Complaint Review: Cornerstone America - Scottsdale Arizona

I almost went to an interview with Cornerstone, but after reading these reports I cancelled. I am a professional with integrity and work only with those with integrity. There are people who will make a lot of money working with Cornerstone. Good for you. Have at it. However, there are people who make a lot of money being secretive, telling half-truths and outright lies. Hey, Bernie Madoff did it... until he was caught. In the process he ruined many lives. And don't forget the hundreds of loan salesmen. The people of Cornerstone use the Madoff model. The end justifies the means. If you make money taking others for a ride, it's perfectly fine. Maybe my beliefs on treating others as I would want to be treated gets in the way. The people who work for Cornerstone may call that being being a loser, as I see in a few of the rebuttals. But remember, integrity always wins in the long run. Ask Bernie Madoff.

I have been reading with much interest the reports on this company. I have been involved with this company for about 9 weeks and have had a moderate amount of success selling their products. I have realized it is a true hard sell and a definate one call close. Now when I read about the money I may owe since my account has not yet cleared, well it makes me nervous. It is true that the "advances" that we receive are not enough to live on yet alone think about a 6 figure income. I am looking into other opportunities, but am worried that these shusters will come after me for the $ 2100 they may state that I owe. I feel if I stay any longer, my hole will just be bigger. Anybody with other ideas, please give me some guidance.

I received an email from Cornerstone America just today asking to come in for an interview. Most insurance companies won't initially advertise themselves with the word "insurance" because most people are afraid of that word. Let's face it, insurance companies are not well-liked and have an incredibly negative reputation with the average consumer. It isn't just Cornerstone America, it's every insurance company. Your story reminds me so much of my own experience with another insurance company. The fact is that you won't successful unless you go to the extremes with your clientele. You cannot accept no for an answer. You have to push your clients and push them. Also, I think sometimes most insurance companies do not train their agents well on the products through and through. Sometimes, you'll find your best agents bending the truth in order to make the sale. I spent two months with my insurance company as an independent agent. It's because I was too honest that I was unsuccessful. Let me you give you an example. My company would tell me to explain to a consumer that they can get "x" amount of whole life insurance coverage and that the policy would be paid up after 20 years. That's not true. After 20 years, the consumer would have the option to take a Reduced Paid-Up policy which is not even half the amount that was explained to them that they would have after they paid their policy in 20 years. I sold such a policy to a lady, and now I feel like I deceived her because she didn't get the whole truth. Alot of your successful agents will know stuff like this, but will purposely dodge the fineprint in a contract in order to make a sale. I feel your pain, bud. But I don't fault Cornerstone America for doing what they do. I do believe most of these insurance companies deserve the negative reputation they are known for, but every insurance company is like that. Not all of us can be one of those "make the sale at any cost" type of people. You obviously aren't and neither am I. Insurance sales isn't for us. That's not to say you wouldn't do better at a sales job that didn't involve contracts and legal redtape.

I recieved email same as "J. Cheshire, Connecticut" above. Never was previously involved with selling or any insurance industry jobs!

I am responding to Gerald's report from Arizona. I, also, was pretty desparate to sign my agreement. Your story is totally identical to mine, except all the good leads went to the young, good looking women and favorites of the "boss". It took me about 6 months to finally catch on to this sleezy way of doing business. It really took 6 months out of my putting energy into a decent company. I am working for a Fortune 500 company now, which has a duck in its ads. I am my own boss and sell reputable products. I hope Cornerstone will gets its due one day.

This is an email I received recently. When I searched for Fran Gaetani, LLC Cornerstone America popped up so I did a search and ended up here. I was wondering why someone looking for salespeople would choose me, now I understand. Message from Job Poster Interview Opportunity Fran Gaetani, LLC is expanding in your area. We are looking to fill a sales position in our new Connecticut office. After reviewing your resume online, I see you have some of the qualifications that we are looking for. Therefore, I would like to schedule an interview with you to share some details about the position including products, compensation, leads, etc., and to see if you are a fit for our organization. The times we have tentatively set aside for interviews are on Tuesday, April 1st and Wednesday, April 2nd at 10:30am. Since we will be interviewing several candidates, please email me at your earliest convenience ([email protected]) to confirm our meeting. When responding, please provide your name as well as the best phone number for me to contact you. I look forward to meeting you in person. Sincerely, Fran Gaetani Fran Gaetani, LLC 5500 Bigelow Commons Building # 5 55 Main Street Enfield, CT 06082 1-888-758-3985 SALES REPRESENTATIVE / SALES LEADER DESCRIPTION: * Immediate Weekly Cash Potential * Call on Prospects that have requested to see you * Professional Training * Prestigious Products and Services * Personal Sales and Leadership Development * Advancement Opportunities (Sales Leaders) * Company Sponsored Stock Ownership Program * Bonus Programs and Trips * Potential to earn up to $100,000+ annually You are receiving this employment opportunity email because you uploaded your resume on CareerBuilder. If your employment status has changed or you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can update your privacy and communication preferences from your resume by logging onto CareerBuilder.com: http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/emails/emailsubcenter.aspx Or you can Block this employer from viewing your resume and sending you candidate emails. This email was sent from Account ID AC2ST62G1GCTBDBQM6 and by this logged in User UB6H9643CMH2DKTLFB DISCLAIMER Please be aware that the content of this email has not been reviewed or approved by CareerBuilder and is in no way endorsed by CareerBuilder. You are solely responsible for any response you choose to provide to this email and you do so at your own risk. If you have questions regarding the legitimacy of the position being offered please contact the CareerBuilder Site Integrity Team by submitting your inquiry at: http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Help/Feedback.aspPlease also review common scams and tips for protecting yourself on CareerBuilder's Fraud Page. If you have questions or comments for and CareerBuilder, please use our feedback form.

I left a 13-year career with a major international corporation to accept a position with CA in 2004. I had a bad experience, but I worked with some persons who were having good experiences. The training I received was minimal, but not as bad as some in this thread have stated. Yes, the "qualified leads" that I was promised were total junk. I could have done just as well calling businesses out of the phone book. My boss had STACKS of these postcard-sized "leads" in his desk drawer. They were just garbage. He himself was buying leads over the internet, and I found out that all of the successful agents were doing likewise. This was NOT explained to me during the hiring process. I have worked in sales-related professions since 1981. I am not afraid to talk to people. But I had lots of trouble getting persons to commit to an appointment date & time. I was even stood up twice in one day. I once wrote a nice AP deal for a lady, brought home the check and the paperwork, was ready to take it to the office on Friday...and then she called me the next say and said that she put a stop payment on the check...she had "changed her mind". When I was finally able to actually get in front of a prospect, the cost of the supposedly "affordable" health insurance was prohibitive, which is understandable considering that these prospects were small business people, scraping by, not paying for insurance at the time, and there I was asking them for $400 - $500 a month in premiums to cover themselves and their families with a marginally good policy that does not pay 100% of the true cost of anything. It is better than no insurance at all, but that's it. I can handle the bad if there was SOME kind of good to go with it, but there was just no good in it for me. I was much more successful with Aflac.

I worked with cornerstone for six months. The training was ineffective and I did work hard. I only made about $300 in that time which is why I left. This was the six months advancement they claim to help with you bills. But they never say if you leave you have to pay it all back. It's not even prorated so the sales I made 4 months before leaving, I really did not get money for. If you think about working for Cornerstone DONT.

I posted a response not long ago defending Cornerstone and while in fact what I said is true, about having to work hard and market yourself, etc....I have recently taken off the rose colored glasses. After running out of money to market myself and doing everything humanly possible without a huge price tag attached to generate leads.....I went belly up. Yup. Consider me the small guppy floating upside down at the top of the tank waiting to be flushed down the toilet and replaced by the next inpressionable person looking for a lucrative career. I quit yesterday and posted my " whistle blower " response on another more recent post to ensure higher visability. There is a part of me that feels betrayed because I am starting to see the truth behind all the lies I have been told and the brainwashing I have undergone the past several months, yet part of me still thinks that they are a good company and provide a great opportunity to those who have the time, investment capital and the 10 year devotion to become fully vested. One thing I can say for sure...there are some really great people working for them, though I have dealt with some with the personality of sandpaper as well. One quesion has been weighing on me though about the recruiting of people with no insurance experience. Is it because there are better opportunities out there and they want people who don't know that yet? Are they leary of people with past experience because of how they bad mouth the competition? Hmmmmm. I guess I'll find out soon when I look for another job.

I was intrigued by some of the entries on this page because I can see both points of view, have been contracted with CA long enough to tell when someone with a bone to pick has reported slanted information, if not outright lies, and a few of my own questions were answered by some of those in managment positions. some of whom have names I recognize because they are highly regarded in our office as well as others for being pioneers in the industry. To all who defended Cornerstone, good job and thank you. If I had read all the nonsense posted by some of these negative mouthpieces, I may have second guessed, if not backed out of the opportunity I was given almost a year ago. With that said, I was in a miserable middle managment position and getting nowhere fast so when I posted my resume' on Monster.com, I soon got that infamous email in my inbox everyone seems to be so hung up on. In fact, I got 5 from separate insurance companies. It surprises me that there are so many gripes about their method of recruiting since the reason to post your resume on these job sites is, in fact, to recieve job offers....is it not? My advice is this to those people...if you don't want companies to offer you a job online, don't post your resume' online. Problem solved. On to the next rediculous gripe, the leads. I'll admit that they are predominately useless although I have made sales from them. Even if they were great, you have no chance of having a lucrative career calling only 10-15 people per week and sitting on your "whiny hiney" the other 38 hours of the week while others are out actively creating their own opportunities and succeeding. What are you complaining about the leads for anyway? You are not hired as an employee. you are contracted as an INDEPENDENT agent and Cornerstone GIVES you a website and GIVES you materials and GIVES you leads. at an average of $10 a pop. every single week (at a cost of aprox $100-$150 per week), NONE of which is paid for by you, I might add! What are you whining about again? Oh, you mean the cost of the background check and the cost to put you through an insurance course, the cost to get a license, a SLED report, etc. It's astounding that you expect them to pay for you to get a license, then pay your way afterwards. I suppose you'd all like for Cornerstone to pay your household bills the weeks you spend sitting around whining about your B leads so long that you never call any of them and make the money you need to pay your own way. Maybe you can become a Real Estate agent. after they pay for your course, your license, and deliver eager home buyers to your front door while you do NOTHING on your own to earn an income! Yeah, good luck with that too. Maybe that's why none of you mentioned PDL activities!! What's that you say? Personally Developed Leads. You learn it the first day of training and it's emphasized in every weekly meeting thereafter. Without getting out there and talking to people, calling businesses, joining marketing groups, etc. you have 0% chance of survival. Right there is the reason for your failure. you thought you were too good to actually have to work to build YOUR business, then you want to gripe about Cornerstone because they didn't hand you success on a silver platter. I have two words and they will be my final words: LAZY INGRATES. Jeanette- Charleston, SC To anyone who is considering

As an Independent Contractor most of my life, I have to say that I am not surprised by the "variety" of comments on this site about Cornerstone America. Reason? It's expected when someone who just isn't meant(has knowledge of how) to work as an independent contractor (self employed with their own solid, work ethic, drive, determination, and dedication)and comes in thinking this is a corporate job in Corporate America. I want to thank those that posted reasonable comments that were favorable so that the venomous ones were sedated not so much for me, but for those people who listen to every negative comment on this site and lose an opportunity they could have made successful. I DO plan on giving myself a job with Cornerstone and look forward to my future success with the company. Clearly, there are many out there who simply do not understand what the "job" of an Independent Contractor entails, and what is involved. I spent 12 yrs building from scratch a business as an independent contractor, and I made a decent living at it...(They did not HIRE me, I signed up to "make it work").. I enjoyed wonderful flexibility, pride in my own business, amazing European trips and cruises, success, and most importantly......the ability to raise my baby until it got to the point where my career with this company conflicted with our family schedule as she grew older. I "promoted myself" from very hard work, many hours of try and try again, using the three D's: Determination, Drive, and Dedication. I'm sure those three D's vary to some but the saying is recognized by those in that kind of business. We must self motivate ourselves to succeed and we have no one to blame but "us" if we don't. These are not companies to CHEAT you or SCAM you. This is simply how many thousands of companies exist all throughout the world. And Good, Honest, Trustworthy "Sales/Customer Persons" are needed emmensely. Yes, there ARE lousy, dishonest, slimy salespeople. But the SUCCESSFUL ones ARE NOT. No one continues to do business with a Liar. They make a fast buck, and the NEGATIVE word gets out... A bad reputation is deadly to a salesperson and it sneaks up on them in the end. They move on quickly as no company truly wants that kind of character. If they don't care, that company will surely no longer exist. If they have some blemishes? SO WHAT..what company is blemish FREE? Know of any? Come on, this is a "lawsuit Nation". You will NEVER satisfy everyone, EVER! Security: Yes, there are corporations that hire thousands of employees and give you a Base + commission. Some a hefty salary + benefits. This isn't one of them. But often, you must live, eat and breath your job on THEIR time. You ARE an employee afterall. As a single, dedicated mother of a 12 yr old daughter, I chose to leave a nearly 3 yr pharmaceutical job that paid me a great salary and bonuses, car, computer, cell phone reimbursement and the like. Tons of security...Benefits were outstanding. Do you know what I got? High blood pressure, literally gray hairs that appeared out of no where, bags under my eyes daily and insomnia just to name a few. Sinus infections came and went monthly. I gave up my life, health and soul to make this great living and at the expense of myself AND my daughter who never had me when SHE NEEDED ME. She became depressed and her grades declined. So, my point to all this rambling is this: I received the very same scenario as everyone else in terms of how I was contacted, I went to the interview today, related to nearly everything they (and I know many other companies that run their business with Independent Contractors)said, signed up to take advantage of this very common way of doing business in this great, free country and plan on kicking butt and succeeding like I did in my other business. The potential is much grander here for higher income than the company I spent so many years with, and the structure allows me to work within my "family time". It simply takes a hard work ethic and an understanding that YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. No one is GIVING you a job, you are making the job work for you! And there is always an investment. I will NEVER work for Corporate America again not because I hate it (though lay off's are common and a job within is never a guarantee for life), but because in corporate America, I cannot make my own hours, pick my daughter up from school everyday and make apts. and calls back at home, take vacations when I want and work like Hell when I choose. She would have to go into daycare, and I wouldn't be there for homework and support, let alone plays, field trips etc. My daughter sees me work hard, but knows I do this FOR HER. I will never let a company dictate how successful I will be, and these types of companies (Cornerstone America) are legit, worthy companies that obviously don't want to waste their time on any warm body. They need You to succeed so that THEY DO. It's always a numbers game in sales, "some will, some won't, so what, who's next". It's not mean and nasty, it's just fact! Some buy, some don't. Some succeed, some don't. They look for and advertise for many because they know that in all those flakes, there will be some very valuable raisins. They cannot NOT HIRE someone (well, unless you have a criminal record and don't pass the tests), and some just don't have what it takes (or there could have been some politics in the office like in any job)..thus, the influx of disgruntled ex-employees and the need for reqruiting more. Those who don't like that way of business should just go back/into corporate America because that is where you'll do best. You are signing up to work and make it for you AND for them. In this Free enterprise, it's an opportunity that some could have truly made a lucrative career but are scared away at the commission only structure. Just realize that BOTH careers have a price to pay..and it depends on what you are willing to give up. YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THE EFFORT. Don't expect them to hand you everything like a corporate job does initially. It's not the same. But no corporate job will give you the freedom that being self employed does..I wouldn't trade it for the world!! So PLEASE don't bash this kind of business as Liars, cheaters, and do-no-good-ers. Many people make honest, respectable livings in these kinds of companies, and don't forget: America was build on private enterprise. These companies exist and can build successful people just as much as the corporate jobs can. But it's up to you.. Like they say, "The good news is that you get what you put into it, the bad news is..you get what you put into it".

