I needed a job in marketing or PR and this came up. After 2 interviews where they made it seem that in a few weeks, I would be on the path to a 6 figure salary, I signed on. Turns out, you just sell overpriced products in Sam's Club and go to meetings in the morning where a cute blonde succubus makes you feel like you are better than everyone else and by working at Strive, you are in a special position. In actuality, you are being duped by Smart Circle International, an exploititive company that is all over Ripoff Report, Strive and Vanessa just hide it because they know of bad press. There's an intense turnover rate because people quit or get fired when they start asking questions. There's no benefits, no guarantees beyond minimum wage, and no reason to work here when there are better options. Don't work here unless you are desperate, and even then just sell yourself, it's better than Strive.
Strive Concepts hired me as an entry level associate. I needed experience in Marketing and Advertising as a recent college graduate, but had NO IDEA how much I would learn and be challenged in such a positive atmosphere with such knowledgeable colleagues and mentors. Vanessa has an incredible capacity to motivate not only myself but the entire office to reach our goals (personal and professional) every day. The camaraderie at Strive is what gets me excited to go to "work" every day, and they even host optional bi-monthly team outings where my family and boyfriend can come mingle with my coworkers and now friends. This job has been the most rewarding and challenging position I've held so far, and I am excited about the potential to be a valuable part of this team and to be recognized for my contributions to our overall success as a company as we continue to grow our client portfolio. The travel opportunities are an absolute bonus, but I wouldn't trade the business lessons I've acquired thus far for a cubicle or another cog-in-the-wheel type of job for anything. Thank you, Strive Concepts for giving me an opportunity to realize my full potential!
When I was working there, I was told to post fake reviews to counterbalance the negative ones.
As I posted on another site:
This is a scam. As a young business professional, they hype the job up and say managers are going to make 60k + in their first year. Then why can't vanessa afford furniture in her crummy apartment? Why are even the top "leaders" living hand to mouth? No one that works for strive (or smart circle, which is the parent company that they try to hide) can afford cable, car payments, etc. I did enjoy the people but I quit shortly after I started when I realized even the products we "promote" are scams. Were just in sams clubs convincing people to buy things so that we don't make minimum wage. But if you don't sell $800 worth then you're literally taking home less than $8 an hr and I honestly don't think vanessa makes much more. For the schedule and the amount you work you should actually be paid for 60 hrs a wk, but if you mention anything about them cutting corners they'll say you have an "employee mentality" and you should want to "extra mile" on your dime and that if you really cared about your future the money you make now shouldn't matter. I have an "I want to eat mentality", even on their more lucrative products which were a set of pillows, which my trainer and I sold a lot of, I didn't make more than 550 a paycheck for a two week period. $1000 a month is not livable for a so called professional career path.
I've worked for Strive for the last several months and have learned a lot! I think it's funny that people write things about the interview process that it's bad that they send out emails when someone doesn't show up - isn't that considered couteous rather than desperate? I know that I couldn't have been the only person that sat in a packed waiting room to get into the interview. Why? Because people need jobs! So far this experience has been invaluable.
Sure, when I first came on, was I super excited about working on a saturday? No. Sometimes I'd rather have been out with my friends. But at the end of the day I realized what an opportunity this position is for me. An experience to get to not only build my resume by getting to coach, train, mentor and interview individuals, but also by allowing me to manage my own 3-5 events in my own office and set my own schedule, in less than one year. THat's pretty motivating!
I understand that hard work is necessary and that if I want to succeed and hit my personal goals then I need to learn from the bottom up. Vanessa told us about how her dad started as an orderly in a hospital, cleaning bedpans and now he's a successful doctor bringing in six figures easy. Do doctors have to put in a considerable amount of time, energy ,effort? Not to mention money paying for school? Yes. And they still start from the bottom and move up. What motivates me is that this program is non-senority based - it doesn't matter who has been around for longer than you - whoever is working the hardest, producing the best results, they're the ones who are growing the fastest. Overall, this experience has definitely changed my outlook on the corperate america!
I've worked for Strive for the last several months and have learned a lot! I think it's funny that people write things about the interview process that it's bad that they send out emails when someone doesn't show up - isn't that considered couteous rather than desperate? I know that I couldn't have been the only person that sat in a packed waiting room to get into the interview. Why? Because people need jobs! So far this experience has been invaluable.
Sure, when I first came on, was I super excited about working on a saturday? No. Sometimes I'd rather have been out with my friends. But at the end of the day I realized what an opportunity this position is for me. An experience to get to not only build my resume by getting to coach, train, mentor and interview individuals, but also by allowing me to manage my own 3-5 events in my own office and set my own schedule, in less than one year. THat's pretty motivating!
