Originally Posted by Kathy2

I work on Thursday morning, but I'm going to see if my supervisor will let me go. I would really like to be involved in this. I plan on seeing Vishal as well. Thanks for your help!

I really want to drive home the fact that they
a. waste lecture time
b. make it look like they are a legit company through the university since they talk during official class time
c. focus on naive first years

It's so wrong.. it's disgusting.

You make good points about them wasting lecture time. Besides their blurb at the beginning of class they send their clipboard around which wastes time for people to pass around and even more time for anyone who reads and signs it where they could be listening or taking notes. Go solicit somewhere else, lectures aren't the place to do it.

Focusing on first year classes is the real kicker though. Its clearly part of their goal to deceive people by not giving out all the facts and realities up front. The fact that they focus on the youngest, newest and potentially most cash strapped (as they may not have established jobs, or might have shelled out for residence, haven't had time to save money etc right out highschool) students is very extremely unethical.

What you say about them looking legit b/c Professors/the University permit them to speak is true too. Students in first year might think hey my Professor is allowing this, they must know about them or hey Mac must be affiliated with this company in some way.

These are assumptions but they're assumptions these companies want you to make subconsciously to make them look appealing.

You've got to give them credit for savvy albeit unethical marketing tactics. They're shrewd and this is how students are getting screwed over.

Also based on the posts their allegedly satisfied employees are making here they work on a basis of faulty logic. I'm still laughing at negative feedback vs misinformation.

I personally liked the way that Action Windows (I have no experience with College Pro) did their training. I do agree that for techs that started later in the summer, there should have been an additional training session. However, for my training session, it was unpaid, but I was impressed with the fact that they set up the training session at a charity of sorts (mine was at a women's shelter in downtown Toronto). Seeing as the training session did not involve us doing work that I would normally have been paid for (because of the fact that it was for a charity), I didn't mind the fact that it was unpaid. And at my training session, they had us go over how to use the ladders, ladder safety, how to clean windows, how to take out storm windows, and several other things (can't remember off the top of my head), before finishing with a mandatory safety quiz that had to be successfully completed before being allowed to work for Action.

And in response to temara.brown, it really is unfortunate that your manager left you alone on roofs and on ladders, because that is not safe. However, I don't know if that is so much something that can be blamed on the company as it is something to be blamed on the manager. I know that there were some spots where I had difficult ladder placements, or uneven ground under my ladder, etc, but I always was able to ask one of my teammates to come and spot the ladder for me, to ensure my safety. And as much as I disagreed with my initial manager, I was never pressured to do any window cleaning that I found unsafe against my own will.

I agree that for technicians who started later in the summer, training should have been mandatory, but the fact that you were left alone is really not something that should be blamed on Action/College pro, but instead your manager for putting you in such an unsafe position

Originally Posted by jade177

I personally liked the way that Action Windows (I have no experience with College Pro) did their training. I do agree that for techs that started later in the summer, there should have been an additional training session. However, for my training session, it was unpaid, but I was impressed with the fact that they set up the training session at a charity of sorts (mine was at a women's shelter in downtown Toronto). Seeing as the training session did not involve us doing work that I would normally have been paid for (because of the fact that it was for a charity), I didn't mind the fact that it was unpaid. And at my training session, they had us go over how to use the ladders, ladder safety, how to clean windows, how to take out storm windows, and several other things (can't remember off the top of my head), before finishing with a mandatory safety quiz that had to be successfully completed before being allowed to work for Action.

And in response to temara.brown, it really is unfortunate that your manager left you alone on roofs and on ladders, because that is not safe. However, I don't know if that is so much something that can be blamed on the company as it is something to be blamed on the manager. I know that there were some spots where I had difficult ladder placements, or uneven ground under my ladder, etc, but I always was able to ask one of my teammates to come and spot the ladder for me, to ensure my safety. And as much as I disagreed with my initial manager, I was never pressured to do any window cleaning that I found unsafe against my own will.

I agree that for technicians who started later in the summer, training should have been mandatory, but the fact that you were left alone is really not something that should be blamed on Action/College pro, but instead your manager for putting you in such an unsafe position

I know what you're saying about it being the manager's fault for some of these things - but it all goes back to the company. So many complaints about the company are about the managers, which means College Pro obviously doesn't train them properly or doesn't bother to enforce rules. It may be an employee's fault, but at the end of the day, the company is responsible. It seems to me, 9 out of 10 times, the manager doesn't do what they are supposed to. I doubt that is 9 out of 10 people being lazy. I think those 9 out of 10 people aren't trained properly.

