Complaint Review: Allen Knauer 1st Place Models Www.1stplacemodels.com Aka Indy Models - Indianapolis Indiana

It is highly unlikely that a contracted model would ever post something like what Jessica has posted. It is just not the way that Independent contractors work in this industry. There are no 'deductions'. Eithere the contract is fulfilled or it is not.

I have heard from many other independently contracted models that Roger Allen Knauer repeatedly tries to pay half or a portion of what is owed for some reason. Then promises that the rest of the amount will be paid shortly. Many times it never is. He tried that with me too when he only sent me a portion of what he had owed me well beyond the time that the contract originally stated that he was to pay.

1st Place Models (Which is no longer in business) did not pay me 'as per the terms of my contract'. This is absolutely a false statement and I have proof of this including copies of emails as well as the contract.

Additionally, I have encountered tens of more independent contractors whom this person/agency (who also goes by Allen Knauer, Roger Knauer, Roger Allen Knauer, Roger Longstreet, Erin Darlange, etc. and 1st Place Models, Indy Models, www.tradeshowhostesses.com, etc) have also been duped by including failure to pay, threats when attempting to get paid by agency toward the contractor to stop persuing the payment for work done, and delayed payment, etc.)

When I was finally paid for my services it was WELL BEYOND the date that I was to be paid AND I was initially only paid A PORTION of what I was owed. Additionally, the final check that I recieved DID NOT CLEAR and I was forced to once again try to persue payment. I have copies of the checks as well as documentation from the bank AND emails between myself and 1st Place models regarding this situation.

Nice Try Allan, Roger, or whatever your name is!

A similar situation has recently happend to me as well as a bunch of other models in SF.

Roger Knauer who went by the ficticious name of Erin Darlange contracted about 15 models to work as hostesses at a gaming tradeshow in San Francisco on March 25th- March 27th. Prior to the show Roger Knauer (aka Erin) was very responsive even at one point requesting us to do our best to get a short sleeve white blouse as the client requested. He even sent out a document with 'hostess positions'. Furthermore, he checked in every day of the event to ensure we would be good to go for the next day.

Needless to say, after the show ended most of our emails went unanswered. Quite a few times we would get emails ensuring that partial payment would be sent out to cover transportation within the next few days etc etc. Of course none of the promises he made in his emails were followed through. 

Clearly Roger Knauer received the money as in one of his emails he wrote: "We have enough money in the Game Connect budget to send everyone their first $100 the day the show ends.  This should cover what you spent on travel, etc.  We will mail the remaining balance as scheduled." Of course he never paid us the first $100 or any of it 'as scheduled'.

Tradeshow Hostesses is run by Roger Knauer of Indianapolis, IN and everyone should stay far away from this scam artist. He may just change the name of his agency soon so always research the companies you work for.

There are so many models that have been affected by his scam. He is making a living by illegally taking money. 

Also, he is counting on models to not do anything about their stolen money. However, you need to take whatever action is necessary to make sure that you are paid. It may take a little work but it is well worth the effort.

After doing my research on Allen Knauer, I really wish that I would have done it prior to working for LG in Chicago at their tradeshow.  He pocketed their money and has yet to pay, which he had promised the following Monday.  We were excused early from the tradeshow and I was told that it was because they didn't need us after all, but now I almost wonder if they figured who Allen Knauer is. 

He also now works for TradeShow Hostesses. 

The rebuttal was not ammended until recently by ALLEN KNAUER, owner of 1ST PLACE MODELS/ INDY MODELS/ CIRCLE CITY PHOTOGRAPHY. I am sure he hoped that I would forget about this incident and not notice that he is trying to discredit my original complaint with further inaccuracies.

That he 'paid on time' or 'as per the contract' is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.

I was forced for months to try and track him down to receive payment. I have been a professional full-time model for over 5 years and have never had this much trouble being paid for my work (details in original complaint).

I want to reiterate that I was originally told that payment would be made in approximately 30 days.

This did not happen. Nearly half a year later, I told Allen that I would be glad to handle the matter in a court of law. Not until then did I even receive a response. I have saved all emails and will be glad to submit evidence to anyone who might like to see them.

I was deterred further from trying to receive payment for my work as a tradeshow model by being threatened by Allen himself. In an angry email he threatened that if I continued to seek payment from him, he would sue me for harassment.

This is unacceptable.

Further, I have since been contacted by a large and growing group of Tradeshow Models that have not been paid for their work either...EVER! They can be found on the facebook group PROACTIVE.

Also, check out his complaints on the Better Business Bureau website.

He is also currently under investigation for interstate fraud.

Sharona (Mia) has received payment in full, per the terms of the agreement she signed, and per the payment timeline that she agreed to PRIOR to posting this notice on Ripoff Report. We work very hard to be fair to all but sometimes expectations just aren't realistic. We wish Mia well in her future endeavors.

Sharona (Mia) has received payment in full, per the terms of the agreement she signed, and per the payment timeline that she agreed to PRIOR to posting this notice on Ripoff Report. We work very hard to be fair to all but sometimes expectations just aren't realistic. We wish Mia well in her future endeavors.

Sharona (Mia) has received payment in full, per the terms of the agreement she signed, and per the payment timeline that she agreed to PRIOR to posting this notice on Ripoff Report. We work very hard to be fair to all but sometimes expectations just aren't realistic. We wish Mia well in her future endeavors.

Sharona (Mia) has received payment in full, per the terms of the agreement she signed, and per the payment timeline that she agreed to PRIOR to posting this notice on Ripoff Report. We work very hard to be fair to all but sometimes expectations just aren't realistic. We wish Mia well in her future endeavors.