was the guy that asked the question "What do you guys actually do?" and when the leader of the presentation couldn't answer my question...I was the guy that walked out and said "You guys are a joke." Of course the people at the door tried to stop me and said "Hey buddy (they were probably upset because they couldn't call me by my first name due to the fact that I took off my name tag but I had already taken the stupid thing off. That's another tell-tale sign, the name tag...who the hell has to wear name tags these days) where you going?" Sorry but I ain't your buddy. Another thing to note, any time you are set up in a presentation room with 20 or so people, only about half of the people in the audience are there for the presentation, the other half are seeds...planted by the presenter to help corroborate their story.

These schemes are hilarious! After you get out of the presentation you feel like the biggest moron for being duped. This is probably why Britton is so pissed off. You want to believe it true, and when you figure it out you just get pissed! Although the door-to-door salesperson is about as low as it gets in the business world...you have to give these people a certain amount of respect (not sure if that is the right word) for doing the job no one else wants to do. If you can sell oil changes door-to-door, and can convince others that they can make a living doing it, then Kudos to you my friend. If you can make something like that look appealing to 1% of the people that interview with you then you deserve a piece of their commission because that is not easy to do. They aren't exactly ethical, but they aren't really doing anything illegal (well, ignoring a "No Soliciting" sign is, but getting someone excited for an interview by talking something up to be bigger and better than it is, isn't illegal).

So, to anyone that has been tricked by one of these schemes, keep your head up and take your college degree to your next interview, or in Britton's case your GED, there is no way you have a college degree with such horrendous grammar.

Thank you all for posting this scam. I recently decided to change careers and applied for many different jobs in the St. Paul area. Pinnacle responded and I set up an interview.

I went to their website to do some research and was confused as to why it was geared towards recruitment and didn't give any specific info on what they did. I began to get worried that this was a pyramid scam so I googled them and read this listing.

I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and call before the interview. I wanted them to be honest with me about the job. After all, I was going to take an afternoon off of work for this interview.

The young lady who answered the phone 1) wouldn't tell me her name (a bit sketchy) 2) Wouldn't tell me what I would be required to do as an entry level salesman (she said she didn't know what the salespeople did... *cough* BS) 3) She put me on hold after every question I asked for a minimum of 2 minutes (3 times total) 4) I had to ask her 3 times whether the position was commision based or salaried before she said "I think commission, but I'm not sure."

Thank you all for posting and saving me a lot of time and money!

Pinnacle Premier just called me to confirm my 'overview' meeting tonight. So I asked if they had a website or something I could look at before the meeting. She said they are a privately held company and they do have a website but there is no reason for me to do research because I would find out all that information tonight at the meeting. I said no thanks of course and hung up the phone.

I could have asked more questions I'm sure but at that point I knew what I needed to know to confirm my already made decision to not attend this meeting.

Hopefully this information helps someone else!!

Yikes...

This is just getting worse and worse. I too have a college degree, and it has served me VERY well. But I thought I'd try something different. I have never seen such unprofessionalism anywhere. Ew, just thinking about this makes me ill. I was lied to over and over about my base pay.

I was in the Orlando office for three weeks then I bailed. Literally at 3 am from a road trip in Miami. It was making me sick...I would wake up worried about having no health insurance or how I was going to pay for my rent, car payment, student loans...etc.

Enough is enough. I'm too old for this. So I quit on Monday, and found something great the same day!

And Jordan, you crack me up!!!! Only I was taken to Wing House (like Hooters) on my interview day and was subjected to guys talking about some girls t**s. Nice.

I recently sent a resume to PPG and got a call back from "Jane" who proceeded to schedule pencil me in with Keith. I requested their web address and got really excited when I saw that the co. represents T-wolves, etc. I thank everyone on this site for their insight - and because of this, I will not be going to the interview.

It's just pathetic how some people manipulate the system. And I hope justice can be served against these people at PPG soon!

I was called earlier today by a company called Pinnacle Premier. They didn't give anything but vague information and I was suspicious. Something in my mind told me the supposed meeting wasn't legit.

I tried to google the company "Pinnacle Premier" and I had no relevant search results. This made me even more suspicious. I tried "Pinnacle Job Interview" and this page came right up.

So I'm wondering if anyone knows if this is the same company. They didn't seem to care what my qualifications were or even that I was matched for the job but suggested I come in for an 'overview' meeting. The location was in Roseville.

So i recently sent my resume to this company and today i got an email about coming in to interview. I went to look them up first on the Better Business Bureau, they dont have any complaints against them. This was really confusing after reading this site, this company hides what it does. No where on its site or in its job ad does it state anything about door to door sales. It also doesn't state this on the BBB site.

This is just a thank you to those of you who have posted on here. I have already been involved with a company similar to this one i don't need another one.

at first i didn't think it was worth wasting my time to even post a response, but after reading all these interesting stories of how you were "scammed" a responce would be fun.

first of all the business' is not a scam, illegal or fraudulent. they are a legitament corps.

the granton group are hired on by different companies to sell coupon books. they do not exactly "work for" the timberwolves but they do "represent" them.

second of all... i do not know what promises they might have given you on your first interview about your shadow day/day of observation but that is on the individual company and not the whole organization. here we are very upfront with our interviews. we explain the whole process of what we do, how many no's to expect, going business to business, ect. the fact that if they would get the opportunity to work with us they would be paid upon their performance.

i would like you to notice the fact that i stated "OPPORTUNITY to work WITH us" and not "JOB" because it is not a job at all. you are working for yourself as an entrepreneur. that concept is a lost art, everyone wants to work and get paid while doing as little as possible for what they worked for. in a buisiness like this you are forced to actually work hard for what you get. is it hard? yes. is it possible to make money? yes, and alot of it.

as far as leadership, asst. management and owning your own business... all obtainable. some people might take longer than others to get there for one reason or another, but on your work ethic, attitude and student mentality it is all obtainable.

i work for a office associated with ds-max and i became a leader by the second week i was in the business. i was making about 3-400 at the start but with time i was making anywhere between 700-1000 a week. of course i had to work hard to do so, but in the end it was worth it.

i am an assistant manager at my location making 500 a week on top of my b-b sales, with my incorperation papers going through to take over the location i am at.

yes i had to build a few teams/crews to get there, but no one said this was a get rich quick scheme. it's not the greatest place to work at if you're just looking for a job that would require you to work for someone else for the rest of your life. it is an awesome opportunity for someone who wants more than a 30, 40, 50k job with a pension that might not be there when you retire. it is a program designed to take an average person with little to no experience running their own business, molding their employee mentality into that of an entreprenuer. in our society with social security and job security in the state it is it really allows you to make something happen for yourself.

now obviously none of you had it in you to do so. cool, this isn't for everyone. i don't hate on mcdonald's employees if that's the hand dealt to you. i don't dissaprove of those who pay 40-100k for school to become a lawyer, doctor or politician. they might be in debt for years to come, paying their student loans. but it is hard work, long hours (alot like we do, ya know 10-12-14 hour days) and is rewarding down the road (like ours can be if you put the time and effort into it) besides we need lawyers, doctors and politicians... well maybe not lawyers or politicians but if everyone did what we do, i would have no one to flip my burger, take care of my kid when he's sick, sue idiots who try to slander my company because they just couldn't cut it and politicians to keep giving entreprenuers tax breaks and benefits for working for ourselves and creating jobs in a market place where the averages of business' folding are far greater than those being created.

so i am sorry that so many of you had such a bad time with a similar company. i'm so sorry your college degree isn't getting you hired, or lack of work experience. i mean you are searching for anything you can get your hands on... and our place of business just wasn't up to par with what your unemployed standards were. this opportunity was awesome for me, but maybe not for the next guy/girl. i hope that wherever you are in life that it will get better than looking for ways to slander companies that you didn't want to work for. my friend wants to find the ripoffreport page on a certain monster chain giant to dog on that evil empire and how he only got 7 an hour while they made millions... that isn't a pyramid scheme is it? there's always someone on the top no matter where you work, and it's always a process to become that person and in most places you'll never be given the opportunity to be that person... unless your born into the spot.

here's a website for all of you... getrichquickwhiledoingnothing.com hope it works out for ya!!!

So K, you had dinner in some people's homes while you should have been selling DS-Max garbage.

In my office, working with King Michael Sessions, if you stopped for any lunch longer than 5 minutes, it was frowned upon.

