Steele Management Andrew Steele Charging $100 management fee promising at least a casting but provides no service or followup after payment Toronto Internet
Steele Management has received money from me as a client and has provided zero service. I have been unable to contact the owner or any staff. A little over a year ago (September 2013) I had joined 'Steele Management' which is suppose to be a model and talent agency. You see, most people complain that management businesses like these didn't get them booked or didn't go anywhere etc. but I acknowledge that an agency can only do so much for you as your talent determines whether you have a chance in the industry.
In my situation, I spoke to Drew Steele which I believe is the owner upon signup that their policy is that you pay $100 as a management fee and that if they don't get you at least one casting within one year the money will be refunded. I had paid and literally received no service or followup. Every time i tried to contact him he said he was busy and to call back, upon calling back the line wouldn't go through or he is still 'busy'. After more than a year of trying to get any kind of service. they even got rid of the phone line so you cannot even call. I have sent several e-mails and received no response. Most agencies at least put your picture on their website to say they at least did something for you but this agency did nothing. Actually, the times I did manage to get in touch with Drew, he was telling me about how he was looking into opening a restaurant which leads me to believe he is ready to bag my money and leave the industry entirely. This is no different from taking a customer's money and giving them nothing. At this point I have been left with no choice but to file a complaint as there is no way for me to contact the company to discuss with them.
$100 in ways isn't a lot of money but out of principle what I have experienced is ridiculous and in my opinion is consumer fraud. It wouldn't even be worth filing small claims however if there are a number of people who have experienced the same thing, be sure to keep the receipt he gave you likely stapled to his business card like mine and e-mail steelesteals@gmail.com - I would be willing to file a class action if there have been a number of victims like me.