I was contacted by Portland Systems Mike Schultz approximately August. They said that my company was selected as one of a few to be selected to be "Preferred Contractor" to sell their steel Buildings. They said that they had gotten some very favorable comments regarding my company. I was advised to send a profile of my company via Fed Ex. They requested a blank piece of my company's letterhead, envelope, business cards broshures etc. I sent in the information as requested. I was re-contacted after this submission and was advised that my company had been chosen but that I needed to send in info of local newspapers from all communities where I live. I was told to submit more business cards and a check for $5800. I asked what the $5,800. Was for and was told that it would cover my training, advertising and education of Portland. I send in the required amount and was told that my company and Portland would be working together. That did not happen. My acceptance letter consisted of a short note acknowledging the receipt of my $5800. Check which they now called "an investment". Mike disappeared after that and Doug was introduced by phone. I spoke to Doug on few incidents and then was introduced to Brock. After giving them my money, my training consisted of approximately 7 fifteen minute morning phone calls. I was instructed by Brock Miera that I was not to ask any questions... Just sit and listen. I took notes but it was over the phone so not much was retained. I was advised that Portland would place ads in our local papers with my name & contact info for the steel buildings. The ads were placed in local cheap want ad papers not the daily newspapers of my area.in a short time I located an individual interested in buying a steel building for his new business. I contacted Brock who sent me some Portland Systems forms. He told me that he was now going to train me on how to use the order forms. We went through the form box by box filling it out. I told Brock on 3 occassions that we had not yet applied for permits required by San Bernardino County. Brock nevertheless told me that the appropiate box to check was the "PRODUCTION" box. I checked it. I had no idea that the building would be produced immediately. I was instructed to fax or email the forms back to Brock. The rest of the form was filled out pretty easily as it pertained to color, size, windows, doors etc. The forms were sent in to Brock and before I knew it I was asked for a deposit. I got $5000. From the individual ordering the building and I had to submit another $2650. Brock then ordered the building. I did not tell him to order the building. I told him again and again that we had to get the permits. I was in training to do this ordering and was tricked in to ordering a building because I trusted Brock to be honest. I believe This company preyed upon me and I also believe that I am not the only one that they've done this to. They lied about the initial amount to send and kept on changing what the amount was needed for. They called me in a solicitaion call. They knew exactly what they were doing. They were just fishing for somebody to fool. I feel embarassed that I allowed this company to do this to me but I feel strongly that others should be alerted of this company. After trying to straighten this all out with Brock he became abrupt and uncaring and before I knew it Brock was no longer assigned to me. I have tried to fix this mistake but they are unwilling to work with me even after I told them my customer still wants the building but we had t o get the planning department's approval first. I even put Portland in direct contact with Portland but to no avail. Now I am receiving "DEMAND" letters from Don who is asking for even MORE money. Please assist me as I have no dollars for an attorney to fight this. This company scammed me & my company. I do not trust them any more and therefore cannot see myself working with a company that has no decent business practices. Beware of this company. They will RIP YOU OFF!
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