Complaint Review: EASI - Energy Automation Systems - Hendersonville Tennessee

"We feel there is a point at which our dealers and customers deserve to have widely disseminated false statements publicly corrected." What false statements have been publicly corrected? I could only find one previously false statement that has been corrected. The original false statement was made by..................................EASI. Yes, only EASI's prior false statement has been corrected. Which false statement, you ask? EASI has previously claimed that they started in 1978. This is in writing. EASI's supposed counsel has finally told the TRUTH. EASI started in 1982. Again, what false statements made by the EASI detractors has been publicly corrected? The answer..........................NONE. Perhaps, the detractors have made no false statements or perhaps this posting was initiated only because another message board spoke of the interest of the Tennessee Attorney General just hours before this posting.

As corporate counsel for Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (EASI), I am compelled to respond to the untrue and defamatory postings on this website. Over the past eighteen months, a small group of individuals who seek to disparage and destroy Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (EASI) have posted derogatory and defamatory messages this website. EASI does not make a habit of responding to every inaccurate, inflammatory misstatement. We feel there is a point at which our dealers and customers deserve to have widely disseminated false statements publicly corrected. These postings have been made, in large part, by a few disgruntled former EASI dealers. To create the appearance that numerous dealers are unhappy with EASI, those few former dealers frequently post messages under many different pseudonyms. In fact, our investigation has shown that those few posters actually respond to their own messages under different names. Rarely do those individuals provide their true identities in the posted messages. Many times, the posters use names and/or initials designed to give the impression that they are affiliated with EASI. Under the cloak of anonymity, the posters are essentially free to say whatever they please, regardless of whether their statements have any factual support. More importantly, the content of the postings is never checked for accuracy and simply amounts to unfiltered and unverified cybersmearing. (See http://www.bizmonthly.com/2_2001_focus/jordan1e.html for more on cybersmearing). We find it informative that the messages that support EASI are almost always made by individuals willing to identify themselves. For example EASI is currently a party to pending litigation involving the same few disgruntled dealers described above. In fact, EASI initiated several of those lawsuits and, in one case, was forced to obtain injunctive relief against a former dealer who made thinly-veiled threats of violence against EASI's sole shareholder. As for many of the other litigants, many of them were dealers for less than one year and never attempted to complete, much less completed an installation of an EASI system. EASI remains confident that it will prevail on the merits of those cases. EASI was founded in 1982. EASI has been selling dealerships since 1985 and had received very few complaints until last year, which suggests that the Internet disparagement campaign and the pending litigation originated after a few disgruntled and unsuccessful dealers blamed their lack of success on EASI and its employees. However, even after that campaign commenced, EASI has still kept the door open to those former dealers in the event they still would like to make their dealerships successful, as other dealers have. EASI continues to strive to provide good business opportunities to motivated, hard-working people. EASI cannot, however, sit idly by while anonymous detractors disparage the company's reputation.

I agree with Paul regarding the BBB possibly being liable for investor losses. It is one thing for the BBB to be unaware of certain complaints, however it is my understanding that the BBB's records were subpoenaed in conjunction with the multiple lawsuits against EASI taking place in Federal and State courts. I hope the law firms involved go after the BBB next.

Has anyone ever successfully sued the BBB over such actions? The people defrauded by EASI are numerous. A number of lawsuits are pending in Federal Court in Nashville and the state courts of Tennessee. There will not be enough money to go around. The BBB has been aware of several complaints, yet has shielded this company. Who knows how many people have relied to some degree on the BBBs favorable report. They sure sound liable to some degree. Again, has anyone ever successfully sued the BBB over "covering up" for a con artist?

