Complaint Review: Bernard Haldane And Associates - Dayton Ohio

Sarah: I agree with Mike's suggestion about contacting your state's Attorney General's Office at once with your complaint about Haldane. It needs to be on an official file with the AJ. Then go the next step. My husband and I tangled with Haldane in Overland Park, Kansas a couple of years ago in the same situation you're in. this is what I did. I called the City Clerk's office of Overland Park and had them e-mail me a copy of the City Ordanaces covering peaceful picketing of a company. As it was, Overland Park allowed pickets as long as you didn't tresspass or block traffic. I then wrote a polite letter (never, never! threaten!) to the office head of that particular Haldane office and told them I wanted a refund of my husband's money, that I felt they had mislead us and not fulfilled their end of the contract. (Always sent your letters by Certifeed Mail, so somemeone has to sign for them and you get the receipt.) They had promised to quote "find my husband a job within their system" unquote. I sat their and listend to this song and dance routine and I reminded them of that. They tried to bluff us, of course, so I put the next phase of the plan in action. I made up a couple of nice hand-outs that basically told anyone I might have given them to that Haldane was a rip-off, they misrepresented their services and people should not use them. I sent another letter to them (Certified)with a copy of the hand outs, a copy of the City Clerk's e-mail outlining the extent I could picket them and told them that starting on a certain date I would be handing out my fliers to anyone I thought was coming into the parking lot of their offices to do business with them. I explained politely to them what days they could expect me to be out there, how many prospective clients I figured I could intercept, and how much I figured it would cost them versus what they owed me. They paid up. Drastic? Yes. But it worked. I also kept them informed that every piece of correspondece I was having to sent to them I was also sending to the Kansas AG. Since they were already being investigated by the Kansas and Missouri AG, I think it may have helped them see the relevance of settling with us. Use the system, Sarah!!! If your city allows peaceful, non-tresspassing pickets, use it. Good luck, and keep the AG hot on them!!!!

I agree with what Mike said. My comments are that since her last name was never shown, no confidential info has been released. I do take issue with Haldane making a diagnosis of "panic attack". Who are they to make a diagnosis, are they now phycologists, or phyciatrists? Those are the only people that can diagnose this condition. And If Haldane thought she had this why did they not accept her, since they only accept a select amount of people. Perhaps Sarah, this will help you in court. Good luck going after these scumbags.

Sarah, It is very important that you file a complaint on Bernard Haldane's deceptive business practices with the Ohio Attorney General's office. It is illegal for a business to make verbal promises to you without following through on those verbal promises. You can reach the Ohio Consumer Protection Division of the Ohio Attorney General's office at either 1-800-282-0515 or 614-466-4986. Follow these 5 steps to get a refund: 1. Do not sign any release with Bernard Haldane. They will attempt to screw you a second time. 2. File a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office (1-800-282-0515 or 614-466-4986) and explain in detail how you were deceived by Bernard Haldane and how private information about your health condition was published on the internet for everyone to see. Bernard Haldane has victimized you a second time by disclosing this information to the public without your consent. 3. Talk to an Attorney about filing a lawsuit against Bernard Haldane for disclosing this private information without your consent, and for violating Ohio's Consumer Protection Act by making verbal promises that they did not keep (like access to the hidden job market). 4. Contact reporter Allison Grant at The Cleveland Plain Dealer (216-999-4758) and have her write another article about how Bernard Haldane continues to scam people out of thousands of dollars across Ohio and the country. Maybe this will get the Ohio Attorney General to investigate them. 5. Get copies of the dozens of complaints about Bernard Haldane Associates from The Ohio Attorney General's office and use them in small claims court in your complaint against Bernard Haldane. You can receive a $3000.00 settlement through small claims court. Good luck!