I am a new agent with Cornerstone, and I had the same apprehensions as everyone else. I too was a victim of Monster, and posted for a job with a graphic design degree. I worked retail for 8 years, and never worked an actual commissioned sales position. I had my doubts about funding everything initially...it's a very valid concern. But as someone had said previously, it's an investment into a business...yours!

From what I have learned of the company, the product that is offered now is different from the one of a couple years ago, and I am very confident in it...When I get my finances in a better position, I plan on signing up myself, and that's from the heart. Speaking of getting into a better position, I had made my first official turn in very recently, and in a time frame of 2 weeks made $1100 (it would have been double that, but I had 2 clients bail due to non-insurance personal issues). Those and some pending clients came from B leads (my largest a B lead and my second largest turn in came from a reprinted B lead), and my own references. I have just gotten into a lead program, and am searching for a BNI group. True, one can not depend on the company given leads forever, but it's a great start if you have the drive and committment.

I will repeat it...this job is not for everyone. You've got to have the certain traits, skills, yada yada yada...you get what you put into it it. Period. I made that money with about 10 hours of actual work. I had to work 110+ hours every 2 weeks to get that after taxes before!

As far as the training goes: it depends on your District and Division managers to nurture you with what they can, but the agent needs to be proactive; ask those questions, be a pest, do your research, create your own presentation, be a pest (yes i meant to repeat that). Bug your supers while you are new and expected to! Like I said, allow them to nurture your development but DON'T expect to be babysat! They can only know your capabilities and your needs if you let them know what they are.

There are sacrifices that need to be acknowledged, and made. The issue may just be with individual offices. As for mine...there are 3 agents less than 6 months in, and they have all made Top Gun standings (a prestigious position for rookies). I plan to be the 4th. I have faith put into me to do so.

As someone above had said, this is an opportunity, not a j-o-b. If you are in a position to comfortably take a gamble with your career, give it a shot. Otherwise, admit that you are not made of the material to succeed in this field (not meant to taken as an insult).

I hope that this helps those in debate of joining the Cornerstone team. Do what your gut instinct is. I was not totally convinced I had done the right thing initially, but I am glad I had. It's a good company, it's a legit company, it's an A- rated excellent company. Ultimately, you work for you.

My name is Melissa Wheeler, from the Fresno, CA division of Cornerstone America. I am 22 years old and live a hour out of Fresno. I was like everyone else contacted by a recruiter from Monster.com - I had my resume on there as I was just let go from my previous J-O-B. I have never been in sales in my life, I was a hard worker for whatever company I worked for and was excellent at customer care. No sales background ever in my life. I am so happy they still contacted me and gave me a call so that I could make up my own mind for myself.

I was contacted, I went to this orientation, and my interview following that. It all sounded to good to be true, be your own boss - get a license which is something I really did want to do, in almost anything. Just didn't know what to get a license in and then, what I'd do after that. So this opportunity was handed to me. I came home and researched the company, found this sight. After reading for hours all the complaints and such, I still felt this company is not for everyone, but I do think I'm one of the few it's for. I was intrigued that the company gave me leads, I thought that would have been the hardest part, Cold calling and I didn't want to do that. So after reading all of this, I still jumped in two feet, I did the class, I called my DSL, and she helped me answered my questions and helped me through, I took the test, and didn't pass my first time, the second time I did.

I recieved my leads which most of them were very old but I needed the practice so I was thankfull they were really old. Some of the leads didn't have the corect phone numebers or names, and some were just too old, or have diabetes and things. I immediately thought wow the rip off report was correct, then I took some advice from my DSL - It's just a name and a number, so I took that approach people that I called that were not interested and that never remember giving there info. to anyone, I could still talk to about there current plan and finally was able to see how I could help these people. I followed the plan - I followed the steps, no the leads I was first given were not perfect but I still got them to sit with me and see if I could help them with there current condition. As I got better and better so did my leads, people remembered being contacted and needed my help. There were times I called someone and they said wow I called a long time ago and I was waiting for this call, help me. I hate my current condition.

My first week I made $300 - the second week I made about $600 - I thought I knew what I was doing. The third week, I fell on my face. I had 8 appointments and only 1 came through, I consulted my DSL and she sat with me and critiqued me. The next week I had my biggest week, I had my first comma check $1,200.00. Ever since then I've brought home a comma check every week since I started, 12 weeks ago. I have made Senior Agent and that just increases my pay. I won a trip to San Fransico and am loving my life. I really owe everything to my team, Fresno, CA has the best darn team I have ever had the pleasure to be working with. I am thankful that even though I read all of these reports that I still took the chance, it's the best chance I have ever taken and I wish I could spread the word to people with the dead in J-O-B's like I once had.

I can never be let go again, I am self employed I can work when I want to work, the weeks I want to be a work aholic I can, the weeks I want to take a vacation I can, and the 2 hour long lunches and drinks and doing things with my friends, I can do all of it whenever I want. That is what I love the most and having lifetime clients and refferals, and helping people, and bringing home more money than I ever have. With more bonus's than I ever imagined possible. I just thought with all of the negative you should hear some positive experiences, I really do believe that this compnay is not for everyone, but for the ones it is for jump in the water is great.

Thanks for listening - you can find me in the Fresno office they know who I am and how to reach me if you're not sure this is true or authentic. If you have this gut feeling and you really do think you can do this, please try it don't take any else's words for your own. It could be your last resume posted ever.

My name is Melissa Wheeler, from the Fresno, CA division of Cornerstone America. I am 22 years old and live a hour out of Fresno. I was like everyone else contacted by a recruiter from Monster.com - I had my resume on there as I was just let go from my previous J-O-B. I have never been in sales in my life, I was a hard worker for whatever company I worked for and was excellent at customer care. No sales background ever in my life. I am so happy they still contacted me and gave me a call so that I could make up my own mind for myself.

I was contacted, I went to this orientation, and my interview following that. It all sounded to good to be true, be your own boss - get a license which is something I really did want to do, in almost anything. Just didn't know what to get a license in and then, what I'd do after that. So this opportunity was handed to me. I came home and researched the company, found this sight. After reading for hours all the complaints and such, I still felt this company is not for everyone, but I do think I'm one of the few it's for. I was intrigued that the company gave me leads, I thought that would have been the hardest part, Cold calling and I didn't want to do that. So after reading all of this, I still jumped in two feet, I did the class, I called my DSL, and she helped me answered my questions and helped me through, I took the test, and didn't pass my first time, the second time I did.

I recieved my leads which most of them were very old but I needed the practice so I was thankfull they were really old. Some of the leads didn't have the corect phone numebers or names, and some were just too old, or have diabetes and things. I immediately thought wow the rip off report was correct, then I took some advice from my DSL - It's just a name and a number, so I took that approach people that I called that were not interested and that never remember giving there info. to anyone, I could still talk to about there current plan and finally was able to see how I could help these people. I followed the plan - I followed the steps, no the leads I was first given were not perfect but I still got them to sit with me and see if I could help them with there current condition. As I got better and better so did my leads, people remembered being contacted and needed my help. There were times I called someone and they said wow I called a long time ago and I was waiting for this call, help me. I hate my current condition.

My first week I made $300 - the second week I made about $600 - I thought I knew what I was doing. The third week, I fell on my face. I had 8 appointments and only 1 came through, I consulted my DSL and she sat with me and critiqued me. The next week I had my biggest week, I had my first comma check $1,200.00. Ever since then I've brought home a comma check every week since I started, 12 weeks ago. I have made Senior Agent and that just increases my pay. I won a trip to San Fransico and am loving my life. I really owe everything to my team, Fresno, CA has the best darn team I have ever had the pleasure to be working with. I am thankful that even though I read all of these reports that I still took the chance, it's the best chance I have ever taken and I wish I could spread the word to people with the dead in J-O-B's like I once had.

I can never be let go again, I am self employed I can work when I want to work, the weeks I want to be a work aholic I can, the weeks I want to take a vacation I can, and the 2 hour long lunches and drinks and doing things with my friends, I can do all of it whenever I want. That is what I love the most and having lifetime clients and refferals, and helping people, and bringing home more money than I ever have. With more bonus's than I ever imagined possible. I just thought with all of the negative you should hear some positive experiences, I really do believe that this compnay is not for everyone, but for the ones it is for jump in the water is great.

Thanks for listening - you can find me in the Fresno office they know who I am and how to reach me if you're not sure this is true or authentic. If you have this gut feeling and you really do think you can do this, please try it don't take any else's words for your own. It could be your last resume posted ever.

My name is Melissa Wheeler, from the Fresno, CA division of Cornerstone America. I am 22 years old and live a hour out of Fresno. I was like everyone else contacted by a recruiter from Monster.com - I had my resume on there as I was just let go from my previous J-O-B. I have never been in sales in my life, I was a hard worker for whatever company I worked for and was excellent at customer care. No sales background ever in my life. I am so happy they still contacted me and gave me a call so that I could make up my own mind for myself.

I was contacted, I went to this orientation, and my interview following that. It all sounded to good to be true, be your own boss - get a license which is something I really did want to do, in almost anything. Just didn't know what to get a license in and then, what I'd do after that. So this opportunity was handed to me. I came home and researched the company, found this sight. After reading for hours all the complaints and such, I still felt this company is not for everyone, but I do think I'm one of the few it's for. I was intrigued that the company gave me leads, I thought that would have been the hardest part, Cold calling and I didn't want to do that. So after reading all of this, I still jumped in two feet, I did the class, I called my DSL, and she helped me answered my questions and helped me through, I took the test, and didn't pass my first time, the second time I did.

I recieved my leads which most of them were very old but I needed the practice so I was thankfull they were really old. Some of the leads didn't have the corect phone numebers or names, and some were just too old, or have diabetes and things. I immediately thought wow the rip off report was correct, then I took some advice from my DSL - It's just a name and a number, so I took that approach people that I called that were not interested and that never remember giving there info. to anyone, I could still talk to about there current plan and finally was able to see how I could help these people. I followed the plan - I followed the steps, no the leads I was first given were not perfect but I still got them to sit with me and see if I could help them with there current condition. As I got better and better so did my leads, people remembered being contacted and needed my help. There were times I called someone and they said wow I called a long time ago and I was waiting for this call, help me. I hate my current condition.

My first week I made $300 - the second week I made about $600 - I thought I knew what I was doing. The third week, I fell on my face. I had 8 appointments and only 1 came through, I consulted my DSL and she sat with me and critiqued me. The next week I had my biggest week, I had my first comma check $1,200.00. Ever since then I've brought home a comma check every week since I started, 12 weeks ago. I have made Senior Agent and that just increases my pay. I won a trip to San Fransico and am loving my life. I really owe everything to my team, Fresno, CA has the best darn team I have ever had the pleasure to be working with. I am thankful that even though I read all of these reports that I still took the chance, it's the best chance I have ever taken and I wish I could spread the word to people with the dead in J-O-B's like I once had.

I can never be let go again, I am self employed I can work when I want to work, the weeks I want to be a work aholic I can, the weeks I want to take a vacation I can, and the 2 hour long lunches and drinks and doing things with my friends, I can do all of it whenever I want. That is what I love the most and having lifetime clients and refferals, and helping people, and bringing home more money than I ever have. With more bonus's than I ever imagined possible. I just thought with all of the negative you should hear some positive experiences, I really do believe that this compnay is not for everyone, but for the ones it is for jump in the water is great.

Thanks for listening - you can find me in the Fresno office they know who I am and how to reach me if you're not sure this is true or authentic. If you have this gut feeling and you really do think you can do this, please try it don't take any else's words for your own. It could be your last resume posted ever.

My name is Melissa Wheeler, from the Fresno, CA division of Cornerstone America. I am 22 years old and live a hour out of Fresno. I was like everyone else contacted by a recruiter from Monster.com - I had my resume on there as I was just let go from my previous J-O-B. I have never been in sales in my life, I was a hard worker for whatever company I worked for and was excellent at customer care. No sales background ever in my life. I am so happy they still contacted me and gave me a call so that I could make up my own mind for myself.

I was contacted, I went to this orientation, and my interview following that. It all sounded to good to be true, be your own boss - get a license which is something I really did want to do, in almost anything. Just didn't know what to get a license in and then, what I'd do after that. So this opportunity was handed to me. I came home and researched the company, found this sight. After reading for hours all the complaints and such, I still felt this company is not for everyone, but I do think I'm one of the few it's for. I was intrigued that the company gave me leads, I thought that would have been the hardest part, Cold calling and I didn't want to do that. So after reading all of this, I still jumped in two feet, I did the class, I called my DSL, and she helped me answered my questions and helped me through, I took the test, and didn't pass my first time, the second time I did.

I recieved my leads which most of them were very old but I needed the practice so I was thankfull they were really old. Some of the leads didn't have the corect phone numebers or names, and some were just too old, or have diabetes and things. I immediately thought wow the rip off report was correct, then I took some advice from my DSL - It's just a name and a number, so I took that approach people that I called that were not interested and that never remember giving there info. to anyone, I could still talk to about there current plan and finally was able to see how I could help these people. I followed the plan - I followed the steps, no the leads I was first given were not perfect but I still got them to sit with me and see if I could help them with there current condition. As I got better and better so did my leads, people remembered being contacted and needed my help. There were times I called someone and they said wow I called a long time ago and I was waiting for this call, help me. I hate my current condition.

My first week I made $300 - the second week I made about $600 - I thought I knew what I was doing. The third week, I fell on my face. I had 8 appointments and only 1 came through, I consulted my DSL and she sat with me and critiqued me. The next week I had my biggest week, I had my first comma check $1,200.00. Ever since then I've brought home a comma check every week since I started, 12 weeks ago. I have made Senior Agent and that just increases my pay. I won a trip to San Fransico and am loving my life. I really owe everything to my team, Fresno, CA has the best darn team I have ever had the pleasure to be working with. I am thankful that even though I read all of these reports that I still took the chance, it's the best chance I have ever taken and I wish I could spread the word to people with the dead in J-O-B's like I once had.

I can never be let go again, I am self employed I can work when I want to work, the weeks I want to be a work aholic I can, the weeks I want to take a vacation I can, and the 2 hour long lunches and drinks and doing things with my friends, I can do all of it whenever I want. That is what I love the most and having lifetime clients and refferals, and helping people, and bringing home more money than I ever have. With more bonus's than I ever imagined possible. I just thought with all of the negative you should hear some positive experiences, I really do believe that this compnay is not for everyone, but for the ones it is for jump in the water is great.

Thanks for listening - you can find me in the Fresno office they know who I am and how to reach me if you're not sure this is true or authentic. If you have this gut feeling and you really do think you can do this, please try it don't take any else's words for your own. It could be your last resume posted ever.

I am an attorney and use monster.com to develop contract leads. Why on earth would I be interested in Cornerstone? Still, they sent me a spammed message. I think Joe (in Eagan, MN) laid it out pretty well. After reading all of these comments, I suspect that the pro-Cornerstone commments on this thread are scripted, and, therefore, I doubt their authenticity.

And it starts again. I left Career Builder because of these dirtbags, and now they are sliming up Monster.com. Why would you trust the hiring practices of a compnay when the contact person lies to you in the first contact??