I wanted to stop for a bagel on the 1 hour drive to my territory, it was frowned upon.

So if you were stopping to eat dinner in peoples' homes, you were not doing your 4's and 8's properly and that could be why you aren't a manager.

(I just threw up saying the above part about him not being a manager)

So what paperwork did you have to do when you were hired there? Did you fill out tax forms? Did you fill out direct deposit forms?

At real jobs, you have real paperwork.

This company is a scam and will always be.

Keith is probably wearing the same suit. We all should pitch in for a dry cleaning gift certificate for it for Christmas. I am sure it has never been cleaned!

I unfortunatley worked there for about 2 months. Its not a scam actually. Its all right there in front of you in black and white. I do agree they mislead people by their ads, however, once you "get a job" you go through the same paperwork as you would anywhere else. You actually get a good deal of training and are acutally "representing" all the fortune 500 companies you sell for. This is a great job for someone needing a college internship. Its a great alternative to a different non-paying job. The good thing about it is yes, you do make money. Some of the the "clients" are better than others. I would sell 20 pieces of Muller Family Theater a day, making about $100-$200 a day easy. However, it can be hard to live if you work clients which you cant sell well. You do get options in the morning of who you want to go sell for for the day. So its not like they are forcing you to sell something you will make no money on. They are ligit, so are their coupons. Actually some are money saving ones out there. Like the free oil changes, free pizzas, and free movie tickets. Some arent as great as others. I will say they do expect a lot out of their "minions". It is labor intensive. However, its probably one of the best jobs you can ever have. You learn a lot about direct marketing, and ways to market to people. Face to Face is great. I had an occasionaly upset person at the door, but MN nice shined through. I had a lot of great conversations. A lot of people inviting me into their homes, giving me a warm up of coffee, some gave me fresh baked cookies and dinner. The job paid off, i went from working with them, to working for one of their proffesional sports teams they "represented". I understand your upset about your wasted interview time, its not for everyone, thats why they "weed" people out. Im not going to say go work their, but im not going to diss them eaither. It isnt for everyone, but they are ligit.

I am not sure if he still reads this but, Bill I have been out with DEVON and NIKKI. I went on a "shadow" day with these two. They are now working for DC Advertising in Downers Grove, IL doing the same job! I was give the same block presentation of Manager/Asst./Etc. It said at the top HIGHER IMAGE ADVERTISING with the information for the Philly office. It was crossed out in front of me and they wrote DC Advertising instead.

I did not take the job since it was door to door. I did not look into the job until after, just for fun. I am glad I didn't take the job and that I looked it up now. I just wanted to agree with the interview process and agree with the pay, do people realize that some of these numbers boil down to $6/hr?!?! Sorry, my time is worth much more than that.

So, I would recommend to anyone debating about this job... don't! This job tries to paint a beautiful picture which doesn't happen, from what I have read and seen!

I am not sure if he still reads this but, Bill I have been out with DEVON and NIKKI. I went on a "shadow" day with these two. They are now working for DC Advertising in Downers Grove, IL doing the same job! I was give the same block presentation of Manager/Asst./Etc. It said at the top HIGHER IMAGE ADVERTISING with the information for the Philly office. It was crossed out in front of me and they wrote DC Advertising instead.

I did not take the job since it was door to door. I did not look into the job until after, just for fun. I am glad I didn't take the job and that I looked it up now. I just wanted to agree with the interview process and agree with the pay, do people realize that some of these numbers boil down to $6/hr?!?! Sorry, my time is worth much more than that.

So, I would recommend to anyone debating about this job... don't! This job tries to paint a beautiful picture which doesn't happen, from what I have read and seen!

I am not sure if he still reads this but, Bill I have been out with DEVON and NIKKI. I went on a "shadow" day with these two. They are now working for DC Advertising in Downers Grove, IL doing the same job! I was give the same block presentation of Manager/Asst./Etc. It said at the top HIGHER IMAGE ADVERTISING with the information for the Philly office. It was crossed out in front of me and they wrote DC Advertising instead.

I did not take the job since it was door to door. I did not look into the job until after, just for fun. I am glad I didn't take the job and that I looked it up now. I just wanted to agree with the interview process and agree with the pay, do people realize that some of these numbers boil down to $6/hr?!?! Sorry, my time is worth much more than that.

So, I would recommend to anyone debating about this job... don't! This job tries to paint a beautiful picture which doesn't happen, from what I have read and seen!

I am not sure if he still reads this but, Bill I have been out with DEVON and NIKKI. I went on a "shadow" day with these two. They are now working for DC Advertising in Downers Grove, IL doing the same job! I was give the same block presentation of Manager/Asst./Etc. It said at the top HIGHER IMAGE ADVERTISING with the information for the Philly office. It was crossed out in front of me and they wrote DC Advertising instead.

I did not take the job since it was door to door. I did not look into the job until after, just for fun. I am glad I didn't take the job and that I looked it up now. I just wanted to agree with the interview process and agree with the pay, do people realize that some of these numbers boil down to $6/hr?!?! Sorry, my time is worth much more than that.

So, I would recommend to anyone debating about this job... don't! This job tries to paint a beautiful picture which doesn't happen, from what I have read and seen!

It is no longer Pinnacle Promotional Group but Pinnacle Promotions. They still have a link to their cheesy website that is just a template that is used with all cheesy companies trying to look techy. They call themselves a Marketing company yet their website contains no valuable information. They all still a fraud and a warning to all the new people on here, stay away unless you want to be lied to, decieved, and without money.

Anyway, do not call Lindsay Conrad. She must be the new secratary or an alia for Kieth Romanshan, or whatever his name is. He does not want his name on the job searches anymore because we have told the world who he is. (a thief)

Here is a listing they put out. It cracks me up that they say a 2 year degree is needed!!!!!!!!

Sports Marketing/Advertising/Promotions


Save this job | Email This Job | Printer-Friendly Version

Company: Pinnacle Promotions
Location: US-MN-Minneapolis
Base Pay: N/A
Employee Type: Full-Time Employee
Industry: Public Relations
Sales - Marketing
Advertising
Manages Others: Yes
Job Type: Entry Level
Marketing
Sales
Req'd Education: 2 Year Degree
Req'd Experience: None
Req'd Travel: None
Relocation Covered: No
Division: Human Resources


Contact: Lindsay Conrad Phone: (651)697-8311
Email: Send Email Now Fax: (651)697-8309
Instantly fax your resume! >>

Ref ID: Not Available

DESCRIPTION

Do you find yourself asking this question?

"How am I supposed to have 3-5 years experience if nobody will give me a chance?" If so, look no further. You have found the company that will personally train and develop the future CEO's and marketing executives of the world!!!

ABOUT US:

Pinnacle Promotions Group is a promotional marketing firm that specializes in the sale of promotions for some of the most exciting and well-known companies in the world today.

Our direct marketing methods are capable of reaching 90%-99% of our client's specific target market. We have consistently provided our clients with at least a 30% new customer acquisition. The methods are personal, powerful and provide an upstanding image in the marketplace. Our portfolio consists of national restaurant chains, entertainment giants, professional sports teams, national hotels, ski resorts and top-notch golf courses.

Plain and simple! Using our direct marketing methods, we have continuously achieved dramatic results for clients both large and small from many industries.

Job Description:

We have the following ENTRY LEVEL opportunities:
* Sales/Promotions Representative
* Market Research
* Account Management
* Marketing Management

REQUIREMENTS
All openings are part of a marketing management training program. The ideal candidates will possess a "second-to-none" work ethic, strong desire to advance and grow with the company and an unbelievably positive business attitude. Our office is comprised of very driven, self-motivated individuals that are very serious about their careers. At the same time, we are in the PROMOTIONS business. If you don't like to have FUN while you work, then this is not the company for you.

Remember, there is NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We will train the right candidates and offer competitive merit based compensation. This is a perfect opportunity for someone trying to get their "foot-in-the-door" in the marketing field.

All openings are FULL-TIME and need to be filled A.S.A.P.!!
NO GRAPHIC DESIGN, NO TELESALES, NO CUBICLES

NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE! Just simply cut and paste your resume and send it to: [Click here for email]

You may also visit us on the web at:
www.pinnaclepg.com

It is no longer Pinnacle Promotional Group but Pinnacle Promotions. They still have a link to their cheesy website that is just a template that is used with all cheesy companies trying to look techy. They call themselves a Marketing company yet their website contains no valuable information. They all still a fraud and a warning to all the new people on here, stay away unless you want to be lied to, decieved, and without money.

