Complaint Review: Apex Energy Solutions

Please take notice that Apex Energy Solution of Indiana LLC and Apex Energy Group LLC (together, Apex) has initiated an action in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, in the County of Maricopa, Case No. CV2012-006820 (the Arizona Action). In the Arizona Action, Apex seeks to subpoena Xcentric Ventures LLC (operator of RipoffReport.com) for your contact and identifying information and served such a subpoena on Xcentric Ventures LLC on April 19, 2012. The subpoena response is due May 4, 2012.

Apex seeks this information in connection with an action pending in the Marion County Superior Court in Indiana titled Apex Energy Solutions of Indiana LLC, et al. v. Synergy Executives Professional Corporation, LLC, et al, Cause No. 49D11-1103-CT-008925.

You may contact the Arizona court and/or hire an attorney to object to the subpoena issued.

If you would like a copy of the Arizona subpoena, you may contact us at:

Austin Padgett, Esq.
Frost Brown Todd LLC
3300 Great American Tower

301 E. Fourth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513.651.6800

I suppose every successful company has to address unfair and inaccurate press at some point during its lifetime but what has transpired over the past four months has crossed the proverbial line into something truly deplorable.  If you write lies about someone and put them in print you can be held accountable for libel but if you put those same words on a computer screen you are relatively safe from reprisals? Doesnt seem fair to me. Now, dont get me wrong, everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion and I confess I use the Internet to read movie reviews, restaurant reviews, and the like but when outrageous lies are told by unknown people hiding behind aliases in order to deliberately mislead someone, theres something broken with the Internet.  In fact, doesnt it make you suspicious when someone isnt willing to stand behind his or her words?  It does me.

Now, enough of that. Let me set the record straight in response to the anonymous bloggers claims regarding Apex Energy Solutions. First, we have been in business for more than a decade and have installed over 3,000 homes in Indianapolis alone and have an A+ rating with the BBB. (Thats hard to do these days if you just do 50 homes a year yet alone 600!) We also have an A rating with Angies List and have won their Super-Service Award twice.  In 2007, Window & Door Magazine named Apex, Dealer of the Year for our innovation in marketing. However, our most valuable credential is the 3,000 plus satisfied homeowners we have installed over the past decade. (Please see our testimonials at: http://apextestimonials.com/) Additionally, nearly every sentence the anonymous blogger said is not true. I have addressed the claims in detail to point out how false the statements are. (Also, see comment above from Brad Beard, Alside Vice President)

As to the lies spun against Apex Energy Solutions:

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: 70% of window companies today carry Alside products.

• Fact: Wrong. Alside has nowhere near 70% market share in major US Markets. In fact, an Alside executive told me recently that he estimates 10% total market share in replacement windows. (A far cry from 70%!)      

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: The main window sold by Alside is the Sheffield or Ultra-max Window.

• Fact: Wrong. Alsides biggest seller is the Excalibur not the Ultra-Max or Sheffield---has been now for nearly a decade!     

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: The 8000 Signature Series window is the exact same model as the Sheffield.

• Fact: Wrong. Apexs 8000 Signature Series is a completely different window as the Sheffield or Ultra-Max. It has a different model number, is made on a separate line, and is superior in both design and performance (and is more expensive and exclusive).    

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: That Apex tells people we have our own installers.

• Fact: Apex has NEVER claimed to have its own installers and in fact, advertises its products as being installed by Alside. Weve always celebrated the fact that we use Alside for installation. After all, who better to install our products? The same people who engineer them are responsible for installation and service. This is in our presentation, training manuals, etc. Its been this way for nearly a decade. Thus the bloggers statement is false and unsubstantiated.

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims Apex Energy Solutions SCAMS people.

• Fact: Obviously this is a wildly outrageous lie and not true---all our customers (3,000 in Indianapolis alone) have received their products and services, as sold---and are, we may add, satisfied with our products and service as evidenced by our impeccable reputation with several third-party organizations, including the BBB, Angies List, etc.

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: That we pay $169.00 per window from Alside.

• Fact:  This is a gross mischaracterization of our pricing, as windows are custom-made by size, options, etc.  There is not standard pricing. For example, a triple casement window with wood-grain finish, triple pane, krypton, etched glass, and decorative hardware costs more money than a white double-hung, without any options. The blogger is trying to mislead homeowners as to what they suspect is our price, margins, etc.     

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: We pay $79.00 per window installed from Alside.

• Fact. Untrue. Again, this greatly depends on the size of window, style, what kind of jamb its going into, if there is rotten wood, etc. This is another gross mischaracterization of the cost---intentionally designed to mislead.

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: We sell windows for $650.00 per window.

• Fact: Another gross misrepresentation. Our pricing depends on the opening--- (Custom made goods) as well as what Program the offer was made. (We have three programs, which will dramatically affect price)     

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims you can get the EXACT SAME WINDOW for $350.00

• Fact: As mentioned above, its impossible to get the EXACT SAME WINDOW because Apex Energy Solutions is the only dealer authorized to sell the 8000 Signature Series in its respective markets. You certainly cannot get the 8000 installed by anyone for any price except Apex Energy Solutions. (*Please see above letter from the Vice President of Alside)

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: We target neighborhoods that need to be more green and that is how we start our SCAM.

