Who called from 9727590076

Same guys but call came from 972-239-4146.  Sounded fishy so I googled it and ended up here.  Beware.

Thanks to all who have gone before.  TOP's willingness to throw out a target income without any real substantiation led me to question their strategy, but I decided to go along for the ride to see if they would provide reference clients ... they would not.  What's interesting is that they split their fee into an initial retainer and a second due only if the hired position salary exceeds that artificial target.  I don't think they ever anticipated receiving a second fee!  Having fallen for this scam once before (McKenzie Scott in Denver), I wanted to see if this "opportunity" looked any different.  In the final analysis, it did not.  All of my networking groups have said "run" and I recommend the same to anyone considering using a pay-to-hire service like this.

I just met with larry again.  Not sure what to do initially, after reading the posts, I am running! If anyone wants to get in touch with me my email is [email protected]   It is sad that people who are searching for a better job are getting their hopes crushed.

I also received a call from "Jen"  and a email from "Brenda" .Jen made the appointments saying the VP really was impressed by my resume and wanted to see me right away. I went to visit them today and I found that the post here are correct. After interviewing for employment for over 20 years, I thought the questions that are normally sought to gain my depth of knowledge were not being addressed, the guy was more concentrated on what TOP will do, but on a very unclear, superficial level. I was seeking $125,000 annually, he bumped it up to $150,000.  He hand-wrote on a sheet of paper, they wanted $4400. up front from me and the another $2400. after one year of employment. I thought it was unusual that these were not pre-printed fee schedules (after all, the company says they have been in business for 55 years). He said they train their clients on how to prepare for executive job interviews over about 20 hours of training.   They gave me a small brochure and two copied pieces of paper. One paper was on the "phases" of their program and the other a pie chart of how positions are filled -- supposedly 50% from with in the company and 25% were "created".  In all my years of management, we NEVER created a job so that we could pay and executive for a job that we did not need to begin with.  I came home and read the brochure, it was very ambiguous and seriously in need of actual content.  These things are what made me suspicious of TOP.  
They did not however, ask for any financial information. They simply took my resume, talked with me and agreed to talk later in the week about what I decide to do on the matter.  It gave me some time to look into my suspicions.  I cannot verify that it is a scam, but I am not finding anything to assure me it is on the up and up either.  As they say: if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck.....

They (TOP Dallas, aka Larry Spradling) contacted me via email and then by phone when I didn't respond. Googled the company TOP Dallas, but could not find much of anything about them from their limited web page. Red flag. Next the site had a log in for "clients". second red flag. I chose to meet with them as no one else has called me. Went with the understanding it was most likely going to be a sales pitch. One of their executives wanted to "meet with me". Red flag  An executive by their very nature focus on the important issues with the company. Meeting me to see if I am qualified for an executive position is not a good use of their time, UNLESS they are trying to sell something and need their heavy hitters. (the regular head hunter I've used makes fifteen calls a week and reports back to his boss). I met with Larry Spradling. He was very smooth and did most of the talking. Very likeable guy. Son went to A&M and wanted to help a fellow aggie. We have independent offices all over the world and can get you a possition most anywhere because we have the contacts. (see my photo of bush, i even know him)  We give you a test, teach you what to say, give you all the back ground on the owners you'll meet with so you'll know everything about them, etc. This is a service we provide if you are interested. Let's set up a second meeting in a week and invite your wife. Red flag. They (the potential executives you'll work for) will do a back ground check on your finances, so how's your credit? Very smooth. Do you have a current passport? Lack of a current passport would reflect your lack of interest in foreign business. We can help groom you.
It's not what you know, but who you know. The least amount we accept for our executives is 100k. You are worth it (even if my former employer did not think so). We have a 100% success rate (red flag) because we won't let you down. Glad I went just for the experience. May go back for the second "interview" just to hear the price tag, but my wife and my checkbook will stay at home. For those in the Dallas area, check out career connections, a non profit organization with classes, seminars, and networking for job seekers. That will only cost you $10.00 per month and you can volunteer in exchange for dues. Fortunately, my wife and I are not desperate for money, or I'd be tempted to bite Larry's hook.