Response to Sarah's letter: Our Dayton office has forwarded the file to me, and I have reviewed the documentation to ascertain if BHA did fulfill its obligation as prescribed in the agreement or to determine if cause did exist that would warrant a settlement of some type. This is the process any third party would conduct. Please let me share the information with you. It is important to establish that the agreement signed August 8, 2003, is contractually binding and requires that both parties abide by the conditions and provisions of the agreement. The agreement does not provide for any termination or fee adjustment without cause. This is because Bernard Haldane Associates commits appropriate resources upfront to serve clients when they begin their program and these costs are not recoverable. To assure that Bernard Haldane Associates consultants and advisors properly understand client expectations and that clients understand the Haldane program, BHA defines the terms and conditions of the service in the agreement. The client acknowledged the terms by initialing this specific section: Client acknowledges and agrees that BHA has not, nor has any representative of BHA, induced Client to enter into this engagement by implication, representation or guaranteeing to the Client: (a) specific interviews with specific companies or individuals, salary, or time frame to obtain a new position or promotion, (b) any verbal promises that are not part of the written agreement, (c) salary or wages increase, bonus programs or other increased remuneration, (d) your employer or a future employer will pay or reimburse you for fees paid to BHA. Such documentation indicates no special provisions were discussed relative to your program. The agreement also establishes that the client understands that the major emphasis will be on developing his or her network since the majority of positions are found through this method. This section of the agreement was initialed, indicating concurrence with the statement. There were no secrets and no attempt to coerce Sarah into becoming a client without her knowledge of the process. In the Plan for Achievement (the homework for the first meeting) we give clients a second opportunity to question or confirm our services: Q: Was the Haldane process and career campaign explained to you? A: Yes. Q: Were you guaranteed any specific interviews with specific companies, salary or timeframe to obtain a new position or promotion? A: No. Q: Were any verbal promises made to you that are not part of the written agreement? A: No. During the first meeting, the entire program is explained. At the close of this session, Sarah was asked: Now that you have completed your first assignment and your first advising session, what do you understand the nature of our services to be? Response: A very thorough service to find out who I am, to market me, and to find a job/career that will closely match my skills and personality. When Sarah became a client, she said that her dream job was very hard to find but expressed openness in exploring other industries: printing, publishing, greeting cards, apparel, textiles, textile mill products, paper products, packaging, stone, clay, glass, china, pottery, floor tiles, blown glass, fabricated metal, museums & gardens (#4 on 2-4). When changing careers and/or industries, the most effective way to succeed is by networking. BHA has the tools to connect clients with decision makers in any company in any industry. Sarah was given contacts at nine companies; none were contacted. Sarah is extremely introverted and suffered panic attacks when discussing networking. Unsuccessful attempts were made to build her confidence through role playing. At that time, her advisor stated that they would focus on the published market where 15% of jobs are found. Although published jobs are usually at a lower salary level than those found through networking (and require the exact job and industry experience) clients finding jobs though the published market find they are a fit because their experience is so similar. The BHA contract is for three years. When clients have secured positions in companies where they fit, our goal then becomes getting them to the next level. In an e-mail dated 10/27/03, Sarah commented that Though I do believe this front desk position at Cloonan has potential for me to move into a design job, it will not be for a while yet Phase III is exclusively for this purpose. NOTE: Sarah was offended when her advisor, suggested she visit a physician regarding her panic attacks. Her advisor mentioned this to help her Panic Disorder is a serious condition that should not be ignored. NOTE 2: Sarah was also offended that her advisors made her change her resume. The original had flowers or fans on it; we converted it to a professional resume. All of the advisors have been trained by CPRWs (Certified Professional Resume Writers). BHA has established a Client Care Line. The 800# is posted in every office and gives clients the opportunity to discuss positive and negative experiences. BHA also has a Quality system in place. When a client expresses dissatisfaction, a report is completed and brought up for discussion during a weekly staff meeting. If no solutions are presented, we open the discussion to other offices. Sarah had issues with her first advisor. A Quality Challenge form was presented on 10/27/03 and resulted in an immediate advisor change. During conversations with her third advisor, Sarah corresponded about compiling a project portfolio but there are no notes in the file where action was taken. I mention this to show that we have attempted to help Sarah in any aspect that that would affect her career. BHA cannot be expected to account for results unless there is continued activity as described in the agreement. Clients who follow and implement the process can experience positive outcomes. Based on a review of the records, I was unable to find information that would indicate that BHA did not fulfill its obligation as agreed or would enable me to issue a fee adjustment based on cause. Nonetheless, I do respect Sarah's request to be released from the contract. Despite the binding nature of the agreement, there is an option that will allow us to release Sarah from the agreement and receive an adjustment in the fee. BHA can, at its discretion, consider and act upon such requests as a matter of goodwill. I have decided to use this option for this request. When Sarah secured a position, it put her into Phase III of the program. As specified in the contract, the fees are attributed as follows: 75% of the fee is attributed to Phase I; 15% - Phase II, and 10% - Phase III. In the interest of resolving this matter in an expeditious manner, I am waiving the 10% allocation and authorizing a fair and reasonable goodwill adjustment in the amount of $1,500. Because of the special circumstance of this offer, I would expect a response by March 26. To nullify the contract, Sarah would need to complete the settlement and release form and return it to us. Upon receipt, we will issue a $1,500 check. Please note that all BHA offices are individually owned and operated. The Dayton office has an excellent track record and has many processes in place to ensure client success.