Anyway, do not call Lindsay Conrad. She must be the new secratary or an alia for Kieth Romanshan, or whatever his name is. He does not want his name on the job searches anymore because we have told the world who he is. (a thief)

Here is a listing they put out. It cracks me up that they say a 2 year degree is needed!!!!!!!!

Sports Marketing/Advertising/Promotions


Save this job | Email This Job | Printer-Friendly Version

Company: Pinnacle Promotions
Location: US-MN-Minneapolis
Base Pay: N/A
Employee Type: Full-Time Employee
Industry: Public Relations
Sales - Marketing
Advertising
Manages Others: Yes
Job Type: Entry Level
Marketing
Sales
Req'd Education: 2 Year Degree
Req'd Experience: None
Req'd Travel: None
Relocation Covered: No
Division: Human Resources


Contact: Lindsay Conrad Phone: (651)697-8311
Email: Send Email Now Fax: (651)697-8309
Instantly fax your resume! >>

Ref ID: Not Available

DESCRIPTION

Do you find yourself asking this question?

"How am I supposed to have 3-5 years experience if nobody will give me a chance?" If so, look no further. You have found the company that will personally train and develop the future CEO's and marketing executives of the world!!!

ABOUT US:

Pinnacle Promotions Group is a promotional marketing firm that specializes in the sale of promotions for some of the most exciting and well-known companies in the world today.

Our direct marketing methods are capable of reaching 90%-99% of our client's specific target market. We have consistently provided our clients with at least a 30% new customer acquisition. The methods are personal, powerful and provide an upstanding image in the marketplace. Our portfolio consists of national restaurant chains, entertainment giants, professional sports teams, national hotels, ski resorts and top-notch golf courses.

Plain and simple! Using our direct marketing methods, we have continuously achieved dramatic results for clients both large and small from many industries.

Job Description:

We have the following ENTRY LEVEL opportunities:
* Sales/Promotions Representative
* Market Research
* Account Management
* Marketing Management

REQUIREMENTS
All openings are part of a marketing management training program. The ideal candidates will possess a "second-to-none" work ethic, strong desire to advance and grow with the company and an unbelievably positive business attitude. Our office is comprised of very driven, self-motivated individuals that are very serious about their careers. At the same time, we are in the PROMOTIONS business. If you don't like to have FUN while you work, then this is not the company for you.

Remember, there is NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We will train the right candidates and offer competitive merit based compensation. This is a perfect opportunity for someone trying to get their "foot-in-the-door" in the marketing field.

All openings are FULL-TIME and need to be filled A.S.A.P.!!
NO GRAPHIC DESIGN, NO TELESALES, NO CUBICLES

NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE! Just simply cut and paste your resume and send it to: [Click here for email]

You may also visit us on the web at:
www.pinnaclepg.com

It is no longer Pinnacle Promotional Group but Pinnacle Promotions. They still have a link to their cheesy website that is just a template that is used with all cheesy companies trying to look techy. They call themselves a Marketing company yet their website contains no valuable information. They all still a fraud and a warning to all the new people on here, stay away unless you want to be lied to, decieved, and without money.

Anyway, do not call Lindsay Conrad. She must be the new secratary or an alia for Kieth Romanshan, or whatever his name is. He does not want his name on the job searches anymore because we have told the world who he is. (a thief)

Here is a listing they put out. It cracks me up that they say a 2 year degree is needed!!!!!!!!

Sports Marketing/Advertising/Promotions


Save this job | Email This Job | Printer-Friendly Version

Company: Pinnacle Promotions
Location: US-MN-Minneapolis
Base Pay: N/A
Employee Type: Full-Time Employee
Industry: Public Relations
Sales - Marketing
Advertising
Manages Others: Yes
Job Type: Entry Level
Marketing
Sales
Req'd Education: 2 Year Degree
Req'd Experience: None
Req'd Travel: None
Relocation Covered: No
Division: Human Resources


Contact: Lindsay Conrad Phone: (651)697-8311
Email: Send Email Now Fax: (651)697-8309
Instantly fax your resume! >>

Ref ID: Not Available

DESCRIPTION

Do you find yourself asking this question?

"How am I supposed to have 3-5 years experience if nobody will give me a chance?" If so, look no further. You have found the company that will personally train and develop the future CEO's and marketing executives of the world!!!

ABOUT US:

Pinnacle Promotions Group is a promotional marketing firm that specializes in the sale of promotions for some of the most exciting and well-known companies in the world today.

Our direct marketing methods are capable of reaching 90%-99% of our client's specific target market. We have consistently provided our clients with at least a 30% new customer acquisition. The methods are personal, powerful and provide an upstanding image in the marketplace. Our portfolio consists of national restaurant chains, entertainment giants, professional sports teams, national hotels, ski resorts and top-notch golf courses.

Plain and simple! Using our direct marketing methods, we have continuously achieved dramatic results for clients both large and small from many industries.

Job Description:

We have the following ENTRY LEVEL opportunities:
* Sales/Promotions Representative
* Market Research
* Account Management
* Marketing Management

REQUIREMENTS
All openings are part of a marketing management training program. The ideal candidates will possess a "second-to-none" work ethic, strong desire to advance and grow with the company and an unbelievably positive business attitude. Our office is comprised of very driven, self-motivated individuals that are very serious about their careers. At the same time, we are in the PROMOTIONS business. If you don't like to have FUN while you work, then this is not the company for you.

Remember, there is NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We will train the right candidates and offer competitive merit based compensation. This is a perfect opportunity for someone trying to get their "foot-in-the-door" in the marketing field.

All openings are FULL-TIME and need to be filled A.S.A.P.!!
NO GRAPHIC DESIGN, NO TELESALES, NO CUBICLES

NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE! Just simply cut and paste your resume and send it to: [Click here for email]

You may also visit us on the web at:
www.pinnaclepg.com

It is no longer Pinnacle Promotional Group but Pinnacle Promotions. They still have a link to their cheesy website that is just a template that is used with all cheesy companies trying to look techy. They call themselves a Marketing company yet their website contains no valuable information. They all still a fraud and a warning to all the new people on here, stay away unless you want to be lied to, decieved, and without money.

Anyway, do not call Lindsay Conrad. She must be the new secratary or an alia for Kieth Romanshan, or whatever his name is. He does not want his name on the job searches anymore because we have told the world who he is. (a thief)

Here is a listing they put out. It cracks me up that they say a 2 year degree is needed!!!!!!!!

Sports Marketing/Advertising/Promotions


Save this job | Email This Job | Printer-Friendly Version

Company: Pinnacle Promotions
Location: US-MN-Minneapolis
Base Pay: N/A
Employee Type: Full-Time Employee
Industry: Public Relations
Sales - Marketing
Advertising
Manages Others: Yes
Job Type: Entry Level
Marketing
Sales
Req'd Education: 2 Year Degree
Req'd Experience: None
Req'd Travel: None
Relocation Covered: No
Division: Human Resources


Contact: Lindsay Conrad Phone: (651)697-8311
Email: Send Email Now Fax: (651)697-8309
Instantly fax your resume! >>

Ref ID: Not Available

DESCRIPTION

Do you find yourself asking this question?

"How am I supposed to have 3-5 years experience if nobody will give me a chance?" If so, look no further. You have found the company that will personally train and develop the future CEO's and marketing executives of the world!!!

ABOUT US:

Pinnacle Promotions Group is a promotional marketing firm that specializes in the sale of promotions for some of the most exciting and well-known companies in the world today.

Our direct marketing methods are capable of reaching 90%-99% of our client's specific target market. We have consistently provided our clients with at least a 30% new customer acquisition. The methods are personal, powerful and provide an upstanding image in the marketplace. Our portfolio consists of national restaurant chains, entertainment giants, professional sports teams, national hotels, ski resorts and top-notch golf courses.

Plain and simple! Using our direct marketing methods, we have continuously achieved dramatic results for clients both large and small from many industries.

Job Description:

We have the following ENTRY LEVEL opportunities:
* Sales/Promotions Representative
* Market Research
* Account Management
* Marketing Management

REQUIREMENTS
All openings are part of a marketing management training program. The ideal candidates will possess a "second-to-none" work ethic, strong desire to advance and grow with the company and an unbelievably positive business attitude. Our office is comprised of very driven, self-motivated individuals that are very serious about their careers. At the same time, we are in the PROMOTIONS business. If you don't like to have FUN while you work, then this is not the company for you.