As stated above the letters says: "After reviewing your resume on-line, I feel that you have the necessary qualifications to be a candidate for a position with Cornerstone." Well My resume distinctly says NO INSURANCE SALES in two prominant places. If David Manganello had even read the title of my resume he would have seen it.

The letter also says: "will be supported from our location in New Orleans while working in an approximate radius of 80 miles from your home location." In my resume I distinctly say I will NOT relocate and will not drive more than 30 miles.

These people do not read anything, they just send mass mailings to anyone with a monster account from the state they are looking for. That is called "spam."

I am an agent with Cornerstone America. Lucas of Texas wanted assurance he was signing up with a reputable company. Lucas, I don't know what type of position you are considering with UGA, however, those who sign with Cornerstone America sign as independent contractors. This is a business opportunity, not a "job" in the traditional sense. It's YOUR BUSINESS and the success or failure of the business is up to the individual agent.

Cornerstone does provide an explanation, written materials, and plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the business you may be invited to start with them. It's up to the individual agent to take advantage of the support and training that's available. It's also makes sense to research any company you might work for and that's easily done on the Internet. Look for business sources like A.M.Best, Standard & Poor Index, and your state insurance department site for information. Ask to talk to others who have worked in the industry, and I encourage you to talk with others who are working or have worked for Cornerstone.

Everyone's EXPECTATIONS are different. My advice? Don't sign on if you think you'll only have to work a couple days a week or if you don't like rejection. This is a SALES business and it's vital you are comfortable making contact with people to make sales and acquire customers.

If you are willing to do the training, put in a 40-hour+ week, CONSISTENTLY prospect for customers, ask for help, and invest the time in learning the system, you can be successful. IT TAKES TIME.

I've worked very hard to get started. I've had some challenges but I'm also starting to see the success that's possible. If you're a person who gives up easily or when the going gets tough, then this business isn't for you.Indeed, this business isn't for everyone. You can have the same experience selling cookware, cosmetics, jewlery, or soap. It's all about being willing to work hard and being able to stick with it.

As for the integrity of the product I have all the confidence in the world in the policies I offer. We target individuals and small business owners who do not qualify for or have access to group health plans. Like any business, some customers have unrealistic expectations about cost and coverage. My best customers understand health insurance is about risk management and they are savvy enough to do their homework.

Customers have lots of choices and ample opportunity to research the market for their needs. I have to work hard to get customers time and attention and in turn I work hard to earn their respect as I respect them.

If you want gaurantees, then I advise you to get a 9 to 5 job with a major employer. There's nothing wrong with working for someone else. Indeed, it may be your best option.

Regards,

I am in the process of signing up with UGA which seems to be a closely linked company of Cornerstone... I have heard good and bad from Cornerstone but really nothing on UGA... I dont really know how the leads work but if people in my area are making good money at it, then I dont see why I couldn't... I would really like to speak with some one that has been in UGA for maybe 2 years or less and had a good experience if possible...

This sounds like a good business idea but all of the negative comments are almost scaring me away ...

Thank you in advance to anyone that helps ...

I had the same generic email that everyone else had. I went to the group interview,signed up. Paid the $245 or whatever it was. 2 days later I called the co. and told them I could not afford the school with thier fees as well. She offered me a scholarship and she returned my check for the so called "Prossessing fee's." They still wanted me in. Who knows, I might have missed a great oppertunity. On the other hand, I talked with my own insurance agent and he said it was a bit shady. I also had to remember that since they were giving me 5 months in advance, that i had to remember that if I quit then I would owe the company so much money. I am not discreting the company whatsoever. In any insurance business, it is dog eat dog. I was recomended to look in the obituaries every day for leads on life ins. Not by this company or any, but from another source. I believe that to be true. All of the unsucessfull out there, do not be mad at Cornerstone. You were hired in as a contractor. That is what you are. Unexpiereinced or senior sales. It is what it it is. It is what you make of it. I do not even work for the company and I am sticking up for it. You can either do really well, or suck. Most people who have posted probably sucked. The main reason why I did not persue this career was that I did not feel confident enough on a commission based salary due to the fact that I have a family to support. I have never been in this field before. It can be promising. There are lots of people out there that make a living of this. There are over 500 different medical insurance agencies out there. You have to sell yourself!!! Do not blame one company on your misfortune. That is up to you. When you look at all the complaints that they have, it is nothing compared to the percentage brought in. If you have it, go for it. F**k the class action law suit. Work is work. Carry on Mates!!
Foster

I was ready to sign up with Cornerstone, even though I thought the presentation was a little "shady". No specifics on how to obtain the health insurance and a brief 5 second follow-up interview, where the manager spent those precious seconds just wondering when could I start. (No background info required or any concerns if I could sell the product). Thank you all from saving me from sailing aboard the "Voyage of Doom". For all of you still working for such a company, just remember Enron. Eventually, the top topples over. (It's the inherent law of physics).

I worked for PFS for about one year. I still can't believe I spent almost 2 hours reading though a lot of the various posts. Also more amazingly is the amount repost after repost of hate. Take this for what it is I'm just spelling out my experience and somewhat my ideals.

True enough I was goaded into being a believer. I have to agree with a lot of the negative posts. They did want me to get every person I knew to a presentation so they could attempt to recruit them, and wanted me to contact every close friend and relative for a complementary financial needs analysts meeting. I was most definitely being pushed to get my recruits in and my meeting set-up. Honestly, like most people I didn't want involve everyone I knew into a venture I didn't fully believe in.

Maybe due to my lack of faith and motivation is why I failed. I ended up with one recruit (my brother) and did only 4 FNA (family/close friends). Only 2 actually were going to have some benefits. Yes I did say benefits. My close friend with wife and one child had 3 separate whole life and 1 term life policies. My trainer and I come to find out that one company was suppose to cancel the other's service and implant there policy, But it didn't happen. My point is this, some people don't pay any attention to there financials. It was due to my involvement with PFS that made this apparent to him. Oh yes, true enough he is at fault and should have paid more attention. Now that wasn't life saving or anything but, nonetheless I am thankful for help I brought him.

I will again agree maybe I didn't sell the cheapest or the best valued life insurance to my friend. He is better off then he was though. Yes, there could easily be a better deal for him. What PFS provided is in NO way a rip-off. Just because the service isn't the best deal out there does not make it a rip-off. Now again with the agreeing, yes it is possible for PFS agent to persuade a consumer to there product, which may very well be less of a deal. Rip-off yes, but that boils down to a bad agent or misinformed agent.

There are so many points that could be addressed both good and bad. First off each office is run by totally different individuals. Unless I'm mistaken there will always be awful and possibility great people anywhere in this world. PFS is a people business. I personally enjoyed the positive environment my RVP ran. There were some people who seemed so positive but so money driven I wouldn't recommend my enemies see for advice. Then again there were some I got to know very well and would trust hole heartily with my finicals or any of my loved ones

In closing, since this already is a lot longer then I intended. I would recommend if giving the chance honestly check out primerica with an open mind. They may not be the best or cheapest and their sadly may be bad people in there company. I have personally met some great people and I'm happy with the little change they had in my life

Thank you for reading my opinion,

Wow, I'm pretty amazed at how ticked some of these people are. If you want to know the truth about CMA from an Ex-employee who was successfull at this read below.

My name is John Fitzgerald, in the 3 years I was with CMA I sold just over $750k in business, was names Rookie of the Year in 2001 for the San Diego Region. If you've been with CMA for the over 5 years in either the Orange County or San Diego regions then you know me. I was in the top 30 in the company nationwide for production while I was there. Got to go on some Kick A$$ trips, all expenses paid (Vegas at the Hard Rock and Green Valley Resort was my favorite). With that said I left CMA due to some political problems in December of 03. Got passed over for Management in the OC Office because they wanted a female manager and some other crap. Tried to come back in October at my old office in San Diego. But honestly, at the point there had been sooo many benefits stripped from the plans that I could not sell them in good conscience. Could not stand waking up every morning with a knott in my stomach because I knew this was not good product I was selling to my clients. I just couldn't do it anymore. But honestly, most health insurance is garbage.

Are some better than others, yeah. But in the end you always get what you pay for. So I'm not going to just bash CMA. In general, if you are selling Health Insurance for anyone, you're selling stuff with holes.

If you're expecting residual income from the Health Insurance game, good luck. My residuals were crap from CMA. Which is sad considering how much I sold. But it's not just them. You're lucky if any health product stays on your books for more than 18 months, regardless of the company. First rate increase and your client is out shopping if they can.

I feel bad for the Managers at CMA & NASE. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Most of them will admitt in private that the stuff is crap, but UICI dangles sooo much stock in front of them that to leave could litteraly cost tens of thousands of dollars. So don't get mad at these guys for defending what they do.

As far as leads go, most of the guys above are right. If you want to be truely successful, you have to go buy your own leads. I spent hundreds a week on leads from different companies, but then again, I turned in between 18-20k AV a week. Maybe that's nothing now, but it was something then.

Bottomline, there are lots of other things you can do with that license. If you're already licensed and looking to get into something more comfortable, look around. I have found that there are plenty of opportunities out there. Don't let your experience with one taint everything. Being and independent agent is the best control over both your time and your income. Just keep looking for the right vehicle.

I have no problem using my name or backing up anything I say so feel free to direct comments to javajnky-at-yahoo.com.

Best Regards,

Wow, I'm pretty amazed at how ticked some of these people are. If you want to know the truth about CMA from an Ex-employee who was successfull at this read below.

My name is John Fitzgerald, in the 3 years I was with CMA I sold just over $750k in business, was names Rookie of the Year in 2001 for the San Diego Region. If you've been with CMA for the over 5 years in either the Orange County or San Diego regions then you know me. I was in the top 30 in the company nationwide for production while I was there. Got to go on some Kick A$$ trips, all expenses paid (Vegas at the Hard Rock and Green Valley Resort was my favorite). With that said I left CMA due to some political problems in December of 03. Got passed over for Management in the OC Office because they wanted a female manager and some other crap. Tried to come back in October at my old office in San Diego. But honestly, at the point there had been sooo many benefits stripped from the plans that I could not sell them in good conscience. Could not stand waking up every morning with a knott in my stomach because I knew this was not good product I was selling to my clients. I just couldn't do it anymore. But honestly, most health insurance is garbage.

Are some better than others, yeah. But in the end you always get what you pay for. So I'm not going to just bash CMA. In general, if you are selling Health Insurance for anyone, you're selling stuff with holes.

If you're expecting residual income from the Health Insurance game, good luck. My residuals were crap from CMA. Which is sad considering how much I sold. But it's not just them. You're lucky if any health product stays on your books for more than 18 months, regardless of the company. First rate increase and your client is out shopping if they can.

I feel bad for the Managers at CMA & NASE. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Most of them will admitt in private that the stuff is crap, but UICI dangles sooo much stock in front of them that to leave could litteraly cost tens of thousands of dollars. So don't get mad at these guys for defending what they do.

As far as leads go, most of the guys above are right. If you want to be truely successful, you have to go buy your own leads. I spent hundreds a week on leads from different companies, but then again, I turned in between 18-20k AV a week. Maybe that's nothing now, but it was something then.

Bottomline, there are lots of other things you can do with that license. If you're already licensed and looking to get into something more comfortable, look around. I have found that there are plenty of opportunities out there. Don't let your experience with one taint everything. Being and independent agent is the best control over both your time and your income. Just keep looking for the right vehicle.

I have no problem using my name or backing up anything I say so feel free to direct comments to javajnky-at-yahoo.com.

Best Regards,

Wow, I'm pretty amazed at how ticked some of these people are. If you want to know the truth about CMA from an Ex-employee who was successfull at this read below.

My name is John Fitzgerald, in the 3 years I was with CMA I sold just over $750k in business, was names Rookie of the Year in 2001 for the San Diego Region. If you've been with CMA for the over 5 years in either the Orange County or San Diego regions then you know me. I was in the top 30 in the company nationwide for production while I was there. Got to go on some Kick A$$ trips, all expenses paid (Vegas at the Hard Rock and Green Valley Resort was my favorite). With that said I left CMA due to some political problems in December of 03. Got passed over for Management in the OC Office because they wanted a female manager and some other crap. Tried to come back in October at my old office in San Diego. But honestly, at the point there had been sooo many benefits stripped from the plans that I could not sell them in good conscience. Could not stand waking up every morning with a knott in my stomach because I knew this was not good product I was selling to my clients. I just couldn't do it anymore. But honestly, most health insurance is garbage.

Are some better than others, yeah. But in the end you always get what you pay for. So I'm not going to just bash CMA. In general, if you are selling Health Insurance for anyone, you're selling stuff with holes.

If you're expecting residual income from the Health Insurance game, good luck. My residuals were crap from CMA. Which is sad considering how much I sold. But it's not just them. You're lucky if any health product stays on your books for more than 18 months, regardless of the company. First rate increase and your client is out shopping if they can.

I feel bad for the Managers at CMA & NASE. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Most of them will admitt in private that the stuff is crap, but UICI dangles sooo much stock in front of them that to leave could litteraly cost tens of thousands of dollars. So don't get mad at these guys for defending what they do.

As far as leads go, most of the guys above are right. If you want to be truely successful, you have to go buy your own leads. I spent hundreds a week on leads from different companies, but then again, I turned in between 18-20k AV a week. Maybe that's nothing now, but it was something then.

Bottomline, there are lots of other things you can do with that license. If you're already licensed and looking to get into something more comfortable, look around. I have found that there are plenty of opportunities out there. Don't let your experience with one taint everything. Being and independent agent is the best control over both your time and your income. Just keep looking for the right vehicle.

I have no problem using my name or backing up anything I say so feel free to direct comments to javajnky-at-yahoo.com.

Best Regards,

Wow, I'm pretty amazed at how ticked some of these people are. If you want to know the truth about CMA from an Ex-employee who was successfull at this read below.

My name is John Fitzgerald, in the 3 years I was with CMA I sold just over $750k in business, was names Rookie of the Year in 2001 for the San Diego Region. If you've been with CMA for the over 5 years in either the Orange County or San Diego regions then you know me. I was in the top 30 in the company nationwide for production while I was there. Got to go on some Kick A$$ trips, all expenses paid (Vegas at the Hard Rock and Green Valley Resort was my favorite). With that said I left CMA due to some political problems in December of 03. Got passed over for Management in the OC Office because they wanted a female manager and some other crap. Tried to come back in October at my old office in San Diego. But honestly, at the point there had been sooo many benefits stripped from the plans that I could not sell them in good conscience. Could not stand waking up every morning with a knott in my stomach because I knew this was not good product I was selling to my clients. I just couldn't do it anymore. But honestly, most health insurance is garbage.

Are some better than others, yeah. But in the end you always get what you pay for. So I'm not going to just bash CMA. In general, if you are selling Health Insurance for anyone, you're selling stuff with holes.

If you're expecting residual income from the Health Insurance game, good luck. My residuals were crap from CMA. Which is sad considering how much I sold. But it's not just them. You're lucky if any health product stays on your books for more than 18 months, regardless of the company. First rate increase and your client is out shopping if they can.

I feel bad for the Managers at CMA & NASE. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Most of them will admitt in private that the stuff is crap, but UICI dangles sooo much stock in front of them that to leave could litteraly cost tens of thousands of dollars. So don't get mad at these guys for defending what they do.

As far as leads go, most of the guys above are right. If you want to be truely successful, you have to go buy your own leads. I spent hundreds a week on leads from different companies, but then again, I turned in between 18-20k AV a week. Maybe that's nothing now, but it was something then.