Response to Sarah's letter: Our Dayton office has forwarded the file to me, and I have reviewed the documentation to ascertain if BHA did fulfill its obligation as prescribed in the agreement or to determine if cause did exist that would warrant a settlement of some type. This is the process any third party would conduct. Please let me share the information with you. It is important to establish that the agreement signed August 8, 2003, is contractually binding and requires that both parties abide by the conditions and provisions of the agreement. The agreement does not provide for any termination or fee adjustment without cause. This is because Bernard Haldane Associates commits appropriate resources upfront to serve clients when they begin their program and these costs are not recoverable. To assure that Bernard Haldane Associates consultants and advisors properly understand client expectations and that clients understand the Haldane program, BHA defines the terms and conditions of the service in the agreement. The client acknowledged the terms by initialing this specific section: Client acknowledges and agrees that BHA has not, nor has any representative of BHA, induced Client to enter into this engagement by implication, representation or guaranteeing to the Client: (a) specific interviews with specific companies or individuals, salary, or time frame to obtain a new position or promotion, (b) any verbal promises that are not part of the written agreement, (c) salary or wages increase, bonus programs or other increased remuneration, (d) your employer or a future employer will pay or reimburse you for fees paid to BHA. Such documentation indicates no special provisions were discussed relative to your program. The agreement also establishes that the client understands that the major emphasis will be on developing his or her network since the majority of positions are found through this method. This section of the agreement was initialed, indicating concurrence with the statement. There were no secrets and no attempt to coerce Sarah into becoming a client without her knowledge of the process. In the Plan for Achievement (the homework for the first meeting) we give clients a second opportunity to question or confirm our services: Q: Was the Haldane process and career campaign explained to you? A: Yes. Q: Were you guaranteed any specific interviews with specific companies, salary or timeframe to obtain a new position or promotion? A: No. Q: Were any verbal promises made to you that are not part of the written agreement? A: No. During the first meeting, the entire program is explained. At the close of this session, Sarah was asked: Now that you have completed your first assignment and your first advising session, what do you understand the nature of our services to be? Response: A very thorough service to find out who I am, to market me, and to find a job/career that will closely match my skills and personality. When Sarah became a client, she said that her dream job was very hard to find but expressed openness in exploring other industries: printing, publishing, greeting cards, apparel, textiles, textile mill products, paper products, packaging, stone, clay, glass, china, pottery, floor tiles, blown glass, fabricated metal, museums & gardens (#4 on 2-4). When changing careers and/or industries, the most effective way to succeed is by networking. BHA has the tools to connect clients with decision makers in any company in any industry. Sarah was given contacts at nine companies; none were contacted. Sarah is extremely introverted and suffered panic attacks when discussing networking. Unsuccessful attempts were made to build her confidence through role playing. At that time, her advisor stated that they would focus on the published market where 15% of jobs are found. Although published jobs are usually at a lower salary level than those found through networking (and require the exact job and industry experience) clients finding jobs though the published market find they are a fit because their experience is so similar. The BHA contract is for three years. When clients have secured positions in companies where they fit, our goal then becomes getting them to the next level. In an e-mail dated 10/27/03, Sarah commented that Though I do believe this front desk position at Cloonan has potential for me to move into a design job, it will not be for a while yet Phase III is exclusively for this purpose. NOTE: Sarah was offended when her advisor, suggested she visit a physician regarding her panic attacks. Her advisor mentioned this to help her Panic Disorder is a serious condition that should not be ignored. NOTE 2: Sarah was also offended that her advisors made her change her resume. The original had flowers or fans on it; we converted it to a professional resume. All of the advisors have