I'm out...Hope everyone made money on this one. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue posting on this thread because I had entered into negotiations with Heritage Concepts to buy the Ontario Master Franchise for the GCSC. Unfortunately, though, Jerry doesn't have what it takes to gain my confidence. He promised me the world and delivered me nada.
However, I did learn a few things about the company. The European deal that he signed with Belcad Trading in Belgium may not be what it seems. When I phoned Belgium, the man I spoke to knew absolutely nothing about the franchise agreement and directed me to a fellow named aaron in northern Ontario, claiming that aaron was the company's accountant. I discovered that aaron is a friend of Jerry's and that no money (that's NO MONEY) ever changed hands for the European rights. I mean, when you think about it... what the hell was Jerry selling for a million dollars? an idea?
Hey, I got a great idea... I picture a store... a store with green and purple walls and hardwood floor. And we sell... toast. Yes, yes... that's it... Toast! All different kinds of toast - white toast, brown toast, burnt toast, almond toast, black angus toast, columbian toast, toasted toast, and more. I'll supply all the books that show interested franchisees how to become their very own toast specialist. Man, what a concept... anyone wanna buy it? I'll let you have it for 20 bucks. And really, considering that Jerry got a million for his idea, ya have to admit it's a steal of a deal. Just 20 bucks and it's yours. Anyone? Okay, how bout this... just sign an agreement saying that you've bought it for 20 bucks and that you don't have to give me any money unless you actually find someone to buy the idea from you. That way, I can tell people that I've sold it and I'll look real good.
Really, if Jerry wasn't able to do business with friends, I have to wonder if anyone would even want to do business with him. This PI thingamajiggy is really interesting as well. As it turns out, Brian Shibley, the original owner of the Platinum technology, had an office in the same building as the Tower Group. The Tower Group, BTW, is located in Texas and owned by Jerry's Uncle, John Zouzelka. Mr. Zouzelka, BTW, is partners with Nick giseppi (spelling), who happens to fill a seat on the Heritage BOD. I'm guessing that Zouzelka may have been one of the recipients of the shares used to buy PI. I was told by Jerry that John had sunk a fair bit of money into the Platinum technology and is involved in the deal.
David Tinsley, was originally involved with Platinum Intermedia and was responsible for registering their web site - www.platinumintermedia.com . I had called him several months back and was surprised by his reaction. He seemed somewhat nettled by my inquirey and brushed me off fairly quickly. Also, the business number that was used to register the PI site was his home number. Not a number to an office in his home, just a regular home phone number that was answered any old regular way by anyone who happen to be by the phone when it rang. It was very unprofessional.
When David Tinsley's name came up in a recent NR, I questioned Jerry about this man's credentials. I mean, lets face it, a man who is supposed to have serviced such prestigious customers as Tinsley has, would not have his office set up so that anyone can answer the phone any old way they want. Jerry's response to my query... "Yeah, well that's all gonna be changing very soon."
And what's the deal with all these options being given out???
Hmmmmmm. I could tell you so much about what I have found out about this company but suffice to say that when everything is said and done, my experience with them has been far from positive. Sorry for not posting until now but I felt that it would be in my best interest, and only fair, to refrain from posting while negotiations continued.
My next adventure is with CPY, ADX, RKR, GLE, and LMB. I've sold my HCI shares and will not look back. This company leaves too much to be questioned.
All the Best
Marty P