SPECIAL UPDATE: December 30 2016: Pathfinder Business Strategies remains committed to increased customer satisfaction and has improved their business practices over the years to better serve their customers. Pathfinder Business Strategies is truly dedicated to making sure their customers are satisfied and that any complaints which do arise are addressed promptly and fairly.
To date, Pathfinder Business Strategies has made good faith efforts to resolve all complaints reported on Ripoff Report. Based on our experience, the member business has proven to be among the top members of the Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program as a Verified Safe Business.
Over time and since becoming a member, Pathfinder Business Strategies has remained actively engaged and improving the way they address customer service complaints. As an active and current member of the Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program we are happy to report that now more than ever Pathfinder Business Strategies remains committed to improving customer satisfaction.
Remember, no company or individual can ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time. There are no products or services that will always be perfect for everyone and even the best companies will receive complaints from time to time. However, by participating in the Corporate Advocacy Program, the member business has made a commitment to working with its customers to resolve complaints quickly and fairly whenever possible.
Please keep in mind that as a consumer you have some responsibilities as well. Success has many definitions that based on your past experiences, current situation and your perceived expectations. Success with any product or service is always based on the proper application and understanding. The fastest car will not run if you never turn the engine on. Look at how you used the product or service that was provided in relation with the instructions that you received. The Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program will help you get your voice heard but please be prepared with documentation and fair representation of your concern, also have an idea of how the company can fix your concern. Can they offer additional services, extend warranties, offer a fair refund or just get you talking with someone that can help. ..let them know and let us know!
*Any consumer not receiving satisfaction from a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program should email us at [email protected]
Ripoff Report REVIEW:
EDitor's UPDATE:
Positive Rating and Recognition has been given to for its Commitment to Excellence in customer service.
Ripoff Report's review of Pathfinder Business Strategies and Drew Miles uncovered an ongoing commitment to total client satisfaction. This means that potential clients can expect the company will always work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any complaints or concerns; more importantly, executives at Pathfinder Business Strateiges are concerned with the immediate & long-term success of their distributors and, Pathfinder Business Strategies is listening carefully to the feedback its clients give. As Drew Miles stated, After all, when becoming creative to make things better, making changes to improve the business isn't always easy, but it's well worth the effort that's required for constant improvement.
One top executive of the company stated to Ripoff Report that, Pathfinder Business Strategies corporate philosophy is based on the premise that Pathfinder Business Strategies will continually seek improvement in every aspect in every department of the company. From the first phone call we are committed to excellence. Because we listen to our clients, we know what needs to get done.
Ripoff Report has confirmed that Pathfinder Business Strategies employs a seasoned, professional staff specifically dedicated to helping their clients succeed. Couple this with the company's Support Center, and you have a support program that is top-notch. Perhaps this is the reason why Pathfinder Business Strategies has never had a single complaint with any governmental agency. This is remarkable considering the company has been in business for many years and has saved thousands of people thousands of dollars in taxes while helping them protect their assets!
Ripoff Report has also discovered that majority of reports posted against Pathfinder Business Strategies and Drew Miles were all from the same person who is a competitor attempting to slander their good name by filing the bogus reports. Ripoff Report is occasionally abused this way, so we remind everyone that it is illegal to use Ripoff Report to slander any person or business.
It is our opinion that potential clients can feel confident in the fact that Pathfinder Business Strategies and Drew Miles have worked with thousands of clients and have successfully helped these people save money in taxes. ..any problems with any member of the Corporate Advocacy Program.. consumers should just contact us here at Rip-off Report..
In summary, after our review, which included discussions with Drew Miles, Ripoff Report is convinced that the company has been and is committed to quality delivery of its products and services resulting in total & complete client satisfaction.
Read more about Pathfinder Business Strategies and Drew Miles Commitment to Excellence and Total Consumer Satisfaction and why consumers should feel safe, confident and secure when doing business with any member of Rip-off Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. ..yes, a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.
Read about Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program,..A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. this program works.