Hey there Everyone, I hope that this rebuttal finds you in good spirits and health. In answer to Paul's question above, "what good is the BBB?" The answer to this question is an obvious, good for nothing. BBB memberships are paid for and not earned, therefore, means and proves absolutely nothing about a particular business or it's reputation. The BBB is a total sham, that blatantly misrepresents its's organization, and what they "supposedely" stand for. The BBB gives consumers the impression, that their ratings are somewhat, in someway, endorsements of particular products or services. BULL F%CK!NG $H!T!! BBB memberships are not stamp of approvals, are not legitimate endorsements, and literally means or proves nothing about a particular business. Who do you think the BBB has a vested interest in?The BBB organization is comparable to that of a strong arm syndicate, that protects it's members. Group of middlemen, that participate in any and all business practices, ethical or not. The BBB claims, that they impose strict guidlines regarding business practices, while prohibiting unethical practices, but the f%ck!ng millions of unacknowledged and unresolved consumer complaints regarding their "members", tells an entirely different story. Just when you thought corruption couldn't get any worst, the BBB has been known to "hide" complaints. Unlike the Rip-Off report, BBB complaints are not made public. Businesses, that have hundreds of consumer complaints against it still have a golden opportunity to receive a SATISFACTORY rating by the very oganization that it "paid off". The BBB is just a false and misleading organization, that has the backs of the very businesses they claim to be protecting consumers from. So while the BBB and all of it's members strive to mislead the public, very often one must realize, that the BBB is a false means in determining whether or not a business is legitimate, or flat out fraudulent. Until next time, take care Everyone cause I care, Aloha from Hawaii and God Bless.

Numerous lawsuits and a current investigation by the Attorney General's office in Tennessee and the BBB still claims that no complaints have been filed. The business will be shut down or the owner will flee the country before the BBB wakes up.

I have read all of the recent reports and believe that while you may be well intending that you must be clear when discussing certain people. There has never been any indication that Scott Hunsberger has participated in the EASI scam or sought to make profit by disclosing the truth about the scam. He has however been tireless in the pursuit of the truth about the EASI scam and the lack of any enforcement to prevent such fraud. Also, be clear in stating that you have no reason to believe that Paul Saxton participated in Joe Merlo's fraud. You state, but not necessarily clearly, that you believe that Paul Saxton was possibly encouraged to participate in defrauding others as a method of getting "paid off", but that he chose a different path. As for the others, I will not comment.

You should have included Scott Hunsberger. I had the hardest time at first determining if he was pro-EASI or just another EASI critic. Now, I know that he has gathered so much damaging information on EASI that Joe Merlo decided that his normal threats were not working and decided to have his high priced lawyer go on the offensive and file a bogus lawsuit against Hunsberger. I seriously doubt any of us involved with EASI want Hunsberger's information to come out in court. AS they often say, "he knows where the bodies are buried".

I can't believe that Bob Granger doesn't even consider himself an EASI dealer anymore. He was the great success that convinced me how good EASI was. Other people in my training class also talked to him. AND, Donna Swift played the role of the Christian grandmother who enjoyed the freedom and comforts of their new business. What a bunch of scam artists.

You (or perhaps it is more than one of you)were unable to draw Tye Swift into your game. Perhaps, your time would be better spent educating everyone on the participants in this EASI saga. The first person to claim his identity was assumed was Mike Lovan. Mike runs a company called Intelligent Motor Controls (IMC). Mike is supposedly a former EASI dealer. He now sells dealership opportunities for IMC. A number of disgruntled EASI dealers have purchased IMC dealerships. Mike supposedly sold a $600,000 EASI project at a 95% profit margin. His relationship with Joe Merlo is strange, at best. Despite the fact that many of the former EASI dealers who invest another $30,000 with him will complain bitterly about EASI and Joe Merlo, he will bite his tongue or say little. It is suspected that Joe Merlo has something on him. What that is is a well guarded secret. Then, Bob Granger claimed to have had his identity hinted at here in this forum. Bob runs a company called Eastern Energy Solutions. He was supposedly a very successful EASI dealer. Although, now if you seek out his website, it will state that he is an IMC dealer. Bob was the designated successful dealer that many prospective dealers would contact. The booklet EASI sent out carefully "covered up" phone numbers for other "successful dealers", but mysteriously left Bob's phone number for you to call. He would tell you that EASI "was a great business", "changed his life", etc. Paul Saxton also claims that his identity was hinted at by use of his location. Paul runs a company called Enercon International that also sells dealerships. He is also a former EASI dealer. Paul's response at ripoffreport implied that he had a mutual respect for EASI and some other platitudes. However, e-mails widely circulated indicate that Paul was a dissatisfied dealer who had come to understand the inner workings of the scam. It is suspected that Merlo tried to include Saxton in the "successful dealer" ploy. It is widely perceived that Saxton's defense of EASI was his method of receiving a refund of his dealership payment and avoiding the threats that Merlo successfully employed against so many others. These "payoffs" are EASI's method of hushing dissent through well written gag orders, etc. Pete Bubas is a somewhat unknown entity to me. I received a forwarded copy of an e-mail Saxton sent to one of the current plaintiffs against EASI that indicated that Bubas was "on the payroll, if you know what I mean". Bubas may also have been involved in the selling of dealerships through franchise shows, etc. Tye and Donna Swift are the supposedly successful dealers that hosted booths at franchise and business opportunity tradeshows all over the country. Joe Merlo once told one of the employees that quit over this scam that Tye was responsible for bringing in the big money (SELLING DEALERSHIPS is bringing in the money). No one knows whether Tye is still involved with EASI, but it is assumed that he is still attending the franchise shows near you.