Bottomline, there are lots of other things you can do with that license. If you're already licensed and looking to get into something more comfortable, look around. I have found that there are plenty of opportunities out there. Don't let your experience with one taint everything. Being and independent agent is the best control over both your time and your income. Just keep looking for the right vehicle.

I have no problem using my name or backing up anything I say so feel free to direct comments to javajnky-at-yahoo.com.

Best Regards,

Glad that you're proud of your "Alliance". Anon, since you know it all...you get a 5 month advance on your policy right? So you sell a $200 plan, you make $200. So you think you'll see the other 7 months ($280) on the "back end"? Nope. You won't see 7 mos, maybe 2 mos if you're lucky. Noboby stays on the plan Stan. Get this Anon, when my clients get a rate increase (which is normal after the initial 12 mos.) I can sell them a new policy with a new company. I get paid all over again my friend. You can only sell once my friend, and once you do -they'll never buy from you again. You are selling a BASIC Hospital/Surgical Indemnity product, it's not even insurance. Anon, look around your office during your weekly meeting (cheerleading session). NOBODY has any professional experience outside of your company. They were recruited from Monster, Careerbuilder, or off the street. There are no agents with prior experience because they wouldn't be caught dead selling your crap. Fyi, no independent wants to sell Alliance. So your clients can go to Disneyland and get a discount, or rent a car, or buy office supplies. That crap is just there to distract your customer from the actual medical plan. Wake up smell the Bulls*&t. Bottom line Anon, you being UNDERPAID, BUYING STOCK WITH YOUR MONEY, SELLING CRAP.

Glad that you're proud of your "Alliance". Anon, since you know it all...you get a 5 month advance on your policy right? So you sell a $200 plan, you make $200. So you think you'll see the other 7 months ($280) on the "back end"? Nope. You won't see 7 mos, maybe 2 mos if you're lucky. Noboby stays on the plan Stan. Get this Anon, when my clients get a rate increase (which is normal after the initial 12 mos.) I can sell them a new policy with a new company. I get paid all over again my friend. You can only sell once my friend, and once you do -they'll never buy from you again. You are selling a BASIC Hospital/Surgical Indemnity product, it's not even insurance. Anon, look around your office during your weekly meeting (cheerleading session). NOBODY has any professional experience outside of your company. They were recruited from Monster, Careerbuilder, or off the street. There are no agents with prior experience because they wouldn't be caught dead selling your crap. Fyi, no independent wants to sell Alliance. So your clients can go to Disneyland and get a discount, or rent a car, or buy office supplies. That crap is just there to distract your customer from the actual medical plan. Wake up smell the Bulls*&t. Bottom line Anon, you being UNDERPAID, BUYING STOCK WITH YOUR MONEY, SELLING CRAP.

"CALL YOUR LOCAL INDEPEDENT AGENT/BROKER AND ASK THEM ABOUT MID-WEST NATIONAL LIFE INS CO OF TN, MEGA LIFE, NASE, AND ALLIANCE FOR AFFORDABLE SERVICES. (THEY'RE ALL THE SAME COMPANY) I ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE THAT THEY (PROFESSIONALS) WOUDN'T SELL THIS TO THEIR WORST ENEMY. IT'S HORSESHIT, PERIOD. GOD BLESS.

Anonymous - Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A."

WHAT A JOKE THIS SAP IS...

The reason that this bozo wants you to call your independant agent is because independant agents CANNOT SELL Alliance services! They are not allowed, if they could they would. The reason they are angry is because they cannot compete with the quality product that we offer. Remember we specialize in affordable insurance for the self employed. I follow one rule leave my client better than I found them. I sold 2 policys today to business owners who had no insurance at all they now have excellent coverage that protects them on and off the job. I am proud of who I represent and what I do. I sleep like a baby.

Don't believe these sorry agents who are independant if they had our products at there disposal they would sell it all day long.
I met one once and had her pitch me. She offered me a product that was total garbage where I had to spend 7.5 k a year before I met my deductable!
What a joke!

INDEPENDANT AGENTS STOP HATING ON CORNERSTONE!

Don't hate the player hate the game!

And please get your facts strait! I laughf at how pathetic your lies are.

"CALL YOUR LOCAL INDEPEDENT AGENT/BROKER AND ASK THEM ABOUT MID-WEST NATIONAL LIFE INS CO OF TN, MEGA LIFE, NASE, AND ALLIANCE FOR AFFORDABLE SERVICES. (THEY'RE ALL THE SAME COMPANY) I ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE THAT THEY (PROFESSIONALS) WOUDN'T SELL THIS TO THEIR WORST ENEMY. IT'S HORSESHIT, PERIOD. GOD BLESS.

Anonymous - Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A."

WHAT A JOKE THIS SAP IS...

The reason that this bozo wants you to call your independant agent is because independant agents CANNOT SELL Alliance services! They are not allowed, if they could they would. The reason they are angry is because they cannot compete with the quality product that we offer. Remember we specialize in affordable insurance for the self employed. I follow one rule leave my client better than I found them. I sold 2 policys today to business owners who had no insurance at all they now have excellent coverage that protects them on and off the job. I am proud of who I represent and what I do. I sleep like a baby.

Don't believe these sorry agents who are independant if they had our products at there disposal they would sell it all day long.
I met one once and had her pitch me. She offered me a product that was total garbage where I had to spend 7.5 k a year before I met my deductable!
What a joke!

INDEPENDANT AGENTS STOP HATING ON CORNERSTONE!

Don't hate the player hate the game!

And please get your facts strait! I laughf at how pathetic your lies are.

I thought about interviewing for similar positions before and my final stance is that usually companies that make your possible earnings sound too good to be true- are. So instead I have decided on perhaps less "possible earning" positions because they are usually scams and take they harder but long term more rewarding and secure routes in employment. I am sure that there are some legitimate companies out there, unfortunately there are to many that aren't so be cautious and remember if it sounds to easy and good to be true- IT IS

California Agent,

I am long over it. Just sharing with the masses about your corporation.

You really got sucked in with the weekly paycheck didn't you? Couldn't get a bi-weekly or monthly check like 99.9% of the health insurance agent force. I give Cornerstone credit, what a scam. Sell insurance (crap) to someone, then get an advance, even if they're uninsurable. Sounds like a winner!!!! YOU get a life Cali. Get off your a*s and see what else it out there. Take those blinders off and get the facts.

Noboby likes a catfish bottomfeeder.

California Agent,

I am long over it. Just sharing with the masses about your corporation.

You really got sucked in with the weekly paycheck didn't you? Couldn't get a bi-weekly or monthly check like 99.9% of the health insurance agent force. I give Cornerstone credit, what a scam. Sell insurance (crap) to someone, then get an advance, even if they're uninsurable. Sounds like a winner!!!! YOU get a life Cali. Get off your a*s and see what else it out there. Take those blinders off and get the facts.

Noboby likes a catfish bottomfeeder.

California Agent,

I am long over it. Just sharing with the masses about your corporation.

You really got sucked in with the weekly paycheck didn't you? Couldn't get a bi-weekly or monthly check like 99.9% of the health insurance agent force. I give Cornerstone credit, what a scam. Sell insurance (crap) to someone, then get an advance, even if they're uninsurable. Sounds like a winner!!!! YOU get a life Cali. Get off your a*s and see what else it out there. Take those blinders off and get the facts.

Noboby likes a catfish bottomfeeder.

California Agent,

I am long over it. Just sharing with the masses about your corporation.

You really got sucked in with the weekly paycheck didn't you? Couldn't get a bi-weekly or monthly check like 99.9% of the health insurance agent force. I give Cornerstone credit, what a scam. Sell insurance (crap) to someone, then get an advance, even if they're uninsurable. Sounds like a winner!!!! YOU get a life Cali. Get off your a*s and see what else it out there. Take those blinders off and get the facts.

Noboby likes a catfish bottomfeeder.

Wow! You've been away from Cornerstone for several years now but still have that much venom to spew? I suggest you grow up, get over it and get a life. While you're at it, clean up that potty mouth and don't tell God to bless anybody in the same sentence where you just cussed out the world.

What a "class" act. Glad you don't represent my company anymore and I seriously doubt you have ever been #1 at anything.

Wow! You've been away from Cornerstone for several years now but still have that much venom to spew? I suggest you grow up, get over it and get a life. While you're at it, clean up that potty mouth and don't tell God to bless anybody in the same sentence where you just cussed out the world.

What a "class" act. Glad you don't represent my company anymore and I seriously doubt you have ever been #1 at anything.

Wow! You've been away from Cornerstone for several years now but still have that much venom to spew? I suggest you grow up, get over it and get a life. While you're at it, clean up that potty mouth and don't tell God to bless anybody in the same sentence where you just cussed out the world.

What a "class" act. Glad you don't represent my company anymore and I seriously doubt you have ever been #1 at anything.

Wow! You've been away from Cornerstone for several years now but still have that much venom to spew? I suggest you grow up, get over it and get a life. While you're at it, clean up that potty mouth and don't tell God to bless anybody in the same sentence where you just cussed out the world.

What a "class" act. Glad you don't represent my company anymore and I seriously doubt you have ever been #1 at anything.

IF YOU WISH TO GET NAMED ON A NIFTY LAWSUIT, GO AHEAD AND "ACCEPT" YOUR JOB OFFER WITH THESE BOZOS. THEY GET SUED DAILY FOR MISREPRESENTATION AND FRAUD. THE INSURANCE IS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR PIANO OR YOUR POODLE, NOT A HUMAN LIFE. THESE GREEDY BASTARDS HAVE AN MLM THAT ACTUALLY CAN WORK, REALLY.

THE ONLY THING IS...YOU BASICALLY SELL YOUR SOUL TO SATAN...YOU KNOWINGLY SELL REALLY, REALLY BAD INSURANCE TO PEOPLE TO MAKE MONEY, THAT'S IT IN A NUTSHELL. IF YOU SELL ENOUGH, YOU CAN DEFINITELY MAKE A GREAT LIVING, GET STOCK IN THE COMPANY....AND THEN WHEN YOU DIE -GO STRAIGHT TO HELL FOR ALL OF THE POISON THAT YOU SOWED WHILE YOU SOLD THIS CRAP TO UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE. I SOLD THE GARBAGE FOR 6 MONTHS...AND FYI, I WAS THE #1 AGENT AT THAT TIME.

I SOLD THE s**t OUT OF IT. THEN IT HIT ME HARD, I AM GOING TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS SOMEDAY. I AM NOW A SUCCESSFULL INDEPENDENT AGENT THAT LEFT THIS COMPANY YEARS AGO. I MAKE A VERY GOOD LIVING AND MORE IMPORTANTLY CAN SLEEP A NIGHT. IF YOU WISH TO BE AN AGENT, CONTACT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD, HUMANA, AETNA, UNITED HEALTHCARE....ANYONE BUT THESE d****eBAGS. FORGET WHAT YOU'VE READ FROM THESE CURRENT AGENTS BOASTING ABOUT THEIR INCOME....THEY ARE GOING STRAIGHT TO F*#KING HELL!!

CALL YOUR LOCAL INDEPEDENT AGENT/BROKER AND ASK THEM ABOUT MID-WEST NATIONAL LIFE INS CO OF TN, MEGA LIFE, NASE, AND ALLIANCE FOR AFFORDABLE SERVICES. (THEY'RE ALL THE SAME COMPANY) I ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE THAT THEY (PROFESSIONALS) WOUDN'T SELL THIS TO THEIR WORST ENEMY. IT'S HORSESHIT, PERIOD. GOD BLESS.

So thankful...

As a recent college grad, I am on the job hunt for a marketing/PR job. Them putting "marketing" in thier title is what made me look at their listing in the first place. Big mistake.

I, like so many other people, was contacted because of resume posted on monster.com. (I am beginning to regret ever posting that resume. Monster should try to monitor who accesses their service, because their reputation is now marred in my mind after all this.) I received about 3 or 4 emails from this company, and 2 phone calls (I thought this odd because reputable jobs don't have time to chase around possible employees. They initiate contact and if ignored, they move on to the next qualified candidate. Cornerstone wouldn't quit).

After the first very vague email, I decided something was fishy and wouldn't go through with the application process. The first time they called me, they used the name "MW" whatever it is. They proceeded to ask me a bunch of ridiculous questions, that if they had read my resume, they would dalready know the answer to. I told them I was busy and would call back. They gave me a phone number to call back with an area code I had never heard of, which is odd since they said they were a local company. Two or three days later, I received another phone call while I was at work from a company called Cornerstone America, and I was very busy and didn't have time to inquire much, so I scheduled an interview not realizing it was the company I already decided I would ignore. I then began researching them, and could at first only find their website, which is ridiculously vague. With this I decided to call the company and inquire, but they still had not given me a local number to call and I had since thrown away the number they did give me. When I looked in all the phone books in my house (3 of them), no Cornerstone was listed. Seemed odd for any business in the area.

I then did more research and found this site. I am so thankful that I read all these comments. I did not show up to my "interview" and told them I do not wish to reschedule. Although I would not have fallen for their nonsense, and certianly would have left the second they said I had to pay THEM to work, I'm glad I didn't waste my time. The point of having a job is to get paid. You should not have to spend money at your place of work to make money. I am glad I followed my instincts and found this site. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME PEOPLE! Use your head and follow your instincts. Red flags are all over the place with this business. I definetly dodged a bullet on this one.

I, too have been in contact with them. A schedule is set up for this coming Monday to discuss my place in the business. At first, I was very excited, cannot wait to meet the Branch Manager, but now that I came across all of this accusation (whether it's true or not) make me feel uneasy.

I have been involved with companies whom you have to pay an initial start-up fees, then licensing fees, and it's the outcome is not pleasant. This sounds like WFG (World Financial Group), except that Cornerstone is limited to their product selection.

I am a highly motivated person, when it comes self-freedom, self-discipline, financial stability, and making a difference in my community. I am expertise in numerous fields ranging from legal to industrial, but thought about venture into the sales career for a bit. If the company is legitimate, it will be an honor for me to part of their success story. If not, I guess I will decline the offer.

Hi John,
I think we may have a possible misunderstanding. Based of course on my assumption that you feel as though "Dennis-Scottsdale, Arizona" is a CEO with the company. There have been many Field agents (including myself in a previous posting) and District Leaders that have posted. There is a possibility that "Dennis" is a Regional, However, none of them are even remotely close to being the CEO of the company.

If this is the case of misunderstanding, I would respectfully request that you rethink your position with your response and possible negative advertisement of our company. People come in many forms. Not always do our words come out correctly or politically, when we feel as though our person and/or livelihood/company are under attack. As an employee of the company I can completely empathize with "Dennis" as it was not only his company but his person that was being attacked. (ie: company meaning his self employed status/district/region; not directly relating to the company as a whole). I, too felt under attack due to very similar reasons and my location is no where close to Scottsdale Arizona (Florida).

See, here is the issue. Those of us that have chosen to contract with the company, as a whole, are very dedicated. There are times when agents, districts and regionals leave. Sometimes it is just time and they are looking for something different. Other times, they see greener pastures and leave to explore. Still other times there may be disagreements with someone within the district/region and they part on disgruntlement of such a disagreement. However, these are still all characteristics of man. Being human, we have different personalities. I have witnessed all of the above possibilities happen within the office I work in and I have to admit, it hurts. It's not the business so much that it hurts, as those of us that stay will inevitably continue to thrive and produce for the company as a whole. But it hurts because we form relationships through knowing how hard each of us has worked to get where we are.

