Fathers Choice - Brian Azouz Former Employee-Abuse of employees and customers Goleta California
Avoid Fathers Choice like you would avoid the plague. I will let you in on how this company operates. I was an employee of theirs for awhile. I have worked in all divisions of this company, sales, "Case Management", Legal Prep.
Details of how this company operates:
Sales:
Okay so you filled out some information on some website promising a "free consultation" right?
Wrong, these people are Salesman. PURE AND SIMPLE. They follow a script which states that for 49.95 you can speak unlimited with a Case Manager and have unlimited Consulatations with the attorney. This is untrue, You speak with a case manager at most twice in which they try to sell you (we'll go into that later), and you do not have UNLIMITED consultations with the attorneys. You speak with an attorney 1 time during your initial call with the case manager, THIS IS A SALES TACTIC EMPLOYED BY BRIAN AZOUZ.
Also during the initial sales call you are told that it costs anywhere between $750 to $845 right? BS it will never cost $750 it ALWAYS costs $845
Now lets say that you DO enroll, you watch the nifty little video and you get the number to your case manager. You end up talking to him the next day.
Now there used to be about 12 Case Managers, to which Brian Azouz (the owner) recently either FIRED or sent back to sales 9of them, the explanation of why this occured I will provide in just a moment.
The current Case Managers there are:
Brian Azouz (Owner)
Matthew Azouz (Brians son, who is also a drug addict)
Tom Hutchinson (The only decent guy)
Edward Herzstock (pretty boy that was born rich, and lies his a*s off to get the sale)
Now you get on the phone with the Case manager who gives you a little spiel and asks you questions you already answered when you spoke with the sales guys. they then get you on a 3 way with the attorney (they have since changed this tactic I have recently learned,you still speak with the attorney though you are just no longer on a 3 way call)
Now the way that they come across is that the attorneys work for a seperate Law Office or are their own firm. This is nto true, they just sit in another room in the same office. Anyway they tell you what it is that fathers choice can do or you can send $3000-$5000 on an attorney. They give you a bunch of legal jargon which you could have figured out for yourself. THESE GUYS ARE SCRIPTED TOO!
Anyway so after you get off the phone with the attorney the "Case Manager" will tell you how much it costs and play on your insecurities about the fact that you havent seen your child so they can get more than just the $845. Now they will actually tell you that they will complete all the documents for a "mere" $845. BUT they can also prepare a Temporary Order so you get to see your kids quicker for a "mere" $500 extra. Wow this brings it up to a whopping $1345. Guess what? The temporary order is 1 sheet of paper, that literally you can fill out yourself. All the paperwork that they povide you can get from teh courts and do yourself. The whole thing about a written legal arguement...it's BS! Yeah the arguement is just stating what you are requesting. There are places on the internet that you can fill out certain questions and you can print out the documents the same as fathers choice prepares. Also the documents will be riddled with errors and if you call back to have them corrected you will never get them that way.
Now onto the actual management team of Fathers Choice itself:
Brian Azouz (Owner): This man is well known out here in Santa Barbara and Goleta. He is, and I quote this, described as "Noone has a larger rapsheet". This man is a former Drug Addict who hides behind Jesus Christ, I kid you not he brings it to work everyday and goes to church every tuesday and says how he follows the path that Jesus has laid down. No Brian Azouz you do not. I have seen you scream at an employee because he had cancer and had a doctors apointment. I saw you fire people who had pulled out a cell phone to turn it off. I have seen you threaten peoples jobs and make women cry at their desks because of the things you have done. Why don't you man up and stop hiding behind god and the bible?
Edward Herzstock: Thsi guy is one of the biggest liars I have ever met, e lies directly to customers and Brian lets him get away with it. I cannot even begin to describe the complaints I got on this guy while I worked tehre. No calls back, took money without authorization, etc.
Matthew Azouz: The son of Brian Azouz, this kid is a major drug addict, he hit on and has taken advantage of almost every woman that has ever worked there. He made friends with a case manager named Chris, and when they fired him told people that he deserved it, when he was one of the hardest working epoeple there, anothe friend named Matt got sent back to sales and this kid laughed about it, again a hard working individual.
Tom Hutchinson: This guy is the only decent one in the whole lot of the management team, actually cares about the clients.
Rubel: Manager of the sales division, pretends to be on the employees side, but fires them the next day because their pitch was "off"
Jaime: Another manager of the sales team, decent young man.