• Fact: We have our own proprietary tracking tools that tell us where our programs & products will be best received. As mentioned, there is NO SCAM whatsoever. A wide variety of reputable companies employ their own respective direct sales methods. Bottom line: when conventional marketing is eliminated---customers get more value per dollar. Period.

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims we change our titles and go door to door.

• Fact: Each rep is given thorough training on our respective programs and given a title with business cards to begin, in which their titles are printed. There is no title switching unless they are promoted---so this is yet another lie by the blogger. Also, we dont go DOOR-to-DOOR---ever. We have our own methods for identifying our target market.   

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims that a more experienced representative will pull up in an AUDI.

• Fact: Wildly untrue. Only one rep in our office drives an Audi. In fact, most of our representatives drive budget and eco-friendly cars. Honda Fit, Nissans, etc.  Finally, we do not provide company cars.  Whatever our employees choose to drive is just that, their choice.     

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims we profit between $2,500-$5,000 per customer and are thus making $3.5 Million per year.

• Fact: Apex does not profit ANYWHERE remotely close to those numbers---if we did I would be writing this from my mansion in Italy. However, my wife and I reside in a small condo---Ive never owned a home.

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims that Michael Foit, the President, drives an Audi with a Lamborghini engine.

• Fact: I do drive an Audi but Audi---not Lamborghini, makes the engine.

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: Claims that we sell franchises for $200,000 a pop.

• Fact: Wrong! We dont sell franchises at all and next, our current range is around $55,000-$75,000 for an Apex License---a long way from $200,000!!!

• Anonymous Bloggers Claims: By Googling window companies, you can find the EXACT SAME WINDOW for $300-$400 per window.

• Fact:  Again, you cannot find the exact same window, as Apex is the exclusive dealer for the 8000 in our markets. Furthermore, window pricing varies greatly as styles, sizes, options, and jamb type all play a dramatic role in custom pricing.

I am a senior excutive with the window manufacturer Alside. We manufacturer a full line of window products which include both new construction and replacment windows. The purpose of this reply is to state the facts regarding our Ultra-Maxx, Sheffield and 8000 series windows. Please note that there is no emotion or favortism contained here, merely facts. The Ultra-Maxx, Sheffied and 8000 series windows are indeed three different products all with different featues and designs. Our products are classified into three catagories; good, better and best. The 8000 series window falls into the best catagory.

I don’t appreciate this company Apex Energy Solutions knocking on our door to try and sell me windows. If I want windows I will find a company on my own and I’m pretty sure we are NOT going to pay 600 to 800 a window even if it’s made of gold. I don’t feel as if they were trying scam me but I do feel like this company is shady in the approach and the way they try to get you to buy the windows that they sell. I’m staying away from this company and we found a much better window for half the price.

I am not happy nor are any of the homeowners in our subdivision that Apex Energy Solutions feels they have the right to come in our neighborhood and start knocking on the doors of people and trying to sell them windows. I know, since I am the President of the Homeowner Assoc.

I dont care where, how, costor what kind of windows they sell. Im sick of getting complaints from homeowners is our addition about Apex Energy Solutions trying to sell them windows.

Solution: Try another marketing approach and PLEASE stay out of the housing additions that ask you not solicit. You do know what NO SOLICITING means!

I am writing this rebuttal to set the record straight on the inaccurate claims that are being directed toward Apex Energy Solutions. Since none of the comments on this site can be removed, (true false or otherwise!) I felt it necessary to respond to some of the false, inaccurate and misdirected comments made the individuals claiming to be ex employees of Apex Energy Solutions!

Let's knock these out one at a time!

First of all:

Apex Energy Solutions of:

Cincinnati,Columbus,Dallas/Ft. Worth andLouisville/Lexington are not affiliated with Apex Energy Solutions of:Indianapolis,Charlotte,Minnesota, Denver or any other Apex anywhere. (Different companies,different owners, different philosophies, different business plans!)

It also says that Alside sells to 70% of the window companies today! No window manufacture has that kind of market share! That number was pulled out a hat, just like most of his other claims! Also, the 8000 series window is it's own product, made on an exclusive manufacturing line at Alside. It is not the Sheffield,Ultramaxx or any other product! This can be confirmed by calling any Alside supply center nationally or the manufacture in Akron Ohio!

Next, Alside does have an install program that is designed for only certain companies that they choose to partner with! This program is not in every city and is not available to just anyone.Their installers are paid 1099.

As far as the pricing and profits displayed. These are also totally inaccurate numbers!

I could go on and on! Ultimately, it sounds like this individual has a problem with Michael Foit in Indianapolis! And because of this distane, has chosen to use false information (lies) to discredit the company! Say what you want about Michael Foit and the cities he owns or operates! It's your right! But don't discredit a very good and ethical organisation( Apex Energy Solutions ofCincy,Columbus,Louisville Dallas!) These companies have an exceptional reputation with not only their customers, but with the BBB and Angie's List! Just ask one of their customers! An example is on this report. (Thank You for the great comments Columbus customer! Keep'em coming!)