I understand that hard work is necessary and that if I want to succeed and hit my personal goals then I need to learn from the bottom up. Vanessa told us about how her dad started as an orderly in a hospital, cleaning bedpans and now he's a successful doctor bringing in six figures easy. Do doctors have to put in a considerable amount of time, energy ,effort? Not to mention money paying for school? Yes. And they still start from the bottom and move up. What motivates me is that this program is non-senority based - it doesn't matter who has been around for longer than you - whoever is working the hardest, producing the best results, they're the ones who are growing the fastest. Overall, this experience has definitely changed my outlook on the corperate america!
Just like another report regarding Strive Concepts, I had a very similar experience while going through the job hunt. They're listed on monsters.com, careerbuilders and similar sites. I received an email within a few hours of submitting an application. Then a few phone calls which I sent to voicemail (I don't pick up unknown numbers). I didn't know the company was a scam so I responded to the email and scheduled an interview. Then I looked them up and saw the signs. I didn't attend the interview. They emailed me a reminder for the interview the morning of and the following day sent an email stating that I missed it and when I would like to reschedule. Most credible companies don't hunt you down this much and if you miss your interview without providing prior notice or a follow up email to apologize you sure as heck won't have them following up on you.
Their emails look official with great images and branding. They also have logos stating "Fair Business Report Verified" and "Voted Top Place to Work 2014 by Employees". In my experience, if you see those two, they're a scam company. I live in the Winter Park FL area which is where they are located and that made them seem credible (the winter park area is pretty prominent and I didn't think a scam company would be there).
I did not give them any more of my time to meet but yes you will be treated like royalty and made to feel like you're the best and will make tons of money with great benefits. Then you are miserable trying to sell products at Sam's for low pay. They're those people you see at Sams and other stores trying to sell you random products.
I've copied and paste the emails I've received from them to hopefully help others know that if they received the same it's generic and to show proof that these things will happen.
Dear XXX,
Congratulations on being selected for a preliminary interview! The purpose of this e-mail is to serve as a confirmation for your interview with one of our hiring managers on 09/23/2014 1:00 PM
During this meeting, we will be going over your resume and explaining the job description you have applied for. Please dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume, along with any questions you might have. Should you have any questions or concerns, or for help finding our building, please call our office at (321) 304-7996.
Our Location:
941 West Morse Blvd. | Suite 100 | Winter Park, FL 32789
***Location details: We are located on the corner of Denning and Morse in the large glass building labeled Heritage Park.***
Strive Concepts, Inc. Reviews
I needed a job in marketing or PR and this came up. After 2 interviews where they made it seem that in a few weeks, I would be on the path to a 6 figure salary, I signed on. Turns out, you just sell overpriced products in Sam's Club and go to meetings in the morning where a cute blonde succubus makes you feel like you are better than everyone else and by working at Strive, you are in a special position. In actuality, you are being duped by Smart Circle International, an exploititive company that is all over Ripoff Report, Strive and Vanessa just hide it because they know of bad press. There's an intense turnover rate because people quit or get fired when they start asking questions. There's no benefits, no guarantees beyond minimum wage, and no reason to work here when there are better options. Don't work here unless you are desperate, and even then just sell yourself, it's better than Strive.
Don't think the company is worth my time.
Wow! Since I've read these reviews I don't think I'll be attending the interview I have scheduled today at 12:30.
Excellent Place to Grow
Strive Concepts hired me as an entry level associate. I needed experience in Marketing and Advertising as a recent college graduate, but had NO IDEA how much I would learn and be challenged in such a positive atmosphere with such knowledgeable colleagues and mentors. Vanessa has an incredible capacity to motivate not only myself but the entire office to reach our goals (personal and professional) every day. The camaraderie at Strive is what gets me excited to go to "work" every day, and they even host optional bi-monthly team outings where my family and boyfriend can come mingle with my coworkers and now friends. This job has been the most rewarding and challenging position I've held so far, and I am excited about the potential to be a valuable part of this team and to be recognized for my contributions to our overall success as a company as we continue to grow our client portfolio. The travel opportunities are an absolute bonus, but I wouldn't trade the business lessons I've acquired thus far for a cubicle or another cog-in-the-wheel type of job for anything. Thank you, Strive Concepts for giving me an opportunity to realize my full potential!
Scam, they post fake reviews
When I was working there, I was told to post fake reviews to counterbalance the negative ones.
As I posted on another site:
This is a scam. As a young business professional, they hype the job up and say managers are going to make 60k + in their first year. Then why can't vanessa afford furniture in her crummy apartment? Why are even the top "leaders" living hand to mouth? No one that works for strive (or smart circle, which is the parent company that they try to hide) can afford cable, car payments, etc. I did enjoy the people but I quit shortly after I started when I realized even the products we "promote" are scams. Were just in sams clubs convincing people to buy things so that we don't make minimum wage. But if you don't sell $800 worth then you're literally taking home less than $8 an hr and I honestly don't think vanessa makes much more. For the schedule and the amount you work you should actually be paid for 60 hrs a wk, but if you mention anything about them cutting corners they'll say you have an "employee mentality" and you should want to "extra mile" on your dime and that if you really cared about your future the money you make now shouldn't matter. I have an "I want to eat mentality", even on their more lucrative products which were a set of pillows, which my trainer and I sold a lot of, I didn't make more than 550 a paycheck for a two week period. $1000 a month is not livable for a so called professional career path.