===================== NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED
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The materials were very disorganized. A lot of the CDs just had a repetition of his sales pitch. Right away, I got an upsell pitch to set up an out of state corporation (which made no sense). Except for the out of state corporation advice, I followed their advice and set up two corporations--a C-corp and an LLC S-Corp. I found that many of the deductions they tout don't fit when you read the IRS details. For a small business, the cost of all the government fees, taxes, and forms, and accountant fees easily eat up any savings and are a huge headache. He had a money back guarantee if after completing the coaching one did not save at least $10,000. My experience was far from it. I followed all their rules and applied for a refund. After ignoring the application for months (they said they were disorganized), I prodded them to consider it. They gave a ridiculous response. It was obvious that they had not addressed the specifics of my letter but gave me a list of generic deductions that were not applicable. I protested and they asked for a copy of my tax returns. I sent them via certified mail and received the postal receipt. Despite phone calls and emails they have not responded since.
Michael Columbus, Ohio
U.S.A.
Pathfinder Business Strategies
Sebastian,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, May 04, 2009
I met a man names Drew Miles. Drew is a tax and asset protection expert and to me he is a modern day "hero". This simple strategy he gave me will probably save me 175,000 dollars over the next 2-3 years and who knows how much after that.
Charles Light Author, Speaker Entreprenuer
Pathfinder Business Strategies
Sebastian,#3Consumer Comment
Fri, April 17, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Drew Miles
Pathfinder Business Strategies, LLC
Sebastian, FL 32958
Dear Drew:
Karen and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your assistance in helping us set up our corporate structure as well as guidance with tax issues and asset protection. We've been associated with Pathfinder Business Strategies for almost two years now, and I can't begin to tell how much we've saved in taxes, and how comfortable we are with the asset protection structure you've helped us put into play.
We were impressed with how you and your coach gently probe for facts pertaining to our income, assets, taxes, spending habits, and personal record keeping to determine the best structure for us. Through your program, we've created a C-Corporation and a Family Limited Partnership. The first year in the program we saved more on taxes than we spent on the program, and know we'll continue to realize these savings from now on. We feel certain that our assets are well protected now and will be there as our legacy for our children and grandchildren.
We value not only your friendship, but your knowledge and integrity. We are most happy to provide this recommendation for Drew Miles and Pathfinder Business Strategies, LLC.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. McElveen, President
Offshore Angler Properties, Inc.
Kevin
Long Beach,#4Consumer Comment
Mon, April 06, 2009
I came across a website where you can register for a class action suit against Drew Miles (Pathfinder Business Strategies). www.drewmilesclassaction.com. You can also send an email to [email protected] for more information.
Ripped-off
Janet
Las Vegas,#5Consumer Comment
Fri, February 13, 2009
Hi Michael,
I have no connection with Drew Miles or his organization, but I am an attorney, and I have spent considerable time studying ways to reduce income taxes. I read your complaint and your update, and just wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you.
You don't have to have a large business in order to save a lot of money on your income taxes. Even if you have a small, closely-held corporation, your corporation is entitled to take the same corporate deductions as the big boys, like IBM or Microsoft, so long as your business qualifies for the deduction.
First, you mention that the IRS expects you to be "reasonable." I'm not aware of that requirement. The IRS says this about business expense deductions: "To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your industry. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary." (quoted directly from the IRS web site)
To help you find out the "ordinary" cost of a meeting room for board meetings, call several local hotels in your area, and tell them you need to rent a small conference room for your company to conduct its board meeting. The answers you get will help you appreciate the numbers that the IRS regularly sees for those expenses, and will thus consider "ordinary." Remember, when the IRS is looking at your tax return, it has no idea how many directors you have, or where the meeting is.
So the next question is, "Are board meetings necessary?" Absolutely. In fact, corporation laws require them.
I know an estate planning attorney who also suggests the next deduction you mention - hiring your children as models for your advertising. He does that in his own business. Regardless of what kind of business you have, you can find a way to incorporate photos of a couple of darling kids into your brochure or online advertisement. Then, if you want to know what the going rate is for photo models, call a couple of modeling agencies and ask them what the fee would be for a photo shoot. That would be the number the IRS is used to seeing, and thus would consider "ordinary." And if you have people in photos in your advertising materials, it is necessary that you pay them. (I know at least two attorneys who do this - the estate planning attorney I mentioned and a tax attorney I know.)