The real Pete submitted his report within an hour of the fake Pete's report being posted. That is amazing. Do you read this reports that often? Did someone from EASI notify you? Did the fake Pete notify you? I find it interesting that even though only first names are used that 3 EASI dealers (or former ones) have responded to supposed fake reports issued in their names. Could it be that you are actually giving into threats by Merlo? Another responded to a location that was supposedly implying his identity. What do you have to hide and why do you continue to defend Merlo? I am no longer involved with EASI.

People are desperate when they STEAL another persons identity! I did not create the above garbage. Will the coward show himself. If you want know how I feel call me! Don't blame others for your failures!!! Rest ashured, if my name showes up again without my knowledge, I will do whatever is necessary to find the COWARD and take any legal action necessary!! Signed THE REAL PETE BUBAS!!!

Now the BBB claims that there have been no (that is right - zero) claims against EASI for a 3-year period. What a crock! The BBB records were subpoenaed in conjunction with the current lawsuits against EASI, yet the BBB has the cojones to claim that no such complaints exist. The NBC affiliate in Nashville has been fed a steady supply of info regarding EASI yet has not acted. They also have a tight relationship with the local BBB. What a ripoff!

Is it really true that EASI's current President, Paul Bleiweis, often cited as one of EASI's most successful dealers, actually filed bankruptcy for his EASI dealership shortly before becoming EASI's President? EASI is all smoke and mirrors!!

A number of people have questioned Joe Merlo about specific claims (80,000 jobs) and specific facts (Dealerships sold versus products) and Merlo has never responded. I revealed his criminal history and Merlo never responded. All you guys still trusting EASI ask yourself the question "Why won't Joe Merlo defend EASI or himself?"

The BBB of Middle Tennessee (Nashville for all you guys on the coasts)is completely aware that EASI is being sued yet still gives people the impression that EASI is upstanding. Either Joe has completely conned them or paid them extremely well. We shall see. Isn't Robert Luongo the guy that was convicted of 30+ counts of larceny back in the 70s? Wasn't Joe Merlo the Supervisor of Luongo's salesforce which led to the larceny charges? Records indicate that it was a Ponzi scheme and Merlo was considered Luongo's Chief Associate. Isn't Multi Energy Concepts the original energy conservation company owned by Merlo? Didn't he have to disband that company because of complaints from customers not receiving their guaranteed 20% electricity savings? That story was told in Energy User News in 1982-1983. So, you see, EASI has not been around since 1978.

ASK Joe about his involvement with Robert Luongo and about Multi Energy Concepts. His criminal history is 30 years old.

The BBB in this situation is obviously corrupt. They still claim that only 1 complaint has been filed. Yeah, right!! Joe Merlo will never be able to justify 80,000+ jobs sold because it is not true. He will never disclose how EASI makes money either. Once it was public knowledge that EASI makes money only by selling "dealerships", no one would buy one.

Are lawsuits against EASI really taking place? The Better Business Bureau still to this day says that EASI is an upstanding company. Joe Merlo will be able to adequately explain how EASI makes money and on what grounds they claim to have 80,000+ successful installations of the EASI system. With a good report from the BBB and proper answers to these issues, Joe Merlo will be vindicated.