I have been doing promotional spokes modeling and trade shows for over 8 years. I have many agencies and companies that rehire and/or recommend me for various events. I worked for 1st Place Models (info below) August 11 & 12 at the Health and Fitness Expo at the LA Convention Center and STILL have not been paid the $500 owed. Allen Knauer (also uses the name Longstreet) owns all four companies below. Our contract stated 60 days for payment, but was told I would probably be paid around 38 days. The owner claimed that the payment timetable depended on payment from the client. I found out from the client at the show that they had prepaid 1stPlaceModels for the two models booked. It has now been over 82 days with no sign of payment. I have been in contact with him over the phone, as well as numerous emails, but he seems to always have some pathetic excuse for non-payment. I have filed reports with the Better Business Bureau and FLSA. I have also contacted a lawyer and will be suing Mr. Knauer. Allen has claimed to other questioning payment to me and he has replied that models have not been paid due to "poor performance" Now that seems odd, considering I have an actual forwarded email from Allen from the client I worked for praising the amazing job we did. I am not the only model who has not been paid for various events and $500 is the low end of what they owe others! Although many models from Indiana have said they get paid... Very late... But they get paid. Maybe not paying a model from Indiana is a little to close to home for Allen. Models across the US seem to be fair game though. Do not believe me? Just google "Allen Knauer models" and you will find several articles on unhappy unpaid models. Try calling the phone number listed and you will get an answering service that is full (they all have the same phone number and address, just different websites and email). Try emailing them... No response, unless you plan to book a job or are a new unsuspecting model. I am posting this to make other promotional models aware that these companies are not legit. If you have had a problem with any of these companies, please post another complaint. We need to make it known what agencies are not legit.
1st Place Models
P.O. Box 47821
Indianapolis, IN. 46247
www.1stplacemodels.com
[email protected]
(317) 786-8135
Statement Models
5555 Elmwood Ave. Suite H
Indianapolis, IN 46203
www.statementmodels.com
[email protected]
(317) 786-8135
Indy Models
5555 Elmwood Ave. Suite H
Indianapolis, IN 46203
www.indymodels.com
[email protected]
(317) 786-8135
Indiana Glamour Photography
5555 Elmwood Ave. Suite H
Indianapolis, IN 46203
www.indianaglamour.com
[email protected]
Have you been scammed by one of these companies as well? Then post your comment on this site:
www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-problem_marksbd30sep30,1, 2516031. Column - 77k
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