Remember, there is NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We will train the right candidates and offer competitive merit based compensation. This is a perfect opportunity for someone trying to get their "foot-in-the-door" in the marketing field.

All openings are FULL-TIME and need to be filled A.S.A.P.!!
NO GRAPHIC DESIGN, NO TELESALES, NO CUBICLES

NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE! Just simply cut and paste your resume and send it to: [Click here for email]

You may also visit us on the web at:
www.pinnaclepg.com

The company is not what they advertise it to be. I have no problem if a company wants to sell door to door. It's excellent experience for recent graduates whether it be college or high school.

But, this company, all of DSMax, Cydcor, etc claims to be something else. That's where my problem is. When you are applying, you aren't told you'll be going door to door, driving 50-100 miles each way to your territory, that you won't be getting REAL benefits.

It turned out, Mr. Sessions was making money on each person that signed up for the benefits plan. It wasn't real. It was the same plan you or I could sign up for right now for the same amount of money without working for the company. Sessions was making referral money for each person that signed up.

It is truly a cult. As mentioned by many people. That's when I realized something wasn't kosher. He kept us tired, hungry and broke. We weren't supposed to speak to anyone that quit.

Here's the bottom line. Just because one or two of you made money with this company, doesn't mean there isn't something wrong with it. I know a guy that made a lot of money selling drugs. But most of his friends were dead or in jail. Was it okay because he made money?

In closing, I would just like to know if you supporters spend all of your time reading JUICE magazine and spying on other leaders to look good in the boss's eyes?

Join Us In Creating Excitement? What excitement do you create driving 200 miles round trip selling golf coupons or in my case New Power electrical service????

The company is not what they advertise it to be. I have no problem if a company wants to sell door to door. It's excellent experience for recent graduates whether it be college or high school.

But, this company, all of DSMax, Cydcor, etc claims to be something else. That's where my problem is. When you are applying, you aren't told you'll be going door to door, driving 50-100 miles each way to your territory, that you won't be getting REAL benefits.

It turned out, Mr. Sessions was making money on each person that signed up for the benefits plan. It wasn't real. It was the same plan you or I could sign up for right now for the same amount of money without working for the company. Sessions was making referral money for each person that signed up.

It is truly a cult. As mentioned by many people. That's when I realized something wasn't kosher. He kept us tired, hungry and broke. We weren't supposed to speak to anyone that quit.

Here's the bottom line. Just because one or two of you made money with this company, doesn't mean there isn't something wrong with it. I know a guy that made a lot of money selling drugs. But most of his friends were dead or in jail. Was it okay because he made money?

In closing, I would just like to know if you supporters spend all of your time reading JUICE magazine and spying on other leaders to look good in the boss's eyes?

Join Us In Creating Excitement? What excitement do you create driving 200 miles round trip selling golf coupons or in my case New Power electrical service????

The company is not what they advertise it to be. I have no problem if a company wants to sell door to door. It's excellent experience for recent graduates whether it be college or high school.

But, this company, all of DSMax, Cydcor, etc claims to be something else. That's where my problem is. When you are applying, you aren't told you'll be going door to door, driving 50-100 miles each way to your territory, that you won't be getting REAL benefits.

It turned out, Mr. Sessions was making money on each person that signed up for the benefits plan. It wasn't real. It was the same plan you or I could sign up for right now for the same amount of money without working for the company. Sessions was making referral money for each person that signed up.

It is truly a cult. As mentioned by many people. That's when I realized something wasn't kosher. He kept us tired, hungry and broke. We weren't supposed to speak to anyone that quit.

Here's the bottom line. Just because one or two of you made money with this company, doesn't mean there isn't something wrong with it. I know a guy that made a lot of money selling drugs. But most of his friends were dead or in jail. Was it okay because he made money?

In closing, I would just like to know if you supporters spend all of your time reading JUICE magazine and spying on other leaders to look good in the boss's eyes?

Join Us In Creating Excitement? What excitement do you create driving 200 miles round trip selling golf coupons or in my case New Power electrical service????

Chris - Chaska, Minnesota or should I say Keith? You sound like the 5% of the other people that slave for these companies. What don't you get? In 10 years you will come on here with a big sob story and you will want us all to feel sorry for you.

Funny thing, on my bogus interview the most coupons sold that day was 3! Funny how you come up with all these big numbers.

Another thing, when in an interview the interviewee asks proper questions. Not questions like are you guys known to lie and questions about the job. (Keith lied) He said he was a Marketing Firm. He also showed me things he said they designed. He did not design those! What you do is not marketing. It is simply Door to Door sales. Second- I was told we would be going to businesses promoting Timberwolves games. That was bogus and a fat lie. In fact we pull up to a residential neiborhood 50 miles from my car and the guy states....Let me explain, it is not what it looks like, it is what we all have to do before we can own our own company. He then goes door to door for 10 straight hours.

I don't know if you are on drugs or what Chris. Sounds to me that you need to go to school and become educated or you need to find a trade skill or even become a factory worker. If you do not do this it will suck going from one con sales job to another the rest of your life! You will not even afford a suit at Wal-Mart! (Jordan-just making a point, If Keith had so much money his suits would be over $1,000 not under $100)

Hey Keith, how is it going? Keep trying to make your company sound legit! I know your sales have gone down since June!!!!!!!! My friends and I love talking to your prospects after they come out of your building in Shoreview!

Chris - Chaska, Minnesota or should I say Keith? You sound like the 5 % of the other people that slave for these companies. What don't you get? In 10 years you will come on here with a big sob story and you will want us all to feel sorry for you. Funny thing, on my bogus interview the most coupons sold that day was 3! Funny how you come up with all these big numbers.

Another thing, when in an interview the interviewee asks proper questions. Questions about the job. (Keith lied) What you do is not marketing. It is simply Door to Door sales. Second- I was told we would be going to business promoting Timberwolves games. Bogus! Lies! In fact we pull up to a residential nationhood 50 miles from my car and he the guy states....Let me explain, it is not what it looks like, it is what we all have to do before we can own our own company. He then goes door to door for 10 straight hours.

I don't know if you are on drugs or what Chris. Sounds to me that you need to go to school and become educated or you need to find a trade skill or even become a factory worker. If you do not do this it will suck going from one con sales job to another the rest of your life! You will not even afford a suit at Wal-Mart!

Hey Keith, how is it going? Keep trying to make your company sound legit! I know your sales have gone down since June!!!!!!!! My friends and I love talking to your prospects after they come out of your building in Shoreview!

Hello again, it's another Friday and I figured I would check my favorite blog on the internet!(whatever a blog is...) it was good to see some legitimate complaints from everyone over the last few weeks. I like that SW3=N equation! It makes you think....doesn't it! Brighton....are you a girl? I don't know, I've never heard the name, it's a nice name. I am happy that you have been keeping a time sheet, it's good to know where you've been! My question for you is why do you hate Kohls? I personally don't shop there, never have...I'm a complete Yuppie these days, corporate America turned me! The point is look around the skyway downtown or wherever you work, take a look around. Not everyone can afford a nice suit! That is why they have stores like Kohl's and they have positions open at Pinnacle. Fact of the mater is if you read through the blog, the individuals that have had success with this company, and continue to back their former employers all have a similar tone. It's go door to door, learning the ropes. Learning how to sell, market yourself, build a work ethic. OR, Bust their a*s working manual labor.

Companies like Pinnacle might repulse those of us with a college degree, but it is a stepping stone for a lot of guys looking to improve their socioeconomic status. Maybe I'm wrong...It's been known to occur, but Brighton you can't relate with your enemy! I would guess you don't know them well enough. Anyway, go Vikings! Have a good weekend!

As a former employee of this company, there are a couple of things I need to set straight.

First of all, Keith Romanshyn is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He was my mentor. I learned a lot from him, as well as Mike Wakeland, and Matt Larson about business, and life in general that I will use in my future endeavors.

Secondly, all of you people give the business a bad rap. Every promotion that I worked on was an outstanding deal, and people were glad that I was at their door. The promotions sell themselves, all we'd do is develop a rapport with people and show them what we were doing. We had an acronym SW3=N. What that means is Some Will, Some Won't, So What = Next Door. We always left the customer with a good taste in their mouth whether they picked up the promotion or not.