This company claims to have helped a certain amount of people yet everyone I talked to there hated it, the employees hate it, the customers go to hate it, and if you are with them and don't hate it yet, you will. I have recently learned that Brian Azouz has threatened to shut down the company if they dont start pulling in more money. Good luck and stay away from fathers choice. If you are a current employee get out now, if you are a member, GET OUT NOW.
Brian I have spoken to the FTC and they have assured me they are going to shut you down. You are a fraud and I have provided them with enough ammunition to get your company shut down for good. Also myself and 3 other former employees and 2 current employees are filing a joint suit against him.
The Truth About Fathers Choice
Ventura, California
U.S.A.
13 Updates & Rebuttals
Kailua
Kaneohe,Hawaii,
United States
WOW RUNS IN THEIR BLOOD,
#14Consumer Comment
Tue, August 09, 2022
Mitch g azouz is also a dam crook and is a double just like this idiot. Ripping of customers and workers. Pocketing money from his own partner and illegal claims he owns a business. He has no contractor license, rips off home owners, refuses to get a work truck mind you 2 if his worker's personal cars are now trashed.
He knows nothing about carpentry ..he rips off home owners to keep up with his lifestyle of hookers and alcohol. And this guy your talking about ripped of a whole bunch of people here in Hawaii as well as was the cause of a company going under nickle and diming his workers pay .Aloha
Dertnberny
Mesa,Arizona,
Brian Azouz is a POS who I wish I ran across in real life.
#14Consumer Comment
Fri, December 06, 2013
I know this is old-but I am hopeful that this man will be prosecuted for how he defrauded thousands of people from their money, and caused serious damage to their families.
They dont care about their customers-I sent them $1,200+ and they could not even fill the forms out correctly-or supply the correct forms needed to file a motion.
They are crap, and I was personally apologied to by a former employee who I was communicating with via Facebook over the type of person Brian Azouz is, and the type of "business" he ran.
If anyone has the misfortune of running across this POS in real life, check your pockets-because he most likely has stolen something from you.
SB Investigator
Santa Barbara,California,
United States of America
Question to ex-employees
#14General Comment
Thu, August 23, 2012
As I understand it, employees came to work one day and the doors were locked and left with no pay. Was Brian ever held accountable? Was he ever actually sued, arrested, all the above? Is he in hiding?
anonymous
Ventrua,California,
United States of America
Seeking information
#14General Comment
Thu, December 03, 2009
I am seeking information on a similar company, and I hope you or someone else will be able to help.
The company I am inquiring about is called "Custody HQ." It is fairly new and appears to be identical in nature; however, it boasts of having an "A" rating with the BBB. I checked it out, and this is true. I learned that the owner is listed as James Fleming, but a person named Seth Strader claims to be the actual owner.
I have read several reports about "Father's Choice;" the owner, Brian Azouz; and his son, Matthew. Reports basically describe Matthew as a verbally abusive, Bible toting drug addict. I have also heard reports from former "Custody HQ" employees that Seth Strader fits the same profile as Matthew to a tee.
I would like to know if the similarities are a coincidence or if it is the same organization and owners masquerading under new names. I hope someone will have an answer for me. I would hate to see anyone else ripped off if this is the case.
Mn2
Covina,California,
U.S.A.
Investigations have begun into this company
#14Consumer Comment
Fri, March 06, 2009
Here is a clip from a local news station that did an investigation into this company and discovered that Brian Azouz has a criminal past.
http://www.keyt.com/news/local/35814014.html?video=YHI&t=a
Rona Sameyee
TRACY,California,
U.S.A.
MAYGOD GET THESE GUYS FOR MAKING OUR LIVES LIKE HELL...Rona from tracy, ca
#14Consumer Comment
Fri, February 13, 2009
Dear people that got ripped off buy fathers choice, iam very sorry for ALL of OUR loses. Iam one of you that got riped off and now as i keep reading all this new cases i wonder when are we going to get OUR JUSTICE BACK!!!!!!!!why isn't the FDS HELPING US???these guys are getting away with what little money we have. because of this case i have ANIXITY ATTACKS, I CANT REST AT NIGHT. my case has a child invoveld and now our child is 3000 miles away!!!! since OCT 2008!!!! we havent talked to her or seen her because FATHERS CHOICE f**kED UP!!!! as a mother i SWEAR THAT WILL MAKE THESE GUYS PAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!! they belong IN JAIL!!! for every hard working dollar that they toke from us they should serve time for EVERY $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ETC...... i pray that GOD shows people like these ******* where there place is... IN **** BRIAN AZOUZ and your **** better watch out because i will GET YOU GUYS for ******* up our childs life..... RONA
Case_manager_fathers_choice
Goleta,California,
U.S.A.