been trained by CPRWs (Certified Professional Resume Writers). BHA has established a Client Care Line. The 800# is posted in every office and gives clients the opportunity to discuss positive and negative experiences. BHA also has a Quality system in place. When a client expresses dissatisfaction, a report is completed and brought up for discussion during a weekly staff meeting. If no solutions are presented, we open the discussion to other offices. Sarah had issues with her first advisor. A Quality Challenge form was presented on 10/27/03 and resulted in an immediate advisor change. During conversations with her third advisor, Sarah corresponded about compiling a project portfolio but there are no notes in the file where action was taken. I mention this to show that we have attempted to help Sarah in any aspect that that would affect her career. BHA cannot be expected to account for results unless there is continued activity as described in the agreement. Clients who follow and implement the process can experience positive outcomes. Based on a review of the records, I was unable to find information that would indicate that BHA did not fulfill its obligation as agreed or would enable me to issue a fee adjustment based on cause. Nonetheless, I do respect Sarah's request to be released from the contract. Despite the binding nature of the agreement, there is an option that will allow us to release Sarah from the agreement and receive an adjustment in the fee. BHA can, at its discretion, consider and act upon such requests as a matter of goodwill. I have decided to use this option for this request. When Sarah secured a position, it put her into Phase III of the program. As specified in the contract, the fees are attributed as follows: 75% of the fee is attributed to Phase I; 15% - Phase II, and 10% - Phase III. In the interest of resolving this matter in an expeditious manner, I am waiving the 10% allocation and authorizing a fair and reasonable goodwill adjustment in the amount of $1,500. Because of the special circumstance of this offer, I would expect a response by March 26. To nullify the contract, Sarah would need to complete the settlement and release form and return it to us. Upon receipt, we will issue a $1,500 check. Please note that all BHA offices are individually owned and operated. The Dayton office has an excellent track record and has many processes in place to ensure client success.

Response to Sarah's letter: Our Dayton office has forwarded the file to me, and I have reviewed the documentation to ascertain if BHA did fulfill its obligation as prescribed in the agreement or to determine if cause did exist that would warrant a settlement of some type. This is the process any third party would conduct. Please let me share the information with you. It is important to establish that the agreement signed August 8, 2003, is contractually binding and requires that both parties abide by the conditions and provisions of the agreement. The agreement does not provide for any termination or fee adjustment without cause. This is because Bernard Haldane Associates commits appropriate resources upfront to serve clients when they begin their program and these costs are not recoverable. To assure that Bernard Haldane Associates consultants and advisors properly understand client expectations and that clients understand the Haldane program, BHA defines the terms and conditions of the service in the agreement. The client acknowledged the terms by initialing this specific section: Client acknowledges and agrees that BHA has not, nor has any representative of BHA, induced Client to enter into this engagement by implication, representation or guaranteeing to the Client: (a) specific interviews with specific companies or individuals, salary, or time frame to obtain a new position or promotion, (b) any verbal promises that are not part of the written agreement, (c) salary or wages increase, bonus programs or other increased remuneration, (d) your employer or a future employer will pay or reimburse you for fees paid to BHA. Such documentation indicates no special provisions were discussed relative to your program. The agreement also establishes that the client understands that the major emphasis will be on developing his or her network since the majority of positions are found through this method. This section of the agreement was initialed, indicating concurrence with the statement. There were no secrets and no attempt to coerce Sarah into becoming a client without her knowledge of the process. In the Plan for Achievement (the homework for the first meeting) we give clients a second opportunity to question or confirm our services: Q: Was the Haldane process and career campaign explained to you? A: Yes. Q: Were you guaranteed any specific interviews with specific companies, salary or timeframe