You mention the modeling fee that Drew suggests is large. I don't know, because I haven't participated in Drew's program, but the amount that I would expect him to mention matches the maximum amount that can be contributed to a Roth IRA in any one year. (Does that sound familiar?)
I think you're just concerned because these ideas are something new that you're unfamiliar with. But they can be valid ways for you to legally and legitimately reduce your income taxes, if they are appropriate in your circumstances. Just understand that what the IRS will consider "ordinary" may be a much higher number than you consider "reasonable."
Obviously, I know nothing about your circumstances, so I have no idea whether these deductions are appropriate for your situation. But I can tell you that the suggestions you mention are legitimate. If you choose not to implement the suggestions they made, then I would think you wouldn't qualify for a refund.
I hope this information helps you understand.
Janet
Michael
Columbus,#6Author of original report
Sun, March 30, 2008
I received a letter from Pathfinder dated March , 2008 that said:
"Filing reports or blogs on the Internet with inaccurate, negative information will not compel me to make an exception to our policty that you are not entitled to. In fact, these actions may compel us to take legal action."
I think this says a lot about how they do business.
Michael
Columbus,#7Author of original report
Sun, March 16, 2008
Until I contacted the Ripoff Report, Pathfinder's had stonewalled me for almost a year. The report prompted the generic we are good people rebuttal and to my amazement a phone call from Drew Miles. He was going to show me how I could save the money now. He had two recommendations. The one for college tuition did not apply and he subsequently acknowledged it. did not apply. The other was very slick and could result in about a three hundred dollar tax savings.
The problem is that the IRS expects expenses to be reasonable. Drew would have my small, fledgling business rent my own home once a month for $1,000 a month for Board meetings when there are only two Board members. He igonores that that does not me the reasonable test. He kept trying to get me to hire my 7 year old daughters when they aren't really capable of significant work--it takes a lot of proding just to get them to clean their room. He then insisted I should use them in advertising and pay them a huge modeling fee. That can be a valid strategy but it doesn't fit with the services I provide or the advertising I need to do and would be the tail wagging the dog.
Even if I used them anyway, I could not justify a large enough fee to meet Drew's guarantee. The bottom line is that Drew's strategies may work for large companies but did not work for this small company. The guarantee was specific to the time period during the coaching. I clearly met the terms of the guarantee. His phone calls were irrelavent to the contract in the guarantee but I considered them anyway.
With or without his phone calls, Pathfinder clearly did not honor it's guarantee. When I wrote again asking that they honor the guarantee I got no response -- we are back to stonewalling.
Drew Miles
Sebastian,#8REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, January 18, 2008
Michael,
I am genuinely sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with your Pathfinder Business Strategies Coaching Program. The vast majority of our students save well over the amount of our guarantee. All of our coaching programs are based on performance, and if you don't see the tax savings we promise, we will refund 110% of your investment.
Frankly, we don't see many refund requests, and even more rarely does anyone say we haven't found the savings we promise. In those cases, it is usually because the student has been unwilling to follow the guidelines and procedures outlined in our program. Certainly, if the legal and accounting fees are exceeding the amount of profit, then something is wrong. One possibility is that your income level simply did not qualify for the program you enrolled in.
Our refund process is not disorganized but rather, we treat every case as unique and we attempt to satisfy a client by addressing the issues before we issue a cash refund. That can mean going back and examining the students' files to be sure we did everything we could to produce the desired result. It also means making sure the student complied with the parameters of the program. That said, we stand firmly behind our guarantee and our coaching programs. Please call me directly at (772) 228-7715 so I can personally address any outstanding issues.
We provide a series of unique coaching programs that have uncovered over $20 million in tax savings for our clients . I assure you I take your claims seriously and that Pathfinder will live up to our obligations. But, no program is 100% effective for everyone, and I'm sorry that we weren't able to help you see the savings you were
looking for.
Sincerely,
Drew Miles, J.D.
The Tax Savings Attorney(tm)