Finally! Not a generic response, but by someone who knows little
#14Author of original report
Fri, September 26, 2008
Quite frankly to this current employee you state that you have not been with the company long, that means either you are a Sales Person or a CDS employee, which means you know Jack about the company, I would say most likely you are in sales and do not have to deal with Brian on a daily basis. also this is twofold, you have not seen the amount of threats that have come across. Oh and who said I was fired? I never once put in my report that I was fired. Great job assuming, the both of you. You guys are both, in fact, incorrect. I was not terminated, I left. So to this current employee, before you shoot your mouth off about something make sure you read into things.
Also I do have a job, a wife, and 3 wonderful children. I have a very good paying job, I might make only slightly more than I did at Fathers Choice but at least what I do now won't ever compromise my integrity, EVER. So again, why dont you make sure about things before you shoot your mouth off?
Brian Azouz would make anyone bitter and ignorant employees (not your fault) like you are what keeps him able to do what he does. I appreciate your response but you should do a little more research before you open your mouth. Oh and why are you violating Brian Azouzs rule about employees posting on this website?
**thedefender**
Lompoc,California,
U.S.A.
Yea..Right
#14UPDATE Employee
Wed, September 24, 2008
Let me just start by saying that this "former employee" was let go because of his performance. Nothing else. This person is upset and bitter because he was not doing his job properly and was dealt with accordingly. His actions show now that Brian made the right choice. Beleive what you wish, but let me just say this. I haven't been with this company for that long but being a mother of a young child myself, I would NEVER be apart of an organization that was cheating or not handling the members properly, especially when it came to seeing their children. I suggest that this former employee get a real hobby and a JOB for that matter. You let yourself go. Time to be an adult and move on.
**thedefender**
Lompoc,California,
U.S.A.
Yea..Right
#14UPDATE Employee
Wed, September 24, 2008
Let me just start by saying that this "former employee" was let go because of his performance. Nothing else. This person is upset and bitter because he was not doing his job properly and was dealt with accordingly. His actions show now that Brian made the right choice. Beleive what you wish, but let me just say this. I haven't been with this company for that long but being a mother of a young child myself, I would NEVER be apart of an organization that was cheating or not handling the members properly, especially when it came to seeing their children. I suggest that this former employee get a real hobby and a JOB for that matter. You let yourself go. Time to be an adult and move on.
**thedefender**
Lompoc,California,
U.S.A.
Yea..Right
#14UPDATE Employee
Wed, September 24, 2008
Let me just start by saying that this "former employee" was let go because of his performance. Nothing else. This person is upset and bitter because he was not doing his job properly and was dealt with accordingly. His actions show now that Brian made the right choice. Beleive what you wish, but let me just say this. I haven't been with this company for that long but being a mother of a young child myself, I would NEVER be apart of an organization that was cheating or not handling the members properly, especially when it came to seeing their children. I suggest that this former employee get a real hobby and a JOB for that matter. You let yourself go. Time to be an adult and move on.
**thedefender**
Lompoc,California,
U.S.A.
Yea..Right
#14UPDATE Employee
Wed, September 24, 2008
Let me just start by saying that this "former employee" was let go because of his performance. Nothing else. This person is upset and bitter because he was not doing his job properly and was dealt with accordingly. His actions show now that Brian made the right choice. Beleive what you wish, but let me just say this. I haven't been with this company for that long but being a mother of a young child myself, I would NEVER be apart of an organization that was cheating or not handling the members properly, especially when it came to seeing their children. I suggest that this former employee get a real hobby and a JOB for that matter. You let yourself go. Time to be an adult and move on.
Case_manager_fathers_choice
Goleta,California,
U.S.A.
Curiousity
#14Author of original report
Mon, September 22, 2008
I like how this response was a direct copy and paste of the one found from the other ex employee. Also I am curious if this is Brian Azouz responding or the Nathaniel guy?
Also no I am not interested in giving my name, I feel there is no need. You will find out when you are served.