to obtain a new position or promotion? A: No. Q: Were any verbal promises made to you that are not part of the written agreement? A: No. During the first meeting, the entire program is explained. At the close of this session, Sarah was asked: Now that you have completed your first assignment and your first advising session, what do you understand the nature of our services to be? Response: A very thorough service to find out who I am, to market me, and to find a job/career that will closely match my skills and personality. When Sarah became a client, she said that her dream job was very hard to find but expressed openness in exploring other industries: printing, publishing, greeting cards, apparel, textiles, textile mill products, paper products, packaging, stone, clay, glass, china, pottery, floor tiles, blown glass, fabricated metal, museums & gardens (#4 on 2-4). When changing careers and/or industries, the most effective way to succeed is by networking. BHA has the tools to connect clients with decision makers in any company in any industry. Sarah was given contacts at nine companies; none were contacted. Sarah is extremely introverted and suffered panic attacks when discussing networking. Unsuccessful attempts were made to build her confidence through role playing. At that time, her advisor stated that they would focus on the published market where 15% of jobs are found. Although published jobs are usually at a lower salary level than those found through networking (and require the exact job and industry experience) clients finding jobs though the published market find they are a fit because their experience is so similar. The BHA contract is for three years. When clients have secured positions in companies where they fit, our goal then becomes getting them to the next level. In an e-mail dated 10/27/03, Sarah commented that Though I do believe this front desk position at Cloonan has potential for me to move into a design job, it will not be for a while yet Phase III is exclusively for this purpose. NOTE: Sarah was offended when her advisor, suggested she visit a physician regarding her panic attacks. Her advisor mentioned this to help her Panic Disorder is a serious condition that should not be ignored. NOTE 2: Sarah was also offended that her advisors made her change her resume. The original had flowers or fans on it; we converted it to a professional resume. All of the advisors have been trained by CPRWs (Certified Professional Resume Writers). BHA has established a Client Care Line. The 800# is posted in every office and gives clients the opportunity to discuss positive and negative experiences. BHA also has a Quality system in place. When a client expresses dissatisfaction, a report is completed and brought up for discussion during a weekly staff meeting. If no solutions are presented, we open the discussion to other offices. Sarah had issues with her first advisor. A Quality Challenge form was presented on 10/27/03 and resulted in an immediate advisor change. During conversations with her third advisor, Sarah corresponded about compiling a project portfolio but there are no notes in the file where action was taken. I mention this to show that we have attempted to help Sarah in any aspect that that would affect her career. BHA cannot be expected to account for results unless there is continued activity as described in the agreement. Clients who follow and implement the process can experience positive outcomes. Based on a review of the records, I was unable to find information that would indicate that BHA did not fulfill its obligation as agreed or would enable me to issue a fee adjustment based on cause. Nonetheless, I do respect Sarah's request to be released from the contract. Despite the binding nature of the agreement, there is an option that will allow us to release Sarah from the agreement and receive an adjustment in the fee. BHA can, at its discretion, consider and act upon such requests as a matter of goodwill. I have decided to use this option for this request. When Sarah secured a position, it put her into Phase III of the program. As specified in the contract, the fees are attributed as follows: 75% of the fee is attributed to Phase I; 15% - Phase II, and 10% - Phase III. In the interest of resolving this matter in an expeditious manner, I am waiving the 10% allocation and authorizing a fair and reasonable goodwill adjustment in the amount of $1,500. Because of the special circumstance of this offer, I would expect a response by March 26. To nullify the contract, Sarah would need to complete the settlement and release form and return it to us. Upon receipt, we will issue a $1,500 check. Please note that all BHA offices are individually owned and operated. The Dayton office has an excellent track record and has many processes in place to ensure client success.

