When I had came home from a Mission trip in late July I decided to get into the world of fitness and competitive body building. I had been using social media and network to "follow" and "friend" the Iron Mulisha Fit Team on Instagram and Facebook. They purported themselves as a fitness team and "family" and the work they claimed to be there own seemed to be quite remarkable. Shortly into my decision I was contacted by John Hicks and I soon made the regretable decision to sign up with them.
I talked to John at first, then I talked to his wife Gennifer (pronounced Jennifer). They both seemed very emphatic about having me join. We discussed price information (350$ to cover my first month and a discounted downpayment, followed by 70$ each month for new meal and workout plans) we also discussed what my workout and eating regiment would be. We talked about time, check ins, how to monitor progress, and if I was not a fan of the program within the first month I would be able to get my deposit back.
After taking some time to think about it and discuss it with friends and family, I decided against their advice and went ahead to proceed. With the timing of the end of my trip, my decision, and with John contacting me it almost seemed uncanny. I spoke to Gennifer again and we decided to get the ball rolling.
July 31st I sent my first half of the deposit to them. I sent 200$ via Moneygram as we said that this would be the best way to secure instant payment. Gennifer then contacted me the next day (August 1st) to see when I would put in the next half of it. The entire time I was supposed to send them my deposit she seemed a little pushy however I attributed this to anxiety. She always seemed to have alot of energy so I figured that she wasnt being pushy, just...motivating. I originally said the upcoming Friday but because I was enthusiastic to start I went ahead and sent the remaining 150$ on August 3rd.
August 4th I texted Gennifer and asked if she would be able to send me the information that night. She said that it wouldnt be a problem. I didnt hear from Gennifer for four days. I tried calling her daily, finally I texted her August 7th letting her know that I did not recieve anything and if we needed anything else to move forward. I also emailed John and Gennifer at the email ([email protected])they share this email I presume. John got back to me and informed me that Gennifer and her daughter were sick, he apologized and said I should hear something soon.
August 8th I heard from Gennifer and she said that she was sick and also taking care of some matters in court but she would reach out to me that night. I tried calling Gennifer August 9-10th only to not hear anything and not have my calls returned (I found that this would be the norm). I decided not to call on the 11th to see if I would hear anything back from them.
On August 12th I sent an email their email and informed them that I had an incident that needed urgent attention and I would require my deposit back. I heard back from Gennifer right away, I informed her after everything was taken care of I would like to enroll back into their program. ( Yes this was a white lie, although I was upset and aggravated that I was never given the courtesy of a phone call being returned; I was hounded for my money yet I was patient with my program that I paid for, I still said this as an easy let down). She said it wouldnt be a problem and that John would send me my deposit back that Friday.
Again four days went by and I had not heard from Gennifer. August 16th I sent her a text message and an email stating that I had not heard anything back from her. This time I heard nothing from her. There was no response to my email or my text message.
August 19th I text messaged John. He said that Gennifer responded but her phone has had issues sending emails and text messages. He apologized and said that on Friday when he got paid he will send me my deposit back. I thanked him and did not know this would be the last time I would hear from him.
I have tried to call Gennifer and John Hicks on numerous occasions (about twice a week until the first week in October) as well as texting them on August 23rd and September 3rd. I emailed them August 29th and August 31st. During the ENTIRE duration of trying to get my money back they were still updating their Facebook (both personal and Iron Mulisha Page) they were also updating their instagram (Ironmulisha). Although I should have posted something to either one of their feeds I didn't. Recently I have found that John changed his phone number.
I found an individual who was willing to contact the Hicks on my behalf. They made it seem as though they were willing to do business with them, then they informed them that they were contacting them because they were not returning my phone calls. He told them that if they would not refund my money then we would file a rip-off report. Gennifer first said that I never wanted to do business with them in the first place (that is a blatant lie) then she said that we have our own seperate business arangement (Oh really? I would like to know which business arrangement involves taking my money and never calling me again).
I am lucky to have friends and family who are understanding and do not throw things in my face, otherwise I would have been met with "I told you so" and "this is why you need to stop trusting people" remarks. To this day they still have not contacted me and i dont think they ever will. This has not tainted my view on people because I know there are still good people out there however I can't say that I will feel the same about getting into this sport.
fitness junkie
bowling green,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sun, November 24, 2013
But you aren't the only one its happened to. I hear regularly about people who hire them ...and have the same issues with training or ordering clothing thats never recieved. I recommend they (and you) file an internet fraud report. This is against the law.