Re: Anyone know about Scott Scheel? - Posted by John Hoey
Posted by John Hoey on January 18, 2005 at 11:18:47:
This is long:
I attended a free seminar Jan. 16, 2005. Scheel talked like a whirlwind. I got excited and signed up for his Feb. 17-20 “Boot Camp”. Upon further reflection, I had some doubts (read, felt “suckered”), so I started surfing the web. I didn’t find any particular posts or sites that gave anything of particular value to me until I found this interesting web page:
www.johntreed.com/
John Reed has a page containing a list of real estate “gurus”. Each guru in the list has a link to a detailed analysis of the guru. Some may be good some may be bad.
In the list, I saw Robert Kiyosaki’s name. I read the article about Kiyosaki, since I had just read a few of his books (Rich Dad/Poor Dad, etc.). The article is long but, man, it blew my socks off. Read for yourself how John Reed exposed Kiyosaki as a con artist. Here’s the link to the list of gurus. I haven’t read all of them, some may be OK.
J. Scott Scheel is not on the list, so I sent Mr. Reed an email asking him if he knew anything about him. I doubt I’ll get a reply, but it’s worth a try. Another of his links is a BS Artist Checklist: www.johntreed.com/BSchecklist.html
Reading this really got me thinking that I’d been had. I called the number on the receipt for the seminar (216-731-8616). I told the person that I wanted to cancel my order. She said she was not the person to do this and put me on hold for a couple of minutes to get a hold of Holly Moser.
Well, Holly Moser was not available. I gave the receptionist my number and asked for Ms. Moser to call me back. An hour and a half later I called again. I got a different receptionist. I asked to speak with Holly Moser and she said that she, the receptionist, didn’t work for Scheel’s company but was an answering service. I left the same message with her and still no phone call. I’m in California and the answering service and Scheel’s company are in Ohio, which is three hours ahead. It’s nearly noon there now and no call.
Here are some thoughts I now have:
Scott said in the seminar that if I am not 100% satisfied after the first day that he would refund me 100%, pay for one day of my hotel stay and for my flight home. I’d like to have that in writing.
I’d like to know what percent of all his boot camp graduates actually succeeded within a year of learning his method. Since he promises free advice for 90 days (or 1 year for the first 10 to sign up), he should have a pretty good idea.
I want proof of his own success: specifically addresses of properties that he has owned and currently owns. Also, how about some details about transactions that didn’t work out. And what is the percentage of failed to successful? He does admit that he has made mistakes, but then goes on with the spiel. That statement may be a CYA note for future irate customers.
The fact that Holly Moser hasn’t yet returned my call is making things really smell bad. I’ll try again in a bit. Otherwise, I’ll have to cancel the charge on my credit card.
I went to Scheel’s home page and used the Contact Us link to send them a letter explaining why I wanted to cancel my order. Maybe I’m to impatient, but I would like a reply. This is a significant request.
I also got an email from the LearningAnnex asking for my opinion of the lecture. I told them a good portion of what I’ve written above. I had initially had serious doubts about the LearningAnnex because it offers classes like parapsychology and other New Age BS. But I also noticed they were offering a lecture by Kiyosaki as well as a lecture of a bunch of R.E. gurus, including Kiyosaki and Scheel.
In fact, the free Scheel lecture was given because of an overflow crowd or some such so he could not present. I now seriously doubt that the LearningAnnex gives a hoot about the credentials of their guest speakers. They certainly didn’t do a background check on Kiyosaki. I doubt that they will care about my reply, either.
Finally, I find it odd that no one has responded to the initial query and given any insight into his “Boot Camp.” Maybe they’re too embarrassed. If so, I hope at least one of the “graduates” will share his or her experience to help others avoid a costly mistake if it does turn out to be bogus. That would be a great service to many people.