Also I took out several day of O's in my time with the company, and one of the things we told every single one was " We will be out today until 8 oclock and will not be coming back to the office for any reason, do you have a problem with that?" So for all of you that feel you were duped into sitting through an 8 hour interview,you wouldn't have had to if you would have just been honest with your interviewer, instead of just telling them what they wanted to hear.

Finally, as far as pay goes your figures are a bit off. I made at least $400 every week I was there, some weeks as much as 8. For a 20 year old kid thats not bad. Keith and Matt's office both move on average about 500 pieces a week, for which they make about 10 bucks each. Thats about 5000 dollars a week. So Britton next time you go buy a suit at Kohls, I doubt you'll find Keith there.

As a former employee of this company, there are a couple of things I need to set straight.

First of all, Keith Romanshyn is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He was my mentor. I learned a lot from him, as well as Mike Wakeland, and Matt Larson about business, and life in general that I will use in my future endeavors.

Secondly, all of you people give the business a bad rap. Every promotion that I worked on was an outstanding deal, and people were glad that I was at their door. The promotions sell themselves, all we'd do is develop a rapport with people and show them what we were doing. We had an acronym SW3=N. What that means is Some Will, Some Won't, So What = Next Door. We always left the customer with a good taste in their mouth whether they picked up the promotion or not.

Also I took out several day of O's in my time with the company, and one of the things we told every single one was " We will be out today until 8 oclock and will not be coming back to the office for any reason, do you have a problem with that?" So for all of you that feel you were duped into sitting through an 8 hour interview,you wouldn't have had to if you would have just been honest with your interviewer, instead of just telling them what they wanted to hear.

Finally, as far as pay goes your figures are a bit off. I made at least $400 every week I was there, some weeks as much as 8. For a 20 year old kid thats not bad. Keith and Matt's office both move on average about 500 pieces a week, for which they make about 10 bucks each. Thats about 5000 dollars a week. So Britton next time you go buy a suit at Kohls, I doubt you'll find Keith there.

As a former employee of this company, there are a couple of things I need to set straight.

First of all, Keith Romanshyn is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He was my mentor. I learned a lot from him, as well as Mike Wakeland, and Matt Larson about business, and life in general that I will use in my future endeavors.

Secondly, all of you people give the business a bad rap. Every promotion that I worked on was an outstanding deal, and people were glad that I was at their door. The promotions sell themselves, all we'd do is develop a rapport with people and show them what we were doing. We had an acronym SW3=N. What that means is Some Will, Some Won't, So What = Next Door. We always left the customer with a good taste in their mouth whether they picked up the promotion or not.

Also I took out several day of O's in my time with the company, and one of the things we told every single one was " We will be out today until 8 oclock and will not be coming back to the office for any reason, do you have a problem with that?" So for all of you that feel you were duped into sitting through an 8 hour interview,you wouldn't have had to if you would have just been honest with your interviewer, instead of just telling them what they wanted to hear.

Finally, as far as pay goes your figures are a bit off. I made at least $400 every week I was there, some weeks as much as 8. For a 20 year old kid thats not bad. Keith and Matt's office both move on average about 500 pieces a week, for which they make about 10 bucks each. Thats about 5000 dollars a week. So Britton next time you go buy a suit at Kohls, I doubt you'll find Keith there.

Just doing my duty at keeping Pinnacle Number 1 on top of the list if you type in Granton Marketng or Pinnacle in the search bar. Hopefully some young college graduate sees this before they get sucked into going in on a Day of O tommorow!

See you Kieth! I hope you dry clean you suit. It must be a little nasty after the summer months with the sweat and all.

Anton hit it right on the head. My goal is to give Pinnacle Promotional Group bad publicity. I was not happy that I wasted my time on an interview for a scam company. You must think it is funny Jordan. You were scammed so now you want others to be scammed also? 3 minutes a week does not kill my time to help warn others. I am very happy with my life and my job right now. Nothing like a college degree. Folks it pays.

I have also warned the Dean of UWRF and St. Thomas of this marketing scam. We have to keep graduates safe and headed towards the real job market.

To Kieth, Kohls Department store had 2 suits for the price of 1 sale going on. Just wondering if you made it. You can't beat that price. I also hear Walmart is buying Tommy Hilfigger. Maybe you can afford a suit there. Just trying to help your bottom line Kieth. Ohh, I am sorry, you don't know what the bottom line is.

Pinnacle calls itself a marketing company. This is far from the truth. Here is one of the definitions of marketing.

"Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, services, organizations, and events to create and maintain relationships that will satisfy individual and organizational objectives."
-Contemporary Marketing Wired (1998) by Boone and Kurtz. Dryden Press.

The thing that Pinnacle fails to do is to create and maintain relationships and to satisfy individual and organizational objectives. In fact Pinnacle gives the people they are promoting bad press. 98% of the customers they talk to directly are unhappy that a sleazy door to door salesman stepped on their front steps disrespecting the "No Soliciting" sign and lying about the products they are selling.

In my opinion this is unethical. Pinnacle and its counter parts are destroying the word marketing. What they are doing is sleazy sales. If they want to Market, they need to create a positive relationship with a customer. They fail to do this.

As to Mike Wakeland- Just leave the information down on here. I will submit a background check on him through work.

Jordan, sounds to me you are a hater. In my opinion Britton is exposing this company keeping it on top of the charts on Rip Off Report. Now that is good Public Relation on his part. I would not want my son, who is graduating in May to get sucked in on their interview.

As for Granton, this company is the backing of Pinnacle and all of its sister and brother companies.

Companies- Do not go to Pinnacle and similar companies. They do not know one thing about marketing. Make sure you check into the background and check out their portfolio. After that call up companies who have worked with them for their opinion. At our firm we always have portfolios on hand. You can even see our work on TV and on FM radio doing 30 second advertising campaigns.

As for John from Plymouth- Theirs a reason why people are educated. The educated are not ignorant. They all get paid well through out their lives. Most with 15 to 20 years will make well into 6 digits. Their wives and husbands will also bring in that. The best thing for you is to go to school.

As for the rape- I looked it up and Granton marketing has been accused of many instances. Usually when you look at the crime report for companies it comes back with 0-3 rapes and 3-15 cases of sexual harassments. The sexual harassment accusation is off the wall for Granton and its franchises.

I have been checking back to this message board periodically to see if there have been any real developments since I wrote in last. It is interesting to me how Britton you can still have such anger and madness towards a small little company that tries to dance around the facts in the interview. It was just one day in your life, if it gets to you this deep then they have done their job to win. I am wondering what your up to now? Do you do this in all aspects of your life, do you hold grudges until death? Do you hate me for forming an opinion that rivals your's, yet is not so spiteful?

To John, I respect your stance on the subject. You may believe that going door to door selling cupons is Marketing. Which it is and your absolutely correct in that statement, but not really the image that pops into the head when the word is uttered. Your stance is just and I wish you continued success, for you truly did a job that I could not fathom.

To those Brown Graduates and pot heads I made light of in my first blurb I am sorry. I was young once, and I ment nothing of it. I also pose a question to the followers of this board. Even before my ride along from Hell, I was propositioned by some other place in Roseville. They made the job sound legit, what did I know I had been home from school a week. The job was to sell vitamins (suplements) to friends and family. It was in some really shady office building decorated in an 80's porn motife. They grouped 20 lucky individuals together and we had to watch some horrible movie proclaiming these riches were just out of our grasp. I was the second person to leave about twenty minnutes into the presentation. That place may have been just as bad in my mind. Does anyone else know of such a company, or was I high?

Keep writing in!

PS: I still know about the poor spelling and gramar.

Here's the problem with where you stand britton. You I assume are a college grad? I assume you also have been on interviews? Good. Now that we have those two out of the way. Let me ask you this, have you ever been paid to do an interview? has a company ever said, oh goodness come interview with us and we'll pay you $50.
As far as opening new companies and closing the old ones, that's not the case. Matt Larson opened his own company, same as Keith. Keith came from the boston office (JPG) to Minnesota to own his own business. That's how the company works, you work your a*s off, pay your dues and than you are rewarded with the riches and spoils that so many people like youself desire, but are unable to imagine actually having to work for such rewards.

John from Plymouth, Minnesota, are you nuts? Stop lying. Their are hundreds of people on here that know the truth. I am betting you are lying and you are probably Kieth or some other owner trying to give a little cred to your rip off scheme. If this company only had 1 or 2 reports on rippoffreport then you can say this is a legit company. You have hundreds of people on here with the same stories over and over from different aspects saying you are fraud.