The "Company" cares very much for their employees. The incentives that we receive are unmatched by any company that I know of. Again, we see disgruntlement, and I have to admit, some of it is legitimate. However, I would again only stress that these disgruntlements are typically a direct contact with an individual and the "agents" miscommunications or disagreements. I have not, to this date, ever heard one mention from present or past employees that the "company" as a whole has not held true to their promises. If that were the case, I would whole heartedly dispute it.

Since my last posting to this thread, I have worked for the company for a year. I have my good days and I have my bad days. But what does this truly mean? It means that any sales position, regardless of nature as only one predictability. That one prediction is that it is "unpredictable". A bad day, bad week, bad month, needs to start with the individual and a true analysis of what they have or haven't done to succeed. This is 100% true for myself.

In closing I would only ask, that if I am correct in the misunderstanding that you retract the possible negativeness against the company, as "Mr. Dennis in Scottsdale, Arizone" is NOT our CEO nor even close. Nor, does he represent the rest of the 49 states and many regional/district/individuals that pertain to the company as a whole. However, he is a man that felt directly under attack and felt the need to defend himself and the company he has dedicated his life to.

Thank you so much for your time.

One of the most abused accusations these days is calling someone a liar.

After some brief research (described below for the short-cutter's among us), I did some more internet surfing which lead me to this website, and this thread. The comments from both sides made me chuckle. Here is why:

A friend asked me to research Cornerstone for them because they were considering working there. A brief internet search leads to the company's website, which then leads to me the parent company, UICI, Inc. From there I found there latest annual report and read the following (edited for brevity and relevance):

"Our agents are independent contractors, and all compensation that agents receive from us for the sale of insurance is based upon the agents' levels of sales production. *** Cornerstone America (Cornerstone) (the principal marketing divisions of MEGA and Mid-West, respectively) are each organized into geographical regions, with each geographical region having a regional director, two additional levels of field leaders and writing agents (i.e., the agents that are not involved in leadership of other agents).
Cornerstone [is] responsible for the recruitment and training of their field leaders and writing agents. Cornerstone generally seek[s] persons with previous sales experience. The process of recruiting agents is extremely competitive. {HA! -ed.} We believe that the primary factors in successfully recruiting and retaining effective agents and field leaders are our practices regarding advances on commissions, the quality of the sales leads provided, the availability and accessibility of equity ownership plans, the quality of the products offered, proper training, and agent incentives and support. Classroom and field training with respect to product content is required and made available to the agents under the direction of our regulated insurance subsidiaries.
***
UICI Marketing, Inc. generates sales prospect leads for UGA and Cornerstone for use by their agents. UICI Marketing administers a call center (located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) staffing approximately 120 tele-service representatives. UICI Marketing has developed a marketing pool of approximately nine million prospects from various data sources. Prospects initially identified by UICI Marketing that are self-employed, small business owners or individuals may become a qualified lead by responding through one of UICI Marketing's traditional and internet lead channels and by expressing an interest in learning more about health insurance. We believe that Cornerstone agents, possessing the qualified leads' contact information, are able to achieve a higher close rate than is the case with unqualified prospects."
UICI, Inc.
2004 Annual Report, pgs 5-6
(I encourage you to read more of the annual report at:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/773660/000095013405005039/d22612e10vk.htm)

You see, it is all there, publicly available, in black and white... right?

P.S. As an aside, it is wrong (if not legally, then morally) to post the names and addresses of individuals involved. That is poor form.

Quite honesty, I do not see what the big fuss is here with Cornerstone hiring strategies. I do not work with these guys nor do I know anyone that does.

I also received an e-mail from this company a few moths back and by analyzing the e-mail it's legit to me. I never called these guys, but still. You as the prospect employee should know to research the company first. The chances are any performance based company is all about you. Especially most insurance company's sale reps are mostly performance based. Anytime you see possible large incomes such as the one below it's probably more than likely a sales position and strictly by performance. Not all the time, but most of the time. But it's very clear just by visiting their site this is more a self opportunity than an average 9 to 5 job. Also, they make it very clear that it is an insurance company of some sort. Plus, with just that information you have to have to license to sell insurance policies. So, just by this assumption I would have to pay for that or maybe the company will pay for it. It all depends, but since it is a self opportunity the investment would be my responsibility. It's not allot considering you get a license to sell insurance or whatever kind of insurance they sell and you can use this to your own benefit.

*Immediate Weekly Cash
*Call on prospects who have requested to see you
*Professional Training
*Prestigious Products and Services
*Personal Sales and Leadership Development
*Advancement Opportunities (Management)
*Company Sponsored Stock Ownership Program
*Bonus Programs and Trips
*Annual average is between $60,000 - $80,000


But I do understand looking for work is very stressful when considering the amount of money you have.

The sales potential and your income potential will by far exceed your little investment. I do believe if they are charging above two hundred dollars for business cards and a background check this may be a bit extreme. But I think that also includes some overhead for the team leader of that area. Plus, commitment on your part.

Far as I know in the business world you have to invest to make money.

It's very clear the individuals that are complaining about the initial investments do not have what it take to possibly run their own company. Maybe you can, but you're not really looking at the big picture where it could possibly take you. I doubt anyone will spoon feed you success. It's takes ambition, motivation, optimism, positive attitude, and the desire to really achieve financial freedom every minute, and you must believe what you are doing can benefit people. A few other qualities are also needed and you must keep this attitude even during the times when you are not making money. It takes allot of discipline. I'm sure you guys could do it, but really take a good look at what the opportunity is before you get all upset.

Also maybe the real desire for financial freedom isn't what they really want; it's more about finding a steady income job right away. Definitely nothing wrong with that we have bills to pay that need to be paid. Most people are very happy with this.

Quite honestly for most of us the only way to achieve this is through having your own business period. I have a hosting company it's a bit small, but is does generate a very nice income. It takes time to build sales and loyalty. I have a second income generator (9 to 5) because this helps me with sales in the hosting company, since if not all my jobs are in the IT field. Plus, I get a paycheck. I host quite a few co-workers in the IT field and I'm growing.

But it's not just for any person; you may be happy working a 9 to 5 job and that's ok. I wish you nothing but the best finding a great career.

Also, you posted your resume and hopefully they saw some really great traits about you that you may be a person that will do extremely well. But I believe it's your responsibility to thoroughly investigate the company and becoming more knowledgeable. It would of probably saved you a trip.

The only thing that disturbs me after reading all the comments the CEO himself or President, made those terrible comments about one of the reps. You broke the law.
Those comments are going to hurt the company as whole. I now will never buy anything from this company; because that was the CEO himself that said those inexcusable comments about a person work habits on the internet. You chose a very bad place to do so.

This I believe falls in the category of honesty and trust. I wouldn't trust this company now because their is a chance you may slander my reputation if I have a bad day. I believe you could have presented your case in much more professional manner for such a high official in that company. Or I can assume you just don't care, because you have plenty of money to solve all your problems if they should arise?

I've already notified friends and family not to buy insurance policies from this company period. Remember, I am a respected webmaster and I have an obligation to my customers to keep my professionalism at all times, whether I agree or not. I actually liked the concept, but not after reading that thread. I'm sorry I found that very inexcusable coming from a high ranking officer in the company.

But who am I? I'm Just an IT guy with an opinion and 3 very high traffic websites.

I posted my resume on Careerbuilder, for an IT job (not sales), and low and behold I got this email today:
"I'm Jerry Pearlstein, the Regional Sales Leader for Cornerstone America in Iowa. Based on the information in your resume I would like to speak with you about a position with our company.

Sales reps earn $60,000 to $100,000 first year based on performance.

Managers earn $100,000 to $400,000 per year.

Our company is expanding rapidly; consequently there are management positions available.

We are looking for top quality people who are self-motivated and hard working. I have interview time available this coming Wednesday at 10:00 am.

Please phone me Monday between 9AM to 5PM at 1-866-397-0600 or e-mail me at [email protected] to confirm.

Thank you,

Jerry Pearlstein
Regional Sales Leader"

Am I a lead? Did someone BUY my information from Careerbuilder?? I read all threads on this company here and am not going to pursue this. I am annoyed at this scheme, and have done my deed by posting this..
Good luck Jerry and Cornerstone. I hope you find the right Multimedia Graphic artist to sell your Insurance for ya..
Jennifer in Iowa

John has made reference to Zig Ziglar.

I've read Mr. Ziglar's books. In one of them he gives advice suggesting that a certain sales technique has been losing its effectiveness (he doesn't say why apparently unaware of the reason which I do know). After extensive testing I've learned that Mr. Ziglar is wrong in a crucial area and I've been successfully selling using the technique with a simple modification (Tom Hopkins also talks about the technique in one of his books too, but is unaware of the modification that needs to be made to use the technique).

So in a nutshell many sales books are obsolete (as an active agent I'm still successfully employing the
technique to this present day).

OOOps I meant to say on my last posting that if an AGENT calls a B lead thats over 90 days old he could owe thousands of dollars due to the do not call list...

OOOps I meant to say on my last posting that if an AGENT calls a B lead thats over 90 days old he could owe thousands of dollars due to the do not call list...

OOOps I meant to say on my last posting that if an AGENT calls a B lead thats over 90 days old he could owe thousands of dollars due to the do not call list...

OOOps I meant to say on my last posting that if an AGENT calls a B lead thats over 90 days old he could owe thousands of dollars due to the do not call list...

Well I don't have my name listed because I do not want to lose my residuals. However I will set the record straight for all of you looking at the company and more importantly existing managers.

Lets start with the leads. Since I was higher up in the company then an agent I handled leads.

They have A leads that consist of internet leads that are mainly from pop-ups for 50 dollar gift certificates. I am sure we all have had a pop up. Well go threw the process and you will see one of the things that you can click on are a free quote for either mega life or midwest.
Is that a quality lead? NO!!!
Then they have direct mail leads those are good but now the company started giving agents direct mail leads missing some of the contact information. Thats not good. And then we have telemarking leads. Well most of them are bad and never remember speaking to the telemarketer.

Then you have B leads that are reprints.

Then C leads? What are those? Thats reprints of the B leads. They are handed out to different agents. Have you ever wondered how another agent called the same B lead as you? Hmmm

Oh By the way Check out the Do Not Call List. You have 90 days to use a lead after it has been scrubbed from the do not call list. Well what do you think could happen if an agent calls a B lead that's over the 90 day mark and the client gets pissed? Well that client can owe thousands of dollars if the client is now on the do not call list.

THEY DON'T EXPLAIN THIS IN TRAINING DO THEY????

Ok now lets look at managment. Did you know there are companies where you can be a manager without having to pay for the office expenses? I'm not gonna list them but they are on career builder and monster.

AND MANAGERS LISTEN UP.

CHECK YOUR LEAD REPORT. WHEN YOU LEAVE YOU OWE THE COMPANY THAT MONEY. I AM FRIENDS WITH 3 EX NASE MANAGERS AND ANOTHER CORNERSTONE MANAGER BETWEEN THE 5 OF US WE OWED THEM OVER 20,000 DOLLARS.

WHERE WAS MY MANAGER TRAINING TO EXPLAIN THIS. OOOOOPS WE NEVER GOT ONE


And last and not least the insurance plans. I will not list the details on the plan but I will say on some of their plans a client can have a massive amount out of pocket on a catistrophic claim.

STAY AWAY FROM CORNERSTONE AMERICA AND NASE

I would like more information on this organization. Thank you.

My name is Ken. I have been with Cornerstone around 2 1/2 years and have been a District Sales Leader for 2 years of it. I have enjoyed every waking minute of my opportunity here. With that out of the way, I would like to address some the things I have read on this website about my company. I would first like to say, (for those of you who were aboard and did not succeed) if you who have put time and energy into research and investigation, had devoted half as much time into your business, you would be successful and thriving still today with our great company. For those of you still undecided, your due dilagence is a sign that you have true potential here as long as the energy is redirected into your business.

I do say "your" business for a reason... because it is just that. It is your's to do with what you will. I as a DSL, am here to give you every tool available in my arsenal to make you as successful as possible (it is in both of our best interests). How many other business' out there (that you would start on your own), are going to do that for you? If you start an internet business, a car repair shop, etc... are going to not only give you materials and training, but leads for clients as well.

As far as the leads are concerned, I as a DSL, do in fact, pay for the leads for my team. And in paying for those leads, I can determine who I give the "freshest" and "best" leads to. That being said, I am going to give those to the people with the most drive, enthusiam and positive attitudes possible. Those who do not have those qualities, get reprints or "b" leads. As for the "b" leads, it is simple. There are several ways a lead becomes a "b" lead. #1 an agent no longer with us returns their leads. Obviously there is a reason for their departure. It is left to me (the DSL, who has paid for those leads) to assume that they have not been worked properly (because we don't make up names, put them on a piece of paper, and then distribute. These are people who have contacted us, at some point or another.). Therefore, I redistribute them. #2 there is a place on our application to put the lead # when a lead has been sold. If the agent fails to write this # in, then the company automatically assumes that this client has not been contacted (therefore reprint and redistribute). And #3 if the client contacted no longer expresses interest in our product or is uninsurable by our standards, most agents make the mistake of throwing the lead away, instead of turning it back in to be pulled from the system. So, until we know the status of the lead that we gave out, we will continue to redistribute until the client is either serviced or reported on.

As to the "fee" for coming aboard. We did pay for this at one point, but with people starting school and not finishing or taking the test and failing (never to return for another try), we chose to no longer take on this responsibility and in return offer a reimbursment after the commitment was taken taken care of. This is not asking alot, if in fact, you are serious about your career. At the very worst, you walk away with a very marketable license. You are not paying to get a job here. You are investing in your career.

All of my agents are extremely happy, from my worst to my best agent. They have been thoroughly trained and supported (feel free to contact me for their #'s, with their permission of course) and also understand 3 very important key elements to their success here. #1 If you don't work, you don't succeed. #2 Don't try to re-invent the wheel, I have taken all the lumps before their arrival and can save them alot of headache. Most importantly #3 people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. We get paid to help people. It's a terrible problem we have here.

Our product is designed for independant contractors and small business owners. It is not an "every case" product, it is a "just in case" product. If explained properly, the client is fully aware of everything involved in that.

Yes, we have been sued before, but so have every other health care provider out there at some point or another. It is impossible to make everyone happy. We are not afraid to say that we have made mistakes, nor are we afraid to face them head on, working towards a solution or resolution. Every good company has growing pains and our's is no exception. But, we push on and upward, getting bigger and better by the day.

In closing, ultimately you have to make a decision on Cornerstone based on your own gut instincts (as do we on you, when we offer you the opportunity). Whatever your decision, I hope that I have helped clarify some questions or doubts for you, and wish you all the best in your future endeavers.

Like everyone else, I received a similar email after posting my resume on monster.com

"After reviewing your resume, I feel you may have the outstanding qualities we at Cornerstone America are looking for in our Sales Leaders. Please contact Lori, my Recruiting Coordinator on Monday after 9:00 AM to schedule an interview. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Scott Carpenter, Regional Sales Leader
2520 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 220
Sacramento, Ca 95833
916-679-0900
[email protected]


Cornerstone America supplies American entrepreneurs with business support and product services that reduce operating expenses - making our services very appealing to our customers."