And unlike the negative comments made by both of the individuals on this site,(which sounds like the same person) mine are not only true but researchable! It's unfortunate that this site allows anyone to make any kind of statement without being able to back it up with actual proof!

I'm a former employee of Apex Energy Solutions who was fired and not paid my final commission check that was fully earned. This company is one the most unethical companies I have ever worked for. I worked my way up from knocking on doors for over a year to sales which is where you make more money at Apex Energy Solutions. One of the first things Apex Energy Solutions teach their sales people is to use scam tactics on customers, by telling each customer "You don't have to make a decision today just think about it, research our company, and give us a call when you are ready" and it really does work. Most customers are very lazy, mostly in Cincinnati from what Michael Foit, Owner says in meetings and they never check out the company. Before you buy windows or go to work for this company I urge you to truly do your homework on this company. Apex Energy Solutions has nine locations in Charlotte NC, Denver CO, Minneapolis MN, Kansas City MO, Indianapolis IN, Cincinnati OH, Columbus OH, Louisville KY, Dallas TX. One of the biggest battles for Apex Energy Solutions is homeowners in over 75% of the neighborhoods that we canvas and knock on doors were always very upset that we were in the neighborhood without permission or any type of notice. So you have to have tough skin when you are out there canvassing these neighborhoods; it's not the best job. They recruited me my Junior year of college which is what they pride their selves in, most of the guys there started the same way I did with hopes of making it to sales where the real money is. At this point you just run appointments that the canvassers get for the sales team. I'm not happy about the way they did business with customers either there were many times customers realized we were PRICE GOUGING them and wanted to cancel. This is how business is done at Apex Energy Solutions, knock on the customers door and sell them before they even have a chance to shop around. That's why we always received the most amount of money per window, usually around $250.00 to $500.00 profit per window.

I know for a fact Apex Energy Solutions is currently paying around $170.00 for each triple paned (double hung or 2 lite slider) window with Low Emissivity and Krypton from Alside. To install each window Apex Energy Solutions is charged $79.00 per window installed by Installed Sales Solutions by Alside. Apex Energy Solutions doesnt even install their own windows. They pay Installed Sales Solutions by Alside $79.00" and this covers all supplies, fiber glass insulation or foam sealant, coil (PVC or G8 is used), and silicone caulk. Apex Energy Solution's total cost is around $250.00 per window after installed. If you wanted to, you can watch many of the sub-contractors who work for Installed Sales Solutions by Alside load up windows every morning and on their way to install windows for Apex Energy Solutions.Anyone could walk into any Alside location and do the exact same thing as Apex Energy Solutions...Start your own Home Improvement Company and tell Alside you have your own Home Improvement Company they would love to have your business they will sell windows to anyone. Your price may be slightly higher due to the fact you don't sell as many windows as Apex Energy Solutions. Your price may end up around $300.00 to $350.00 per window installed depending on what you negotiate with Alside. Most other companies charge around the same price as well $325.00 to $350.00 and have a much better BBB history than Apex Energy Solutions. Even if a company has an A+ Rating, be sure to scroll down to complaints on the BBB Report online and look at their three year complaint history.

Be sure to Google the best window companies by putting in the key words Windows or Best Windows etc. Many customers told me that when they went on to internet they found our exact same window for half the price. We would always tell them our windows are better, give different parts on our window made up names, tell them our window has an R-10 rating, we have our own installers, all of this was not true; just another scam that Michael Foit, Owner has engineered to sell more windows. This why its very important to shop around, Apex Energy Solutions is not the only company with this window nor are they the only company using pay Installed Sales Solutions by Alside. They will also try to give you a big presentation about Eco Friendly and Becoming Green, however their windows are the exact same as any other company who buys windows from Alside.

I would like Apex Energy Solutions to pay me what has been earned which is exactly $5,473.00. Michael Foit knows EXACTLY who I am. I have a family and the money owed to me is very vital to my family's well being. I know for a fact I'm not the only employee to be fired without pay or to receive a final commission check. When you are up against Michael Foit, Owner a MILLIONARE it's very difficult to fight back and he knows it. I pray that everyone who reads this formal complaint, that they would also post any bad experiences with Apex Energy Solutions Scam or unethical way of doing business.

I too was a customer of Apex Energy Solutions in the Columbus area and was a Marketing Home for them. Due to this post I had strong doubts regarding this company and drilled the person who came to my house. That person however answered all the questions I had. He went a step further and to reassure me that this window was everything he put me in contact with the head guy at the Alside Supply Center. That person from Alside sent me an emailing outlining the differences between all three windows. After reviewing them I saw the first lie that you posted.

I did take your only honest recommendation that was regarding getting 3 or 4 other estimates before making our decision and we did do that. Apex was the lowest estimate by $2,000 dollars. We also felt that the 8000 Series window was the best looking and highest quality we saw.

I had a great experience with Apex and would recommend them to anyone, in fact my mother and father now have the 8000 Series windows installed in their home as well and love them. I am posting this to all those true customers out there looking for honest feedback. Please watch out for other companies and their posts.