Originally Posted by sew12

You make good points about them wasting lecture time. Besides their blurb at the beginning of class they send their clipboard around which wastes time for people to pass around and even more time for anyone who reads and signs it where they could be listening or taking notes. Go solicit somewhere else, lectures aren't the place to do it.

Focusing on first year classes is the real kicker though. Its clearly part of their goal to deceive people by not giving out all the facts and realities up front. The fact that they focus on the youngest, newest and potentially most cash strapped (as they may not have established jobs, or might have shelled out for residence, haven't had time to save money etc right out highschool) students is very extremely unethical.

What you say about them looking legit b/c Professors/the University permit them to speak is true too. Students in first year might think hey my Professor is allowing this, they must know about them or hey Mac must be affiliated with this company in some way.

These are assumptions but they're assumptions these companies want you to make subconsciously to make them look appealing.

You've got to give them credit for savvy albeit unethical marketing tactics. They're shrewd and this is how students are getting screwed over.

Also based on the posts their allegedly satisfied employees are making here they work on a basis of faulty logic. I'm still laughing at negative feedback vs misinformation.

Those are all assumptions I made in first year when they came to my classes. Why would McMaster let a sketchy company talk to first years during lectures? They wouldn't, of course, so this company must be great!
:(

Anyone else find it shady that they changed their name? I wonder why..

I've been doing a bit of research regarding this using basic google news search(does anyone know any other portal?) And within 10 seconds I came up with these two: http://www.accessmylibrary.c om/com...86-8380844_ITM
http://www.accessmylibrary.c om/com...6-17579461_ITM

Some Universities have outright banned such companies(I believe the same College Painters even operates in Canada); while on Thursdays meeting I suppose myself or anyone else wouldn't be calling for such serious measures, the least we can do is to stop them from advertising during lecture times for a myriad of reasons already mentioned by some other user above. The whole debate regarding their clever and misleading advertisements is a wholly different and controversial matter in itself! That would I suppose be the next plan of action; to ask them politely to be more upfront with their presentations and to reveal audited and direct financial and health and safety and risk data instead of silly graphs and percentages currently on the website.

I would ask anyone interested in helping out to pm me their experiences(In a similar format as Miss TBrown) or help me out by google news searching more articles if you are bored and need a break from your readings/assignments. I'll compile it and forward it to EB. All of you guys are equally capable of participating in this change!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead"

http://college-pro-painters.pissedco...002158403.html

This little nugget exemplifies the challenge: Who should we really believe lol! Either one of them is lying; who really has the incentive to do so?

This review by a random user at pissedconsumer.com really makes us think as well

The reason College pro stays in business has nothing to do with doing quality work. The reason they make money is because they are a franchise operation - they take no risks. They take the first 25% of all money the Franchise Manager generates as a royalty. If the Franchise Manager turns out to be bad, it is in his best interest to continue plugging away and being bad because he will face a $2,000 fine if he quits or is fired, in addition to any bills College Pro charges him. Not to mention what happens to a kid who is in debt 5 or 6 grand just for sucking at his job. Oh, and the GM - the guy who manages the Franchise Managers - his biggest job is damage control.

Because College Pro makes money whether the Franchisees are good or bad, their top priority is getting kids to sign the Franchise Agreement and go sell jobs. There will always be customers who don't do their research and buy into the image that College Pro projects. College Pro is not invested in doing quality work on your home or helping you succeed in business. They are invested in a phony image and getting young, inexperienced kids to buy into it.

We might not have the same College Pro guys in Hamilton per se; but the buisness model should be pretty much the same.

Originally Posted by huzaifa47

http://college-pro-painters.pissedco...002158403.html

This little nugget exemplifies the challenge: Who should we really believe lol! Either one of them is lying; who really has the incentive to do so?

This review by a random user at pissedconsumer.com really makes us think as well




We might not have the same College Pro guys in Hamilton per se; but the buisness model should be pretty much the same.

That review just further cements the point made above that bad managers are the fault of College Pro the company. They clearly allow people who are bad managers to stay on b/c the quality of the work and presumably safety and happiness of their works doesn't matter to them. Their bottom line is money and they obviously don't care about students.