Now, while I am changing careers from providing Tech Support (yes, customer service) to business (recently earned my MBA), I was intrigued by the above email. Gary Secondino's weblog, Gerald and Steve's details and Bob, Keith and Ralph's comments are all worthwile for me NOT to do anything but to delete the above email. I have a family and a house payment to make. I am concerned by getting a job that is commission only where I am a contractor (much like a real estate agent). I need a base + commission (at least to start), otherwise, I need a regular salaried position. The idea that they are charging for leads (or expecting you to provide your own) and they charge you for their 'background check' and training? C'mon. That's a line of crock. Once again, I am thankful for ripoffreport for helping me not to become a victim, and possibly lose my house.

Thanks...

I'm in the process of investigating some health-insurance spam sent by the typical anonymous spammers, so I used a distinctive investigative address to fill out the spam-advertised web site.

It was a local Cornerstone rep who called me back.

According to the new (2005) California anti-spam law, I can file suit for $500 in small claims against the local rep. for benefitting from the spam, whether or not they sent it personally.

Like junk faxing, spamming can get the final user of the lead in legal trouble.

Cornerstone reps need to get a clue where these leads are coming from - some of them may be stings from law enforcement as well as outraged consumers.

I have read all the comments and rebuttals that this thread has to offer. The funny part is how I got to reading it. I got an email from a recruiter in the Madison area which was very similar to the other emails that so many of us careerbuilder and monster subscribers seem to get. I decided that I would type in the company name into Yahoo! and see what I could find. Third down on the list is the rip-off report. Not very good for Cornerstone I might say.

I worked for a company quite similar to Cornerstone called Primerica. This "wonderful" company set me up in the same way EXCEPT they told me I had to find my leads. Quite frankly I would prefer my own leads to recycled leads anyway. The fact of the matter is given new agents recycled leads IS deceptive.

Don't trust a company that sends you an unpersonalized email about how they "really need to interview you". At Primerica they told me I would be a Regional VP in 3-5 years...there many better things to with a degree if you have one, and don't get involved if you don't have money or the time. Don't get me wrong, this kind of company works for a lot of people, but be weary if you are in a smaller area.

I have read all the comments and rebuttals that this thread has to offer. The funny part is how I got to reading it. I got an email from a recruiter in the Madison area which was very similar to the other emails that so many of us careerbuilder and monster subscribers seem to get. I decided that I would type in the company name into Yahoo! and see what I could find. Third down on the list is the rip-off report. Not very good for Cornerstone I might say.

I worked for a company quite similar to Cornerstone called Primerica. This "wonderful" company set me up in the same way EXCEPT they told me I had to find my leads. Quite frankly I would prefer my own leads to recycled leads anyway. The fact of the matter is given new agents recycled leads IS deceptive.

Don't trust a company that sends you an unpersonalized email about how they "really need to interview you". At Primerica they told me I would be a Regional VP in 3-5 years...there many better things to with a degree if you have one, and don't get involved if you don't have money or the time. Don't get me wrong, this kind of company works for a lot of people, but be weary if you are in a smaller area.

I have read all the comments and rebuttals that this thread has to offer. The funny part is how I got to reading it. I got an email from a recruiter in the Madison area which was very similar to the other emails that so many of us careerbuilder and monster subscribers seem to get. I decided that I would type in the company name into Yahoo! and see what I could find. Third down on the list is the rip-off report. Not very good for Cornerstone I might say.

I worked for a company quite similar to Cornerstone called Primerica. This "wonderful" company set me up in the same way EXCEPT they told me I had to find my leads. Quite frankly I would prefer my own leads to recycled leads anyway. The fact of the matter is given new agents recycled leads IS deceptive.

Don't trust a company that sends you an unpersonalized email about how they "really need to interview you". At Primerica they told me I would be a Regional VP in 3-5 years...there many better things to with a degree if you have one, and don't get involved if you don't have money or the time. Don't get me wrong, this kind of company works for a lot of people, but be weary if you are in a smaller area.

I would love to speak to anyone or send mail about your real experiences with this company and if they are genuine in every way they advertise?

I too was contacted via careerbuilder.com employment site with opportuntiy from this company, and it sounded too good to be true on several fronts. Yet I stood open minded.. The Regional manager who contacted me was from Greenville, SC area. I also went to the intial meeting to get more information. But they only covered positive aspects without substance kind of liek a MLM company would- bait & switch type attitude to get your interest but nto divulge too much in depth. . They say they are not MLM, but..........

However, my company has resources of information, investigation and databases which we use. I was interested to become Agent for Cornerstone America or better yet " Alliance for Affrodable Services" as it was marketed in the meeting here. I udnerstood with a memebership in Allians for Affordable Services there is clout and buying power of many, and thatw as hwo they said they could offer such low priced offers to thsoe who would be member for $40.00 per month. But, they told us that is not where we get commissions. Thsoe came from the secondary health & life policies they provide for personal or business individuals. No group plans right now, but thsoe would come in march sometime. Then they mentioend a $250.00 per month prem,ium for those and calculated our expected commissions from sales on this figure. Problem is, I asked a few questions that really were not answered well. So I set to make contact to various regulatories and others I know and wanted to find out what is the covereages available and at what price, as none of that was discussed either. I find it hard for $250.00/month they can provide the ehalth policy they told us with no limitations basically and everything covered the way they described it!

First, UICI, the mother over CornerStone, Alliance for Affordable Services, Mid-West LIfe, etc.,(all are inter-related if you dig deep enough) is right now about to begin litigation of a major class action suit against them because of securities violations and unethical reporting of company books and profits to superficially inflate their stock a couple years back to deceive buyers of their stock, and a few insider corp. top execs made millions selling when this occured. This worried me immensely dealing to the investment industries for many years to read.

Next, to try to find anything about this Mid-West Life of Tennesse, I was referrred back to Cornerstone in Texas, and also found Mid-West of TN operations are from Texas too which we found odd? I couldn't stay in TN, and always ended up back in Texas regardless who Ic alled or looekd up. But, the Texas Dept. of Insurance (regulatory for insurance co's in Texas) supplied a run down on Mid-West and from about July 1999 to April 2004, there were so many fines and investigations launched into them, that as a consumer worried me to see to be honest. Under the Complaint Index an index of 1.00 is considered average, and any number less than that was good and of few complaints. But, Mid-West Life had an index of 40.4398 (life & annuities) and index of 12.6548 (accident & health) respectively. Researching further, we find Mid-West is a kind of a broker of Cornerstone, which is the marketing arm of Alliance for Affordable Services which is part of the UICI family- in whole, in another light this same set up would be called "building of chinese walls" by attornies if we were talking illegal immigration and contractors who use various contractors and subcontractors and subs under them to hide their practices.

Yes, we hear from many that Cornerstone is great for them and how you can be well off after vesting 10 years with them, but when I am to be licensed as a private contractor under SEC or other regulatory controls, and the product I am trying to sell does not own up to what it is suppsoed to be, all liability and shame will come back on me- Not CornerStone or UICI; and why it is important I know experiences of others selling these products and their effectiveness before I put my name and face out inot the public for the same.

Now, I tried to contact Mid-West Life in TN and immediately they sent me back to Cornerstone in Texas. Odd? Why, if they were the insurer (which I though they were) as one is lead to believe, can't they not answer questions we had about types of policies and coverages available? The reason we find now, is because they are a broker netwrok still again, and NOT the insurer al all, and hence, take your information you enter on the Mid-West site and shop that around to get rates from other well known insurers, and then come back to the purchaser as if they, Mid-West, was insuring them; but really is not.

I mean brokers have a place in the world. But, when you talk of securities and insurance industry, the federal rules and penalties are such that if you cannot cut to the chase and deal direct to who is providing you the product you seek, how can you feel comfortable with the product they bring back to you later? Because YOU, as that licensed Agent, will have the complaints listed against your license and that can lead to more troubels with the feds later on.

Now, also, this registration Agent fee with Cornerstone, why? Because in other forms of business we have dealt with, and federal law enforcement and international agencies, anyone requring a "front fee" like this, and is not the provider of the product or service themselves, is no different than a Nigerian 419 advance fee fraud situation the US Secret Service warns people about staying away from. is this different?

Why does an independent agent have to pay Cornerston a front fee, when the agent will be taking 100% of all liabilities upon themselves once they are icensed and offering these products. Just something about all the levels and divisions you go through and still cannot get an answer because in the end, Conerstone cannot give you any answers to health care policies because they, UICI or their other divisions are not the insurer. This in itself would make anyone worry.

Just call one of the major insurers directly and see what they tell you on coverage and not go through a 3rd or 4th party broker, right?

Please, if there is somethign I don't understand about being an Agent, contact me diretcly. I would liek to know. But just goign through some securities and insurnace databases we have and what I am finding, makes me worry about investing 10 years of my life for such compnay.

Needless to say I am an agent with Cornerstone America. Yes, it's obvious that some of us received emails that we responded to. Most of all whether or not we accepted the opportunity that Cornerstone offered was above all else A CHOICE! This is what life is all about. We choose our friends, whether or not to get married, have kids and even to turn left or right while driving down the road.

My choice, was to take Cornerstone up on their offer. Ironically enough, I've only been with the company about 3 months. So, far you have either heard from disgruntled agents or people that didn't succeed that have provided negative details about this company. Others have YEARS of experience. Still others are in the investigative process. *kudos to you*. I have to admit after the initial interview I too was skeptical. I did mounds of research even going to far as to calling my state insurance bureau, the BBB and several other governmental investigative agencies. I wanted to be assured that my "money" was not being wasted on a get quick pie in the sky dream. After all of this, I was still intrigued and continued with this pursuit.

Although I have not made but one sale so far, I realize that my lack of progress is of my own doings. Yes, we get re-printed leads. But we also get fresh leads. But let's talk about these re-printed leads for a second. I work these on a regular basis. Sure some are stale and are wrong numbers and such, but this occurs even with fresh leads. People just put in wrong numbers or give misinformation for whatever reason. It happens, I've actually done it. But I will gladly take all those re-prints and if you don't want them, send them on over! These people are typically leads that requested information and the "fresh lead" was given to an agent that either never followed up or quit the company prior to contact. These people were typically NEVER CONTACTED! Therefore, if you don't bother to contact the "re-prints" these people still have yet to be contacted. Luckily I have a great DSL and a terrific RSL. But more on my DSL is the fact that he "knows" my determination. So, I get "extra" because he "knows" I will work it.

Last week I went in and specifically asked for more leads. The response was "they are re-prints". I gladly accepted. After the first 20 calls, I had 3 appts for next week. After the next 20 calls, I got 3 more. Today I sit on 6 appts for next week, all generated from re-prints. While some may not be "insurable" our company has many other great benefits to membership. Also, just because they don't qualify for full fledged cadillac package type insurance does not mean they don't qualify for membership. Nor does it mean they are not at the very least qualified for an accident policy. *let's not forget our ancilliaries*.

My entire point is, if you don't bother to work it, you will never succeed at anything. No, not everyone is cut out for this position. It is a few and rare breed. However, if it weren't for those of us who are, then the government better step up the punch to provide more welfare services, because the normal average person can not afford our competition, nor will they get as good a program as we provide.

*on a personal note. When I was hired I had just been released from the hospital for two serious health conditions. I was completely upfront about my situation and knew that because of this it would take me a little longer than others. However, despite these problems I was still given a chance. At the same time, the company I had been working for fired me for these health conditions even though they happened on the job and were a direct result from my work environment. To this day the previous employer has not paid a single dime to me nor acknowledged workers compensation or anything else. In my total opinion, Cornerstone was a God send. It has now enabled me to not only adjust to a health impaired lifestyle, but to also be completely successful on my own terms.

Like many others, I posted a resume to careerbuilder.....and have been contacted at least twice with the same emails as mentioned. I'm definately not a "salesperson". Still I was curious to know about the company and like anyone with half a brain and a computer, decided to research it. Thankfully, this site came up third on the list!

My question/concern isn't about WORKING for such an outfit....my concern is WHAT is the product?? Insurance, right? What else? If that's the product, why are there concerns in one of the rebuttals about non-payment of claims? Who would buy insurance from a company that has to "work so hard" to get people signed up? Insurance is easy! Everyone needs it......and if you're not with a company you've ever heard of, then you may want to rethink who you're sending your money to.

We as independent brokers represent most of the health plans available in our state. Our primary focus is on serving our clients and maintaining long term relationships. This is one of 2 or 3 plans we are not involved with simply because we find people who are insured under this plan are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk.

First of all, there are so many companies out there that use similar strageties for growth that all you have to do it watch TV, oh surprise, they are called infomercials. You can't expect a company to hand everything to you on a silver plater. This is almost like being self employed, and guess what, when you're self employed to have to pay for your own supplies and get up and find your clients. It's called "WORK" for a reason. No one tells you, you have to sell to your friends and family. They are just leads that you may be more comfortable trying to sell to first. You have to advertise yourself, it's called marketing. With a company like this, you have to invest, time and money, to succeed. Ever been to a candle or tupaware party? Same thing. Avon or Mary Kay, guess what same thing, different product. I could never work for such an unreliable income, so I have a regular, pay per hour job. Maybe some of these less than successful people should do the same. It take a very outgoing and agressive individual to really make money with this kind of job. I'm just lucky that I knew before I invested my time and money, I'm not one of them.

First of all, there are so many companies out there that use similar strageties for growth that all you have to do it watch TV, oh surprise, they are called infomercials. You can't expect a company to hand everything to you on a silver plater. This is almost like being self employed, and guess what, when you're self employed to have to pay for your own supplies and get up and find your clients. It's called "WORK" for a reason. No one tells you, you have to sell to your friends and family. They are just leads that you may be more comfortable trying to sell to first. You have to advertise yourself, it's called marketing. With a company like this, you have to invest, time and money, to succeed. Ever been to a candle or tupaware party? Same thing. Avon or Mary Kay, guess what same thing, different product. I could never work for such an unreliable income, so I have a regular, pay per hour job. Maybe some of these less than successful people should do the same. It take a very outgoing and agressive individual to really make money with this kind of job. I'm just lucky that I knew before I invested my time and money, I'm not one of them.

First of all, there are so many companies out there that use similar strageties for growth that all you have to do it watch TV, oh surprise, they are called infomercials. You can't expect a company to hand everything to you on a silver plater. This is almost like being self employed, and guess what, when you're self employed to have to pay for your own supplies and get up and find your clients. It's called "WORK" for a reason. No one tells you, you have to sell to your friends and family. They are just leads that you may be more comfortable trying to sell to first. You have to advertise yourself, it's called marketing. With a company like this, you have to invest, time and money, to succeed. Ever been to a candle or tupaware party? Same thing. Avon or Mary Kay, guess what same thing, different product. I could never work for such an unreliable income, so I have a regular, pay per hour job. Maybe some of these less than successful people should do the same. It take a very outgoing and agressive individual to really make money with this kind of job. I'm just lucky that I knew before I invested my time and money, I'm not one of them.

First of all, there are so many companies out there that use similar strageties for growth that all you have to do it watch TV, oh surprise, they are called infomercials. You can't expect a company to hand everything to you on a silver plater. This is almost like being self employed, and guess what, when you're self employed to have to pay for your own supplies and get up and find your clients. It's called "WORK" for a reason. No one tells you, you have to sell to your friends and family. They are just leads that you may be more comfortable trying to sell to first. You have to advertise yourself, it's called marketing. With a company like this, you have to invest, time and money, to succeed. Ever been to a candle or tupaware party? Same thing. Avon or Mary Kay, guess what same thing, different product. I could never work for such an unreliable income, so I have a regular, pay per hour job. Maybe some of these less than successful people should do the same. It take a very outgoing and agressive individual to really make money with this kind of job. I'm just lucky that I knew before I invested my time and money, I'm not one of them.

