Beware of Statement Models aka First Place Models run and owned by Allen Knauer. They do not pay their models!!!
I first signed with Statement Models about 2 years ago. I only received one of my checks on-time. Every check there after was late and I heard every excuse in the book. Knowing that "you should never bite the hand that feeds you, " I patiently waited for my checks, always trying to give this man the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunatley, I was wrong and didn't do my homework.
I am an independent contractor and signed a contract to work a Tradseshow for Statement Models in San Fransisco, July 15-17th. Compensation was $700 for three days of work at SEMICON WEST as well as $100 for an expense re imburement. So $800 total. It has been 7 months and I still have not been paid. All of my e-mails and phone calls have not been returned. If you google this agency, a plethora of postings have been submitted by other distraught models who have not been paid. A very disturbing article was also written in the Chicago Tribune. Refer to first link to read article.
Http://usacomplaints.com/reports/0/352/RipOff0352276.htm
Http://usacomplaints.com/complaints/statement-models-indy-models-1st-place-models-c160274.html
Http://usacomplaints.com/reports/0/310/
Allen uses excuse after excuse to not pay... Whether it being a rough economy, being sick, the client hasn't paid, yet or the agency being closed for a several weeks... The list will go on and on... If you read the links above, you will know that this man is dishonest and has verbally stooped to a low with some of his e-mails. Through several e-mails and conversations with other models, I have learned that the clients are also REQUIRED to pay Allen upfront, so I know he has received payment from the client.
It is sad that once we finally write the honest truth about this man, he chooses to berate us, and then write some GROUNDLESS excuse to why our relationship has now been "terminated."
I have been successfully working as a Spokes Model for the past six years and continue to be hired for my outstanding performance and work. I have never had a problem booking other events based on my positive reviews from a plethora of agencies.
So it has been 7 months and I am still owed $800 from Statement Models. Please do not work for this company unless you want a headache or want to persue legal action... Which it looks like you may have to go to Indiana to do. Read your contract.
Deena r.
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.
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