By the way Keith, I am still waiting to be sued! Ohhh, I forgot, you need your money to buy a cheap JC Penny's suit!!!!!!!!

I forgot your big money!!!!!

The guy that drove me around for the second interview had a 1981 rustbucket and tried to get me to drive him around on the interview that you do not get paid at! The funny thing is you do not get paid as an employee either working for Pinnacle!

I know what I heard Kate say on the phone.

Why do you need to keep opening up new companies and getting rid of the old companies????????

Fraud!

As a former employee of Marketing Sessions, Cherry Hill, NJ, I can say this much.

DSMax and its offices are criminal. It's not the door to door part that I have a problem with, it's the way the company comes off in an interview.

They don't say you are going door to door. They don't say you will not be taxed but get hammered at the end of the year. They don't say there is no real benefits plan. That was the best, Michael Sessions was making money on every person that signed up for the so called benefits. I don't want to waste space discussing this, but the "benefits" plan was one of those $90 or so per month and you get medical discounts. Doesn't help when you stub your toe, but if you are near death, you can save money on the emergency room.

If this company explained itself honestly, I wouldn't have a problem with it. They make it sound so easy to get into management. But somehow working from 6:30am to 7:30 pm 5 days per week for $50 - $100 a day on a GOOD day, and ZERO on a bad day, doesn't seem worth it.

And when you quit, they'll do what they can to keep you from getting your final commissions.

Sessions told us there were no chargebacks unless they cancelled that day. Well, when I quit, I went to pick up my check. There happened to be 3 chargebacks on it. Wasn't worth fighting over it.

He's a scumbag as are all managers of DSMax!

Just to clarify a few things. When Katie the admin was on the phone opening a new bank account, it was for MSL advertising. After Mike Wakeland headed to philly, he promoted a new manager named Matt Larson, who stuck with the program and is now an owner of his own company.
As far as the rest of you guys go, you have a very bad perception of the companies stated above. I was an employee for quite a while, and unlike you assumptions of us being rude and un able to find another job. I'll take the skills and the opportunities i've had with the job and use them to advance myself in any career possible.
Also, each of the products that i've sold over the past few months, each and every "cert" had exceptional value. Example, 5 oil changes for $35, where one normally runs anywhere from 15-20. Golf Courses such as Park View Golf course, they sold nearly 2800 certificates. That's 2800 new golfers over a season, and those 2800 golfers aren't going to go alone, they'll bring maybe 1,2 or even 3 more people with them. The direct sales works for all sides. So forigve me for coming off a little strong, it seems your biggest failue, is that 1.) you didn't ask the person that took you out enough questions. 2.) You're to "proud" to see the true facits of marketing.
If you have any other guestions about the business feel free to ask i'll more than gladly explain any questions. As a parting fact, we were all independent distributors, we work for ourselves, what you put into the business is what you got out of it.

I am responding to everyone who has reported Mike Wakeland and his false, misleading tactics. I am very pissed off and want revenge. I only spent a few days with the sick individuals who run this operation, but am seeking guidance as to where to turn in order to report and prosecute these demented fakes.

I feel as though I know where they are and can execute any process to get justice, LEGALLY... I am not as bad off as some of your experiences, and I feel remorse for those permanently effected by these individuals. I would like to know if anyone has also had the experience to meet a male that goes by the name of "DEVON DAVIDSON" or a female Island native that goes by the name of "NIKKI".

I want justice and justice I WILL RECIEVE!!! Why is it that this operation has not been stopped or caught in the past? Is it that they are to quick to move on or are they "UNTOUCHABLE" by law? Any response would be a blessing and I will return any questions or answers to this response.

Again, I am sympathetic to all who have been effected. Remember, "GOOGLE" everything, it works...

Thank you, Jordan,,

You just said what I have been trying to say...the long and short of it is that this company sucks, but there are enough legitimate bad things to say about it without going off on a tangent about how all of the employees are rapists, etc.

Hopefully anyone reading this will realize that all of the time and effort put into working these kind of jobs are hardly ever worth the outcome (professionally and financially.) But I'm sure Britton will just skim these entries and form her own opinion like usual. That's fine, I've said my peace. Have fun writing to yourself.

Here's the gig. Soon after posting my resume on a MN based website, I was contacted by one of the minions from Pinnacle Prom. I went through the same bs as all of you, except the girl who was propositioned to lift up her dress. I'm a dude, but I have very nice legs if your wondering. I felt like this was the biggest waste of a day ever, I actually left after the day was over, and was not interested in coming back upstairs for punch and cookies (or whatever happens next) I felt bad about the whole situation sure, but other than telling my girlfriend and some buddies about the horrible experience I kept it to myself. Two years have passed and I have found a great job from a legite bussiness, so I hold no grudge, but I do believe that this company should be held accountable for being a joke and pay me back $6 for my cold-cut combo @ subway.

In a job market that was really bleak at the time I was more than interested in looking into what they were selling, but it's a shame that they where targeting recent college grads. I understand that these low-brow marketing firms exist, but could'nt they hire high school grads and college dropouts? In between bong hits and contemplating enrolment in Brown, couldn't they try to peddal T-Wolves ticket packages? This is a necessary evil though, companies like Pinnacle will always be around. Best thing to do is take it easy Britton, and move on. Door to Door salesmen have a hard enough time trying to make an honest living with out rape accusitions. Just had to waste a couple of minutes and chime in, and seriously I already know my spelling and grammar suck so take it easy!

Here is the pay scale and map of how the company says they operate. On the Day of O the guy I went with wrote this out trying to explain the company.
-------------------------

You start at the Day of O- He writes by the Day of O box- 110% promotion from within. Work Ethic. You will make nothing on this 14 hour day.

The next box up (stage II) is the account Rep.- He stated you must do field work, Have a student mentality/Application, You need to expand your comfort zone, and it is self management. You will make $300-$500 a week. You will have this position for 2-4 weeks before moving up to Leadership.

The next box up (stage) is the Leadership role. This is what he was. You must do filed work, teaching/training, You must run a campaigns, You must be able to do business trips. You also do second interviews and hold micro meetings. This positon you will make $500-$800 a week. You will have this position for 3-6 months before moving to Asst. Manager.

The next stage up is the Assistant manager. Here you must do fieldwork and office routines, work on an account book and do administration duties. You also do 1st and 3rd interviews, You teach and train, and hold larger meetings. At this position you will make $1,000 to $1,300 every 2 weeks. At this position it will be paid salary. You will be in this position for 1-3 months before you become an owner or operater.

The next stage is manager/owner. Here you so call manage a Fortune 500 portfolio, do 1st and 3rd interviews, do assistant manager duties as well, do a 6 week business blueprint, do larger meetings on a daily basis, and teaching and training. At this position you will make a so called salary of $100,000 a year.
-----------------------
This is all garbage. Read all the ripoff reports on Granton, Pinnacle, and the rest. Find out what people are really getting paid. Remember this image is from the notebook of the guy who took me on a Day of O to show me the company during lunch that I paid for myself.

Here is the pay scale and map of how the company says they operate. On the Day of O the guy I went with wrote this out trying to explain the company.
-------------------------

You start at the Day of O- He writes by the Day of O box- 110% promotion from within. Work Ethic. You will make nothing on this 14 hour day.

The next box up (stage II) is the account Rep.- He stated you must do field work, Have a student mentality/Application, You need to expand your comfort zone, and it is self management. You will make $300-$500 a week. You will have this position for 2-4 weeks before moving up to Leadership.

The next box up (stage) is the Leadership role. This is what he was. You must do filed work, teaching/training, You must run a campaigns, You must be able to do business trips. You also do second interviews and hold micro meetings. This positon you will make $500-$800 a week. You will have this position for 3-6 months before moving to Asst. Manager.

The next stage up is the Assistant manager. Here you must do fieldwork and office routines, work on an account book and do administration duties. You also do 1st and 3rd interviews, You teach and train, and hold larger meetings. At this position you will make $1,000 to $1,300 every 2 weeks. At this position it will be paid salary. You will be in this position for 1-3 months before you become an owner or operater.

The next stage is manager/owner. Here you so call manage a Fortune 500 portfolio, do 1st and 3rd interviews, do assistant manager duties as well, do a 6 week business blueprint, do larger meetings on a daily basis, and teaching and training. At this position you will make a so called salary of $100,000 a year.
-----------------------
This is all garbage. Read all the ripoff reports on Granton, Pinnacle, and the rest. Find out what people are really getting paid. Remember this image is from the notebook of the guy who took me on a Day of O to show me the company during lunch that I paid for myself.