I am glad that I found this website. I have an interview or should I say company sells pitch tomorrow with Cornerstone America. Reading all the good,bad and the ugly, I have decided not to go to the session. Let's not waste their time or my. I don't think it's a good idea to pay money to work for them.

Thanks for all the comments. I would have made the wrong decision if I had not came across ripoffreport.com

I am sorry that it doesn't work out for everyone and some people have had a negative experience with Cornerstone America. It doesn't work for everyone, however, contrary to what was said in one of the rebuttals, Cornerstone America is NOT Network Marketing or MLM or anything like it and you do not have to pay for leads received from the company. There are many people making a high six figure income using nothing but the leads provided by Cornerstone America. You do not recruit your friends or family, it doesn't work that way. It is a legitimate career opportunity and I am one of those individuals who are proof it is for real. It's sad when someone is so bitter that they try to damage the reputation of a good company.

The above rebuttals are right about one thing, do your research, find out why our parent company was on the front page of the business section of the LA Times recently, and it wasn't because we were doing something wrong. Do your research and find out why First Lady Laura Bush spoke at the annual meeting of our membership company. Find out why Zig Ziglar has on many occasions praised our company as a place to have a great career. Do your research and find out why not just a few, but hundreds of people are making high five figure to high six figure incomes with Cornerstone America. Yes do your research and I think you will find a good company with a tremendous opportunity FOR THE RIGHT INDIVIDUAL.

I am sorry that it doesn't work out for everyone and some people have had a negative experience with Cornerstone America. It doesn't work for everyone, however, contrary to what was said in one of the rebuttals, Cornerstone America is NOT Network Marketing or MLM or anything like it and you do not have to pay for leads received from the company. There are many people making a high six figure income using nothing but the leads provided by Cornerstone America. You do not recruit your friends or family, it doesn't work that way. It is a legitimate career opportunity and I am one of those individuals who are proof it is for real. It's sad when someone is so bitter that they try to damage the reputation of a good company.

The above rebuttals are right about one thing, do your research, find out why our parent company was on the front page of the business section of the LA Times recently, and it wasn't because we were doing something wrong. Do your research and find out why First Lady Laura Bush spoke at the annual meeting of our membership company. Find out why Zig Ziglar has on many occasions praised our company as a place to have a great career. Do your research and find out why not just a few, but hundreds of people are making high five figure to high six figure incomes with Cornerstone America. Yes do your research and I think you will find a good company with a tremendous opportunity FOR THE RIGHT INDIVIDUAL.

My name is Renee and I'm 19. I came across Cornerstone on Monster.com and thought it would be a great opportunity for someone as young as myself, and would help me get a jumpstart in the whole being successful thing... yeah... i was WRONG. I was very excited when they called me and told me I was hired, and though I knew about the cost of all the insurance study guides and tests and all that, whenever it all turned out to be more than they had told me originally I got a little concerned. And being that I am 19 and still live with my parents, my parents were very concerned about why it was costing so much money and kept telling me that I needed to call them and find out why i had to dish out money to work for them. Well they then fed me some BS about how the $235 fee was for a background check, personal business cards and our personal website. Then a friend of mine showed me this website and it all just clicked. So, I Cornerstone and said that I had found websites about the company being a fraud and that I was not going to work for them and that I would be needing my money back.... WOW then all of a sudden the fee turned into being for something COMPLETELY different than what it was orginally, and I told *David* that that was not what the other guy had told me, and that if I hadn't even taken my exam yet there should have been no reason for my business cards to be made or a website or any of that crap. He didn't have very much to say about that except well you'll have to call him and blah blah blah.. basically telling me hahaha you just got screwed. SO I'm doing what I can to try to get my money back and to try to get these people....

*MORAL OF STORY*
Don't waste your money by investing it into Cornerstone, and don't be naive like I was...

If you have a family bob dont do it!! There are alot of other sales avenues to go down, and alot of other companies as well. From my personal experience it was more like a AMWAY program. Prospect your friend and then prospect you family, I would advise you to read through some of these posts on this website carefully. Cornerstone is a Multi-level Marketing company, they do not have anything to do eith the insurance company that issues policies other than being the broker for this product. The leads actually cost around 12.95 per lead to the general public. The people who own these business' spend even less because they buy in bulk. And the leads you will get at the beginning will be horrid, first of all they will be reprinted leads (leads that have been called for months at a time, that no one has been able to get ahold of) and second of all you are going to have to buy your own leads. That is what I did, I spent alot of money on leads. This is why I was sucessful at this company. As i said before in my previous post I value my integrity and I value my word. Just do me one favor, check out some of the other names this product is sold under on this website. UICI, Midwest-National Life, Mega life, National Assoctiation of Self Employed (NASE)or Alliance for Affordable Services (AAS) Formulate your opinion carefully, if you are looking for fast money, I would look some place else.

Good Luck!

I work with many Cornerstone Agents that are very successful. My company provides fresh leads for about $100.00 a month. Everyone I work with is very passionate about this company. In fact I hear many success stories from them about how well they are doing and how easy and inexpensive leads are. If you are currently working with Cornerstone or plan to give me a call I will be more than happy to assist you with your Leads.
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I am an individual who has been through all of the same processes as those who have been contacted by Cornerstone America, and am currently at the point of havibg been offered a position with the company. In fact, I was supposed to be in the office this morning to pay my fee for the background check, etc., and get "signed up". However, after reading all of the comments here, I am still a little skeptical, and want to receive more information. I do consider myself a slaes person, having worked in sales of one sort or another for many years. I am hard working, professional and honest. It does seem a little strange to me that a company would hire someone so quickly (I was offered the job after one 5-minute session with the regional manager), and that they would expect me to pay them up front to work for their organization (most solid companies would invest in whatever training, background checks, etc. that may be required to properly train a new employee). Their response to this issue when asked during the presentation session was that if someone has something invested in the company, that it would make them work harder. i am not sure about this. If someone is a hard worker, they will work hard no matter what, and if they are not dilligent then no amount of investment on their part will make them work any harder. It just seems strange. The Regional Manager, Dennis, said that he spends about $200.00 per lead that he gives to his agents, and that the agents are given 10-15 leads per week. If this is true, why would he not be willing to spend $500.00 on traing, contract and background check for a new agent who could end up as a truly valuable asset to his organization? i just don't want to hand over my hard earned money, and then be expected to contact my own family and friends as prospective clients. i have been down this road before with other products and it seems unprofessional and wrong in some way....but if they do have a program that, if followed correctly, will turn into a legitimate opportunity, I don't want to pass it by. I guess I am at the point where I just want to find out the truth before jumping into this. i am still skeptical. Can anyone truly answer these questions?

I received the exact same email everyone else does. I went through the exact same orientation and interview process everyone else does. I received the exact same leads ever new person does. I received the exact same training all new people receive, probably less. And truthfully, it was not easy. For me it was very difficult and hard. But I did exactly what my trainer suggested I do. I called all the leads given, "A", "B" it didn't matter, I didn't know the difference to tell you the truth. But I knew one thing, I was determined to be successful with Cornerstone America. It was my last stop. I bought into their program. I started on 1/28/02, yes less than three years ago. And because of Cornerstone America's environment, support and my work ethic, I have been successful. I am one of those individuals who not only make six figures but a very good six figure income helping people. I'm with Cornerstone America more because of the product than the opportunity. My family and I have benefited from them both.

As I tell people, Cornerstone America is not for everyone, but for the right person, it is the best career opporunity one could ask for. I know Dennis Morris, I know him to be an honest and honorable person and would never intentially mislead someone, he doesn't need to.

As I tell people, if you are willing to provide the three "D's", Self Disipline, Dedicated to achieve your goals and determined to to what ever it takes, as long as it is ethical, legal and moral, then Cornerstone America may be the right career opportunity for you. However, it it is not for everyone, but we are willing to give most people an opportunity when others won't.

First of all... I would just like to mention "Gerald" may have a lawsuit. He needs to check his local laws on how a former employer can publically release his work habits, history and personal data (ie. home address, phone number, full name, etc.)in such a public forum. I know from an employer standpoint I would never be able to release such information that could only be obtain by their Personnel File (unless there was a personal relationship).

Secondly, the comment about the hiring is interesting. I posted my resume on careerbuilder.com just browsing the market. I received a similiar email to the ones mentioned above (almost verbatim):

"My name is ..., Regional Leader for Cornerstone America, we are seeking to fill the position of Sales Representative, and Management in your area. After reviewing your resume online, I would like to meet you for an interview in my Regional office.

The purpose of the interview will be to get into more specific details of compensation, Cornerstone and our services, and you. To follow are directions to the office. We look forward to meeting you in person."

I was just doing a search of "Cornerstone America" and this is what I found.

I am glad I found yet another useful site on the Internet.

First of all... I would just like to mention "Gerald" may have a lawsuit. He needs to check his local laws on how a former employer can publically release his work habits, history and personal data (ie. home address, phone number, full name, etc.)in such a public forum. I know from an employer standpoint I would never be able to release such information that could only be obtain by their Personnel File (unless there was a personal relationship).

Secondly, the comment about the hiring is interesting. I posted my resume on careerbuilder.com just browsing the market. I received a similiar email to the ones mentioned above (almost verbatim):

"My name is ..., Regional Leader for Cornerstone America, we are seeking to fill the position of Sales Representative, and Management in your area. After reviewing your resume online, I would like to meet you for an interview in my Regional office.

The purpose of the interview will be to get into more specific details of compensation, Cornerstone and our services, and you. To follow are directions to the office. We look forward to meeting you in person."

I was just doing a search of "Cornerstone America" and this is what I found.

I am glad I found yet another useful site on the Internet.

I made the mistake of investing in cornerstone. I should have known better, a company that makes you pay them to work for them. What A Crock!!! Yes I was a bit gullible, I do have to admit, but I hated my current job and when I sat in on the presentation IT SEEMED WONDERFUL. But the sad truth was I was constantly given re-printed leads, the ones that were not re-printed were the work of the alliance just calling people and referring me to the people who actually answered the phone when they called. So much for the FRESH LEADS. I guess I paid all that money for the wonderful training I received.. oh wait would you consider training my so called manager giving me the phone script and a stack of reprinted leads with the direction to set appointments. First of all I was new, second of all when I first started making phone calls I did not know what to say, but low an behold I started making appointments and sales, and then everybody started paying attention to me. But just to clarify, lets get the facts straight here. Cornerstone, NASE, AAS, Mid-west, and Mega Life just got finished with a class action law suit, for non-payment of claims and for misrepresentation of their product. What do the cornerstone reps have to say about that? Currently I know of people in my area who have had their claims denied, or their claims have not been settled two years later. What does cornerstone have to say about that? Oh yeah and what about this 7% rate increase that comes at the end of your one year rate freeze? Why were my customers calling me a year later asking why their policy went up the normal 20%? You know I was not told that the riders go up the normal 20%.......oh but the base plans go up 7 %.....yeah. right, so much for my e and o, I value my integrity and my companies integrity. I don't know how it is run elsewhere in the States but the branch I worked for had a great guy running the place, but some not so great people under him, I don't know about the rest of the cornerstone reps but I got into this business to help people NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. I will no longer associate myself with this company and anyone who works for them.

I made the mistake of investing in cornerstone. I should have known better, a company that makes you pay them to work for them. What A Crock!!! Yes I was a bit gullible, I do have to admit, but I hated my current job and when I sat in on the presentation IT SEEMED WONDERFUL. But the sad truth was I was constantly given re-printed leads, the ones that were not re-printed were the work of the alliance just calling people and referring me to the people who actually answered the phone when they called. So much for the FRESH LEADS. I guess I paid all that money for the wonderful training I received.. oh wait would you consider training my so called manager giving me the phone script and a stack of reprinted leads with the direction to set appointments. First of all I was new, second of all when I first started making phone calls I did not know what to say, but low an behold I started making appointments and sales, and then everybody started paying attention to me. But just to clarify, lets get the facts straight here. Cornerstone, NASE, AAS, Mid-west, and Mega Life just got finished with a class action law suit, for non-payment of claims and for misrepresentation of their product. What do the cornerstone reps have to say about that? Currently I know of people in my area who have had their claims denied, or their claims have not been settled two years later. What does cornerstone have to say about that? Oh yeah and what about this 7% rate increase that comes at the end of your one year rate freeze? Why were my customers calling me a year later asking why their policy went up the normal 20%? You know I was not told that the riders go up the normal 20%.......oh but the base plans go up 7 %.....yeah. right, so much for my e and o, I value my integrity and my companies integrity. I don't know how it is run elsewhere in the States but the branch I worked for had a great guy running the place, but some not so great people under him, I don't know about the rest of the cornerstone reps but I got into this business to help people NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. I will no longer associate myself with this company and anyone who works for them.

It has been quite some time since I made this post. I had all but forgotten about it, until recently, when I was alerted via email when comments were posted onto this thread. It seems that some of those who submitted comments believe I wrote this text out of resentment. This is surely not true. It was early this year that I came across this web site when doing research on some company I was to have an interview with. The comments I read were very helpful by giving me a clear picture. I thought that I should do such a favor for anyone who might have questions about the organization that I had earlier been in.

Looking back at this text I felt what I wrote was fair, balanced and accurate. If there was any flaw, perhaps it was wrong of me to blame Cornerstone as a whole. This seemed to upset a few agents in NC, and in all fairness they made conduct business there very differently. My comments should be directly purely to the office in Scottsdale, AZ, perhaps solely to the one individual who runs it.

I wanted to just leave this matter all alone, and I guess that's just what Mr. Morris was counting on. From the beginning, I wrote this for the benefit of others and Mr. Morris has done a lot to help. Have you noticed how he completely dodges the point about giving out recycled leads as fresh. He only wishes to talk about the great Cornerstone success; he might as well continue with how great it was for a German to be living in Germany between 1935 to 1940.

When faced with the issue, Mr. Morris chooses instead to attack my character. He was very accurate in describing how I was dressed for riding my bike to the Scottsdale office. What Dennis doesn't tell you, is that I asked him if I could do this a week prior, as cycling has always been my way of fitness. Mr. Morris also doesn't mention that I had a change of clothing in that office, that he personally was so kind to have stored for me. Lastly, that Mr. Morris encouraged everyone to dress casually, in which he was the only one there in business attire. You see, that's just the type of deception I was writing about. If Mr. Morris's solely made this point that I opted to bike the 20-mile distance, because I was too lazy to drive, then I stand corrected.

Let me make this point is clear! I had great doubts about Cornerstone in the beginning, but the promise of fresh leads is what tipped the scales. It never happened. For the record I went to the orientation presented by Mr. Morris's predecessor, not Mr. Morris. A small mistake in detail for which I forgive. It was at this time Mr. Morris became the Regional Sales Director of Arizona for Cornerstone. The change of guard may have do something with the mess that took place afterwards. I can't say for sure what happened. Was it business as usual? Poor management? Or willful deception on the part of Mr. Morris? One thing is for sure, when I confronted him about it, he lied, just as he did in response with my complaint to the BBB. Mr. Morris wrote about a District Sales Leader that I allegedly procrastinated in making an appointment with. When I asked this District Sales Leader about the leads about that were 1-2 weeks old, given out as new, he didn't resort to lies like Mr. Morris. In fact, I remember him as an honest, God-fearing gentleman, I wonder what he'd think if he read what Mr. Morris wrote on this page.

This issue is not about sour grapes. It's not about me or the team of successful agents on your staff. It's about you Dennis. YOU LIED! YOU LIED!! YOU LIED!!! I know it! You know it! Most importantly God knows it!