Response to Sarah's letter: Our Dayton office has forwarded the file to me, and I have reviewed the documentation to ascertain if BHA did fulfill its obligation as prescribed in the agreement or to determine if cause did exist that would warrant a settlement of some type. This is the process any third party would conduct. Please let me share the information with you. It is important to establish that the agreement signed August 8, 2003, is contractually binding and requires that both parties abide by the conditions and provisions of the agreement. The agreement does not provide for any termination or fee adjustment without cause. This is because Bernard Haldane Associates commits appropriate resources upfront to serve clients when they begin their program and these costs are not recoverable. To assure that Bernard Haldane Associates consultants and advisors properly understand client expectations and that clients understand the Haldane program, BHA defines the terms and conditions of the service in the agreement. The client acknowledged the terms by initialing this specific section: Client acknowledges and agrees that BHA has not, nor has any representative of BHA, induced Client to enter into this engagement by implication, representation or guaranteeing to the Client: (a) specific interviews with specific companies or individuals, salary, or time frame to obtain a new position or promotion, (b) any verbal promises that are not part of the written agreement, (c) salary or wages increase, bonus programs or other increased remuneration, (d) your employer or a future employer will pay or reimburse you for fees paid to BHA. Such documentation indicates no special provisions were discussed relative to your program. The agreement also establishes that the client understands that the major emphasis will be on developing his or her network since the majority of positions are found through this method. This section of the agreement was initialed, indicating concurrence with the statement. There were no secrets and no attempt to coerce Sarah into becoming a client without her knowledge of the process. In the Plan for Achievement (the homework for the first meeting) we give clients a second opportunity to question or confirm our services: Q: Was the Haldane process and career campaign explained to you? A: Yes. Q: Were you guaranteed any specific interviews with specific companies, salary or timeframe to obtain a new position or promotion? A: No. Q: Were any verbal promises made to you that are not part of the written agreement? A: No. During the first meeting, the entire program is explained. At the close of this session, Sarah was asked: Now that you have completed your first assignment and your first advising session, what do you understand the nature of our services to be? Response: A very thorough service to find out who I am, to market me, and to find a job/career that will closely match my skills and personality. When Sarah became a client, she said that her dream job was very hard to find but expressed openness in exploring other industries: printing, publishing, greeting cards, apparel, textiles, textile mill products, paper products, packaging, stone, clay, glass, china, pottery, floor tiles, blown glass, fabricated metal, museums & gardens (#4 on 2-4). When changing careers and/or industries, the most effective way to succeed is by networking. BHA has the tools to connect clients with decision makers in any company in any industry. Sarah was given contacts at nine companies; none were contacted. Sarah is extremely introverted and suffered panic attacks when discussing networking. Unsuccessful attempts were made to build her confidence through role playing. At that time, her advisor stated that they would focus on the published market where 15% of jobs are found. Although published jobs are usually at a lower salary level than those found through networking (and require the exact job and industry experience) clients finding jobs though the published market find they are a fit because their experience is so similar. The BHA contract is for three years. When clients have secured positions in companies where they fit, our goal then becomes getting them to the next level. In an e-mail dated 10/27/03, Sarah commented that Though I do believe this front desk position at Cloonan has potential for me to move into a design job, it will not be for a while yet Phase III is exclusively for this purpose. NOTE: Sarah was offended when her advisor, suggested she visit a physician regarding her panic attacks. Her advisor mentioned this to help her Panic Disorder is a serious condition that should not be ignored. NOTE 2: Sarah was also offended that her advisors made her change her resume. The original had flowers or fans on it; we converted it to a professional resume. All of the advisors have been trained by CPRWs (Certified Professional Resume Writers). BHA has established a Client Care Line. The 800# is posted in every office and gives clients the opportunity to discuss positive and negative experiences. BHA also has a Quality system in place. When a client expresses dissatisfaction, a report is completed and brought up for discussion during a weekly staff meeting. If no solutions are presented, we open the discussion to other offices. Sarah had issues with her first advisor. A Quality Challenge form was presented on 10/27/03 and resulted in an immediate advisor change. During conversations with her third advisor, Sarah corresponded about compiling a project portfolio but there are no notes in the file where action was taken. I mention this to show that we have attempted to help Sarah in any aspect that that would affect her career. BHA cannot be expected to account for results unless there is continued activity as described in the agreement. Clients who follow and implement the process can experience positive outcomes. Based on a review of the records, I was unable to find information that would indicate that BHA did not fulfill its obligation as agreed or would enable me to issue a fee adjustment based on cause. Nonetheless, I do respect Sarah's request to be released from the contract. Despite the binding nature of the agreement, there is an option that will allow us to release Sarah from the agreement and receive an adjustment in the fee. BHA can, at its discretion, consider and act upon such requests as a matter of goodwill. I have decided to use this option for this request. When Sarah secured a position, it put her into Phase III of the program. As specified in the contract, the fees are attributed as follows: 75% of the fee is attributed to Phase I; 15% - Phase II, and 10% - Phase III. In the interest of resolving this matter in an expeditious manner, I am waiving the 10% allocation and authorizing a fair and reasonable goodwill adjustment in the amount of $1,500. Because of the special circumstance of this offer, I would expect a response by March 26. To nullify the contract, Sarah would need to complete the settlement and release form and return it to us. Upon receipt, we will issue a $1,500 check. Please note that all BHA offices are individually owned and operated. The Dayton office has an excellent track record and has many processes in place to ensure client success.