A company who doesn't give a damn about students is one that shouldn't be allowed to advertise on a University campus.

Can we do like parliament and bang our desks when they walk in the lecture hall and yell things??

Hey guys,

My name's Aneel, and I'm in 4th year Commerce. I'm specializing in Accounting, and am going for a CA (Chartered Accounting) Designation. You might have heard of a firm called Deloitte; I'm working for that firm come September '10. Enough for introductions...

I see everyone hating on Action/College Pro, which is quite expected, and which is exactly the reaction that I received from everyone I talked to that "had heard from someone" or "read about it somewhere". When I found out I could get to run my own business (yes.. you don't work "for" Action/CollegePro.. you run your own business) I decided to not listen to all the people that told me it was so good and not listen to all the people that told me they'd rather have a job literally cleaning up shit.. I went and talked to people "DIRECTLY" that had run a(an) Mind Blowing/Amazing/Successfull/Alright/Not so Good/Bad/Shitty business. I knew what I was getting into.

Personally, I didn't do it for the money. I did it for the experience to get me to where I am now (working for Deloitte.. I've already had an internship with them).. Since the summer of 2008 I've constantly told all my friends.. "That was by far the best and the worst summer of my life" .. I have never learned so much about myself, my potential, and real life than I did that summer.. I hired people.. I fired people..I had great customers.. I had down right f**d up customers.. I met the hardest working people.. I met some quitters... Like I said at times I had the worst time. Whatever, it's a cliche but SO true.. "You gotta loose some to win some" .. I made sure I changed to loosin some to win a shit load.. and yea there were some people that lost money.. GET THIS.. My best friend owed Action money at the end of the summer but he'll tell you that he signed up to do something and it was exactly like he was told it was going to be and he didn't follow through..

Point Being ... Please talk directly with people who have been a part of it.. That is "THE ONLY" and YES ....... "THE ONLY" way for you to make up your mind... not GOOGLE... not your BEST FRIEND THAT HEARD FROM SOMEONE .... not that COOL GUY THAT CAN POUND 15 BEERS AT A PARTY WHO'S MET MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE RUN THE BUSINESS..

Email - [email protected] il.com - ext. 56415 - I'm currently a CA in Brandon Hall on 10th Floor - Just another student at McMaster University - And I have nothing to do with Action whatsoever anymore..

p.s. I am where I am because of my experience with Action (Now College Pro Window Cleaning b/c they want their customers to be able to realize the College Pro and formerly Action Window Cleaning are under the same company) ... I'll be working Downtown Toronto for the biggest Accounting Firm in North America.. I went Sky Diving, Bungee Jumping, White Water Rafting, 3 free days in Bahamas, Partying in Collingwood, Toronto, Ottawa, London.. all because of Action.. and oh yes.. $13,000 profit over the summer.. too good to be true right.. you can shoot me an email or tell everyone how you read about this one kid who gave you "ALL THAT BULL SHIT" IN that previous three paragraphs..


If you really want to know you can have lunch with me sometime in MUSC and I can "FEED YOU MORE B.S." :p

Originally Posted by shortbeast89

I see everyone hating on Action/College Pro, which is quite expected, and which is exactly the reaction that I received from everyone I talked to that "had heard from someone" or "read about it somewhere".


Point Being ... Please talk directly with people who have been a part of it.. That is "THE ONLY" and YES ....... "THE ONLY" way for you to make up your mind... not GOOGLE... not your BEST FRIEND THAT HEARD FROM SOMEONE .... not that COOL GUY THAT CAN POUND 15 BEERS AT A PARTY WHO'S MET MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE RUN THE BUSINESS..

Uh.... we are..... there are many people in this thread who have worked with them.

TROLLS!!!!!!! >: (

Yup, I thoroughly believe that people are getting paid to promote the company.

I have no doubt that you're a student at Mac. I have no doubt that you've worked for the company and had a good experience.

But unless you lurk google for forums who are talking crap about College Pro, how the hell else would know about this thread? No one does that for "fun." You're obviously getting some sort of benefit out of it. Someone is CLEARLY pointing you to these threads and you're doing the dirty work. I guess I would too, for money.

And let's just say you did hear about this forum through a friend from mac or something. Why would your first and ONLY (which is pretty key here) post be defending this company?

