3FOUR1 provides no-cost venue/marketing services to mid to large size groups for the purpose of networking, fashion, non-profit. I found 3FOUR1 after seeing several postings online for marketing/event planning. I applied, got the job, and was asked to start working full-time, immediately.
Myself, along with several other staff and interns were subjected to verbal abuse and were never paid. The company was extremely re-active and disorganized. The couple of times I asked about getting paid the owner would mock me, or make excuses to how the w9's weren't set up. The owner of 3FOUR1 called me names in the office and would make up reasons why our performance was sub-par and some jobs would not be paid. The job was commission only, but the schedule was set up to where you would be paid hardly anything at all, taking into account everything you put in to each job (gas/tech.) The Link and Lounge, Runway Monday, and Art Official events required a lot of outside expenses that 3FOUR1 would not help cover. The owner cited we would be making so much commission those expenses would be menial! The staff was kind, hard-working, and trusting. Unfortunately, I had to watch while they were berated and treated like crap too. This treatment was summarized as 'the no-nonsense, New York attitude.' Being called a b* or an A* to your face or behind your back was getting pretty common. I can't count the number of times I heard the 3FOUR1 owner remark that artists were stupid and we had to dumb down how we communicated with them. Absurd!
3FOUR1 owner had made claims of how great the money would be, and how we would work at home eventually, how the concept is going nation-wide, etc. 3FOUR1 sets itself up to be a hip, fun, start-up, but it is definitely a vehicle to take advantage and work recent college graduates/serious job hunters to the bone for free work. I felt dreadful signing away 2 years of my right to work in marketing/events in the non-compete agreement. I should have trusted that instinct.
Since leaving I have been subjected to text/voicemail threats from the 3FOUR1 owner. Since leaving I have heard of/met people who have done business with 3four1 who were yelled at, or 'fired' by the owner or who have not even been contacted or taken care of since I left. It is extremely horrendous how 3FOUR1 treats its staff and clients especially since it is a start up specializing in networking events. I encourage any job hunter in marketing/pr/events/art/non-profit/fashion to re-evaluate what 3four1 is offering and to research through friends and speak with former clients/employees for their experience. 3FOUR1 is gaining an unfavorable reputation, just ask around.
The worst part is I recommended 3FOUR1 to job-seekers and potential clients. The horror stories are still coming in.in summary, I do not recommend 3FOUR1 for service, internship/experience, or employment. It will not pay off, financially or career-wise.
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