Here is the pay scale and map of how the company says they operate. On the Day of O the guy I went with wrote this out trying to explain the company.
-------------------------

You start at the Day of O- He writes by the Day of O box- 110% promotion from within. Work Ethic. You will make nothing on this 14 hour day.

The next box up (stage II) is the account Rep.- He stated you must do field work, Have a student mentality/Application, You need to expand your comfort zone, and it is self management. You will make $300-$500 a week. You will have this position for 2-4 weeks before moving up to Leadership.

The next box up (stage) is the Leadership role. This is what he was. You must do filed work, teaching/training, You must run a campaigns, You must be able to do business trips. You also do second interviews and hold micro meetings. This positon you will make $500-$800 a week. You will have this position for 3-6 months before moving to Asst. Manager.

The next stage up is the Assistant manager. Here you must do fieldwork and office routines, work on an account book and do administration duties. You also do 1st and 3rd interviews, You teach and train, and hold larger meetings. At this position you will make $1,000 to $1,300 every 2 weeks. At this position it will be paid salary. You will be in this position for 1-3 months before you become an owner or operater.

The next stage is manager/owner. Here you so call manage a Fortune 500 portfolio, do 1st and 3rd interviews, do assistant manager duties as well, do a 6 week business blueprint, do larger meetings on a daily basis, and teaching and training. At this position you will make a so called salary of $100,000 a year.
-----------------------
This is all garbage. Read all the ripoff reports on Granton, Pinnacle, and the rest. Find out what people are really getting paid. Remember this image is from the notebook of the guy who took me on a Day of O to show me the company during lunch that I paid for myself.

Here is the pay scale and map of how the company says they operate. On the Day of O the guy I went with wrote this out trying to explain the company.
-------------------------

You start at the Day of O- He writes by the Day of O box- 110% promotion from within. Work Ethic. You will make nothing on this 14 hour day.

The next box up (stage II) is the account Rep.- He stated you must do field work, Have a student mentality/Application, You need to expand your comfort zone, and it is self management. You will make $300-$500 a week. You will have this position for 2-4 weeks before moving up to Leadership.

The next box up (stage) is the Leadership role. This is what he was. You must do filed work, teaching/training, You must run a campaigns, You must be able to do business trips. You also do second interviews and hold micro meetings. This positon you will make $500-$800 a week. You will have this position for 3-6 months before moving to Asst. Manager.

The next stage up is the Assistant manager. Here you must do fieldwork and office routines, work on an account book and do administration duties. You also do 1st and 3rd interviews, You teach and train, and hold larger meetings. At this position you will make $1,000 to $1,300 every 2 weeks. At this position it will be paid salary. You will be in this position for 1-3 months before you become an owner or operater.

The next stage is manager/owner. Here you so call manage a Fortune 500 portfolio, do 1st and 3rd interviews, do assistant manager duties as well, do a 6 week business blueprint, do larger meetings on a daily basis, and teaching and training. At this position you will make a so called salary of $100,000 a year.
-----------------------
This is all garbage. Read all the ripoff reports on Granton, Pinnacle, and the rest. Find out what people are really getting paid. Remember this image is from the notebook of the guy who took me on a Day of O to show me the company during lunch that I paid for myself.

This company is now known as MSL marketing located at the same address. Funny that they keep changing their names.

MT advertsing out of Minneapolis is the same type of business but located in another area.

I have never accused this company of rape. Can you actually read or do you just shoot meaningless words from your mouth? I said you cannot trust these companies to send people to peoples doors. They do no background checks. What happend in Menomonie Wi (the rape) can happen with a Pinnacle employee.

In fact I am not the one that brought up the rape. Someone else did and they also stated that it was not Pinnacle but a similar one. In fact another poster wrote that a Pinnacle employee sexually abused her on an interview.

It make me sick that you cadone this type of business. If you hate what I have to post then stop reading my posts. Go back and read where I stated Pinnacle raped a girl in menomonie.

For the idiot in Chicago who goes door to door......you have no cred if you worked for this company. You are better to keep your mouth shut. You will just embarrass yourself when you say that this is a real job and they do not rip people off.

I don't know if anyone is still reading this post, but I felt that I had to say something to clear up some of the confusion.

I have never worked for any of the companies mentioned above, but I HAVE worked for a direct marketing "distribution center" in Houston, Texas.

Guys, no matter how you slice it, these people need to be stopped. There is a reason that there are so many people filing lawsuits regarding direct marketing and telemarketing -- people aren't interested! People do not want to be bothered at home or in the workplace, and they do not want to be accosted in parking lots by salesmen trying to make their commission. The average consumer chooses his or her buys by the ads in the paper, by the commercials on television, and by window shopping at the mall. We do not want anyone to bring the sale to us.

I understand that companies make money off of direct marketing. In some instances, it IS effective, and I respect that. However, coming from a consumer and a former marketer, people generally want to be left alone.

Business-to-business and residential marketers infringe on the rights of a person to take sanctuary in their home. These marketers do not take "no" for an answer; they spout off cheesy scripts designed to "close the sale"; and they ignore posted signs claiming "No Solicitation". I know because I was told to ignore those signs.

It is time we took a stand against these marketing companies - not just in your neck of the woods, but all over the country. Hundreds of young people are suckered into these schemes out of desperation and ignorance, and it isn't fair.

Please see my post about Southwest Marketing, and e-mail me if you would like to join my campaign.

you're obviously still not working so why don't you get over the fact that you suck at sales and stop slandering this Company!! You should really consider trying to find a new job instead of sitting online waiting for someone to respond to your pathetic life!!! This business is not for everyone especially you. The only reason i'm responding to this is because i read what you wrote and you went off about keith's grammer, Honey, yours is not any better you should read back at what you wrote, you're no genius speller either!!! hahahahahah!!!! your a joke!!!!

you're obviously still not working so why don't you get over the fact that you suck at sales and stop slandering this Company!! You should really consider trying to find a new job instead of sitting online waiting for someone to respond to your pathetic life!!! This business is not for everyone especially you. The only reason i'm responding to this is because i read what you wrote and you went off about keith's grammer, Honey, yours is not any better you should read back at what you wrote, you're no genius speller either!!! hahahahahah!!!! your a joke!!!!

you're obviously still not working so why don't you get over the fact that you suck at sales and stop slandering this Company!! You should really consider trying to find a new job instead of sitting online waiting for someone to respond to your pathetic life!!! This business is not for everyone especially you. The only reason i'm responding to this is because i read what you wrote and you went off about keith's grammer, Honey, yours is not any better you should read back at what you wrote, you're no genius speller either!!! hahahahahah!!!! your a joke!!!!

I have already told you that my name is Ashley, and I have never worked for this company. I interviewed with a similar one in Chicago and thought it was a crappy job so I left during the interview.

I do know some people that work for this company. I do not agree with what they are doing. I have told this to the people I know thatwork there. I also have a degree and a real job.

There are plenty of REAL complaints to be made about his company without accusing them of raping someone in WI. If you want to find out about that incident, google it like I did and you will find out what happened.

Your ranting and raving is making you sound stupid. If you want to do something about this company, good for you, go for it. Someone should. But they more you go off on tangents and accuse people of false crimes, the more they will laugh you off.

All I was trying to do was make a correction to someone else's posting, and I get yelled at...that is not very professional.

I guess Anonymous is a thief to. You want crooks and child rapers coming to your door? Just because you were a low life door to door sales person does not mean you need to vent. I am protecting and saving people in this world from this company and similar ones. I could care less about spelling on this board. Maybe if you could spell in the real world you would not have to be a slime door to door sales person.

I have my degree and a real job.

You really should have kept your mouth shut after your first posting, because now you are just sounding ignorant.

I DO NOT like this company either, and I have seen it first hand from a close friend. But you are ranting and raving that they are child molesters? Stick with your earlier argument and learn how to spell before you lose all credibility.

That is how they make a living. They make a living of crime and sexual harrasment of employees and consumers.

If you ever have a door to door sales person knock or ring on your door you need to call 911 right away. Kieth and Pinnacle/Granton/Higher Imaging never do a background check. This means they have child rapists, convicted stabbers, and etc. working for them.

If I was a consumer I would just call the cops and let them check it out.