You're obviously part of the small majority who's had a successful experience and they're trying to cash in on that.

Hi Cheri,

Yes.. I was told about the forum from a friend of mine that is still with Action.. and it was my personal choice to come and post.. I can't make anyone believe that on this forum. Which is why I have an email.. a phone number.. a facebook page.. and yes I bet someone is going to say that I'm being paid by the company to come and post..

It's a no win situation for the Action / College Pro .. I always tell people to go work for the company for experience, and not for the money.. If you work hard you make the money..

There were 140 franchisees my year (not this past season but the one before) .. 30 quit .. Average profit "the franchise told us me $12000) .. I believe it to be about $10K .. I was 25th in the company and made $13000 ($40000 sales) profit to put things in perspective.. From what I remember people that were in the 50-60 ranking had made atleast $7K profit..

We're all students and all lazy.. and only a few from McMaster.. It's in my personality (If you read my previous post - I'm a Community Advisor in Brandon Hall on 10th floor currently) to come and take some time and give back to the company that I got so much from..

No one has to believe what I say..

Thanks!

Exactly. The fact that you (and others) are being tipped off means that it's someone's job to find threads like these because they know it's probably the only way for College Pro to save face.

Why would anyone on this forum take your word for gold (or hell, even silver)? You're a random person on a forum with no credibility who's admitted to being tipped off to post here.

I'm gonna use Mowicz as an example.

I respect Mowicz. I'm sure lots of other people do too. He's got lots of posts, and ALWAYS has something constructive/intelligent to say.

Now, if Mowicz came in and said College Pro is great, etcetc, then yea... we'd probably be a hell of a lot more inclined to believe him. Because he's respected. And isn't being tipped off to post here. And actually has some ounce of credibility.

You're wasting your time because I know you're able to follow that logic. And because I know you know you're wasting your time, this leads me to believe that you're being paid for your posts. Who willingly wastes their time for something so futile?

Edit: And I resent the statement that all students are lazy. I don't think I'm lazy because I don't think it's worth it to work my ****ing ASS off for an entire summer for a POSSIBILITY that I might come out successful. Sorry, when it comes to my education and being able to come to school next year, I'd much rather find a surefire job. It's not about being lazy.

Hi Cheri,

I can't really do anything about you feeling the way you do. You have your opinions and I have my own along with facts, certificates, documents, and plaques and what not..

Which is why I am going to emphasize for the last time on this thread that my information is listed below and I'm not going to posting any further on this thread. I'll answer questions emailed to me, or if I get a phone call, or a facebook message. I've already mentioned that I have enough money in my pocket, and just another student trying to help people out. I don't know if it's smart spending for a company to pay a person that has nothing to do with them anymore to come and write a few words on a forum where there is a no win situation for the company. Again, I have my opinions and everyone else has theirs.

Thanks!

Facebook - Full Name - Aneel Janmohammad
Email - [email protected] il.com
McMaster Residence Extention - 56415

Originally Posted by shortbeast89

Hi Cheri,

I can't really do anything about you feeling the way you do. You have your opinions and I have my own along with facts, certificates, documents, and plaques and what not..

Which is why I am going to emphasize for the last time on this thread that my information is listed below and I'm not going to posting any further on this thread. I'll answer questions emailed to me, or if I get a phone call, or a facebook message. I've already mentioned that I have enough money in my pocket, and just another student trying to help people out. I don't know if it's smart spending for a company to pay a person that has nothing to do with them anymore to come and write a few words on a forum where there is a no win situation for the company. Again, I have my opinions and everyone else has theirs.

Thanks!

Facebook - Full Name - Aneel Janmohammad
Email - [email protected] il.com
McMaster Residence Extention - 56415

I'll ask you a less offensive-ish question: Why is it that you guys directly target first years? Why is it that you go to their classes and illegally solicit them?(YES you guys don't have permisison; nor do any non mcmaster companies) Why is it that you came to none of my second year classes and all of my first year classes? Why is it that my first year frosh(I was a rep and a FYC exec) are telling me that you guys have been to most first year classes as well?

The answer is quite obvious; But I would let you give your explanation of why your company would never be found in a third year class!

And secondly; if you really are trying to convince us that you are doing all of these posts because of some alturistic/lets help the people reason....oh well!