It has been quite some time since I made this post. I had all but forgotten about it, until recently, when I was alerted via email when comments were posted onto this thread. It seems that some of those who submitted comments believe I wrote this text out of resentment. This is surely not true. It was early this year that I came across this web site when doing research on some company I was to have an interview with. The comments I read were very helpful by giving me a clear picture. I thought that I should do such a favor for anyone who might have questions about the organization that I had earlier been in.

Looking back at this text I felt what I wrote was fair, balanced and accurate. If there was any flaw, perhaps it was wrong of me to blame Cornerstone as a whole. This seemed to upset a few agents in NC, and in all fairness they made conduct business there very differently. My comments should be directly purely to the office in Scottsdale, AZ, perhaps solely to the one individual who runs it.

I wanted to just leave this matter all alone, and I guess that's just what Mr. Morris was counting on. From the beginning, I wrote this for the benefit of others and Mr. Morris has done a lot to help. Have you noticed how he completely dodges the point about giving out recycled leads as fresh. He only wishes to talk about the great Cornerstone success; he might as well continue with how great it was for a German to be living in Germany between 1935 to 1940.

When faced with the issue, Mr. Morris chooses instead to attack my character. He was very accurate in describing how I was dressed for riding my bike to the Scottsdale office. What Dennis doesn't tell you, is that I asked him if I could do this a week prior, as cycling has always been my way of fitness. Mr. Morris also doesn't mention that I had a change of clothing in that office, that he personally was so kind to have stored for me. Lastly, that Mr. Morris encouraged everyone to dress casually, in which he was the only one there in business attire. You see, that's just the type of deception I was writing about. If Mr. Morris's solely made this point that I opted to bike the 20-mile distance, because I was too lazy to drive, then I stand corrected.

Let me make this point is clear! I had great doubts about Cornerstone in the beginning, but the promise of fresh leads is what tipped the scales. It never happened. For the record I went to the orientation presented by Mr. Morris's predecessor, not Mr. Morris. A small mistake in detail for which I forgive. It was at this time Mr. Morris became the Regional Sales Director of Arizona for Cornerstone. The change of guard may have do something with the mess that took place afterwards. I can't say for sure what happened. Was it business as usual? Poor management? Or willful deception on the part of Mr. Morris? One thing is for sure, when I confronted him about it, he lied, just as he did in response with my complaint to the BBB. Mr. Morris wrote about a District Sales Leader that I allegedly procrastinated in making an appointment with. When I asked this District Sales Leader about the leads about that were 1-2 weeks old, given out as new, he didn't resort to lies like Mr. Morris. In fact, I remember him as an honest, God-fearing gentleman, I wonder what he'd think if he read what Mr. Morris wrote on this page.

This issue is not about sour grapes. It's not about me or the team of successful agents on your staff. It's about you Dennis. YOU LIED! YOU LIED!! YOU LIED!!! I know it! You know it! Most importantly God knows it!

It has been quite some time since I made this post. I had all but forgotten about it, until recently, when I was alerted via email when comments were posted onto this thread. It seems that some of those who submitted comments believe I wrote this text out of resentment. This is surely not true. It was early this year that I came across this web site when doing research on some company I was to have an interview with. The comments I read were very helpful by giving me a clear picture. I thought that I should do such a favor for anyone who might have questions about the organization that I had earlier been in.

Looking back at this text I felt what I wrote was fair, balanced and accurate. If there was any flaw, perhaps it was wrong of me to blame Cornerstone as a whole. This seemed to upset a few agents in NC, and in all fairness they made conduct business there very differently. My comments should be directly purely to the office in Scottsdale, AZ, perhaps solely to the one individual who runs it.

I wanted to just leave this matter all alone, and I guess that's just what Mr. Morris was counting on. From the beginning, I wrote this for the benefit of others and Mr. Morris has done a lot to help. Have you noticed how he completely dodges the point about giving out recycled leads as fresh. He only wishes to talk about the great Cornerstone success; he might as well continue with how great it was for a German to be living in Germany between 1935 to 1940.

When faced with the issue, Mr. Morris chooses instead to attack my character. He was very accurate in describing how I was dressed for riding my bike to the Scottsdale office. What Dennis doesn't tell you, is that I asked him if I could do this a week prior, as cycling has always been my way of fitness. Mr. Morris also doesn't mention that I had a change of clothing in that office, that he personally was so kind to have stored for me. Lastly, that Mr. Morris encouraged everyone to dress casually, in which he was the only one there in business attire. You see, that's just the type of deception I was writing about. If Mr. Morris's solely made this point that I opted to bike the 20-mile distance, because I was too lazy to drive, then I stand corrected.

Let me make this point is clear! I had great doubts about Cornerstone in the beginning, but the promise of fresh leads is what tipped the scales. It never happened. For the record I went to the orientation presented by Mr. Morris's predecessor, not Mr. Morris. A small mistake in detail for which I forgive. It was at this time Mr. Morris became the Regional Sales Director of Arizona for Cornerstone. The change of guard may have do something with the mess that took place afterwards. I can't say for sure what happened. Was it business as usual? Poor management? Or willful deception on the part of Mr. Morris? One thing is for sure, when I confronted him about it, he lied, just as he did in response with my complaint to the BBB. Mr. Morris wrote about a District Sales Leader that I allegedly procrastinated in making an appointment with. When I asked this District Sales Leader about the leads about that were 1-2 weeks old, given out as new, he didn't resort to lies like Mr. Morris. In fact, I remember him as an honest, God-fearing gentleman, I wonder what he'd think if he read what Mr. Morris wrote on this page.

This issue is not about sour grapes. It's not about me or the team of successful agents on your staff. It's about you Dennis. YOU LIED! YOU LIED!! YOU LIED!!! I know it! You know it! Most importantly God knows it!

It has been quite some time since I made this post. I had all but forgotten about it, until recently, when I was alerted via email when comments were posted onto this thread. It seems that some of those who submitted comments believe I wrote this text out of resentment. This is surely not true. It was early this year that I came across this web site when doing research on some company I was to have an interview with. The comments I read were very helpful by giving me a clear picture. I thought that I should do such a favor for anyone who might have questions about the organization that I had earlier been in.

Looking back at this text I felt what I wrote was fair, balanced and accurate. If there was any flaw, perhaps it was wrong of me to blame Cornerstone as a whole. This seemed to upset a few agents in NC, and in all fairness they made conduct business there very differently. My comments should be directly purely to the office in Scottsdale, AZ, perhaps solely to the one individual who runs it.

I wanted to just leave this matter all alone, and I guess that's just what Mr. Morris was counting on. From the beginning, I wrote this for the benefit of others and Mr. Morris has done a lot to help. Have you noticed how he completely dodges the point about giving out recycled leads as fresh. He only wishes to talk about the great Cornerstone success; he might as well continue with how great it was for a German to be living in Germany between 1935 to 1940.

When faced with the issue, Mr. Morris chooses instead to attack my character. He was very accurate in describing how I was dressed for riding my bike to the Scottsdale office. What Dennis doesn't tell you, is that I asked him if I could do this a week prior, as cycling has always been my way of fitness. Mr. Morris also doesn't mention that I had a change of clothing in that office, that he personally was so kind to have stored for me. Lastly, that Mr. Morris encouraged everyone to dress casually, in which he was the only one there in business attire. You see, that's just the type of deception I was writing about. If Mr. Morris's solely made this point that I opted to bike the 20-mile distance, because I was too lazy to drive, then I stand corrected.

Let me make this point is clear! I had great doubts about Cornerstone in the beginning, but the promise of fresh leads is what tipped the scales. It never happened. For the record I went to the orientation presented by Mr. Morris's predecessor, not Mr. Morris. A small mistake in detail for which I forgive. It was at this time Mr. Morris became the Regional Sales Director of Arizona for Cornerstone. The change of guard may have do something with the mess that took place afterwards. I can't say for sure what happened. Was it business as usual? Poor management? Or willful deception on the part of Mr. Morris? One thing is for sure, when I confronted him about it, he lied, just as he did in response with my complaint to the BBB. Mr. Morris wrote about a District Sales Leader that I allegedly procrastinated in making an appointment with. When I asked this District Sales Leader about the leads about that were 1-2 weeks old, given out as new, he didn't resort to lies like Mr. Morris. In fact, I remember him as an honest, God-fearing gentleman, I wonder what he'd think if he read what Mr. Morris wrote on this page.

This issue is not about sour grapes. It's not about me or the team of successful agents on your staff. It's about you Dennis. YOU LIED! YOU LIED!! YOU LIED!!! I know it! You know it! Most importantly God knows it!

I may have a solution to this complaint. While browsing this website for the first time, I was particularly interested in this complaint as it was from someone in my small home town.

As a business owner, I take complaints very seriously and have adopted a procedure that works best for me in dealing with employee or customer complaints. The first step is to acknowledge a complaint and investigate the issues in it. The second step is to identify any problems and make any necessary changes based on the investigation if needed. Third is to provide both the investigation report and any steps taken to both sides of the complaint.

If the issue here which seems to be fresh leads are in dispute, Dennis should provide what he has found concerning the issue with fresh leads here and let others decide the character of Mr. Lila. If the issue with fresh leads are not in dispute, then Dennis should either take action to make sure the leads are indeed fresh or make clear to any new recruits that the fresh leads may not be fresh and post that here along with an apology to Mr. Lila.

I have found that by taking these steps effected myself, my employees, my customers and my business in a positive way. I hope this helps.

After reading some of the comments regarding Cornerstone America I feel that I, Dennis Morris need to respond. I was the person that Gerald Lila,14424 Ibsen Dr. #A, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 referred to in his complaint dated 3/10/2004.

Mr. Lila attended an orientation that I conducted at which time I described in detail the background of Cornerstone America, what we do, the types of products that we offer , the lead generation programs as well as our methods of compensation. The orientation is intended to
give an accurate representation of what one could expect from Cornerstone America and what would be expected of the individuals attending should they choose to represent us. This is followed up by a second personal meeting where interested parties can ask any questions on issues that they feel were either unclear or unanswered. Based on that second meeting, Mr. Lila was eager to represent Cornerstone America

I suspected that I had made some error in judgement concerning Mr. Lila when
he appeared for the two day office training session in spandex bike shorts and parked his bike right in front of my inside office window. I should have sent him home at that point and cut my losses.

The 2nd phase of the training involves accompanying a District Sales Leader in the field on appointments. For whatever reason, Mr. Lila chose to pursue this part of the training at his liesure, i.e. only when it was convenient for him. Consequently I feel that he, by his own doing, may have been inadequetly trained. To say that Mr. Lila was a unique personality may be understating it.

The lead program here is the same as it has been for the 9 years that I have been with Cornerstone America. We have many successful people in our office and they all recieve the same leads from the same lead sources. Let's face it, it's sales and some people will be succesful and some won't. It's unfortunate that he did not succeed, but it was not our products, our training or our leads at fault.

The fact that I have people in my office who have represented Cornerstone America for as much as 10 years as well as others who have been here 3,4,5,6,7 years and more with many making six figures and with stock accounts in excess of $500,000 speaks well of the opportunity here and seems to belie Mr. Lila's claims and I feel relegates them to the realm of "sour
grapes".

In his own words he states," I don't label myself a sales person. In two months I was able to make four presentations: one was uninsurable, two sales,(one backed out the next day) and one decline."

FOUR presentations in two months!!! You be the judge; who was at fault for his lack of success?

Cornerstone America has provided a wonderful opportunity for many here in Arizona as well as all across the country. Sales opportunities vary
and some people adapt very well to the products and services we provide and some don't, but that is a reflection of the individual more so than
the opportunity.

In closing I will simply say "Mr. Lila, I don't label you a sales person either."

It so sad that that a few individuals, who did not succeed would spend there time slandering such a great opportunity. I have been with Cornerstone for three years now, and have earned an income over six figures for the past two years. Getting to this point WAS NOT EASY, no one every told me it would be. Cornerstone is a performance based business, they provide the training as well as the map for your success. I am rewarded for my performance. If you did not have success with Cornerstone (or any other performance based business) maybe its time to take a look in the mirror instead of blaming others.

I am an office manager and am responding to the previous person that went on and on about their theories of Cornerstone's internet hiring practices. Although these were good guesses, that is all they were, guesses. Cornerstone is not a pyramid or MLM company. Cornerstone America is an integral part of UICI, a publicly - held company.

Internet recruiting is a tool that we have recently been exploring in many cities. Unfortunately, some of the larger cities have several regional offices and occasionally the territory may slightly overlap. If you are to ever recieve more than one email...please just delete it as it is often an oversight.

While I'm certain the business is legitimate and there are hard-working, honest agents who contribute to the success of the company -- there appear to be a few agents / agencies who mass-spam EVERYONE on careerbuilder.com even if your background, target career, and such have absolutely no relevance or bearing whatsoever to the position.

I have e-mailed them several times asking them to quit bothering me. The most recent annoyed e-mail I fired off to them actually merited a response and they claim that their particular office will cease the contacts. Unfortunately there are countless other offices / individuals doing the exact same thing so ...... Some are going to be real professionals, and yes, some are going to be sketchy fly-by-night operations.

FWIW, perform a google search for "mid west national life insurance company of tennesee" -- you will find 1,360 results with companies who, just like cornerstone america, are doing the exact same thing with the exact same tactics, as agents of the aforementioned insurance company.

This opportunity might be great for someone who has the drive and understands the game plan, but do your homework and identify the relationship your solicitor has with mid-west-whatever-the-heck -- or whichever -- pyramid agency is selling the insurance for the actual underwriter and just exactly how many levels you're buried into it. If you can't get straight information on any of this from your "recruiter" (mind you, information that can be had with a careful internet search) then I'd stay the heck away.

Most recent, quoted e-mail:

-- snip --

Cornerstone America is expanding in Chicago. After receiving your resume online, I feel that you have the necessary qualifications we are looking for in a Sales Representative / Sales Manager. I will be conducting interviews on Tuesday, October 12th. I would like to schedule an interview with you at 10:00am.

The purpose of our interview will be to discuss specific details such as compensation, company leads, training, and products, as well as any questions you may have.

sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company your comments on this policy are welcome! CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Sincerely,
Boris

I have been a agent with Cornerstone America for
seven years. I will admit that my first three months with Cornerstone were tough. I often see people that are not willing to strugle at all to be successful. I was never told it would be easy. I was told with hard work and dedication that I could achieve success. I now have a very lucrative business. I earn well over six figures every year and have over a half million dollars of stock in the companies 100% matching stock plan. Please if you are going to listen to someone about Cornerstone America listen to someone that has been with Cornerstone over a year, not someone who gave it a week or two and gave up. Nothing worth having is easy to get. I guarantee that with hard work and a little time you can achieve financial success with Cornerstone America.

I have read your comments Gerald, which open up
my eyes a little bit. I did attend the
presentation on Cornerstone America. I
currently do have my Life License from a
previous company I worked for.

They did mention if we joined Cornerstone, we would receive leads weekly since it is a 100% Commission Only position.

Still need more inforation from other agents that either ex-agents or current agents about the opportunities at this company.

I have been a sales rep with the above company for almost 3 years. I have seen complaints similar to this one when someone fails to have the work ethic to be an independent contractor. It is often easier to blame others than to look in the mirror.

We have company trips every year with hundreds of reps and everyone is devoted and proud to be a part of this fast growing company. I believe that there will be others that will be going on this site to defend Cornerstone America once the word is out that someone has slandered our company in this inaccurate fashion.