The women in Menonomoni should have never been raped by a door to door sales person.

Keep door to door people out of your neighborhoods.

Actually, my name is Ashley, not Keith. I happen to know some of the people that work for this company, and although I do not like the company, I think it is unfair to associate them with an incident that they were not a part of.

It was just a clarification.

Does it really matter what you sell Keith? If you and your compadres think door to door is big bucks then why are you embarrased about being door to door salesman or saleswomen?

Why don't you come out in your ad's stating....

Looking for a FEW GOOD SALESMAN!!! COME APPLY! GREAT SALARY!

Do you do a background check on your employees Keith? If you do not then I will connect you with sexual assaults and such rapes as was reported above. You are the one that is putting potential criminals and rapists on people door steps forcing their way in to Granny's house trying to cop a feel!

Keith get a life and do something in this world.

Although a woman was allegedly assaulted by a door-to-door magazine salesperson in WI, these two companies had nothing to do with this incident. They do not even sell magazine subscriptions.

I believe it was this company that was going door to door in Menomonie, WI. One of their people knocked on a door and pushed the lady inside and raped her badly. He is now in jail awaiting trial.

Never open your doors to this company or others.

Take of your fake JC Penney Suits. Put down your Wal-Mart briefcases. You boys and girls are not cut out for the business world. You children are scam artists. You state that nobody cares about billboards and advertisments. You guys are wrong. You say your direct marketing is 99% effective. Funny! You pisss of 99% of the people. Homeowners hate you. You pisss people off and they hate the business you are trying to promote. While you have your slaves (not employees, because employees get paid a fixed salary or are hourly)work for 13-14 hour days you sit in your office making out on a fake pyrmaid scheme.
This is why I am taking my Degree and I am hooking up with other Marketing and Business Majors (to form a group) around the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin to put a stop to your scam and to make it known publically (through the means of Billboards on 494)and to hold demonstrations. We will hold demonstartions furing interview hours in the MAPES parking lot or adjacent to it. We will also march down the streets that are being harrased at the time. Minneapolis and St. Paul will not deal with this scam anymore. The funny thing Keith, (Manager of Pinnacle Promotional Group) instead of having your slaves handing out Papa John's coupons for $26 you will be fliiping pizza's at Papa John's. Now for all of you gullible people who fall into this scam do you really think flipping pizza's is business? Keith does!!!!

Someone close to me works here. Although it is a legit business, their employees are ridiculously overworked (including weekends) and the pressure and stress is enormously high.

I also agree that they mislead candidates, both in their ads and in their interviews. This business causes its employees to become fake, salespeople who are always "on."

It can seriously take over your life because of the time commitment and stress level.

Dearest Britton

One of my partners told me to check out this website because Keith was posted on it for ripping people off. I have read your complaint through along with alot of the rest for Granton. I use to train under Keith about 6 months ago and have witnessed and taken part in the sales in this company. It is unfortunate that you feel this way about Pinnacle and door to door sales, it is not the most exciting job. However I can rest assure you and everyone else that all their clients including the Timberwolves know exactly what they do and support that form of advertising.

I myself actually had the chance to go and meet with the head of marketing for them. She used to work for Granton and that is how they signed them, off her recommendation. She took us on a tour of the Target center to get everyone as much knowledge on it as possible.

I also had the chance to tour U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago and met one of the players along with the Marketing Dept. there. Now for the interview, I agree 8 hours is along time for not getting paid and having to pay for your lunch, but I run my own company in the Marketing field and hire employees once and awhile and I have never bought their lunch.

If it wasn't for Keith and Pinnacle I would still be shoveling asphalt somewhere. They taught me how to communicate to all sorts of people. I am one of those 3/4 full type of people and do not regret the education I received at Pinnacle or the friends I made. I think this website is a great forum and I am going to browse through it all the time, however before people use this they should receive all the facts before unloading on a international forum like this. My daughter and I love the T-wolves and used the promotion from Pinnacle all the time. I will get it next year and the year after.

Oh my god. I wish I would have seen this place on here first. I answered an interview for what sounded like a great marketing job. When I went there they told me I was one candadite out of 25. They were only going to choose one. Later that night I recieve a phone call from a sleeze bucket named Keith. He told me they liked me the best and to wear professional clothes on Monday with great walking shoes where I would shaddow their best advertising consultant. I was excited. When I get there, their were 10 other people their. Why? I thought I was the only one. Anyway all these people come out in suits and called us by name. They tell us to go to our car. When you get to the car they tell you then to go to thier car and get in. They tell you that you are going to go downtown to businesses and to the University of MN to sell sporting tickets. Once they pull off 94 into a residential area they pull out coupons to sell door to door. I immediately told them to take me back to the office.

He would not do it. He told me I had to pay for my own way back. He told me he would bring me back at lunch. Like the others on here I had to go door to door getting laughed at. He made a total of 0 sales by lunch. He then went to McDonalds were I had to buy my own lunch. I asked him to take me back to the office. He said sure. I get in his car and he tells me if I lift up my skirt he would give me $10.00. I yelled at him to pull over, I ran to a Super America and called my Grandma to pick me up. I balled the whole way home. I want to know, who are these people?

Ok, we are back with the postings of Pinnacle Promotional Group and Higher Image Advertising. They are also associated with Granton Marketing out of Canada.



After the Director of Operations read all the rip off reports on this site, he tried to scare us with a lawsuit. His name is Keith Romanshyn. Here is his exact email to our group.

----------------------------------

To whom it may concern:



We apologize if you feel that your experience with Pinnacle Promotional Group and Higher Image Advertising was what you consider a "scam". If you have any complaints please feel free to contact either Keith Romanshyn or Mike Wakeland directly at 651-697-8310. Both Pinnacle Promtional Group and Higher Image Advertising pride themselves on there honesty and intergrity.



If you feel that they mislead you and any way you may not have ask the questions that you wanted answered. It is not their responsibilty to answer things you do not ask.

All of our clientel, Timberwolves, Papa Johns ect., are completely aware of what our business is and how it runs, many times they come to us. Our companies are run legally and professionally, recieving solicitors permits

were needed. I am sorry you do not find residential sales appealing but there are plenty of people who do, therefore who are you to say that they are a scam. We provide a service and I do not belive anyone would work

these positions if there was not a market. It is unfortunate that you feel you've been ripped off, but it was only your time. Though you obviously have enough spare time to run this foolsh complaint against us. Finally, please refrain from any continuous slander against our companies or we will be forced to bring legal action upon you.



The bussinnessmen of Pinnacle Promotional Group and Higher Image Advertising---------------------------------------



Funny, we can mispell words because we are not associated with a business. But the 26 year old who is Director of Operations cannot spell correctly and cannot complete a correct sentence. The best word that was mispelled was bussinnessmen. That is also funny because they have women who work for them also.



First off Keith and Mike, your are a scam. We were there. We have proof. By the way, the job shadowing went way past the time we were told also.



You want questions.



You pay your employess nothing! They work 12 hour days and they might get $100 a week. You told us we would start at $300-$500. You also have your employees sign a piece of paper saying taxes will not be taken out and you pay them in cash.



You lied to 4 of us that day. We came in looking for a job that was advertised and you conned us into thinking we were going to shaddow that job. Then you put us in an unknown car and drive us 40 miles away for 12 hours!



We also had to buy our own food at Davanis Pizza. Funny thing is we were selling Papa John's certificates in the same block! Ethics?



Your scummy door to door salesman also lie and state they are with Papa John's and telling customers they are in the #1 delivery zone in the nation and are trying to offer them a deal.



You also state that you are a big Marketing partner with the Timberwolves. Do the Timberwolves even know this?



You also state that you paid George Steinbrenners fines from a promotional bat night with the Red Sox that went bad. You also stated George Steinbrenner also gave you a marketing package to fill his stadium. (I do not think the Yankees have a problem with filling there stadium) Does George really know about this?



You talk about Slander. What you do to those companies is slander.

You also slander people who respond to your job interviews.



Also 98% of the people who answered the door slammed it in your salesmans face. Is this your idea of Direct marketing?



We think you guys need to go to school and actually learn something.



Your operation is a big Pyramid scheme! You also brainwash young 20 somethings! You are a cult leader. Keep your team away from the Kool-Aid!



Everybody who reads this.....then read about DSMAX and Granton Marketing. In fact read this wolfram.org/scam/ds_max/ you will see what this company is all about and to see in detail what we had to go through.