In response to your recent termination due to "poor customer service" I have spoken to several employees that you recently let go and you gave the excuse to them was becuase and this si a direct quote:
"I am not making enough money to keep you on, its nothing personal, and you are a hard worker, but I just feel that I can make more money without you"
One of those emplyees that you let go I learned had to move back to his parents house because you gaurenteed him a job earlier in the day, and then let him go because of your "lack of funds". And you know something funny? HE DEFENDED YOU! Until the other employees talked to him and told him what you did to them, he has chosen NOT to act as part of the suit but he did admit he thought it was a little messed up and that your response here was a direct copy and paste of the other one.
Your whole thing about your case managers going through these issues themselves, fine I readily admit that you went through it. And I know the details why, but when did Edward Herzstock go through it? When did Matt Azouz go through it? When did Tom Hutchinson go through it? NEVER! So therefore you just lied.
5000 Parents huh? Last time I checked when I was working for you we had over 35,000 active members in our databases that were not helped. Why? Because they had no money.
Lets see what generic response you post now.
Customer Service - Father's Choice
Goleta,California,
U.S.A.
Fathers Choice response to Ventura employee
#14REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, September 22, 2008
I would like to begin this response by clearly stating that we have a Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy. This means that if a customer is unsatisfied we give their money back. We want for our members to be happy with our service and with the end product. Again, if a member has not been serviced then we refund their money. Period.
That being said, we invite this possible employee to give us his name and also the reason he was terminated. The purpose of this invitation is two-fold: (1) to verify that this person is actually an ex-employee of the company and (2) to engage this person in a dialogue here on Rip-Off Report concerning his serious allegations. Perhaps the online community would like to know why he/she was terminated.
We have had several employees recently who we let go due to their poor customer service. We have had a flood of people wanting our services and all employees have been expressly asked to return all phone calls and service all members. The people who were terminated recently were not returning calls and we had a number of complaints from our members due to this. Many of our customers are in stressful situations, and they need to speak with staff in a timely fashion. These employees were paid top wages, but provided sub standard service to our members. This is the only reason that they were terminated. Father's Choice will not tolerate any unreturned phone calls to our members. Fathers Choice aims to provide an excellent experience to our members. To achieve this goal, sometimes we have terminated employees that are not willing to do their jobs. Any employee that does not act with our members' best interest in mind will continue to be terminated as early as the law allows.
If the person who penned this specific Rip Off Report is not interested in providing his name or engaging in productive dialogue regarding his serious allegations, then perhaps he is not really trying to help anybody at all. We advocate for fathers. We help parents that want to see their children more often. Sometimes we make mistakes. Again, when that happens we exercise our satisfaction guarantee policy that includes a full refund and then we redo the case file for free.
Contrary to this person's report, we have worked with our members to help them resolve over 5000 custody, visitation and child support cases. It is true that we are growing due to our members' phenomenal success rate and satisfied customers are passing on our name to others. Our staff is constantly evolving as a result of this growth. In anticipation of further growth, we hire more staff each successive quarter, training them in advance to be effective and offer quality service.
Our intake staff and case management team gathers relevant information to the member and then the legal team puts together the requisite documents. Members are then educated by an attorney on what to expect in court.
Contrary to what this person has written, our case management staff is made up of men and women who are parents who have experienced divorce and the associated difficulties so that our customers are talking to someone who understands. Each of our case managers has been familiarized through an in-depth training process with all family law issues and their primary function is to gather relevant information for our legal staff to use in the preparation of documents and coaching of members. Our Case Managers are not Attorneys; they are hired because they care about helping people. They love it when a member sends in a picture of his family that says 'We won, thanks for your help.' Believe me this is the best part of my job also.
Contrary to what was stated about document preparation, our legal staff does extensive research into the exact forms needed for a case, speaking in many cases with court staff in specific counties. We advise our members to look over the documents we have prepared for them for any spelling or factual errors and we make immediate corrections.
We encourage anyone concerned about a family law issue to visit our website and glean the wisdom and encouragement that is there - www.fatherschoice.org.
We will answer each and every customer service issue on an individual basis and encourage members with complaints to contact us directly at (800) 964-1664 to resolve any issues.
Finally, we sincerely want parents to succeed in achieving more time with their children. This mission is the bottom line for all of our staff. That is why we have a Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy. If a member is not happy with our services we give their money back.
Sincerely,
Brian Azouz
Chief Executive Officer
Fathers Choice
www.fatherschoice.org
(800) 964-1664