A good experience so far
I've worked for Strive for the last several months and have learned a lot! I think it's funny that people write things about the interview process that it's bad that they send out emails when someone doesn't show up - isn't that considered couteous rather than desperate? I know that I couldn't have been the only person that sat in a packed waiting room to get into the interview. Why? Because people need jobs! So far this experience has been invaluable.
Sure, when I first came on, was I super excited about working on a saturday? No. Sometimes I'd rather have been out with my friends. But at the end of the day I realized what an opportunity this position is for me. An experience to get to not only build my resume by getting to coach, train, mentor and interview individuals, but also by allowing me to manage my own 3-5 events in my own office and set my own schedule, in less than one year. THat's pretty motivating!
I understand that hard work is necessary and that if I want to succeed and hit my personal goals then I need to learn from the bottom up. Vanessa told us about how her dad started as an orderly in a hospital, cleaning bedpans and now he's a successful doctor bringing in six figures easy. Do doctors have to put in a considerable amount of time, energy ,effort? Not to mention money paying for school? Yes. And they still start from the bottom and move up. What motivates me is that this program is non-senority based - it doesn't matter who has been around for longer than you - whoever is working the hardest, producing the best results, they're the ones who are growing the fastest. Overall, this experience has definitely changed my outlook on the corperate america!
This was faked
I can tell you right now, that this was Vanessa who wrote this. Don't believe a word they say.
A good experience so far
I've worked for Strive for the last several months and have learned a lot! I think it's funny that people write things about the interview process that it's bad that they send out emails when someone doesn't show up - isn't that considered couteous rather than desperate? I know that I couldn't have been the only person that sat in a packed waiting room to get into the interview. Why? Because people need jobs! So far this experience has been invaluable.
Sure, when I first came on, was I super excited about working on a saturday? No. Sometimes I'd rather have been out with my friends. But at the end of the day I realized what an opportunity this position is for me. An experience to get to not only build my resume by getting to coach, train, mentor and interview individuals, but also by allowing me to manage my own 3-5 events in my own office and set my own schedule, in less than one year. THat's pretty motivating!
I understand that hard work is necessary and that if I want to succeed and hit my personal goals then I need to learn from the bottom up. Vanessa told us about how her dad started as an orderly in a hospital, cleaning bedpans and now he's a successful doctor bringing in six figures easy. Do doctors have to put in a considerable amount of time, energy ,effort? Not to mention money paying for school? Yes. And they still start from the bottom and move up. What motivates me is that this program is non-senority based - it doesn't matter who has been around for longer than you - whoever is working the hardest, producing the best results, they're the ones who are growing the fastest. Overall, this experience has definitely changed my outlook on the corperate america!
Just like another report regarding Strive Concepts, I had a very similar experience while going through the job hunt. They're listed on monsters.com, careerbuilders and similar sites. I received an email within a few hours of submitting an application. Then a few phone calls which I sent to voicemail (I don't pick up unknown numbers). I didn't know the company was a scam so I responded to the email and scheduled an interview. Then I looked them up and saw the signs. I didn't attend the interview. They emailed me a reminder for the interview the morning of and the following day sent an email stating that I missed it and when I would like to reschedule. Most credible companies don't hunt you down this much and if you miss your interview without providing prior notice or a follow up email to apologize you sure as heck won't have them following up on you.
Their emails look official with great images and branding. They also have logos stating "Fair Business Report Verified" and "Voted Top Place to Work 2014 by Employees". In my experience, if you see those two, they're a scam company. I live in the Winter Park FL area which is where they are located and that made them seem credible (the winter park area is pretty prominent and I didn't think a scam company would be there).
I did not give them any more of my time to meet but yes you will be treated like royalty and made to feel like you're the best and will make tons of money with great benefits. Then you are miserable trying to sell products at Sam's for low pay. They're those people you see at Sams and other stores trying to sell you random products.
I've copied and paste the emails I've received from them to hopefully help others know that if they received the same it's generic and to show proof that these things will happen.
Dear XXX,
Congratulations on being selected for a preliminary interview! The purpose of this e-mail is to serve as a confirmation for your interview with one of our hiring managers on 09/23/2014 1:00 PM
During this meeting, we will be going over your resume and explaining the job description you have applied for. Please dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume, along with any questions you might have. Should you have any questions or concerns, or for help finding our building, please call our office at (321) 304-7996.
Our Location:
941 West Morse Blvd. | Suite 100 | Winter Park, FL 32789
***Location details: We are located on the corner of Denning and Morse in the large glass building labeled Heritage Park.***
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
Human Resources Team
[email protected]
(863)703-2137
941 W Morse Blvd Suite 100
Winter Park, FL 32789
Direct Line: (321) 263-1598